The countdown to fifty approaches, with these events that served, I suppose, as 'bookends' to my San Francisco trip.
#42 (March 25) An airport probably isn't a place you usually think of as a gallery, but Vancouver International Airport, YVR, is exactly that. It's filled with gorgeous samples of art, and as far as I can tell, all Canadian. Best known is The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe by Bill Reid, though you have to be flying international to see that. This painting is what you see when you're on your way to the U.S. Almost worth buying a ticket someplace just to see the art!
Other postings tell about the great stuff I saw and did in San Francisco -- heck, I even spotted some CanLit while I was there. Hal Niedzvicki's Hello, I'm Special: How Individuality Became the New Conformity was a staff pick at City Lights Books.
#43 (March 31) But almost as soon as I got off the plane again, we were off to hear some great music in White Rock -- at the Elks Club Hall, no less. Talk about feeling at home (and glad to be back!).
First up was Wyckham Porteous a lifer West Coaster with one of those wonderfully scratchy voices that's impossible to describe. Someplace between Cat Stevens and Fred Neil with maybe a little Jerry Jeff Walker tossed in? After the first set, Wyckham was joined by Bill Bourne, delayed by adventures on BC Ferries, as well as the interesting accompanist (and dancer), Jasmine.
I wish I'd had my camera along, as Jasmine's hoop-dancing was like nothing I'd ever seen before.And as if all of this wasn't treat enough, I ran into my birthday buddy, Harriett, who's also an April Fool. Great fun sharing part of a celebratory dance with her!
2 comments:
Bill Bourne is the reason that Stuey and I are married. Did I ever tell you? Our first date was a Bill Bourne concert in 85 and that was that. We've seeen him dozens of times since, bought every album he's ever made, and have kept up a nice, casual friendship. Jasmine is a local artist about Red Deer, and I've seen her around town lots, but I also had no idea she could Hula like that! I wonder how we never knew we were both Bill Bourne fans.
Oh, Kimmy -- this must be just another aspect of the enduring Chickly bond. I just wished I'd known and could have sent your regards!
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