Since forming a band in August of 2011, The Vido's have been making an impressive imprints on the alternative Vancouver music scene.

The young trio from Langley has just finished production of its first full-length LP, 2012, and members Nolan Nielsen (drums and vocal), Brett W. Hornall (bass guitar and vocal), and Kirk Musfelt (guitar/vibraslap) plan a CD release on the day the world is supposed to end - Dec. 21 - with a party in their hometown.

"Bold, we know. But we figure if the world doesn't end, we could make a killing in record sales," the band jokes on CFOX's Supernova website.

The all-age release party is set for 6 p.m. at Fernridge Hall, 2389 200th St., with a $2 cover.

Band support Dea Hilts-Knudsen said "Langley is gonna be saying, 'yeah', they're from here!' Homegrown Valley boys made good."

Variety seeks talent

For the third year in a row Variety The Children's Charity is hosting its Variety's Got Talent competition in February. Audition videos must be submitted to www.varietysgottalent.ca between is Jan. 2 and Jan. 16.

The contest is open to people ages 13 to 29. Ten finalists will compete Feb. 9.

The search continues for B.C.'s next singing sensation.

Aspiring vocalists across the province are once again invited to audition for Variety's Got Talent presented by Coast Capital Savings.

The winner of the third annual competition will receive a rising star music package and appear on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon on Feb. 16 and 17.

Finalists will have the rare opportunity of performing before a panel of music industry and celebrity judges, including music manager Bruce Allen and Global BC's Steve Darling.

The competition is open to all B.C. residents between the ages of 13 and 29 who submit a two- to three-minute video. Singers are asked to perform a capella, to track, or with acoustic guitar or keyboard accompaniment.

Fans can log onto the website and vote for their favourite performer from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3.

Nine of the 10 finalists will be chosen by music industry professionals from Sam Feldman & Associates. The 10th finalist will be chosen by the public in the people's choice competition.

Then all finalists will perform before a panel of judges and a live audience at the River Rock Show Theatre on Feb. 9, with the winner announced at the end of the show.

The winner will then appear on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon that airs live on Global BC on Feb. 16 and 17.

Small Wonder alive 'til Sunday

Those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everything Christmas might enjoy a few minutes of solace at the Fort Gallery.

The artists cooperative is closing out its latest exhibit on Sunday, Dec. 23, but in the meantime will be open with Small Wonder.

The exhibit shows the "unique and affordable, small original works of 20 contemporary Lower Mainland artists," explained promoter Tim Fraser.

Small Wonder is the seasonal group exhibit of small, original pieces by members of the Fort Gallery.

"The artwork will be hung salon style, meaning that if a work is purchased, it comes down, is taken away by its new owner, and a new work is put up in its place," Fraser said.

"If you come on the fifth, you will see one exhibition, but if you come a week later, you might see a very different one filled with new works."

The show features paintings, glassworks, ceramics, and greeting cards.

The Fort Gallery, located at 9048 Glover Rd. in Fort Langley, is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on this or other shows, people can visit www.fortgallery.ca.