Arts Club: Ring of Fire

Last night I attended the opening night performance of “Ring of Fire” – a compelling storytelling through song about the legendary Johnny Cash, including his family and wife; the amazing June Carter Cash.

Patrick Metzger, Devon Busswood, Frankie Cottrell, Tainui Kuru, and Caitriona Murphy in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the **Arts Club Theatre Company**

Luckily my friend Lynda and I made it to the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island only minutes before the start, after mistakenly first going to the Stanley Alliance Theatre on South Granville. I wondered why the marquee said “Guys and Dolls.” Anyway; note to self: always double check the ticket info beforehand ~~duh~~.

In a nutshell the show was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. The performers were top-notch with their singing and musical instrument capabilities, that it could’ve easily been a Broadway Musical. I mean; they were truly mind-blowing.

**Frankie** **Cottrell** (as Johnny Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

I’m personally not a huge country music fan, however I always admired Johnny Cash. His charisma and deep, resonant voice had a distinctive style blending country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel.

He often sang about the struggles of the common man, themes of redemption, faith, and justice. Cash’s music captured the essence of the human experience, reflecting both personal introspection and societal commentary.

Cast of Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

Beyond his music, he was recognized for his authenticity and enduring influence on generations of musicians and fans alike.

**Devon** **Busswood** (as June Carter Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the **Arts Club Theatre Company**

I highly recommend seeing this show if you’re in Vancouver – even if you’re not a huge country music fan.

For Tickets:

https://www.vancouverpresents.com/events/ring-of-fire-weekend/

Art & Culture

ART: Refined & Recycled

The Power and Impact of Art

**Playful Pinks on Orange** – Libby Walsh

The beauty of abstract art, both for the viewer and artist, is that any person can interpret any art they see in whichever way they choose.

Libby Walsh is an artist friend I met in Palm Springs through a mutual friend (we call her Candy the connector) a couple years ago. We met when a group of us went to a fashion luncheon at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage. Since then, we’ve seen each other a number of times on other occasions, including another Wally’s fashion lunch because we enjoyed it so much the first time.

Aside from being an artist with a twist (literally), Libby’s a true tennis fanatic enthusiast who can talk everything tennis related. She’s a regular spectator at the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, featuring the best players in the world.

A former photo and food stylist for 25 years, Libby received a BFA degree with an emphasis on photography and sculpture.

Her broad range of creative endeavours have influenced her passion for design, composition, color, and the love of abstract expressionism.

Her art is a unique form. It revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which she transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…there is a place for everything. No waste. She calls it LibArt..photographed, organic compositions. Like this:

**Swirling White on Black** – Libby Walsh

She recently gifted our friend Mini an art piece for her birthday.

Mini with her *smaller version of a* **White on Black** art piece (there is a larger version) – Tonga Hut in Palm Springs.

Libby’s Photo Art is a visual endeavour, creating energy in a limited space. The composition of flowing lines that balance the positive and negative space, gives the viewer an invitation to Stop, Reflect and Enjoy the limited, but not limiting motion of design.

Some of her works are scheduled to be on display in a gallery at the Perez Art District in Cathedral City. More details to follow.

For exhibit opportunities or purchasing please contact Libby at: libbywalsh(at)att.net (this is so AI cannot pick up the “@” character).

“FUN + GAMES” SHOW & SALE

The Artists Center

Come see our last show of the season before we close for our summer hiatus during July and August. View the 117 artworks in person at the Artists Center at the Galen (open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm from now through June 30th)…or browse (and shop!) See link below.

**At Artists Center Reception** with friends Candy & Valerie.

Stop, Reflect and Enjoy!

For more info on Artists Center Current Exhibitions and Shows:

https://acstore.artistscouncil.com/

With our friend Candy outside a gallery at **Perez Art District** in Cathedral City, Ca.

The Artists Council is committed to a fulfilling creative life for all and recognizes the powerful impact art can have on our world, both in the making of art and exposure to it. Our concept of inclusion embraces all races, genders, ages, religions, identities, personal experiences and lifestyles. Cultural inclusion is one of our guiding principles.

Subscribe to our newsletter and e-blast announcements – SUBSCRIBE

Art & Culture

Bard on the Beach: Twelfth Night

Last Wednesday was the opening of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach.”

Charlie Gallant as Sebastian Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson

I walk my dogs around the area where the tents are assembled and it’s always amazing to see how far they’ve come from having absolutely nothing there to the remarkable display that becomes the epicentre for our Shakespeare festival. It’s nothing short of a hell of a lot of work to put this together; and then you have the gorgeous sets, rehearsals and finally the crowds. Then we know that summer has arrived.

With the very tall premier of British Columbia; **David Eby**. I’m wearing my *“As You Like It*” t-shirt purchased from the Bard Boutique last season (they still have some left).

The boutique offers a lot of fun souveniers.

I must admit that it’s always a bit of a challenge to review Shakespeare. The characters always portray profound insights into the human condition, delving into the complexities of human nature. The plays are infused with poetic language, universal truths and a touch (in some cases more than a touch) of whimsy. The classic play explores themes of love, power, ambition and betrayal. Some resonate with me more than others.

“Twelfth Night” is a comedy filled with mistaken identities, love triangles, and witty wordplay.

The Company of Twelfth Night, Photo by Tim Matheson

Most critics consider it to be one of his greatest comedies, along with “As You Like It,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” My favourite so far has been “As You Like It” but it’s all personal and William Shakespeare is known to be the greatest playwright of all time.

It follows the story of Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to romantic entanglements and humorous confusion. This play explores themes of love, desire, and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of elaborate schemes and mischievous pranks. It takes place in Illyria; a made up land of misrule. The land is a bright and brilliant carnival of confusion, where music is truly “the food of love.” And as usual, follow along because things happen fast.

Dawn Petten as Malvolia, Photo by Tim Matheson

The execution of this play is very well done and the players (accomplished actors who can sing) are excellent. I’m always impressed by them and their range of talent.

Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson

Need I say more? I don’t want to ruin the suspense or surprise. And quite frankly, I think you need to see it yourself to really understand what’s going on because there’s a lot going on and I prefer to keep my posts fairly brief and not to give too too much away. Let me know what you think.

For Tickets:

https://bardonthebeach.org/tickets/

FUN

It’s Summer…almost

We arrived back to Vancouver from California mid-April, in anticipation of Summer.Summer seemed to appear early, but we were fooled into Juneuary; that convoluted blend of “June” and “January,” where elements of both months combine into a single unpredictable weather pattern and the layering of clothes begin. It’s a transition where it’s sunny one minute, then it’s cloudy, then rainy, then sunny again. All over the map. But at least it’s not winter. Plus, we were already spoiled being in sunshine for several months prior.

Summer also means that my posts will become more sparse over the following months; save for some upcoming theatre reviews. Taking a break during summer from writing is a rejuvenating choice, which allows me to recharge my creativity and/or choices and gain a fresh perspective. By embracing this break, it provides me the opportunity to return to writing with renewed energy and inspiration.

Enjoy your summer and I’ll meet you back here on occasion and more so by September.

Photos of recent Vancouver moments.