It's a serious message presented in a lighthearted way.

Port Moody's DreamRider Theatre Troupe will visit a trio of Port Coquitlam schools to promote the company's latest production, H2 Whoa!

The play is intended to raise awareness about water conservation while inspiring kids and their parents to make more ecologically sustainable choices when it comes to our water supply.

"With this play, we're Arts i hoping for kids to understand how connected we all are with the water in John the world - that all life, including ours, depends upon water," said DreamRider's executive director Vanessa LeBourdais in a press release.

The May 22 shows are slated for 9 a.m. at Castle Park Elementary, 11 a.m. at Hazel Trembath Elementary and 1 p.m. at Westwood Elementary.

"You'll end up paying less in utilities when your kids are water smart," said Ian Gschwind, an actor and director with DreamRider.

"That's why nine municipal governments in Metro Vancouver are bringing H2 Whoa to their elementary schools." For more information on DreamRider shows, log on to www. dreamridertheatre.com.

A MIX OF NEW EXHIBITS

Whether it's observing the urban dynamic, musings on the higher meaning of a doorway, or art that is "aimless," Place des Arts' latest exhibits challenge the viewer to think outside of the box.

Coquitlam artist Trina Moulin's exhibition Slow Motion - Greyscale is described as a "photographic study of urban rhythms," that includes snapshots of the activity observed outside each of 13 homes she's lived in in the Lower Mainland. In capturing each of those places, Moulin attempts to compare the tempo of life in the urban metropolis versus life in the suburbs.

Claudia Stewart's mixed media exhibit, Doorways and Transformations, focuses on "the transformational process of stepping through the doorway and the process of an object or person going through a transformation," according to a press release. Her exhibit originally began as a few paintings centred on the concept of transformation before evolving into the theme of doorways.

Louis-Marc Simard's exhibit, Bordering on Reality, is described as equal parts whimsical, lyrical and aimless. Simard uses the term "unrealism" to describe his works, which typically feature stories with missing clues to stimulate imagination.

"Nothing in nature looks conscientiously planned, Brief yet we can easily see the intelligent design at work," he said. "There is no exact symmetry, but there is obvious balance. Forms are proportional, intricate, and their accumulation results in an overall system that transcends any particular part of the image." Each of the three exhibits runs through June 2. urucz

PAINTING DEMO IN POCO

The Art Focus Artists' Association will host a demonstration on Wednesday, May 23 detailing the finer points of watercolour painting.

Slated to take place at The Outlet in Leigh Square, the demo will be led by painter Christine Yurchuck.

The free events run from 7 to 9 p.m. Examples of Yurchuck's works can be viewed at www.christineyurchuk.blogspot.ca.

OPEN MIC ON MAY 25

They're billed as a band that requires you to "book your babysitter, and prepare your pets for."

The band known as Brighter Lights Thicker Glasses will light up The Gathering Place in Port Coquitlam on Friday, May 25 as part of the ongoing Crossroads Hospice Society fundraising concert series.

Featuring Vancouver-based musicians Michael Dunn, Brian Samuels and John Palmer, the group hits the stage at 9 p.m., while the open mic portion of the evening is slated to run from 7: 30 to 8: 45 p.m.

Up to six open mic performance opportunities are available, and those interested in giving it a go are asked to call Bill Marshall at 604-944-8114 or sign up at the door prior to 7: 30 p.m. on the night of the show.

Admission to the show is $5. The Gathering Place is located at 11002253 Leigh Sq. in Port Coquitlam.

HEADING TO THE MOON

The local chamber music group known as the Quiring Chamber Players will be joined by one of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's top talents in Coquitlam.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) concertmaster Dale Barltrop will join Quiring Chamber Players members Rosemary O'Connor and Reg Quiring for a show dubbed Over the Moon at the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Friday, May 25.

A violinist by trade, the Australianborn Barltrop also holds the title of concertmaster with the VSO and has performed alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

The group will also be joined by VSO members Olivia Blander (cello) and Jason Ho (violin), to perform well-known pieces by Brahm, Ravel and American composer Terry Riley.

Over the Moon kicks off at 8 p.m. and tickets range in price between $15 and $35. For more information, log on to www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.