Instead of fluffy pink cherry blossoms there will be a backdrop of red and yellow leaves for the annual Port Moody Arts Festival, which kicks off tomorrow (Thursday).

This year's showcase of visual and performing arts has become a fall affair, a shift that has also allowed the event to offer a stellar line-up of shows and activities. Now celebrating its 12th year, the festival has more events for kids, youth and adults, and events are also concentrated over two weekends for a more focused approach.

"It's a good time because we're sort-of launching people into the arts season," said festival coordinator Nick Sartore, adding the shift to a fall schedule was mainly to coincide with grant funding.

But not only will festival fans have even more to choose from, those events are promising some big-name performers.

Headlining the popular opening night gala reception on Sept. 25 is jazz star Laila Biali. Her talents were recognized with Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year and the 2005 National Jazz Awards and her latest album, From Sea to Sky, received exceptional reviews.

She'll be coming to Port Moody after a stint singing back-up for Sting — yes, Sting — at two concerts at Durham Cathedral in England.

Biali's played at top venues around the world, from New York's Carnegie Hall to the Cotton Club in Tokyo, Japan, and collaborated with the likes of Chris Botti, Paula Cole and Suzanne Vega. Those who attend the Sept. 25 gala will even get a chance to meet Biali at a post-show meet-and-greet.

"We got really lucky this year," Sartore said. "She's really, really good."

Rising indie star Dan Mangan also promises to be a big hit. Having just released his second album on the heels of two sold-out CD release parties for Nice, Nice, Very Nice, Mangan will bring his combination of lyrical songwriting, easygoing humour and unique voice to the Inlet Theatre on Oct. 2.

For thespians, the arts fest is introducing its first theatre night. On Sept. 27 actors Michael Dickson (Lone Star, A Midsummer Night's Dream) and Marianne LaRochelle (Speaking in Tongues, The Vagina Monologues) will present A.R. Gurney's moving play Love Letters, the story of Andy Ladd and Melissa Gardner.

Those hankering for a laugh will want to grab tickets for the Oct. 3 comedy night, featuring Alym Amlani and Peter Kelamis.

Another addition to this year's schedule is a first-ever closing night celebration wrap party.

Tickets to this Oct. 4 event include a reception with food from Pasta Polo, followed by a Circus West show. This Cirque du Soleil-inspired troupe performs an incredible array of aerial stunts, juggling and traditional circus acts that promise to take the audience's breath away with their gravity-defying tricks.

And while there is plenty new to the PoMo Arts Festival this year, visitors can also enjoy the old favourites.

Art 4 U Day, on Sept. 27, is a free event for the whole family where participants of all ages can take part in hands-on art activities and workshops.

A new twist is the Art 4 Youth Day crafted just for teens. Head to the skate park at Rocky Point to check out a skate jam, life DJ and giveaways from Electronic Arts; pick up a blank skate deck for $20 and create your own piece of skater art. Youth can also drop by the PoMo Arts Centre to check out a music jam session and get a henna tattoo.

The cultural night is also back, this time featuring Filipino pop star Joey Albert on Sept. 28.

Sartore characterized the arts fest as more focused and concentrated.

"We figured out what the things are that we really want to focus on," he said. "We still have the family-oriented and adult programming, but we also have kid and youth programming. We're still covering all the bases, it's just a tighter timeline.

"We've sort-of energized the festival a little bit."

• The 12th annual Port Moody Arts Festival runs Sept. 24 to Oct. 4. For more information on specific events and tickets, visit www.pomoartsfestival.ca or call 604-931-2008.

spayne@tricitynews.com