White Rock Social Justice Film Society shows documentary movies with themes of social justice at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave., White Rock. On select nights; admission by donation. Info: whiterocksocialjusticefilmfestival. ca. April 26: "War Made Easy," in which author Norman Soloman teams with activist/actor Sean Penn to encourage critical thinking about media spin during wartime by introducing viewers to the techniques of war propaganda and seeing just how those techniques have been implemented from Vietnam to Iraq. A member of "Veterans for Peace" in Washington will be present at the film to facilitate after-film discussion.
With White Rock's first official Irish Heritage Month officially in the books, organizer Ray Fynes is looking forward to holding the same series of events in 2014, and for years to come.
Carlos del Junco & the Blue Mongrels: Acclaimed blues harmonica player and band in concert Friday, March 15 at Blue Frog studio/concert hall, White Rock. Tickets $35, www.bluefrogstudios. ca/newshows.html.
Sources "Vegas" gala: Event Saturday, April 6 at Hazelmere Golf & Country Club, South Surrey, with "Vegas glitz" dress code, food, fun and dancing in support of Sources Community Resource Centres (www.sourcesbc.ca). Event and sponsorship information: Natasha Raey, 778-552-4538, events@ sourcesbc.ca.
"The 39 Steps": Monty Python-flavoured Hitchcock spoof staged as part of Arts Club on Tour series, to March 9 at Surrey Arts Centre's main stage. Tickets $25 to $43, 604-5015566, tickets.surrey.ca.
"Bermuda Avenue Triangle": Surrey Little Theatre stages adult comedy written by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna, to Feb. 23 (held over) at 7027 184th St., Surrey. Show times 8 p.m. Tickets $15, 604-5768451, brownpapertickets.com. Info: surreylittletheatre.com.
When it comes to business, March is generally a slow month for White Rock. It's rainy, damp and there isn't a lot going on.
Red Chamber: Concert presented by Peninsula Productions 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave.,White Rock. "Red Chamber straddles traditional and contemporary, whether it be ancient Chinese string-band music seldom heard in the west, bluegrass or jazz fusion." Tickets $25 advance, $30 at door, available at Tapestry Music 1335 Johnston Rd., White Rock, also tickets.surrey.ca. "An Evening of Chamber Music": Surrey Symphony Society presents concert 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at Sunnyside United Church, 15639 24th Ave., Surrey. Tickets are $10. Featured are the society's chamber music students and faculty. Email gm.surreysymphony@gmail.com to reserve tickets.
Red Chamber: Concert presented by Peninsula Productions 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave.,White Rock. "Red Chamber straddles traditional and contemporary, whether it be ancient Chinese string-band music seldom heard in the west, bluegrass or jazz fusion." Tickets $25 advance, $30 at door, available at Tapestry Music 1335 Johnston Rd., White Rock, also tickets.surrey.ca.
Blues for the Bank: Annual benefit concert for Surrey Food Bank's Tiny Bundles program features Agent C and Top Secret band plus special guests, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at Central City Brewing Co., 13450 102nd Ave., Surrey. Tickets $25, 604-581-2827.
David Sinclair and Keith Bennett: Musical duo in concert Friday, Jan. 18 at Blue Frog recording studio/concert hall in White Rock, with special guest Ron Fairbairn. Show at 8 p.m. Info: 604-542-3055, bluefrogstudios.ca.
I overheard some derogatory comments recently regarding the lack of arts and culture in Surrey. Seriously. That notion is so outdated. Get over it. Just a few short years ago Surrey was one of the designated Cultural Capitals of Canada. With dedicated community groups, and the assistance of arts councils (Surrey and White Rock), the city officials, and programs in the schools, Surrey has a lot to offer in the arts department. So no more Surrey bashing, OK? If you think there is nothing on offer, and that delivery of the arts in Surrey is a problem (and, of course, it can always be better), then here is a thought for you: If you aren't part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.
The Irish Club of White Rock is co-hosting poetry nights at White Rock's Slainte By the Pier bar/ restaurant, starting Jan. 16.
Silver Life Seniors Health & Wellness Expo hosted by CARP: A New Vision of Aging for Canada on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. at Pacific Inn Hotel, South Surrey. "A day of Breakfast, Beauty and Bling plus Tea Tours and Fun." Free admission, free parking, 1160 King George Blvd. Dr. Art Hister from Global TV will be speaking at 11 a.m. about "Yes You Can: A Simple Guide to a Longer, Healthier and Happier Life for Seniors."
White Rock is set to hold its first ever Bloomsday this Saturday in honour of James Joyce's 1922 novel Ulysses.