Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society putting the music in mural town

John Reischman and The Jaybirds perform during the Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza at Chemainus Bandshell in July.

Andrew Leong/file

The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society puts its heart into nurturing the area’s local music and art venues.

The society, founded in 2000, became a registered Arts Council with the Assembly of BC Arts Councils in 2008.

Chair Kathy Wachs said that although they do promote visual arts in the area, the group’s emphasis is on music. Their venue is the bandshell in Chemainus’ Waterwheel Park.

“It’s a beautiful setting in Waterwheel Park — the rustic and covered band shell, grass for resting on and a playground for children, trees for shade, a welcoming environment for dogs, and often the show’s backdrop is a setting sun,” she said.

Wachs is a busy local volunteer who was named Chemainus Volunteer of the Year in 2011.

She indicated her work with the CVCAS board is fun and motivating. Although it has no office or gallery, the society’s endeavours focus on live, local performances.

Also active are past chair Wes Everitt, vice-chair Bob Johns, secretary Karen Hopkins and treasurer Christina Godbolt. Directors include Philip Holmes, Mavis Skeikh, Susan Martin, Jeff Ratcliff and Shelley Rouse.

The 2012 season starts this year with the Arts and Ethnics Festival April 28 at the Chemainus Seniors Centre on Willow Street.

Wachs said that this is a showcase for ethnic foods, dance, artists, artisans and more and is part of B.C. Arts and Cultural Week, in which the spotlight is on the vital contribution that arts and culture make in learning and in life.

The festival will have a wide range of art and music from countries from all over the world. There will be a variety of performances and artists displaying their products.

Then, starting June 12, the weekly live music series at Waterwheel Park kicks off.

Local, live performances provide a festive and neighbourly gathering every Tuesday night.

Wachs suggested checking in with the website in the coming months for the list of performers for this year’s shows.

She advised that the Coastal Community Credit Union continues to be an avid supporter of their society.

The music events are usually well attended, often with audiences between 100 and 300 people.

The CVCAS is also behind the successful once-a-year bluegrass extravaganza in Waterwheel Park.

Bob Johns is the organizer of the annual Bluegrass Festival which will take place July 14 this year.

Wooden benches are provided for approximately 200 viewers in front of the stage, and, in addition, there is room for comfortable lawn chairs and cushions on the grass.

The event is donation-based and thrives on generosity from the crowd.

— Sherry Bezanson, Ladysmith Chronicle