Mardi Gras was the theme of this year’s Aug 17 to 19 Theatre Festival, and a number of Gabriolans got with the program, showing up in costumes, and sporting beads galore.
 |
| Christine (left) and Lorna demonstrate the Mardi Gras spirit ~ Photo by Chris Bowers |
The weekend was kicked off Friday night with “Billy Bishop” and “Sonofabitch Stew” – the first of a plenitude of plays – and an evening cabaret.
Saturday opened with a pancake breakfast served up by the Lions, who also provided activity tents for crafty kids.
While the causeway on Lochinvar was lined with the wares of artists and artisans – anchored by the renowned work of Paul Grignon – free music kept toes tapping.
The musical weekend’s lineup started with the exciting rhythms of Afriola, and the theme-appropriate music of Masamba. Many more of Gabriola’s finest musicians also provided free street entertainment throughout both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in prelude to the evenings’ plays (see some reviews inside).
 |
| Masamba helps to heat up an already hot afternoon. Left to right: Andreas Kahre (drums), Dave McGrath (congas, djembe and percussion), Saburo Murata (Alto and Soprano saxophone), Leah Hokanso (piano and vocals), and Ken Capon (bass). ~ Photo by Chris Bowers |
Finally, after the last thespian left the stage, the weekend was put to bed by a last cabaret on Sunday night.
