Circle Game

January 12 to February 9 at the Firehall Arts Centre

If you missed this show subtitled Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell before, get ready to gain a new appreciation for the songs of the Canadian-born singer with this remount. The beauty of Andrew Cohen and Anna Kuman’s show is that, rather than aim for faithful cover versions, they spread the music between six singers and 18 different instruments. That means still-relevant works like “River” and “Big Yellow Taxi” take on beautiful new colours—making this a meaningful way to ease into the new year.

Musicircus

January 13 at the Polygon Gallery

The idea of John Cage’s monumental piece is simple: as many musicians as possible can perform anything they want in any way they desire—all at the same time. In this case, noted local musicians like Corey Hamm take on Cage pieces, while other ensembles and individuals play simultaneously. In other words, just follow your ears to this concert, held, fittingly, in conjunction with Hannah Rickards’s installation One can make out the surface only by placing any dark-coloured object on the ground.

Hexsa’am: To Be Here Always

January 11 to April 7 at the Morris and Helen Belkin Gallery

Last summer, a group of artists converged on B.C.’s isolated Kingcome Inlet to address urgent threats to the land and water. Using media from weaving and song to film and animation, their work has culminated in a profound new show that pays tribute to, and fights for, the majestic fiord and its First Peoples. Names include Marianne Nicolson, Althea Thauberger, Siku Allooloo, Scott Benesiinaabandan, and Tania Willard.