I love this time of year and I can't help but wonder - who doesn't?
But I then ask myself, what's so great about this season? The days are getting short, the sky is persistently grey, people are panicking about snow tires, and work seems to be nothing but deadline after (missed) deadline. I think it is because of, not in spite of, these factors that some of the most unique and charming cultural events of the season occur, perhaps just to get us through the fall energy slump as we transition into the crisp white season of winter.
To get myself out of the doldrums, here are some unique, intriguing events I am eager to check out this weekend.
Tonight, I want to get out of my suit and to go to the Fiddlers Thursday Jam Night held at the Elder Citizens' Rec Centre on 10th Avenue and organized by the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers Association. Everyone is welcome, whether you play fiddle or another instrument or whether you just want to listen, dance or enjoy a cup of coffee. The fiddlers are treated to a group lesson for the first hour in an adjoining room, then they jam on stage the rest of the evening. Sounds fun!
The first concert of the PGSO's Chamber Music Series "Waning Crescent" is Friday night at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Dufferin Avenue. I had a glimpse of the program and it is an eclectic array of classical and contemporary era ensemble music performed by PGSO resident musicians and guests. I love the lunar titles of the orchestra's chamber music series this season. They hooked me with that!
Of all the Halloween events happening around town this weekend, two in particular stand out (in addition to one of the top social events of the season, Two Rivers Gallery's "Menagerie Twisted Circus" fundraiser). One is the Halloween Fairy Tale at the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum and the other is Nightmare on Kerry Street at AimHi at 950 Kerry St. Both are deserving organizations, and are putting on wonderful, family-oriented events and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
If you are looking for something that doesn't involve a costume on Saturday night, it looks like HarvestFest 2016 might be a great place to enjoy and appreciate the bountiful harvest of our region. The event includes a locally-sourced buffet dinner at the Prince George Civic Centre where the Jack Van Somer Band will keep you dancing all night long. Tickets are available at the PG Farmers' Market and Nancy O's.
Sunday seems like a chance for a bit of a break from feasts and ghouls, with the PG Conservatory of Music Faculty Concert entitled "The Roaring Twenties." Some of my favourite 20th century composers including Villa-Lobos, Copland, Holst and Kodaly are being featured. The concert is at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church. Admission is by donation.
So that's where I am hoping to be this weekend. If you see me, please say hi. I would love to hear about your cultural excursions and what the arts do for enhancing your quality of life here in P.G.
