Community Events

Holiday happenings

The holiday season is upon us – the trees are lit at Lynn Valley Village and the kids will soon be off school. Families are gathering together and travellers are arriving to celebrate. Whether it’s keeping small people occupied or stretching old tired legs we have holiday happenings here and across the North Shore.

Keeping close to home

❄️Dec 7, 11 am-12 pm, Free 

Carols in Lynn Valley Village

Angels on High will add holiday ambiance to the hustle and bustle of Lynn Valley Village Plaza. Prepare to be thrilled by award-winning vocalists Joani Bye, Linda Kidder and Jan Warren’s beautiful renditions of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas songs as you wander among the beautifully decorated Parade of Trees put on by the Lynn Valley Community Association.

❄️Dec. 11, 4-5:30 pm, by trade

Kids Holiday Book Swap 

Forget the shop – join a holiday book swap at the NVDPL! Trade in your old books for some new-to-you items to gift to your friends and family this holiday season.

You can bring up to 10 books that are children’s material (picture books, chapter books, novels, graphic novels, etc.) for swapping. There will even be a gift-wrapping station available to make it extra special!

How does it work?

* Book swap open to kids only, ages 5-12.

* Bring your donation books for swapping. 

* Take your donation books to the staff table to receive your “shopping ticket.”

* Your shopping ticket lets you pick as many books as you donate (maximum of 10 items.) 

❄️Dec. 13, 7 pm, Free

Community Carol Sing 

St. Clements Anglican Church on Institute Road is welcoming the community for refreshments, crafts and carols. 

❄️Dec. 14, 8:30 am, by donation

Breakfast with Santa

Lynn Valley Legion

A pancake and sausage breakfast begins at 8:30 am. Santa will make a grand entrance on a fire truck at 10:30 am. This is by donation and Please bring a wrapped gift with your child’s name on it to help Santa with his gift-giving duties. UPDATE: Full. Mark your calendars for next year. 


❄️Dec 14, 11 am-12 pm  Free

Holiday Magic in Lynn Valley Village

Kick the holiday season into high gear with the Carnival Band! Dance through the Lynn Valley Community Association’s Parade of Trees while listening to holiday tunes and toe-tapping music from around the globe. Santa’s sending two mischievous elves from Pacific Fairytales to help you get into the spirit, and there will be crafts for the kids as well.  

 

❄️Dec. 15, 10 am, Free

Christmas Pagent at St. Clement’s Church

Take in a holiday tradition or join in the fun. All are welcome. 

❄️Dec. 17, 10:30 am, Free

Holiday Sing-A-Long

Lynn Valley Library children’s librarians are hosting a fun-filled holiday sing-along where they will lead you in singing some popular holiday songs.

❄️Dec. 20, 11-11:30 am, by donation

Solstice Storytime

Come on out to the Ecology Centre to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Bring along a flashlight or battery-powered lantern if you have one, as this storytime is all about cozying up during the shortest days of the year.

❄️Dec 31, $30

New Year’s Eve at the Legion

Tickets are available in advance only at the bar and include party favours and light refreshments at midnight. Music from Swamp Devils with Leanne Graber and guests. UPDATE: Full

North Shore celebrations

Mountain Market at the Shipyards

❄️Daily until Dec. 24, no entry fee

Christmas at the Shipyards 

Take in the charm of 70+ market stalls with everything from mulled wine to bratwurst plus entertainment and Sant’s Chalet and a handful of pop-ups from Lynn Valley businesses and artists.

❄️Dec. 13 special event and open nightly, by donation

Park and Tilford Hi-Light Festival

Visit with Santa Claus, and entertain your kiddos with face painting, balloon animals, and more. The lights are on nightly until Dec. 31 with donations supporting the North Shore.

❄️Until Jan 19, ticket reqired

Canyon Lights

Stroll across the world-famous suspension bridge, illuminated by a mesmerizing display of multi-coloured lights that span the canyon, creating a breathtaking glow from end to end. Then, wander along Cliffwalk‘s twinkling walkway along the cliff’s edge creating a stunning backdrop of lights along the granite cliff face. Over at Treetops Adventure, towering Douglas-fir trees are lit from tree top to bottom, offering visitors a fairytale-like journey up to 110 feet above the rainforest floor. There is a local bonus – one trip is the cost of a resident annual pass. 

❄️Dec. 21, 10 am-12 pm, special event admission

Christmas on the Farm at Maplewood Farms

Head down the hill for Christmas at the Farm for a magical experience filled with Christmas crafts, a special visit from Santa Claus, and much more! It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the holiday spirit.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

December 4, 2024 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Fall for culture

An abundance of creative art and culture events are returning to Lynn Valley and the North Shore in late September/early October. The national celebration of arts and culture – Culture Days – begins Sept. 20 – Oct. 13. Nestled right in the middle is North Van’s annual event the North Shore Art Crawl from October 4 – 6.

Culture Days Sept. 20 – Oct. 13

With offerings that vary year to year from history walks to art exhibits to interactive programs Culture Days has a number of opportunities to engage with the local arts community. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities.

This year, only one event in the Lynn Valley area but there are a handful of others nearby that might be worth checking out. A full schedule of North Van events can be found here. 

Sept. 23, 6-7 pm – Bollywood Dance Class, Lynn Valley Village 

Enjoy some Bollywood dancing with your family with expert Bollywood Dance Instructor Rohan D’Silva. “Bollywood in the Park” a free dance program for all ages, out in the open air. No dance experience is necessary. So come one, come all and enjoy this high energy, fun class and learn some exciting Bollywood moves to the latest Bollywood dance hits – registration required.

Sept 28, 2 – 5 pm – Explore Backstage at Hendry Hall

The North Vancouver Community Players want you to experience the magic of live theatre.  Members of our theatre club will take you backstage at Hendry Hall in North Vancouer to discover and explore community theatre.  Learn a bit about the activities at Hendry Hall and its long history as a landmark in North Vancouver from 1942. Take a tour of the theatre – view creative set building and decorating, costumes and props, possibly try a reading.  An opportunity to talk to directors, actors, backstage hands, set designers and others who work to create our live productions.  Hear some of the hysterical goings on of live theatre and dare-we-say “occasional” bloopers.  Ever wondered if you have what it takes to participate in live theatre – come and find out. Registration is required. 

Oct. 8, 11 am & Oct. 10, 3 pm – Centennial Theatre Backstage Tour

Participants at the backstage tour of the Centennial Theatre will have the opportunity to go where the audience doesn’t. They will see the fly floor, backstage, the dressing rooms, and the audio and lighting  control booths, where they will see first-hand how we make the magic happen. Registration is required.

North Shore Art Crawl Oct. 4 – 6

Every year local artists and artisans invite the public into their studios or do join the at pop up galleries throughout the North Shore. The event takes place over three days in early October and gives the public to take in or participate in local art. Organizers of the the North Shore Art Crawl put it together by zones, making it easy to access a variety of events Oct. 4 – 6. 

Lynn Valley locations

Annette Arndt – visual artist – 954 Wellington Drive – Saturday & Sunday, 1 – 2 pm

@annettearndtartist 

Taking cues from nature, with either stark high-contrast realism or ethereal woods, oceans and mountains. Using traditional techniques and airbrush shifting between art and design. 

David Pirrie – visual artist – 1210 Arborlynn Drive Friday 7 – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

davidpirrie.com • @davidpirrie 

An avid climber and ski mountaineer, North Vancouver-based David Pirrie creates mountain portraits that are multi dimensional and conceptually layered.

Dominique Walker – oils – 1780 Langworthy Street – Saturday & Sunday, 12 – 2 pm

dominiquewalker.com • @gallerydominique 

Dominique is a figurative and landscape painter who captures the spirit of the west coast in light-filled oil paintings. 

Group Show Mollie Nye House 940 Lynn Valley Road – Friday 7 – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

Caroline Liggett – acrylic 

carolineliggett.com • @carolineliggett 

Caroline, a North Vancouver native, finds inspiration in local landscapes. She teaches painting, sharing the joy and healing she found after her sister’s loss. 

Helen Murphy – textiles/fibre  

@craftnaturally 

Helen is an Irish Fine Arts Graduate with a love of fibres. She creates both functional and artistic pieces from sheep’s wool. Her love of life is evident in her colourful works of art.

Group Show Blueshore Financial Lynn Valley Branch 149 – 1199 Lynn Valley Road Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

Emma Fish

Emma Fish – acrylic • mixed media • watercolour 

aworldoffishcreations.com • @aworldoffishcreations 

Emma paints landscapes in a vibrant light. She is committed to breaking down barriers to fine art by creating unique pieces of wearable art. 

Roberta Heaven – mixed media • soap • textiles/fibre 

@healinggardenartsstudio 

Roberta believes that art is a way to explore healing and growth. Her art studio focuses on the beauty of her garden and is reflected in her scarves, soaps and paintings

Group Show – 2651 Library Lane Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

Carrie Hull

Carrie Hull – mixed media • oil 

carriehull.ca • @carriejhull 

Carrie Hull loves to paint interiors but also paints landscapes, still life, flowers and street scenes in oils and mixed media. 

Lynda Fownes – acrylic painting • mixed media 

lyndafownes.com • @lyndafownesartist

 As a North Shore artist, Lynda is a longtime Artists’ Guild member and was awarded AFCA status (2022) by the Federation of Canadian Artists. 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

September 5, 2024 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Live entertainment through August

Live and Local events are returning in full swing to Lynn Valley Village with a full slate of performers and family fun throughout the summer presented by the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission. A downloadable calendar can be found here.

Live and Local

Each week new, emerging and accomplished performers will take to Lynn Valley Plaza for an array of entertainment to delight the young and old. Bring your chairs and settle in for some community fun from 6 – 8 pm.

The last two concerts feature Serengeti and R&B Conspiracy.

Serengeti offers an unforgettable musical odyssey.  The Vancouver-based afro-soul band features a fusion of a wide range of influences from Marvin Gaye to Fela Kuti. When you listen to Serengeti you will hear elements of funk, latin, soul, R&B, afro beat, and more! The extraordinary trio is the phenomenal Kaitie Sly on bass, the soul-stirring vocalist Sade Awele, and the virtuosic guitarist Amine Said. Serengeti’s music is a testament to their boundless creativity and emotional depth that redefines the contemporary music landscape, leaving an indelible impression on all who dare to listen. Serengeti’s music transcends the role of passive observer; it’s an immersive experience where the audience becomes an active participant, swaying to infectious beats and poignant melodies. The captivating essence of Serengeti resonates long after the last note, leaving an insatiable yearning for more, making every encounter with their music a transformative and enriching experience.

  • Friday, August 16 – Serengeti
  • Friday, August 30 – R&B Conspiracy

Artist Sessions

Take a mid-day break and chill with local artists at Lynn Valley Village with smaller concerts each week throughout the summer from 12 – 1 pm.

There might be chances to throw out requests on August 13th when Jana Seale takes to the stage.

Mesmerizing audiences from all over the world with her unique and gentle style, West Coast Canadian Jana Seale has travelled the world playing music. Now making her home in Chilliwack, she can be found performing throughout the SW of the province. Seales evocative delivery returns to the roots of the solo performer, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and the coffeehouses of times gone by. She performs with warm, understated fingerstyle guitar but it’s her multifaceted voice that captivates her audience night after night. With a songlist of around 500 songs including acoustic singer/songwriters from the 60’s to today, and a variety of Pop, Soft Rock, Country, Celtic and Jazz there may be a chance she plays your favourite.

  • Tuesday, August 6 – Pool and Craib
  • Tuesday, August 13 – Jana Seale
  • Tuesday, August 20 – Colin Sankey
  • Tuesday, August 27 – Alex Ritchie

Plaza fun and games

The family favourite big games and activities return twice a week – weather dependent – on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am – 4 pm. Bring your family and play giant Jenga, Twister, scoop ball, charades, or even giant tic-tac-toe!

  • Thursday, August 8
  • Monday, August 12
  • Thursday, August 15
  • Monday, August 19
  • Thursday, August 22
  • Monday, August 26
  • Thursday, August 29

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

August 4, 2024 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Summer songs and weekly fun

Live and Local events are returning in full swing to Lynn Valley Village with a full slate of performers and family fun throughout the summer presented by the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission. A downloadable calendar can be found here.

Live and Local

Each week new, emerging and accomplished performers will take to Lynn Valley Plaza for an array of entertainment to delight the young and old. Bring your chairs and settle in for some community fun from 6 – 8 pm.

Kicking off the season is Vancouver’s Pat Chessell. He has become known as one of the most exciting roots artists in Western Canada. Chessell’s rootsy vocal style, charismatic stage presence and expert musicianship (guitar) are winning over fans. While his mostly original music falls solidly under the broad umbrella of “Celtic,” Chessell’s range is prodigious and eclectic. It’s been variously described as straight-ahead “folk,” “upbeat Celtic influenced Canadian folk/pop,” and “moving mid-and-up-tempo contemporary Celtic” among other labels. His tunes have also, on occasion, tinged with Americana influences.

  • Friday, July 5 – Pat Chessell

    Pat Chessell

  • Friday, July 19 – Matthew Presidente
  • Friday, August 2 – Terminal Station
  • Friday, August 16 – Serengeti
  • Friday, August 30 – R&B Conspiracy

Artist Sessions

Take a mid-day break and chill with local artists at Lynn Valley Village with smaller concerts each week throughout the summer from 12 – 1 pm.

The season will start with Sabrielle –  a versatile singer and burgeoning songwriter with a diverse musical background and “New York City voice.” Born into a family of musicians, Sabrielle was singing before she could talk and harmonizing before she could walk. Whether it’s pop, gospel, jazz or R&B, Sabrielle’s soulful voice and intuitive storytelling breathe new life into every song she performs. As a songwriter, Sabrielle is inspired by pop icons like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Alicia Keys and Lana Del Ray, layered with hints of the gospel, jazz and RnB that she grew up with. Her songs are an honest and emotional exploration of her own experiences of love, loss, dating,  divorce, feminism, mental health and what it means to be a queer, neurodivergent woman navigating life in the modern day.

  • Tuesday, July 9 – Sabrielle

    Sabrielle

  • Tuesday, July 16 – Norine Braun
  • Tuesday, July 23 – Lawerence Mayer
  • Tuesday, July 30 – Michael Deacon
  • Tuesday, August 6 – Pool and Craib
  • Tuesday, August 13 – Jana Seale
  • Tuesday, August 20 – Colin Sankey
  • Tuesday, August 27 – Alex Ritchie

Plaza fun and games

The family favourite big games and activities return twice a week – weather dependent – on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am – 4 pm. Bring your family and play giant Jenga, Twister, scoop ball, charades, or even giant tic-tac-toe!

  • Thursday, July 4
  • Monday, July 8
  • Thursday, July 11
  • Monday, July 15
  • Thursday, July 18
  • Monday, July 22
  • Thursday, July 25
  • Monday, July 29
  • Thursday, August 1
  • Thursday, August 8
  • Monday, August 12
  • Thursday, August 15
  • Monday, August 19
  • Thursday, August 22
  • Monday, August 26
  • Thursday, August 29

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

June 27, 2024 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Performer profile: ReeVay Music

Live and Local is bringing some fantastic talent to Lynn Valley Village throughout the summer. Showcasing a range of styles, the plaza will be pumping mid-day on Tuesdays and some Thursdays and Fridays. Hitting the stage on July at 11 am is ReeVay Music.

Award-winning song writer

From his beginnings busking, Marc Rivest has been a student of music. First learning on the streets of Calgary, progressing to formal learning at Capilano University and now evolving into theatrical musical comedy. 

“I got started as a performer in 2014 when I was living in Calgary,” said Rivest, “At that time I was a busker working for tips and Calgary train stations. That led to being accepted into jazz studies at Cap U – and having the funds to attend Cap U. Then when I graduated I thought about mixing my busker roots with my formal jazz training which led to creating the show I’ve been performing ever since.”

The award-winning songwriter has been described as a mix of jazz, Simon and Garfunkel, and Cat Stevens. His playlist is vast, covering favourites and songs guaranteed to get audiences grooving in the sunshine. 

“I put material into my show for everybody that could possibly be present,” said Ree Vay. “This includes some of my own songwriting, jazz standards, Celtic folk, pop covers, some Motown . . . ”

Proud of his musicality, Rivest has continued his evolution. 

“The music is quite complex so I’m hoping that those that understand the language of music will be quite impressed with the arrangements,” he said. “For those that are not, I’m hoping it’s energetic and lively enough to get people moving.”

New sounds, old favourites

After three years of the pandemic stifling public performances, Rivest has spent time heading in a new direction – a musical.

“The most significant project that I’m working on is quite different from my previous work,” he said. “I’ve been working on creating a musical.  It had its first staging at the Ignite Festival in Calgary this June and I’m hoping to open it up in Vancouver in 2024.”

Called Tales from the Gym, the presentation is a work in progress that is growing and evolving. According to Rivest – it’s alive.  

“Is essentially a comedic deconstruction of the character archetypes you would find in your local gym,” he explained. “It’s a musical comedy and at this point, a one-man show but I’m hoping to grow the cast In time for the next staging.  It is also what is called a living musical in that it’s going to grow and change with every single performance.”

Plaza performance

This summer is a return to the before times, with a Lynn Valley Village scheduled with weekly events. It’s a chance to return to performing at community events.

“It feels so good to be out there performing again,” said Rivest. “This is the first summer where it’s been basically back to normal. I’m lucky enough to have quite a few shows booked  over the next few months – a lot of them on the North Shore.”

As Rivest embraces the abundance of opportunities, he continues to develop his sound for these types of performances. 

“One thing that I’m doing new this summer is expanding the number of instruments I’m using.  Kicking off at the Lynn Valley show I’m going to be using harmonicas to fill out my sound and in the months to come I will be acquiring a loop pedal,  incorporating piano, bass, a full drum kit and backing vocals,” said Rivest. 

Marc Rivest, as ReeVay Music, will hit Lynn Valley Village plaza on July 11, from 11 am to 1 pm.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

July 3, 2023 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Live and Local returns

Lynn Valley Village will be bustling this summer with a full slate of free Live and Local performances and activities for this summer. From games to bands to airbrush tattoos, all the local favourites are coming back.

Family-friendly big games

The Lynn Valley Village plaza will be filled with Big Games every Monday and Wednesday from 1 – 3 pm to the end of August. Enjoy giant-sized versions of classic favourite games. 

  • July 3rd
  • July 5
  • July 10
  • July 12
  • July 17
  • July 19
  • July 24
  • July 26
  • July 31
  • August 2

Mid-day music

To get a taste of the local music scene, head over to the plaza Tuesdays from 11 am – 1 pm to enjoy everything from pop to jazz to soul.

July 4 Rose Ranger

Hailing from Vancouver’s North Shore, Rose Ranger’s creative process is inextricably linked with the ocean and mountains that are a stone’s throw away from her front door. Combined with her love of all musical genres and her utmost appreciation for all the creative arts – the blend creates a dynamic vibrancy in her songwriting process. And that sentiment is a testament to her new music.

July 11 ReeVay Music

ReeVay is the moniker of the multi-talented Marc Rivest. The Lower Mainland-based artist gracefully weaves the finest elements of folk, jazz and pop. His work is simultaneously soothing, powerful and transformative. It’s easy to get lost in the rich tapestry of sound he has generously created.

July 18 Mom Bop

Mom Bop will brighten your day with colourful outfits, electro-pop music, and upbeat dance routines. With original songs written for young ears and those who are young at heart, Mom Bop spreads a message of positivity and fun!

July 25 Emma Currie

Emma Currie is a dynamic pop, R&B and soul vocalist from Vancouver, British Columbia. She was born into a musical family that included her great-grandmother, a trained opera singer. Some of Emma’s musical influences include  Shania Twain, Demi Lovato, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley,  Céline Dion, and Stevie Wonder.

August 1 Cherie Summers

Singer, songwriter, performer, and busker. Cherie Summers is a multi-talented musician who can do it all! Come watch Cherie in her element as she plays the acoustic guitar and sings.

Friday night fun

Evening entertainment gets Lynn Valley Village moving from 6-8 pm.

July 7 Star Collector

Star Collector is a power pop band from Vancouver, BC that has played throughout Canada, the U.S, and Europe. They have recorded five albums to this day and continue to be a force in the music industry!

July 14 Not scheduled 

July 21 Dr. Strange Love Band

Dr. Strangelove is a highly entertaining, multi-faceted, six-piece dance band with five talented lead vocalists, who can cover everything from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, and from AC/DC to Shania Twain. One of the few bands in the country who can confidently take requests all night long, while keeping the dance floor packed, people engaged…and all with a sense of humour and fun!

July 28 Nothing scheduled

Aug 4 Mazacote

Juno-nominated MAZACOTE is a hard-hitting world/Latin band with deep roots in the music of Colombia, Mozambique and Venezuela. Inspired by Afro-Caribbean percussion and tropical party sounds, they play brass-heavy Latin dance beats with a message!

Thursday special Plaza Pop Up

July 27, 6 – 8 pm

  • Beauty Shop Dolls
  • Ink Vancouver

This Plaza Pop-up features the Beauty Shop Dolls who are a retro female trio that bring dazzling vintage-inspired sights and music. Singing and dancing through classic music from the roaring 1920s, the swinging 1940s, and boppin’ 1950s and 60s radio hits, these dolls know how to woo any crowd into an old-fashioned love affair.

Also featured is Frederic Carrasco from ‘Ink Vancouver’ a local and talented airbrush tattoo artist. Pick your choice of various stencils and shapes to enjoy a temporary tattoo!

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

July 2, 2023 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Foodie Fridays at the Legion

The Lynn Valley Legion is bringing back an entire summer of Food Truck Fridays. The summertime tradition has been a favourite for the last two summers. 

 

July Food Truck Fridays

FRIDAY, JULY 7TH MAHSHIKO KOREAN FUSION – The best Bibimpap! 

FRIDAY, JULY 14TH TBA 

FRIDAY, JULY 21ST TOP ROPE BIRRIA – Authentic Tex-Mex 

FRIDAY, JULY 28TH TBA 

August Food Truck Fridays

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH MAMA’S FISH & CHIPS – The Best!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH SHAMELESS BUNS – Filipino Street Food 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH SIRIUS CRAVINGS! – The Best Smash Burgers in Town! 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH MAHSHIKO KOREAN FUSION – The best Bibimbap! 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st STEAMWORKS – Burgers, Tacos and more!

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

June 26, 2023 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Music for the community

The Lynn Valley Library won’t be so quiet this month when the North Vancouver Community Band brings its music for an evening concert on May 31.

A place for all that love to play

For two decades musicians have been gathering together for their love of music. The group aims to make music accessible to everyone in the community regardless of age, skill level or socioeconomic status. They are currently welcoming new members. 

Ned Booker

“We welcome everyone 13 and up,” said trumpet player Ned Booker. “We might even take a precocious and motivated 10-year-old – it’s all negotiable if they love music.”

The band strives for a supportive environment that encourages new members to pick up forgotten instruments, learn new instruments or enhance their current skills, according to its website. It was a warm and welcoming place for Judith Nitsch who took up the clarinet as she approached 50. 

“I saw my eldest son playing in the school band and I thought I would like to do that,” said Nitsch. She began with lessons with a teacher and about a year later was encouraged to give the community band a try. 

“It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I am glad I didn’t take up piano or guitar – something that I played by myself. I had never been a part of a band program,” she said. “I felt like a fish in the deep blue sea.”

During the first nervous practice, she was guided to her section, supported by another player.

“I didn’t play a lot,” laughed Nitsch. “There is a lot to pay attention to and our conductor gently guided me to play the first note of each bar. I was so welcome and I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Music for all

Booker felt just as welcome but in a completely different way. A musician for more than 25 years he has played most of his life since the age of six.

Judith Nitsch

“I haven’t been in Vancouver long, nearly two years,” said Booker. “I got to know our current conductor and found a place in the band.”

He was drawn to the band’s goals of bringing music to those who might not have access.

“I just love community performances,” said Booker. “I grew up in a rural area and I loved community music. When you go you see everyone in the audience, children, parents, seniors – it’s by the community for the community.”

The NV Community Band’s goals to allow all to experience music are embraced by the players. 

“It tends to be folks with kids in high school and a bit more time, or people who have retired,” said Booker. “People often have to take a break from their music. The musician who sits next to me played in high school and he came back to it decades later. He’s a great player. I don’t want to turn anyone away.”

Today the band has musicians between 20 and 80. The pandemic impacted their numbers and they would like others to join them. Practices are held Thursdays from 7:30 – 9 pm in the music room at Carson Graham Secondary School. 

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be a tiny part of a whole,” said Nitsch. “I don’t play in a band to be heard, I play to make music that I couldn’t make by myself.”

Upcoming concert May 31

The North Vancouver Community Band will bring a variety of lively pieces to the Lynn Valley Library on the evening of May 31. There will be well-known melodies from movies, a medley of Duke Ellington, a Gaelic piece as well as the exciting Jitterbug by North Vancouver’s Robert Buckley. If you can not make the May 31 concert, the same set will be performed at the North Vancouver Band Fest on June 11 at the Shipyards. 

“It’s fun – stuff we like to play and we hope people like to listen to,” said Booker, adding “It’s a bit bittersweet. Our current conductor is departing after 20-plus years with the band. These performances are to say thank you – not goodbye.” 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

May 8, 2023 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events Comments (0)