Explore Sikh Culture + Old Gas Line

Issue #185

Author

Carla McNeil
March 29, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌦️ Weather - Mixed

 😜 Rain Joke - How do raindrops communicate? 🗣️📞 

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Explore Sikh Culture + Old Gas Line

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Step into a time machine and relive the golden era of rock and roll with Relive the Music, a high-energy theatrical production that celebrates the unforgettable hits of the 1950s and 60s. At the heart of this exciting show is performer Tota Mendez, who has been lighting up the stage since 2019. Although the production was briefly paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned in full force in 2022, stronger than ever.

A Vision Brought to Life The mastermind behind Relive the Music is Steve Marshall, Tota’s brother-in-law. Marshall first envisioned the show 25 years ago, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he officially launched the production, beginning with a simple poster and booking theaters for its 2019 debut. Since then, the show has grown into a spectacular performance featuring 13 talented musicians and singers, supported by two dedicated crew members. With dazzling costume changes, nostalgic melodies, and interactive audience engagement, Relive the Music is a must-see experience for fans of classic rock and roll.

A Family Affair One of the most unique aspects of Relive the Music is its deep-rooted family connections. Toda performs alongside her sister, Luisa Marshall, a renowned Tina Turner tribute artist, as well as her nieces, Zenia Marshall and Kim Mendez. This family-driven passion fuels the show’s authenticity and heart, making each performance a truly personal and unforgettable experience. In addition to electrifying musical numbers, the show incorporates fun trivia and interactive elements, encouraging the audience to join in on the nostalgia.

Touring Challenges and Triumphs Performing in a high-energy show is no easy feat, and Tota shared some of the challenges the team has faced while on tour. In 2022, Relive the Music completed an astonishing 19-show run in just 19 days, traveling across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Maintaining peak performance under such a demanding schedule requires intense discipline, particularly in managing sleep and nutrition. The cast and crew are responsible for every aspect of the production, from setting up equipment and handling costumes to ensuring seamless transitions between performances.

Debunking the Myths Musicians often face unfair stereotypes, and Tota is passionate about dispelling misconceptions about the industry. Contrary to the outdated image of rock and roll excess, Relive the Music operates with professionalism and discipline. The performers adhere to strict policies, including a no-alcohol rule during performances, to ensure they deliver the best possible experience for their audiences.

Where to See the Show For those eager to take a trip down memory lane, Relive the Music is available for bookings through their official website, www.relivethemusic.ca. The production also maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where fans can stay up to date on upcoming performances and exciting announcements. Tota encourages attendees to embrace the era by dressing up in 50s or 60s attire for an immersive experience.

As March is World Theater Month, there’s no better time to go see a show! Whether you're a lifelong fan of rock and roll or simply looking for an evening of fantastic entertainment, Relive the Music is sure to leave you dancing in your seat and singing along to the hits that shaped a generation.

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 15.1 2022 - Record low 0.0 2021

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

March 29, 2025

🏓 Pickleball Doubles League 2025 Winter Season – 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Benefits in Canada – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

📚️ Book Launch: Isabella Mori's "Believe Me" – 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🤖 Sphero Free Play (All Ages) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🥂 50th Anniversary Celebration – 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth – (For youth ages 13 - 18) 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

March 30, 2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spectrum Strong Parents – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

🔎 Spring Discovery Days – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🎨 Art Explorers with Clarissa Banos – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

🖌️ Cindy's Art and Karaoke Cafe – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎶 An Evening with Judy Collins – 7:30 PM at Massey Theatre

🎭️ 20th Annual The Donspiel (2025) – Royal City Curling Club

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

March 31, 2025

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

📖 Cantonese Storytime (all ages) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🧩 Puzzle Mondays at Steel and Oak – Starts at 5:00 PM

🧵 Needle Felting Workshop – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎶 New West Community Choir – 6:45 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

New Westminster residents are invited to explore the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar this April, a month of great significance in the Sikh faith. For the second year in a row, Councillor Ruby Campbell is hosting a free tour of the Queensborough temple. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at 347 Wood St. While the tour is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

Campbell noted that many locals are curious about the Gurdwara but may feel uncertain about visiting on their own. She hopes the tour will provide a welcoming introduction to the temple and its traditions.

Having spent much of her childhood attending services and helping with community meals at the Gurdwara, Campbell said the temple holds a special place in her heart. She wants to share this experience with fellow residents and help them better understand the Sikh community’s culture and contributions.

April is recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, and the month also marks the celebration of Vaisakhi, an important Sikh festival that commemorates the founding of the faith. The timing of the tour, Campbell said, offers a perfect opportunity for people to learn more about Sikh traditions and the temple’s role in the community.

During last year’s tour, around 50 participants had the opportunity to engage with the Gurdwara’s outreach team, including local youth. Attendees were impressed by the range of community programs, including cooking classes and youth initiatives. This year’s event will similarly feature insights into the temple’s activities, as well as explanations of customs like removing shoes, covering heads with scarves, and other traditions observed when entering a Gurdwara.

Following the tour, guests are invited to enjoy a vegetarian meal, which is a longstanding practice at Sikh temples, symbolizing equality and community. There will also be time for questions and discussions.

Campbell emphasized that the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar has been a part of New Westminster’s history for over a century, serving as both a spiritual and social hub. She encourages anyone interested in learning more about the Sikh faith and its contributions to the city to attend the upcoming event.

A contractor accidentally damaged a gas line during excavation work on Sixth Street, despite having submitted a BC 1 Call before starting the project.

New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, following reports of a gas line break in the 500-block. FortisBC crews arrived promptly to assess and repair the damage.

To ensure safety, a one-block section of Sixth Street was temporarily closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. The street reopened to single-lane traffic within approximately an hour.

The damaged section was part of a gas main that was no longer in use, according to FortisBC. The utility company emphasized the importance of contacting BC 1 Call before excavation projects to prevent damage to underground utilities. Despite this incident, FortisBC stated that most gas line damage is preventable through proper safety practices.

City officials confirmed that the contractor was conducting work as part of the Sixth Street public realm improvements project. The deputy director of engineering services noted that all necessary procedures were followed, including submitting a BC 1 Call. However, determining the exact location of underground utilities can be difficult in older urban environments.

The contractor is now conducting an internal investigation to assess the incident and determine if further safety measures are needed. FortisBC has confirmed that repair costs will be billed to the contractor.

Both the city and FortisBC stressed the importance of safe digging practices to prevent future incidents. The public is encouraged to use BC 1 Call at least three business days before any excavation work.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

💧 How do raindrops communicate? 🗣️📞

📶 They use the cloud network. ☁️ 

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