Do you ever wonder how to be in any given situation? Maybe you ‘should’ have said this, or ‘should’ have done that. What do you think of someone that didn’t say the ‘right’ thing? Whether it’s family, friends or co-workers, we are often second guessing ourselves to what avail? Creator and choreographer Tara Cheyene Friedenberg will endeavor to shed light on our ‘shoulds’, ‘woulds’ and ‘coulds’ by bringing you a blend of dance, theatre and comedy all on one stage in How To Be. This performance has some local talent behind it include Marcus Youssef and Josh Martin. How To Be kicks off April 12 at The Cultch for a short run to April 15th. Tickets are available from $20 online or by phone.
Archive | March, 2017
How To Be At The Cultch April 12-15, 2017
31 Mar
Vertical Influences By Way Of Montreal Comes To East Van April 18-30, 2017
29 Mar
The Cultch is bringing something pretty cool, literally and figuratively, to the Britannia Ice Rink this month. Specifically, Le Patin Libre which is a new kind of award-winning ice dancing without the sparkles and stereotypes, but with a whole lot of attitude and sophistication. Le Patin Libre was founded in 2005 by world class ex-figure skaters. Bored of the stereotypes associated with ice dancing, and desperate to escape the narrow parameters of sequins and sparkles, Le Patin Libre’s initial performances were simple but beautiful presentations on frozen ponds. Audiences loved them, but we understand the more conservative world of Canadian figure skating was unsupportive. Thanks to residencies offered by private ice rink owners in France, they were able to dedicate themselves seriously to their research and continue experimenting with the ice dancing genre. Their rebellious and boundary pushing creativity has opened up the genre in new and exciting ways. Now, in partnership with arts organizations and community ice rinks, Le Patin Libre are able to use their passion for ice skating to gather a mix of people including sport fans, art aficionados, people who might not normally spend time together, to enjoy this amazing performance. They bring their performance Vertical Influences to Britannia Ice Rick, 1661 Parker Street, April 18 to 30, 2017. Coming off a sold-out European tour, you have the opportunity to see this inventive Canadian group break boundaries before they explode on the international scene. Tickets for this show are available online from The Cultch, adults $46 and children $20. Evening performances begin at 7:00 pm with a number of matinee performances.
What people are saying about Vertical Influences:
“One of those rare shows I could willingly have sat through all over again …
A pure body rush. Astounding”
★★★★★” — The Guardian, UK
Photo Credit Rolline Lapointe
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Sister Shop Hosts Women’s Vintage Clothing Sale At The Biltmore Cabaret April 1st
27 Mar
The Sister Shop is hosting a vintage women’s clothing sale on Saturday, April 1st at the Biltmore Cabaret from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. They are raising funds for WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre which is a non-profit organization that works to end all forms of violence against women. They provide support and healing to many women locally. At this Saturday’s fundraiser, they will have women’s vintage clothing for sale. As well some local vendors will be on hand including Jacqueline Klassen with beautiful ceramics, Sydney Gelfer with macramé and plants and some rather sweet feminist buttons/pins by Radical Buttons. While you shop you have the opportunity to purchase mimosas, Caesars and beer. All vintage clothing not sold this Saturday will be donated to local charity thrift shops and non-profit womens’ groups. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to WAVAW. Admission for this event is a suggested $2.00 donation. We invite you to stop by and support this community event.
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Art For Meditation and Mindful Living By East Van Artist Carolyn Trotter
24 Mar
We recently attended the Health & Wellness Show held in Vancouver and had the pleasure of chatting with Carolyn Trotter of Mandala Blooms Creative. Carolyn is an East Vancouver artist that makes beautiful meditation mats under the name of Mandala Creative Blooms. She received a Diploma in Art in Merchandising from Langara College and has studied graphic design, printmaking, sacred geometry, technical illustration, interior design and visual marketing in both Canada and Mexico. A series of life experiences and health challenges brought Carolyn to study yoga and meditation. In 2014, Carolyn launched her business designing floral meditation mats with mandala centres. They are designed to provide a sacred centerpiece for a serene space to meditate. Carolyn is committed to the integration of art, personal health and daily mindfulness with the intention of helping people heal. Carolyn herself has faced many challenges in her life and her secrets for getting well were yoga and meditation. These practices enabled Carolyn to stay focused on the things that matter most. We invite you to visit Mandala Blooms Creative online shop open 24/7. Carolyn also makes colourful yoga towels with her designs as well as framed prints of her designs. If you dig a bit deeper, you can also find some paintings at CarolynTrotter.com which we have to say, we’d love to see on any of our walls.
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The Wood Shop – More DIY Workshops This Spring
22 Mar
Are you interested in tackling some DIY yourself projects for home, but don’t have the space? In case you haven’t heard, The Wood Shop, features some great one day do-it-yourself workshops. They are currently offering four workshops. You can choose to make a dining table, headboard, storage trunk or a planter box. The Wood Shop provides the space and the tools for the project you wish to tackle. Each workshop is led by an experienced Wood Working Educator in a professional wood working shop. You will learn how to use wood working tools and learn some introductory fabrication and finishing concepts. When they aren’t teaching classes, the Wood Shop crafts one-of-a-kind furniture and home décor items out of reclaimed wood. Cost of each class varies depending on what you choose to make, but they are offering a variety of dates. Workshops take place at 251 Southern Creek in the False Creek Flats near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. Heads up, the last time we featured these classes, they filled up quickly. Should you wish to tackle one of their projects, we recommend registering early. Note, gift certificates are available should you wish to give an early Father’s Day present For more information or to register, visit their website at The Wood Shop.
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Call For Artists By Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Show For December 2017
20 Mar
Are you a local maker, artist or crafter? Shiny Fuzzy Muddy is looking for you. They are getting prepared to host their 15th Annual Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Show on December 9 and 10, 2017 at the Heritage Hall. If you are unfamiliar with this show, it is one of ‘the’ shows to check out over the holiday season featuring high quality design and craftsmanship. They curate an amazing line up of talent. Applications are now being accepted for December’s event. If you are new artist, you also have the opportunity to submit an application under their Emerging Artist Program. Every year, they sponsor one artist/maker with under 3 years of professional experience. They provide them with a booth free of cost, so they can spend that money on supplies and display materials to help them grow their handmade business. They also provide mentorship, promotion and a chance for the artist to get a feel for the market at low risk to them. They are big believers in supporting up and coming talent and are now proud to offer this program for a 3rd year. All artists, makers and crafters are invited to submit their applications by the March 31st, 2017 deadline. To apply, visit ShinyFuzzyMuddy.com.
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All Roads Lead To East Van T-Shirt – Fundraiser For A Little East Van School
17 Mar
For one that was educated by a little East Van School, Queen Alexandra Elementary School, in the writer’s case, we are all about supporting efforts that make our community a better place. With that view in mind, we would like to introduce you to the efforts of some East Van parents raising money for Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School. Local parents got together and designed a, we think, pretty cool T-shirt with the theme of All Roads Lead To East Van. Outside of that statement being true, we are loving the design. Parents have been working to raise funds for various projects including field trips, a community garden and most recently a new robotics program for students. An online store was recently set up which link we’ve included here. We 
invite you to check it out and support this cool initiative by purchasing a T-shirt(s). This simple act will make you look a) so cool b) show your love for East Van and c) provide a wider range of learning opportunities for our East Van kids. T-shirts are a very reasonable $25 and if you wish to save on shipping costs, pick up can be arranged in the Hastings Sunrise area.
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The Bridal Swap Is Happening At The Croatian Cultural Centre Sunday April 2, 2017
15 Mar
Are you planning a wedding this year or maybe next year? If so, we have something for you. Weddings as many know are a fairly large expenditure, even if you are doing it on a budget. That is why we love the concept of The Bridal Swap happening April 2nd at the Croatian Cultural Centre. If you are unfamiliar with this unique concept, it brings together past brides, brides to be, decorators, wedding planners and craft artisans all under one roof. For brides to be, you have the opportunity to purchase gently used items from past brides and, of course, past brides have the opportunity to sell items from their weddings which could include the ‘dress’ and wedding décor including centerpieces, candles, linens, glassware and vases to name but a few items on hand. So instead of buying all new, it’s a great opportunity to re-use and repurpose items which we are big fans of. The Bridal Swap will also have on hand an array of artisans offering handmade items or services for your wedding day including photographers, jewellery, cakes, wedding favours, flowers, invitations and the list goes on. Bridal Swap takes place on Sunday, April 2nd from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and you have two options $25 for early admission at 10:30 a.m. for first choice on items, or $15 for admission after 11:30 a.m. Now if you are a Past Bride and wish to sell some items, you are in luck, there are a few spots left. Tables are $50 and organizers are offering our followers $5 off with the discount code ILIVEINEASTVAN17.
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The 10th Annual Nifty For Fifty Sale At The Heritage Hall April 9th
13 Mar
One of the best sales in the City is back on Sunday, April 9th at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. Nifty for Fifty was founded by Adhesif Clothing designer, Melissa Ferreira, in 2007 with 12 designers. It has now grown to 30 sellers with over 3,000 shoppers attending the one day sale. This year is their 10th anniversary and we expect it will be one of the best sales yet. If you are not familiar with Nifty For Fifty, the sale is a way for designers to show gratitude to their customers by clearing out local merchandise all of which is $50 or less. You can expect to find clothing, jewelry, bags, scarves and much more by 30 local designers. Some local returning designers that will be on hand include Adhesif Clothing, Allison Wonderland, and Daub & Design. There are a host of new participants this year including Black Bird Studios with nature inspired ceramics, Lana Betty with gold and silver 3D printed jewellery, Scandinazn with handmade repurposed leather goods, Wallis-Evera with modern hemp business wear and Winterluxe with recycled cashmere. A number of items available on this day will be up to 80% off. So mark your calendar for this shopping event, but just a reminder this is a mainly cash event. For those that want the best selection or first dibs at some of the great deals, we recommend you get their early. The sale starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door.
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The Daisy Theatre Returns To The Cultch March 21st to April 9th, 2017
10 Mar
The Daisy Theatre returns to The Cultch on March 21st until April 9th. What is the Daisy Theatre? Well it’s a puppet show by the one and only Bonnie Burkett and this is NOT any puppet show. If you think you might not be interested in seeing puppets, you will likely be wrong. The Daisy Theatre is unlike anything you have ever seen. Ronnie Burkett, puppeteer provocateur and his company of over 40 marionettes, will not only entertain you, but will be sure to have you riding a wave of emotion as he brings his puppets to life. The energy he brings to his puppetry is rather awe inspiring and how he seamlessly transitions between all the characters on his stage. Did we mention it’s funny? Side splitting funny, Ronnie Burkett brings a sharp wit to his characters when he needs to, but he can be as soft as kitten when playing the character Schnitzel who usually begins and finishes his show. But having said that, each show is different so you don’t always know who is coming on stage to perform. We can say each performance is different, daring, ridiculous and honestly dam funny. It’s just not us saying it though, The Georgia Straight has previously called it “one of the best shows you’ll ever see”. Tickets start at $20 and are available online at The Cultch. Note, due to the mature content this is a 19+ show.
Photo Credit: Alejandro Santiago
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