Local Events

Time:
A shoe box gift opens the door for Samaritan's Purse to demonstrate Jesus' love by offering communities emergency relief, safe drinking water, education, health care, and more.

Simply pick up a shoe box here at House of James or use one you have at home (please, no larger than 9"x12"x5”).

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or girl, and the age category (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14).

Fill the box with a variety of quality items, please do NOT include toothpaste, liquids that can freeze (shampoo, paint, lip balm, glue), food, used items, breakable items and no knives, war-related toys, toy guns, etc.

Include a donation of at least $7 to cover shipping costs.

Place a rubber band around your shoe box and drop it off at the House of James before November 29, 2008.

For more information click here

Time: Matinees: Nov. 8 & 15: 2:00 PM. Evenings: Nov. 7, 8, 13-15, & 20-22: 7:30 PM
Location: M.E.I. Secondary School Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Rd. (corner of Downes Rd.) (map & directions)
Box Office: House of James, 2743 Emerson St., Abbotsford, 604.852.3701 or 1.800.665.8828 or info@houseofjames.com
Cost: Adults: $15.50; Seniors (65+) & Students: $14.00; Children (3-12): $13.00; Group Rates: $13.00; Matinees:  $11.50.  (Children under the age of 3 are not permitted.)
Info:  www.gallery7theatre.com or 604.504.5940 or info@gallery7theatre.com

An Adventure of Discovery:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Adapted for the stage by Randal Myler

Mark Twain’s controversial tale of boyhood adventures comes to life in our 18th season opener!

Huck Finn embarks on an incredible journey down the mighty Mississippi River and experiences extraordinary events and characters that forever change his life.  The play features all your favorite people from the magnificent story, including Jim, Tom Sawyer, and many, many others.

Runs November 7 & 8, 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 2008 @ 7:30 PM with discount matinees on Nov. 8 & 15 @ 2:00 PM at the MEI Secondary School Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford.
Tickets - House of James: 604-852-3701. www.gallery7theatre.com.

Time: 7:30 PM
Location:  Peace Lutheran Church
Cost: Admission is by donation (suggested donation is $5.00)
Info:  Shayna Leenstra at 604.513.2173 or email: Shayna.Leenstra@twu.ca

Trinity Western University’s Concert Band and Orchestra will be performing a varied and exciting program of music to Fraser Valley audiences. The concert band will present staples of the classical repertoire, such as music from Wagner’s opera Die Meistersinger, as well as more popular selections, including music from the Pixar movie The Incredibles.

The centerpiece of the orchestra’s program is one of Joseph Haydn’s best known works, the London Symphony (No. 104). Conductor Dr. Jon Thompson remarks, “this symphony is wonderfully crafted, but fresh and at times even folk-like in its appeal. Our fine string and woodwind sections are on full display in this masterwork.”

The lighthearted and stirring Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms will also feature in the orchestral portion of the evening.

Time: 7:30 PM
Location:  Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, Music Building, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost:  Admission by donation
Contact:  For more information contact Shayna Leenstra. Email: Shayna.Leenstra@twu.ca; Phone: 604.513.2173

Members of Trinity Western University’s small ensemble groups are presenting an evening of Chamber Music.

The varied program includes performances by TWU’s Piano Trio, Wind Quintet, Guitar Ensemble, and Renaissance Singers. Audience members will be treated to selections from the 16th to the 20th century, with something for every musical taste. Featured selections include William Byrd’s “The Mass for Four Voices” by the Renaissance Singers, Haydn’s “Reicha” by the Wind Quintet, and a mixture of traditional and contemporary works like “Greensleeves”, “Dust in the Wind”, and “Purple Haze” by the Guitar Ensemble.

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Main Stage (Atrium), Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost: No charge
For more information including a complete schedule, details on the entire event, and bios on performers, check out the website at www.twu.ca/christmas or call the information line at 604.513.2006

Greg Neufeld, the Abbotsford native who made an untimely exit from Season 5 of Canadian Idol, is performing at the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas on the main stage.

Since Idol, Neufeld has graced the stage with some of the industry’s finest, including Matthew Good, The Trews, Stabilo, and Lukas Rossi of Rock Star Super Nova.

Influenced by the popular sounds of artists like John Mayer and Dave Matthews, Neufeld plans to woo the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas crowd with a full band, as well as some acoustic stylings. “It’s going to be a good night of music,” he enthuses.

The audience will have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition album, the first seven songs of a larger album currently under production.

Neufeld is one of the many great acts and events scheduled to take place at the 3rd annual Great West Life Spirit of Christmas.

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (Abbotsford City Hall), 32315 South Fraser Way
Tickets: $5.50, Available from House of James (2743 Emerson St. / 604.852.3701 / 1.800.665.8288 / info@houseofjames.com), TWU Bookstore, & through andreaamaris@live.ca

Refine CD Release Concert

From a very early age, it was obvious that identical twin sisters  Andrea & Amaris loved to sing, for their mom says they were singing before they could speak, making up melodies and harmonies while they were playing with their teddy bears. The twins sang incessantly, often driving their older siblings crazy. Their first public performance was in church, at the age of two, where they sang "God Is So Good".

The twins' mom, a piano teacher, took it upon herself to develop the musical talents of all her children. Each began piano at a young age, and she had all four singing at various events, such as recitals and festivals, throughout childhood and into adolescence.

As they got older, it became obvious that Andrea and Amaris possessed a sincere passion for the performance aspect of music, and they continued to sing as a duo throughout the years. They attended MEI High School in Abbotsford, where they were heavily involved in choral, band, and drama activities. Both girls continued their musical education at Trinity Western University, where they graduated with B.A. Degrees in Vocal Performance. Currently, Andrea and Amaris both teach music and enjoy performing at numerous functions and events.

Andrea and Amaris recognize the power that music has to inspire others, and hope that their music touches the lives of those who hear it. The fact that they are "mirror-image" identical twins (meaning that one is left-handed and the other right-handed) enables them to blend their voices so perfectly that it is virtually impossible to distinguish one from the other. They enjoy exploring a diverse range of musical styles, and have succeeded in creating a one-of-a-kind sound through their vocal flexibility, extensive ranges, and beautiful harmonies.

To learn more about them and hear samples of their music, check out their website at http://www.andreaandamaris.ca/.

Time: 7:30 PM
Location:  Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, Music Building, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost:  Admission by donation
Contact:  For more information contact Shayna Leenstra. Email: Shayna.Leenstra@twu.ca; Phone: 604.513.2173

TWU Presents an Evening of Jazz Music

Trinity Western University’s Jazz ensembles will celebrate the culmination of the fall semester with an evening of upbeat musical stylings. Jazz Band instructor Marty Summers will lead the band as they perform some of the top names in Big Band Jazz, including “Queen Bee” by Sammy Nestico, “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock, and “Rhythm Me This” by Doug Beach.

The Jazz Combo, a sextet of alto sax, trombone, voice, drums, bass, and piano coached by Jeff Warren, will show off their improvisatory skills in works like Henderson’s “Fire” and “Black Narcissus”, McCoy’s “Contemplation”, and Lewis Allan’s famous “Strange Fruit”.

Time: Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Concert Starts: 7:30 PM
Location:  South Abbotsford Church, 32424 Huntingdon Rd.
Tickets:  Adults:  $26.00; Seniors:  $21.00; Students:  $10.75, available at House of James (2743 Emerson St., 604.852.3701, 1.800.665.8828,  info@houseofjames.com) & King's Music (604.853.5996)

Featuring the Valley Festival Singers, Pacific Spirit Choir, Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, and Canada West Chamber Orchestra

Soloists: Charlene Pauls, Laura Pudwell, John Bacon, & Willy Miles-Grenzberg

Director:  Gerald van Wyck

Time: Doors Open: 6:30 PM; Concert Starts: 7:30 PM
Location: South Abbotsford Church, 32424 Huntingdon Rd.
Tickets: Adults: $26.00; Seniors: $21.00; Students: $10.75, available at King's Music (604.853.5996)

Featuring the Valley Festival Singers, Pacific Spirit Choir, Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, and Canada West Chamber Orchestra

Soloists: Charlene Pauls, Laura Pudwell, John Bacon, & Willy Miles-Grenzberg

Director:  Gerald van Wyck

Time: Open Stage: 7:00 PM; Feature Act: 8:00 PM
Location:  Mission Play Station, 33100-10th Ave. (at Talbut St., at the the old fire hall just above the Mission Leisure Centre)
Admission:  General:  $5.00; Children:  Free
To play on the open stage:  Contact Lisa at 604.556.4402

The Mission Coffee House Concert Series is on again for fall 2008, with a roster of easy-listening artists from the Fraser Valley.

Music lovers are invited to come out and enjoy these artists in an informal setting, and enjoy the company of friends and a good cuppa coffee.

This non-profit event is put on by volunteers to promote local musicians.  The open stage is a great way to get in some performance time with a very appreciative audience.

This event has grown over the last three years as more teens have come to participate on the open stage.

Each evening has a different style of music.  We have everything from folk / jazz to heavy rock, world music to singer/songwriters.

Tonight we are featuring the Corbin Brothers.

Time: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location:  Gateways Learning Center, #1-32330 South Fraser Way
For more info:  www.gatewaysinternational.ca
www.i-gate.ca
info@i-gate.ca

Do you have a story in your heart that longs to come out? A tale filled with action and adventure, romance and beauty, heroes and heroines; of warriors and monsters, love and tragedy, friends and foes?

There is a story in every human heart just waiting to be told, and there are many ways you may tell your story. You may choose poetry, songs, proverbs, or novels. The story that is in your heart can be set free through any path you choose, and can be used to impact your family, friends, and even the rest of the world. It’s a bold universe out there, with many paths to travel.

And you are the storyteller. You choose what happens next.

Time: Varies
Location:  Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost to sponsor a tree:  $30.00, with proceeds going to Canuck Place
Info:  Kim Siemens, Christmas Tree Contest Coordinator: 604.513.2121 Ext. 3240 or email: kim.siemens@twu.ca
Complete list of Spirit of Christmas events and schedule:  www.twu.ca/christmas

TWU invites groups and businesses to decorate a Christmas tree in the Third Annual Great West Life Spirit of Christmas "Tree Decorating Contest". This is a wonderful opportunity to profile your business, organization, or group, with thousands of viewers coming from all over the Lower Mainland to take in the free community celebration.

Decorated trees will be judged in three categories:  most creative, most beautiful, and best representative of an organization or department.

Deadline for entry is November 14th. Call now to reserve your tree, because space is limited. Winners will be announced on November 26th. Trees will be on display until December 5th.

Time: 7:00 PM
Location:  Abbey Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way (at Abbotsford Collegiate School)
Cost:  Free.  General seating
More Info: Colette or Lorraine at 604.864.4857

Rev. Dale Lang will tell the story of the Columbine-style shooting death of his son, Jason, his subsequent forgiveness of his son's young murderer, and how it has impacted the lives of himself and his wife Diane.

Rev. Lang has shared his story with over 400 audiences from high school to parliament, and is known to be a powerful and positive speaker.

The event is sponsored by Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association along with SD#34 and UFV.

Time: Wed. – Sat.: 8:00 PM; Sat. Matinee: 2:00 PM
Place: Freedom Hall, Robert N. Thompson Building, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost: Varies – to view ticket prices or to purchase tickets online visit www.twu.ca/theatre
Contact: Email:  theatre@twu.ca or Kris.Knutsen@twu.ca; Telephone:  604.513.2121 Ext.: 3576; website:  www.twu.ca/theatre

Theatre at TWU presents Mythification, a student-created production using myth, storytelling, and inspirations from classic Greek theatre to explore the figurative origins of the universe.

Creation as you’ve never seen it before, this original student work turns “the beginning” into an epic battle for humanity.

Director Kris Knutsen, a TWU grad and working playwright/actor in Seattle, describes the event: “For our production we used Genesis 1. The beginning of all beginnings. It’s got everything you need: creation of worlds, conflict, origin of time and humanity. We merged a humanity typically found in Greek mythology with the story and structure found in the Biblical account. The underlying story is the same, but like nothing you’ve ever seen. It feels unique and personal while still respecting the story as it was written.”

This original night of theatre uses music, movement, and story to explore timeless truths in creative representations.

Time: Friday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Saturday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location:  Reimer Student Centre Cafeteria, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Info about the Spirit of Christmas:  www.twu.ca/christmas
Table Rental Info:  Cathy White, Craft Fair Coordinator, 604.513.2043 (between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM), or email: white@twu.ca

With the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas celebration just a few short weeks away, planning is underway to make this third annual holiday event another huge success. Last year, over 9000 people attended the event, taking in local and international talent on two stages.

This year, crafters will also get a chance to showcase their talent as TWU hosts a Christmas Craft Fair during the two-day event. Open to Fraser Valley craft persons and artisans, the two-day craft fair will feature a variety of crafts, art, and homemade gifts. Whether it's jewelry, candles, soap, or a special product that only you can create, TWU invites artisans and crafters to rent a table, with proceeds from the rental going to Canuck Place Children's Hospice.

The Christmas Craft Fair takes place during the Spirit of Christmas.

Time: Friday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Location:  Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd.
Cost:  Free - Cash donations to benefit the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Appeal & Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
Contact: To view the complete event schedule or for more information visit the Spirit of Christmas website: www.twu.ca/christmas or email: socinfo@twu.ca or telephone: 604.513.2006

Trinity Western University and Great West Life are teaming up once again this holiday season to host the Third Annual Spirit of Christmas, the kick-off event to Christmas in the Valley.

Featuring:

• Children’s activity centre
• Carolers
• Live performers
• Outdoor living nativity performance
• Craft sale
• Carriage rides
• Petting zoo
• Hot apple cider and refreshments
• Beautiful display of Christmas lights

Family is the focus of this event.  The Spirit of Christmas is open to the public.