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Beat To Eat

The South Surrey Youth Council is presenting The Beat To Eat, a special night of live music Saturday, Dec. 15, 7-11 p.m. at the South Surrey Recreation Centre, 14601 20 Ave.

The all-ages event will feature the bands Sweetheart, Coldwater Caravan, Their There and others.

Tickets are $7, or $5 with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the PACS food bank.

All proceeds will benefit the food bank.

For information, call 604-592-6970.

Gift of Christmas

The Gift of Christmas, an annual benefit concert for the Christmas Bureau presented by First Capital Chorus, will take place tonight at 8 p.m. at Chandos Pattison Auditorium (Pacific Academy), 10238 168 St.

Special guests will be the White Rock Community Christmas Chorus.

Tickets ($20, students and seniors $15, children under 12 by donation) are available from 604-878-9332, www.firstcapital.com or at the door.

Carols in the Country

Hazelmere United Church’s famous Carols in the Country singalong and dessert buffet will take place Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at the church, 16 Avenue at 184 Street.

Tickets are available at the door for $10 ($5 for children).

Traditional jazz

White Rock Traditional Jazz Society will close out the year with the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band, bringing the “Seattle sound” to the society’s Christmas party Dec. 16.

The music runs from 3-6 p.m. at the Crescent Legion, 2643 128 St.

Information: 604-591-7275

Cinders at the Bell

B.C’s crowned and renowned ‘Queen of Panto’ is back this year with Ellie King’s Cinderella – a genuine, traditional British panto drawing on director/producer King’s years of experience in the idiom, both in Britain and in Canada.

Presented by King’s new group, The Royal Canadian Theatre Company, Cinderella promises family fun, magic, merriment, music and mayhem – and two of the ugliest, funniest stepsisters imaginable.

The show runs at Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 144 St. from Dec. 21 to Jan 5 with 3 p.m. matinees and 7 p.m. evening performances.

Proceeds from the show will benefit local charities including Surrey Foundation, Surrey Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Childcare Worldwide, Soroptimists, and Senior Support Services (Come Share Society).

For tickets ($14 - $22) call 604-507-6355, or visit www.bellperformingartscentre.com or www.rctheatreco.com

Aladdin

White Rock Players Club’s pantomime Aladdin, by Dave Baron, continues to Dec. 26 at Coast Capital Playhouse, 1532 Johnston Rd., with 8 p.m. performances Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees on Dec. 16 and 26. Directed by Marlet Magnusson, it features Baron as the evil Abanazar, Marc Bourrel as Widow Twankey, Hayley Fulton as the Genie of the Ring, Matt Szekeres as the Genie of the Lamp, Vanessa Coutu as Aladdin, Natalie Turecki as love interest Elizabeth and Lana Nilsson and Paul Wheeler as her parents, Lady Harridan and the Governor.

Information: 604-536-7535, or visit www.whiterockplayers.ca

Last Laugh Saturdays

The Wet Coast Comedy Crew presents Last Laugh Saturdays, weekly standup comedy at the Atlantis Grill, 15495 Marine Dr.

Showtime is 8:30 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 15) and each Saturday, and the show is free, although reservations are recommended.

Reservations: 604-536-4464.

Holiday gifts

White Rock Museum and Archives’ 15th annual craft fair runs until Dec. 22 at the station museum, 14970 Marine Dr.

The fair includes handmade jewelry, decorative holiday ornaments and tasty edibles all made by local crafters.

Information: 604-541-2222 or www.whiterock.museum.bc.ca

Live music

Located next to Semiahmoo Park, Washington Avenue Grill (15782 Marine Dr.) offers dining and dancing and martini bar-style entertainment Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Reservations: 604-541-4244.

Also at the beach, Iguana’s Beach Grill (14985 Marine Dr.) emphasizes blues, jazz and light rock, with a regular schedule of performers Friday and Saturday.

Information: 604-538-2891.

Fronds Bistro on the Beach (14989 Marine Dr.) features musical entertainment some Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Information, reservations: 604-531-5444.

Uli’s Restaurant (15021 Marine Dr.) features live jazz Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m.

Information, reservations: 604-538-9373.

Sideshows Westcoast Grill, on the waterfront side of East Beach (15622 Marine Dr.), offers jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30-11:30 p.m. alternating house group the Jim Black Band, featuring Black (guitar) Max Zipursky (keys), Mike Ardagh (drums) and Nimish Parekh (bass), with other emerging talents from the Vancouver jazz scene.

Information: 604-542-5621.

The Sandpiper Pub (15595 Marine Dr.) has added a new night to its entertainment roster. Tuesday nights will be hosted by world-class guitarist Jason Buie with his band and special guests.

Information: 604-531-7625.

Near the Canada-U.S. border, Volume 11 Martini Lounge (155 176 St.) offers a mix of retro pop and rock n’ roll, including the Modern Rock Show, a showcase for emerging local rock bands, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.

Information: 604-536-7877.

Uptown, Sawbuck’s Pub (1626 152 St.) offers live bands each Friday and Saturday.

Dec. 14 and 15 music is by Swallow.

Information: 604-536-6420 or www.sawbuckspub.net

Java Express Neighbourhood Cafe (15090 North Bluff Rd.) features live music every Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.

Information: 604-538-5523.

In Rosemary Heights, Tap Urban Cafe combines bistro-style food, cappuccino and bar service with a variety of live music every Wednesday at 7 p.m., and live jazz every Friday and Saturday at 101-15350 34 Ave.

On Wednesday, Dec. 19 music is by guitarist-singer Jason Buie.

Information: 604-536-1954.

In Crescent Beach, Beecher Street Cafe (12302 Beecher St.) features Absolut Live Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. showcasing jazz, folk and Latin music.

Information: 604-538-1964.

Belle’s, 14007 32 Ave., offers music from around 8 p.m. most Fridays and Saturdays.

Information: 604-542-7037.

Elks Club

White Rock Elks Club 431, 1469 George St., is an uptown hub of entertainment each month.

Every Friday night, entertainment includes Irish dancing at 7 p.m. and All Star Karaoke with Bernie at 8 p.m.

There’s also a ‘kitchen party’ ceilidh featuring Harry and Friends every second and fourth Wednesday afternoon, 3-6 p.m.

Every Thursday night at 8 p.m. the club hosts the Crescent Moon Coffee House, a jam session for local musicians.

Artists’ studios

Alicia M.B. Ballard’s Chantico Studio Galeria is currently showing her Flights of Fancy series and other “lusciously colourful” works.

For information, call 604-536-4547, or visit www.StudioGaleria.blogspot.com

Nicci Battilana will also be showcasing her canvas works through December at Cloverdale Library, 5642 176A St.

Information: www.brushedwithmagic.com

High School Musical

The Young People’s Theatre Company of Surrey presents Disney’s High School Musical on stage at the Wheelhouse Theatre inside Earl Marriott Secondary, 15751 16 Ave., from Jan. 11 to 13. Show times are Jan 11 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 12 at 4 and 7:30 p.m., Jan. 13 at 2 and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets: $12.00 and $15.

Reservations: 604-805-2772

Literary contest

The 33rd annual Cecilia Lamont Literary Contest is currently inviting B.C. residents to submit unpublished works; poetry of up to 36 lines and prose of up to 1000 words.

Entries will be blind-judged by poetry and prose judges; money prizes and certificates of merit will be presented at an awards evening.

For information and rules, call Carol at 604-501-0934, or e-mail ca2003@shaw.ca, or contact Robin at the Community Arts Council office, 604-536-8333, or whiterockartscouncil@telus.net

Choir info

Choral directors Ivy Charyna and Kathleen Anderson (Seaside Singers, White Rock Community Christmas Choir) are currently auditioning singers.

For information and meeting venue, contact ivyandkat@hotmail.com, or call 604-542-6174 or 604-536-0346.

Vaudevillians wanted

The Vaudevillians, B.C.’s premier seniors’ (55-plus) entertainment troupe, has openings for singers, dancers, backstage help and a back up pianist.

The non-profit society which offers bursaries to support youth in Lower Mainland communities, holds Monday afternoon rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Call Pat, 604-541-9591, or visit www.thevaudevillians.com

Writers meeting

White Rock and Surrey Writers’ Group meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista.

Information: Carol, 604-501-0934 or ca2004@shaw.ca.

Youth Choir

St John’s Presbyterian Church will offer a youth choir as part of its outreach program. The two-year course is available for eight teens who are genuinely interested in learning about singing and reading music through the medium of jazz and classic Broadway repertoire.

A secular group, it will embody traditional social values, including respect, responsibility and teamwork. Also needed is a commitment to 30 minutes daily practice and research at home plus a 90-minute rehearsal every Thursday afternoon/early evening.

A copy of the course is available at the church for potential applicants and their parents. Information: 604-536-9322 or www. saint-johns

Women’s chorus

Award-winning women’s chorus Westcoast Harmony offers opportunity for singers looking for an exciting challenge.

The chorus rehearses at Parkland Fellowship Church, 9574 160 St.

Information: Judy, 604-596-6735 or Barb, 604-521-6972 or www.westcoastsings.com

Flamenco classes

Flamenco del Mar Spanish Dance Studio offers new classes in Flamenco dance, flamenco guitar and salsa.

Information: Jill, 604-542-2096.

Choral family

Surrey Choral Arts Project Society invites new members for the Surrey Children’s Choir family of choirs.

Auditions are held for singers ranging in age for six to 70 for the groups, which include the junior and intermediate training choirs, the Senior Children’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Youth Choir (winner of the 2006 CBC Choral Competition) and the Adult Community Chorus.

Two major concerts are held each year, one at Christmas and the other a season-end spectacular including costumes and choreography.

All choirs are under the direction of organization founder Steven Horning and vocal coach Marisa Gaetanne.

Information: 604-541-2519.

Art rental

A new selection of paintings by local artists is for sale or rent at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave.

Information: 604-501-5566.

Children’s choir

The White Rock Children’s Choir family of choirs, including the Ad Libitum Concert Choir and Con Anima Adult Chorus invite singers of all ages to join them in their 10th anniversary year.

Artistic director Sarona Mynhardt offers programs in five choir levels; vocal training; opportunities to sing music ranging from classical through Broadway, jazz and African songs; plus opportunities to train in musical theatre and choreography.

Information: Sarona, 604-536-0236 or vivavoce@telus.net

A Cappella

Peace Arch A Cappella Chorus will present its second annual Be A Diva For Christmas Community Chorus starting Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m.

Women of all ages and voices are invited to sing in the Christmas season with the chorus’ dynamic director Lisa Hood, in a free trial of four-part harmony singing and vocal training – as well as an opportunity to meet other women who love to sing.

Chorus rehearsals are held Wednesdays, 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Bethany Newton United Church, 14853 60 Ave.

Information: Fern, 604-538-8127.

Maple Leaf Singers

The 45-voice Maple Leaf Singers, who draw members from the Semiahmoo Peninsula as well as the rest of the Lower Mainland, are inviting male and female singers to audition for the upcoming season, which begins in September.

The group performs up to 20 concerts each year for seniors’ centres, fundraisers, community events and special occasions.

Needed are all voices – tenor, baritone, bass, first and second soprano and alto – to rehearse and perform a wide selection of music, from pop, jazz and blues to rock, classical, spiritual and Broadway show tunes.

For information, call Anne Baird at 604-922-9827.