MOVIES
What: Ruby Sparks
Where: Cineplex Odeon
When: Check ads for showtimes
Rating: 5
Why: Creative sparks fly and expectations are delightfullly dashed in this wonderfully offbeat romantic fable from Little Miss Sunshine's Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris about a shy, lonely novelist (Paul Dano) whose runaway success has been eclipsed by writer's block. That all changes when he learns that the quirky, red-haired and darned adorable dream girl (Zoe Kazan) of his imagination has sprung to life. Despite this highconcept lark's whimsy, there's underlying insight about everything from individuality to relationship issues that you wouldn't expect in such a confection. The film is as funny, touching and beguiling as the effervescent title character, with delicious supporting performances from Elliott Gould, Antonio Banderas and Annette Bening.
MUSIC
Who: The Gords
Where: V-Lounge at the Red Lion Inn, 3366 Douglas St.
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. (doors at 7)
Tickets: $12 at the Red Lion Inn; $15 at the door
Why: Gord Maxwell, Gordie Matthews, and Gordon Lee Worden - known collectively as the Gords - have an extensive resum脙漏 of work as the backup band for musicians such as Ian Tyson and k.d. lang. That wealth of experience had the trio well-prepared for Pick, their first CD as a unit and one that features ex-Islander Pat Steward on drums. That's not a bad foundation on which to build a fresh roots-rock sound.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
What: Devon Joiner
When: Wednesday, 7: 30 p.m.
Where: Port Theatre lobby, Nanaimo
Tickets: Sold out
Why: There's nothing like hearing a highly trained pianist in the intimate setting of a lobby. Plus, hometown shows make you feel like you're part of the clan. Joiner, who recently graduated from the Juilliard School's master of music program, will play Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt and Gershwin. He also just returned from five weeks of teaching arts empowerment workshops in Africa - ask him about it during the mix and mingle.
