Join us at our Opening Reception, held in honour of our wonderful Members and Donors. Local (and internationally renowned touring musicians) Marc Atkinson and Scott White will lead some lively background music to mingle to. Marc plans to pull out the piano, his guitar and mandolin and Scott will bring along his stand-up bass for some fun-loving jamming.

This is also the opening of the Hornby Open Art Show. "Imagining the Outer Layer" is an open Hornby artist art show curated by local artist, Veronica Graham. The show features the art of the exoskeleton, the clothing of the form, from bird, to beast, to human - from pelt, to scale, to cloth. It is an exploration of the outer layer, an imaginary clothing show for the wall, wearable or not.

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Since its inception in August 2002, Le Vent du Nord have been enjoying rocketing success. They have received several prestigious awards, including a Juno. The band is now one of the most loved Quebec folk outfits throughout the world. The group's current line-up consists of singers and multi-instrumentalists Nicolas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Olivier Demers, and Réjean Brunet. Some of their songs come from traditional folk repertoire, while others are original compositions. On stage, these four friends achieve peaks of happiness they eagerly share with any and all audiences. Le Vend du Nord know how to deliver music that will move any crowd - to their feet and in their hearts!

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Toronto's Juno-nominees Mr. Something Something continue to gain international recognition for their unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz and pop. Their irresistible rhythms and interactive live shows have long served as a vehicle for social justice & environmental activism. Mr. Something Something represents six years of composing, performing & risk-taking that builds on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana. Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered over bass lines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.

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Since forming in 2003, Jets Overhead has mesmerized crowds with their atmospheric approach to harmony and melody. The band's critical acclaim eventually led to a JUNO nomination in 2007 for New Group of the Year. The band's latest release NO NATIONS was produced by Neil Osborne (lead singer from Canadian icons 54*40) right here on Hornby Island. It captures the band's unique atmospherics and intimate dual vocals. It was mixed by Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Daniel Lanois). Jets Overhead were the #1 seller on itunes for part of this past year. Jets Overhead have toured in Canada, the US, Germany, Ireland, and the UK, including shows with Sam Roberts, Our Lady Peace, Tegan and Sara, The Dandy Warhols, Broken Social Scene, Powderfinger, 54*40, The Dears, The Stills, and The Frames.

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Headwater, the Vancouver-based quartet, has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups in Canada today. The songs revolve around the singing partnership of old school friends, Matt Bryant and Jonas Shandel. Hearing Headwater is like listening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Since forming in 2001, the group has logged in thousands of kilometers criss-crossing the country playing festivals and concert halls. They are known for their hooks, driving rhythms, adventurous steel guitar and mandolin solos, and beautiful three-part vocal harmonies that are all featured in tight, concise songs. The band is touring with their second CD, Lay You Down, produced by drummer Marc L'Esperance, (Po'Girl, Ray Condo, Linda McRae). It showcases the lush soundscapes of this great BC band.

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This evening of called dancing under the maple tree is becoming a Hornby tradition by popular demand. Last year, we saw 700 people from newborn to 90 kicking up their heels to the music of this stellar band. Heading up the band is Adrian Dolan, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Victoria, best known for his work with the award-winning, Juno nominated roots ensemble The Bills. His skills as a violinist, fiddler, pianist and accordionist have landed him on stage with some of the best in the business. He is "unquestionably one of Canada's very finest fiddlers." Adrian has played and recorded with a wide array of artists including rising-star country-beat-poet Ridley Bent, The Arrogant Worms, Irish legends The Chieftains, Barney Bentall, Old Man Luedecke, and Toronto harpist Sharlene Wallace. He will be joined on stage by a lineup of Canada's best.

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Winner of the World Trophy, International Accordion Competition in Italy, 2003, Jelena Milojevic is one of the world's foremost female classical accordion performers of today. Her debut concert at Carnegie Hall was the first solo accordion recital there in the last 30 years. Her performances have been acclaimed as "an explosion of cosmic sensuality" and she has been praised for her "brilliant virtuosity." Jelena Milojevic is a versatile musician with an extensive performing history spanning across North America and Europe, both as a soloist and chamber musician. Her appearances include highly recognized venues such as Carnegie Hall, Coliseum Arena (Pula, Croatia), Kolarac Hall (Belgrade, Serbia), Christ Church Cathedral and UBC Recital Hall (Vancouver). She was a student at Music Academies in Pula (Croatia) and Kragujevac (Serbia) two famous accordion centers in the world.

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Joan Blackman, Associate Concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony, will be joined by renowned Canadian pianist, Ian Parker, in this incredibly lush programme featuring Beethoven, Gershwin /Heifetz, Brahms and Kreisler. Joan Blackman has performed and recorded as a soloist with Vancouver Symphony, Victoria Symphony, CBC Radio Orchestra, and the Banff Festival Orchestra. "Shapelier phrases and sweeter tone would be hard to imagine", "a ravishing tone", "first rate soloist" are accolades that have graced Joan's reviews. With his fluid artistry and irresistible charm, Parker captivates audiences wherever he goes. He has performed with numerous Symphony Orchestras across North America. In addition to his Lincoln Center recital debut in 2004, he has played recitals across North America, Western Europe and Israel.

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The best of the Australian and Canadian jazz scene meet on the Hornby stage for this exciting collaboration. Pianist/composer Joe Chindamo's is one of Australia's most accomplished jazz musicians. He has shared international stages with a distinguished lineup of jazz greats, including Oscar Peterson and Tony Bennett. Doug de Vries is one of Australia's best, most experienced and versatile guitarists, excelling in many musical genres from jazz to choro, samba and bossa nova. Juno nominated bassist Jodi Proznick was awarded Bassist of the Year in 2007 and 2008 as well as the 2007

Acoustic Group of the Year and Album of the Year at the National Jazz Awards. She has opened for Oscar Peterson and performed as a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Craig Scott is an accomplished drummer, vibraphone player and percussionist who is well known on the Canadian jazz circuit.

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Rita Reichman is one of the world's finest pianists. Rita studied with the legendary Mieczslaw Horszowski (world-renowned Chopin teacher) and Rudolf Serkin at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. She became the Institute's youngest graduate at 17, winning the highest award for the most promising and outstanding pianist. Four years later she received her Master's degree from the Julliard School. A child prodigy, Rita made her first public appearance when she was three, playing Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata on television in Australia. At 10 she made her American debut with the

Detroit Symphony Orchestra and gave a solo performance at 11 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Rita has performed with many of the world's leading conductors and in recital in France, Italy, America, Poland, Sweden, Austria, Canada, Israel, South Africa, Belgium, China and Australia.

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Maximum 15 students per workshop - older youth welcome.

Come and create your own, 'Peace Works!', with professional artist / art educator, Linda Weech. Integrating drawing, painting, and collage, these mixed-media creations will celebrate and honor the beauty and diversity of humanity and nature coming together in these transformative times. Come and join us for a delightful, creative journey at the Hornby Hall! Participants will also be offered the opportunity of having their art documented so that it can be shared with other children from around the world via the Children's International Peace Project (from Mayan children in Central America, Pygmy communities in the Congo/Burundi to International Art Academies). See www.LindaWeech.com for more information.

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Hornby authors, poets and story tellers weave a tribute to the life of this missed Hornby poet, songstress, stiltwalker, artist, juggler, fire twirler, story teller and truth seeker who touched us all. Hear her words and theirs in this celebration of a life which inspires us to be present every moment. Tempest will live on through her wealth of work amassed in her short 25 years and the memory of her creative, artistic and compassionate spirit. All profits from this event will go to the Tempest Grace Gale Foundation.

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