Brave Waves overseas

Here and Now column by Dan Hilborn
Published Nov. 5, 2003


Burnaby's most ambitious bagpipe player was in China last month to participate in the Beijing International Multiculturalism Tourism Festival, and boy did he ever get an eye opener.

"It was excellent, an amazing trip," said Joe McDonald, the guiding light of the fascinating Brave Waves musical troupe that combines some of the most unique instruments in the world. This current edition of his band includes McDonald on bagpipes, plus Andrew Kim on sitar and Tarun Nayar on the tabla drums.

The group was invited on the trip by the Vancouver Multicultural Centre Foundation after their eclectic style of music caught the ear of an SFU Asian studies professor.

The group played several times in Beijing, participated in a massive parade, and then went on a side trip to Tianjin during their seven-day stay in China.

The band will give a short performance and then provide a brief account of their overseas trip as part of the First Friday Forum taking place at the National Nikkei Heritage Centre, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7. The centre is located at 6688 Southoaks Cres., near the corner of Kingsway and Sperling.

MILESTONE MARKED

Several birthdays of note were achieved in the city of Burnaby in the past few weeks, and we've been remiss in including them in the newspaper.

Long-time city resident Stalla Falck celebrated her 90th birthday with a small gathering of friends and families at the Hart House restaurant earlier this fall.

Among the many people on hand for the occasion were son Gary and family from Idaho, daughter Yvonne Galliani and family from California, and sister Lavena Cheaney from Niagara Falls. Others came from across Alberta and B.C.

Another 90th birthday milestone was celebrated last Sunday, Nov. 2, by long-time Burnaby resident Herb Mitchell, Sr.

Mitchell has been an active member of the South Burnaby Men's Club, was active in minor hockey and still enjoys hanging with his buddies in the North Burnaby golf club.