I was just sitting out on a caf patio with friends, finally enjoying some summer weather.
We were all talking about our plans for the coming weeks and it occurred to me that there are a lot of great arts and cultural events and performances about to happen.
Not only are there large-scale shows and festivals, like the Canada 150 Heatwave Festival headlined by Bruce Cockburn (July 1 to 8), the Prince George Pride Festival (July 6 to 8), BMO KidzArt Dayz featuring Charlotte & Matt Diamond (July 7 to 8) and Bob Dylan at the CN Centre on July 22, we also have some unique grassroots events that you might want to check out.
The new Omineca Arts Centre located on Third Avenue is having its launch party on Friday. This new initiative is an interdisciplinary centre and is completely run by artists. I predict that the place is going to make a lasting mark on the downtown core, as they are creating hip, eclectic events that are merging contemporary visual arts with music.
The launch party seems like it will have quite the vibe and, with local music promoter Danny Bell involved, it promises to be a fun night out. The event will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and entry is by donation.
World-renowned singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and band leader Daniel Lapp will be performing in the amphitheatre at Northern Lights Estate Winery on Friday at 6:30 p.m. As a fiddler, jazz trumpeter and singer/songwriter, Lapp has played on over 100 albums and performed across Canada, United States, and Europe with some of the world's most renowned folk and jazz musicians. Tickets are available at Northern Lights Estate Winery.
On Monday, head over to Books and Company from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet Terry Milos, author of North of Familiar: A Woman's Story of Homesteading and Adventure in the Canadian Wilderness.
Terry has some great adventures to share, and chatting with her will be of interest to both history and literary buffs.
The P.G. Public Library is offering free, guided walking tours of downtown all summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. What a great way to help re-acquaint locals with our ever-improving downtown.
Participants are asked to meet in the main lobby of the Bob Harkins Branch at 11 a.m. You can also call 250-563-9251 to book a private or an indoor seated tour for groups of five or more.
July 12 is the start date of Connected Conversations at Books and Company. These sessions occur on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. and are opportunities to learn new things and meet like-minded people.
There will be different speakers on different topics, and opportunities to join in real-life conversations - a pleasant change for those folks who like myself are growing weary of social media conversations.
The annual Huble Homestead Kids Carnival takes place this year on July 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy magic shows with William the Conjurer, take part in games and races with Huble staff, try your hand at crafts and play carnival games with guaranteed prizes.
And lastly, I'm really looking forward to experiencing Judy Russell's latest stage work Anne of Green Gables.
The classic tale is running July 18 to 29 at the Prince George Playhouse.
Originating in Canada, the play has been highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike in New York, London, Tokyo, Stockholm and Toronto. Tickets are available at Central Interior Tickets.
So, do enjoy all the upcoming festivals and events with big-named acts but I hope you all keep your eyes open for the wonderful local arts and cultural events that are put on by local residents - for other local residents.
