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Arts briefs

Comedy for a Cause returns

The Garibaldi Lift Company is sure to be filled with raucous laughter this weekend, as comedians perform to raise money for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP).

Comedians Charlie Viracola, Marianne Sierk, Peter Kelamis and Whistler’s own “Quadfather of Comedy,” Pete Crutchfield, will headline the third annual Comedy for a Cause event at the GLC on April 4 and 5, which will help to ensure WASP continues to offer programs to its ever-growing participant base. The funds will allow WASP to provide innovative adaptive sports and recreational programming, purchase equipment, provide volunteer training and operational support, and help expand existing facilities.

“We are very excited to be back in Whistler again this year,” said Viracola, who has been showcased on television networks like Showtime, A&E, NBC, HBO, MTV, Comedy Central, and the BBC. “This is one of our favourite events to play and we are happy to be able to support the phenomenal work of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.”

Viracola will be joined by Sierk — who can be seen on VH1, and programs like All Access, Most Shocking Series, and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham — and Kelamis, who has appeared in over 30 films, series and specials, and hosted his own comics special on the CBC.

“We anticipate selling out again this year, and for new and returning Comedy for a Cause fans to enjoy a first class night of comedy, all while raising funds for a great cause,” said Chelsey Walker, WASP executive director.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the GLC, Scotiabank Whistler and Pemberton branches, or at www.whistleradaptive.com .

 

Examining the impact of Sea to Sky arts on economy

 

Local artists, arts organizations and cultural stakeholders are being asked to participate in a survey to assess the economic impact the cultural sector has in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The study is funded by the RMOW, the SLRD, and the Creative Communities Program of Arts Now, and is being directed by a regional steering committee made up of representatives from arts councils throughout the corridor.

“The results of this study will help define the scope of arts and cultural activities throughout the Sea to Sky corridor, and determine the contribution which these activities make to the regional economy,” said steering committee coordinator, Anne Popma. “We really hope that people will take the time to either complete the survey online, or respond to telephone interviews, for without the input of concerned and involved individuals, we will be unable to generate the data required to make the case that the arts are good for business.”

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit www.seatoskycorridor.ca .

 

Calling all aspiring adventurers

 

If you’re handy on a pair of skis, and looking for your next challenge on the mountains, one local videographer is offering up a unique opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade.

Peter Chrzanowski is hosting an intensive week-long adventure ski and snowboard filmmaking course April 13-20, allowing participants to learn to shoot and edit, and discover the business of filmmaking.

“The emphasis here will be on storytelling and good character development,” said Chrzanowski. “Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, wish to organize and film your expedition, shoot clients in an existing operation, or just brush up on your skills, this course is for you.”

Tuition for the six-day, seven-night course, which includes all meals, accommodation, lift tickets, a backcountry day with a guide, instruction and guest lecturers, is $3,000.

For more information, visit www.explorex.net .

 

Telluride film fest rolls into Whistler

Telluride’s MOUNTAINFILM Festival returns to Whistler for its seventh year, featuring a variety of thrilling and awe-inspiring films from around the world, profiling a unique blend of action sports and a range of extraordinary personalities and cultures.

The films are selected to reflect the worlds we live in, and the ideals we strive to achieve as a society.

This year’s presentation of the MOUNTAINFILM Festival is sponsored by the Raynier Foundation in support of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s Environmental Fund, which is supported by donations from Whistler-Blackcomb employees that are matched by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.

“The Fund supports local environmental projects that are chosen by staff members,” explained Allana Williams, chairperson for the foundation’s Environmental Fund. “To date we have collected over $180,000 and completed 32 local projects.”

The films will be shown at Millennium Place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. Organizers are also hosting a pre-screening reception for members and local sponsors at 6 p.m. at Ciao-Thyme Bistro. Tickets to the screening are $15, though WB Enviro Fund members will get in free if they present their pass at Millennium Place.

 

Modern Millie tickets on sale

Whistler Secondary School’s drama club is gearing up for its sixth annual musical performance.

The cast of 50 students is busy rehearsing for their rendition of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which they will perform at MY Millennium Place from April 25 to 27.

This musical is sure to please crowds with it’s tale of a small-town girl — Millie Dillmount — who moves to New York City in 1922 to marry for money instead of love, which was a thoroughly modern goal in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. Millie begins to enjoy the flapper lifestyle, but problems soon arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring.

Tickets for the performance are $15 for adults, $9.99 for students, and $5 for children under the age of 12, and are already on sale through the Millennium Place box office.

 

Vibes of the Caribbean

Alta Lake School presents an evening of Caribbean music, dancing and entertainment with their Carnival Sensations party at Nita Lake Lodge on Saturday, April 5.

A seven-piece steel drum band from Vancouver, Phase III Steelband, and DJ Carl Soundvibes are set to get the crowd grooving to beats from the West Indies, and Kingfish Limbo will be on-hand to show people what it really means to get down.

There will also be an auction, offering a wide range of prizes geared to appeal to locals.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $39.95, which includes entertainment, a drink and appetizers, and are available at Adele Campbell Gallery, Mountain Wireless, and Alta Lake School.

 

Kids croon in spring concert

This year, the Whistler Children’s Chorus, a 55-member choir ranging in age from six to 18 years, will join voices with the Kamloops Thompson Honour Choir to present their spring concert.

Together, 105 children will perform in this free concert on Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church.