Upcoming Events

BACK WHERE I CAME FROM: Book Launch

Editors Taslim Jaffer and Omar Moualem host the launch of this collection of personal essays, in which twenty-six writers from across North America share journeys back to their motherlands as visitors. Set against mountainous terrain, tropical beaches, bustling cities, and remote villages, these narratives weave socio-political commentary with writers’ reflections on who they are, where they belong, and what “home” means to them. Contributing writers Esmeralda Cabral, Alison Tedford, Katheryn Gwun-Yeen Lennon, Nadine Araksi, and Krista Eide will be among the presenters.

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CRYS MATTHEWS

Who writes and sings the most powerful, inspirational songs championing social justice? Crys Matthews should surely be on anyone’s list of greats. The money quote from her bio almost says it all: “A former drum major and classically trained clarinetist turned folk singer, Matthews is using her voice to answer Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to be ‘a drum major for justice.’” This captures her joyful spirit and nerdy quirkiness, but doesn’t properly convey the beauty and poignancy of her songwriting or the deeply affecting, open-hearted rootsiness of her performances.

ARTHUR ARNOLD and MOIRA HOPFE-OSTENSEN

From Seoul to Spokane and Maastricht to Moskow, Arthur Arnold has spent the past 20 years conducting symphony orchestras all over the world. Amidst the recent volatility of wars and pandemics, he has found comfort in reconnecting with his roots as a cellist. Join us for an intimate evening of cello and piano, performed in collaboration with Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen. This will be a benefit for the wonderful PRISMA Music Festival, which trains the next generation of classical musicians — as well as thrilling BC audiences.

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