Local Arts

Mozart and Shostakovich are on the menu for a meal of music served by the Prince George String Quartet. If the symphony orchestra's concerts are a banquet, think of this as a night of tapas or perhaps fondu.

Comedian Jeff Dunham has taken the art of ventriloquism to new heights and has transformed it into a cutting edge comedy experience that has gained worldwide appeal. Dunham will appear at CN Centre May 12 on his international Identity Crisis Tour.

Every day people improvise. It's those spur-of-the-moment decisions made or actions taken that make life interesting. In order to follow that theme residents of Prince George are invited to attend Improv Ad Nauseum at the Twisted Cork Saturday night.

The worst night of his professional life was right here in Prince George. It was his debut as a professional comedian -- a guy paid him $100 to do 20 minutes of stand up -- and Damonde Tschritter bombed at Tabor Arms Pub.

A group of local businesses have recently formed the YES Alliance in an effort to host events that will inspire and provoke people in Northern B.C. to live more fearlessly and fully.

There is still an opportunity to see great shows at the Coldsnap Festival. Ndidi Onukwulu, Maurice and Redstick Ramblers will appear at the Ramada Hotel Friday night.

Festival d'hiver 2010 Francaphone winter Festival is part of le cercle des canadiens franais' 50th Anniversary celebration, which will take place Saturday to Feb. 6. Opening ceremonies will take place Saturday at 8 p.m.

Two very special northern BC authors are launching their new works this week at Books & Company. On Friday, famed poet Barry McKinnon introduces his new work, In the Millennium, at a gathering in ArtSpace at 7:30 p.m.

It's time for a traditional Scottish celebration as the birth of poet Robbie Burns approaches. Excalibur Theatre Arts Company has held a special event on the Saturday closest to Burn's Jan. 25 birth date for years.

Improv and acting are two different things and yet they can be partnered in one successful entertainer. Kat Coulter and Dave Leach will be teaching improv and acting, in new classes at Excalibur Theatre Arts Company.