The Harrison Festival‘s Mothers Day presentation of Jake’s Gift, was absolute perfection – some of the best theatre I’ve seen in a long time.  A one woman tour de force written and performed by Julia Mackey, the piece was both heart breaking and surprisingly light hearted.  The plot centres around two characters, a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion and Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village whose inquisitive nature and charm challenges Jake to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester.  This mutli-award winning Canadian play truely delivers both in performance and story.

The sold out Saturday night performance of Vancouver party band the Paperboys was another fantastic Harrison Festival concert in the historic (and newly renovated) Memorial Hall.  The threat of snow didn’t keep the crowd away or their enthusiasm.  The groups unique blend of Latin, Celtic and a host of other styles had the audience ’dancing till they dropped’ – an unforgettable evening of music.

Friday night’s concert in the Harrison Lake Plaza featured the very best in fiery Rumba Flamenco Latin guitar courtesy of John Gilliat.  Other renowned artists such as Trinitude, Redgy Blackout, Jasper Sloan Yip and Joe Given shared their varied musical talents all along the beach both Saturday and Sunday.   The Memorial Hall’s craft market showcased the elite in handmade BC crafts and the artisan demonstrations were a definate must see.  Today the Festival continues with local Sasquatch researchers, Bill and Thomas, sharing their wealth of knowledge from 11:30am to 1:30pm in the Harrison Lake Plaza. 

This fundraising event offers an array of indoor and outdoor booths featuring saleable plants, garden art, services, tools, and anything else that might appeal to the avid gardener.  This year was exceptional with incredible deals on quality plants from shade loving astillbes and hostas to water plants, elegant standard trees and shrubs.  The silent auction and raffle prizes were also a high point with outstanding items such original art pieces and local area get-away packages.  And the icing on the cake…admission is free.  That and all the procedes go to two incredible non-profit organizations, the Kent-Harrison Foundation and the Harrison Festvial Society.  

If you missed it this year don’t worry there is always next May.  Visit www.harrsionfestival.com for more information. 

John Mann, a 25 year veteran of the Vancouver music scene, is best known as front man and songwriter for Spirit of the West.  After 11 albums and countless tours of the UK, Europe and North America with Spirit of the West, John Mann decided to return to his stripped down Alt Folk roots.  He created a solo project called Mister Mann and released the album December Looms late in 2007.  On the new album, Mann pens beautiful melodies with emotionally honest lyrics that capture the intimate moments of his hometown Vancouver.

Concert starts at 8pm May 15th in the historic Harrison Memorial Hall.  Tickets are $20 and available by phone at 604.796.3664 or in person at the door.