MARCH NEWSLETTER — What’s on in March
Jazz, tango, alternative Indigenous country, opera classics, puppets and more make their way to the ArtSpring stage this March!
This spring is especially intriguing because of its culturally diverse line-up and the voices and points of view we get to experience. Yukon-based Diyet and The Love Soldiers is a country, folk, and roots trio with a sound and a story rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. On International Women’s Day, The Ostara Project, a Canadian all female jazz collective, joyfully defy the narrative that women only account for five percent of jazz instrumentalists in the industry. We hope you come see this new super group!
Youth favourite Axis Theatre is back to entertain and engage young ones (and the young at heart) with Frog Belly Rat Bone, incorporating handcrafted puppets and an original pop musical score. The performers will be hosting a talk-back after the show, joining the many artists this season who have done post-show Q&As or workshops to students or the community.
As a lead up to ArtSpring’s 25th Anniversary month in April, which will include exhibitions and festivities, save the date for March 16 as our Community Roundtable Committee kicks off its first speaker series with a panel on the “pre-history” of ArtSpring. Perspectives and memories from community members engaged in the ArtSpring dream before the doors even opened are shared.
With the lively and passionate Payadora performing “Tangomania” on March 22, we thought it would be fun to offer an introductory workshop on the technique of tango dancing. We have partnered with the local tango society (yes, there is one) to have some fun on a Sunday morning. No experience required.
Wrapping up the month with the dance theme is the dynamic Shay Kuebler and company, who upon learning in 2018 the UK had appointed a Minister for Loneliness, created a powerful piece inspired by what has become even more relevant given our collective Covid experience.
Community productions, presentations and concerts, Spring Break creative camps, and our final two Met Opera broadcasts round out a busy March.
See you at ArtSpring!
Howard R. Jang, Executive & Artistic Director
ArtSpring Presents in The Theatre
DIYET & THE LOVE SOLDIERS | Tue Mar 5 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35 | Tickets $5-$35
Diyet & The Love Soldiers is an alternative country, folk, roots and traditional ensemble with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. Diyet sings in both English and Southern Tutchone (her native language) and plays bass guitar. Backed by Love Soldiers — husband Robert van Lieshout and Juno winning producer, Bob Hamilton — this trio from the Yukon has a sound and story that have captivated audiences across Canada and Europe.
THE OSTARA PROJECT |Fri Mar 8 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35
An estimated five percent of jazz instrumentalists are women. In 2022, Canadian bassist Jodi Proznick (JUNO nomination 2007, 2018) and pianist Amanda Tosoff (JUNO nomination 2022) decided to challenge the almost-exclusive male narrative by bringing together seven outstanding Canadian female jazz musicians, each one a composer and bandleader in her own right. ArtSpring is proud to be presenting The Ostara Project on International Women’s Day.
MET OPERA: La Forza Del Destino | Sat Mar 9 | 8:55am | Tickets $15-$20-$25
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen in her role debut as the noble Leonora. Director Mariusz Treliński delivers the company’s first new Forza in nearly 30 years, resetting the scene in a contemporary world. Please note the broadcast begins one hour earlier than usual. Two intermissions.
AXIS THEATRE: Frog Belly Rat Bone | Wed Mar 13 | 1:00PM Tickets $5-$35
A delightful production for Vancouver’s Axis Theatre, suitable for young children and the young at heart. Incorporating beautifully handcrafted puppets and an original pop/rock musical score, Cementland comes to life as two enigmatic garbage collectors tell the story of a very special boy whose singular wish is to find TREASURE! Elementary school classes have been invited to a morning show. This afternoon show is open to all other kids, parents, grandparents, and puppet lovers.
PAYADORA: Tango Mania | Fri Mar 22 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35
Join us for music that excites the heart and feeds the soul! Payadora is an award-winning ensemble who performs its own arrangements of a core repertoire drawing from Argentinian/ Uruguayan traditions (tangos, milongas, waltzes, and folk music such as the Zamba and chacarera,) as well as original songs inspired by that tradition.
MET OPERA: Roméo et Juliette | Sat Mar 23 | 9:55am | $15-$20-$25
Two singers at the height of their powers—soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star-crossed lovers in Charles Gounod’s Shakespeare adaptation, Roméo et Juliette with Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct one of the repertoire’s most romantic scores. (REVIVAL)
SHAY KUEBLER: Radical System Art (MOI) Momentum of Isolation |Wed Mar 27 | 7:30pm | $5-35
A strong and iconic voice from Vancouver, the dynamic Shay Kuebler returns with a poignant and virtuosic piece that delves into the pain of solitude. In today’s world, isolation has taken on a whole new meaning and even greater resonance. Through inventive and powerful choreographic language, Momentum of Isolation beautifully translates this universal emotion. Kuebler’s signature style—highly physical dance rooted in his background in martial arts, urban dance, and theatre—is on full display.
Community Presentations

The Legacy of Lightfoot: Gordon Lightfoot tribute | Fri Mar 1 | 7:30pm | $25-35
The musicians who have come together to celebrate The Legacy of Lightfoot combine their decades of experience as performers and songwriters to give a meaningful and engaging performance of Gordon’s enduring catalogue of music.From his days playing the coffee houses in the 1960s to the mega hits of the 70s and all the way up to the beautiful music written in his later years, The Legacy of Lightfoot shines a light on the entirety of Gordon’s masterful career.

Vetta presents Music for Eternity | Mon Mar 11 | 2:30pm | $20-25
Featuring the return of Ariel Barnes, cello and Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet, we bring you music by Brahms, Messiaen and Canadian composer Joan Mackey that explores the edges of time.
Backbeat Presents The Cavalcade of Stars: A Complete 60’s Music Experience | Fri Mar 15 | 7:30pm | $45
A live multi-media celebration featuring the music of six of the world’s greatest musical groups — lovingly performed by BackBeat, Canada’s most authentic musical tribute to the 60s. This magical evening of entertainment features Top 10 pop hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Monkees, The Dave Clark Five and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Be transported back in time to the greatest decade in pop music history!
Caravan of Desire: Burlesque | Sat Mar 16 | 7:30pm | $30 | 19+
Salt Spring born-and-raised Chai Tease brings her Victoria burlesque company to town! Come watch her dance the night away with her performance sisters Jacqueline Daniels, Tommy Tricker and Ginger Vicious, and favourite drag daddy, Oliver Clozoff! Explore the glittering, shimmering world of burlesque and its different styles. Show is strictly 19+. Two pieces of ID required at the door.
Musical Theatre Camp presented by StageCoach Theatre & ArtSpring | Mar 18-22 | 10am – 3pm | (ages 6-13)
Musical Theatre Camp presented by StageCoach Theatre & ArtSpring | Mar 18-22 | 10am – 3pm | (ages 6-13)
Exhibitions & Galleries
Works from the Salt Spring Painters Guild will be on display in the Lobby in March. These are works done in groups, under instruction, or in workshops, and reflect our diverse activities.
The Guild promotes the artistic growth and self-expression of our members through encouragement, fellowship, mentoring and workshops. The only prerequisite to join us is a desire to draw and paint!
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