MAY NEWSLETTER — What’s on in May
Save for the Treasure Fair concert in July with Zachary Stevenson, May is the final month of ArtSpring’s official 2024/25 season for performances.
What a season! From Cliff Cardinal’s provocative and polarizing Land Acknowledgement one-man-show and Snotty Nose Rez Kids to Order of Canada pianist Janina Fialowska and people dancing in the aisles to Juno-winning Haitian musician Wesli, it’s been a season of tremendous range, trying new things, and attracting new audiences.
On May 6, that theme continues with Julie Kim, one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians of the last decade in what is looking like a sold out show. She recently toured North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah) and we are happy to have a local act open for her from Gabriola, Scarlet Chen.
On May 13, ArtSpring is proud to present Raven Spirit Dance from Vancouver and its conptemporary three-act production of “Braiding the Land.” The evening traces “the connections between vast ancestral landscapes and our bodies.” Also featured is Steppin’, an energetic contemporary Métis jig solo by Jeanette Kotowich. A talkback with the dance company will follow the show.
The final two Met Operas Live in HD, Strauss’ Salome and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Barber of Seville,) arrive May 17 and 31 with the customary Saturday morning tradition of gathering for world-class opera and the famous quiche intermission island opera lovers enjoy.
From May 18-30, in the main gallery, is a very special exhibition we are pleased to have coordinated for islanders and visitors alike. Confluence: The Bateman Collection is the first and likely the last-of-its-kind experience for the public to see the private home collection of art and artifacts Birgit and Robert Bateman have treasured over a lifetime of artistry, world travel, advocacy, and philanthropy. It coincides with Robert’s 95th birthday, and it is truly a full-circle moment as the Batemans were the ceremonial ribbon-cutters to open ArtSpring more than 25 years ago.
ArtSpring is also bursting at the seams with community offerings. StageCoach’s Matilda Jr. continues its run into the beginning of May. 100 Women Who Care meet and vote, Makana Youth Choirs take to the stage with their Spring Concert, GISS Music and GISPA present talented teens in musical and theatrical productions, Vetta closes out its season, and in the lobby, a photography exhibition by Danielle Ackins.
See you at ArtSpring!
Howard R. Jang
Executive & Artistic Director
ArtSpring
