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If you love storytelling, be sure to check out Vancouver Story Slam. Their next event happens Tuesday, February 13th at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street. These monthly gatherings are organized by Susan Cormier and hosted by Bryant Ross. Ten storytellers will take the stage and share their original stories with you. Those participating this February include Al Tee who wears a few hats including contributing writer for IliveInEastVan.com. The line up also includes Aneesah Jaffer, Arianne Robbins, Cory Thibert, Elisa Paczos, Griffin, James Long, Johnny Scoop, Marylee Stephenson, Mike Sheridan, and Rob Boffard. The show will open with a guest story by storytelling duo Sherry MacDonald and Jim Murray. The event is $5 and that also gets you a ballot giving you the opportunity to vote on your favourite story. There are cash prizes awarded to the winners. If you wish to learn more about this event or participate in an upcoming event, email them directly at Vancouverstoryslam@yahoo.com. If you can’t make this one, future dates are posted on their Facebook page. Note, space is limited at this venue. So if you don’t want to miss it, best to get their early.
Vancouver Story Slam At The Cottage Bistro February 13, 2018 With Contributing Writer Al Tee On Stage
31 Jan
Jabberwocky Comes To The York February 6 – 17, 2018
29 Jan
If you like dark and disturbing, then we’ve got the show for you. The Old Trout Puppet Workshop brings a brand new type of puppet theatre for adults to The York. Beware the Jabberwock! You are invited on the journey of a young male hare who is weighed down by the pressure to grow up and slay the Jabberwock, whatever that may be. The hare believes it to be a monster, but what type of monster? It is furry, ferocious, fanged, formless. It is outside the door now waiting to eat you? Not to fret my silly pet, a vorpal sword valiantly promises to save everyone from the things that haunt us in the night. What monsters lie under the bed? Find out when Jabberwocky comes to the York Theatre February 6 – 7, 2018. Tickets available at The Cultch.
What people are saying about Jabberwocky:
A piece of theatre inspired by Lewis Carroll that is, indeed, inspired” —
The Globe and Mail
Blew expectations out of the water, inviting the audience into a universe of unimaginable creativity and talent” —
Vue Weekly
Exultant and celebratory in the hands of this remarkable and gifted company” — GigCity.ca
A marvelous theatrical adventure…that leaves us breathless at every turn into dark corners where our fears lie waiting for us — along with our heart” —
12thNight.ca
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Emergency Preparedness – Just Do It!
26 Jan
Recently Vancouver Fire & Rescue sent out a tweet which summarized some recent events which we will now quote:
“We’ve had numerous “warning” events: ’15 windstorm, ’15 earthquake, wildfires, port fire, and the recent tsunami and railyard fire. Have you started building a Grab-n-Go bag and 72-hr Preparedness Kit? Don’t wait for the next event, start TODAY.”
So have you started yet? We are fairly organized and have kits in various spots including the closet at home, a bag in the car, one at the office and after attending an Emergency Preparedness Workshop offered by the City, we now have a ‘Grab N Go Bag’. Are these kits perfect? Absolutely not, but they are a start? Yes. Once you start, items can easily be added.
There are so many simple things anyone can do to prepare for an emergency such as keeping a pair of walking shoes in the car. After that, add a first aid kit and a blanket. At work, again keep some walking shoes handy along with a change of clothes. The Grab N’ Go should have some essentials like medications, cash and your insurance papers. We found keeping a typed list of the items in each bag printed out made updating and replacing items easier. There are many other considerations such as for your pets, communication plans for members of your family, becoming familiar with disaster routes in the City.
If you haven’t already started a kit, we recommend some simple steps to get things started including buying and setting aside a bag, add a blanket and some water. Next grocery run, pick up some bottled water, add some food. While putting your kit together, keep your kids and pets in mind. We find adding things as you go is more manageable cost wise and time wise. What we highly recommend is taking the 1 hour and 1 ½ hours to attend a free workshop offered by the City of Vancouver. These workshops have valuable information on things you may never have considered. Workshops are geared to families, seniors and are even provided in different languages. So whether an emergency is an earthquake, flood, fire, or something else, you are somewhat prepared. As the Nike slogan said so well “Just Do It!”
On that note, we are setting out some links for the City of Vancouver one of which shows you how to Build Your Own Emergency Kit. If you wish to get your pet prepared for an emergency, visit Pet Emergency Preparedness. Become familiar with the City’s Disaster Route Map. Did you know 41st Avenue and Boundary Road are 2 main routes? If you live in a condominium with a number of units, we understand that the City will come to you to present to a group of residents. Contact them directly for further information. Either way, if you haven’t already, get started on a plan.
To sign up for one of the free workshops, visit City of Vancouver. If you are interested in volunteering in the event of an emergency, the City needs people to do that in all areas of the City. To learn more visit, How You Can Help In An Emergency.
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SHIT At The Firehall Arts Centre – January 27, 2018 to February 10, 2018
25 Jan
Australian’s most unapologetic playwright, Patricia Cornelius, examines the lives of three incarcerated underclass women in a manner unseen on most theatre stages. SHIT asks you to consider women with foul mouths and weathered faces, women who spit, fight, swear, hurt and steal. They are angry, unrelenting, terrifying and damaged women. They discuss fist fights, foster care, babies, their mothers, crying and what it’s like to believe in absolutely nothing. “There is nothing romantic in these characters’ outsider mindsets’ says Cornelius who states there is something admirable about the fight in these women who do not behave as others think they should. Cornelius believes many women will be able to relate to this. SHIT takes place at the Firehall Arts Centre January 27th to February 10th, 2018. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.
Contributing writer Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this production. Here is her take on SHIT:
I kind of expected yet another story where bad things happen to women who are fundamentally, deep down, good people. Crusty but with a heart of gold somewhere inside.
SHIT is not that story. These women don’t make any plays for your respect or your sympathy. Tough times have turned them into tough people and they’re not especially kind to themselves or to one another. Near the beginning of the play they laugh about the times when you’re that woman – the woman on the bus who’s cursing to herself at full volume and making everyone uncomfortable. Only one of these three women is a bit vulnerable, and the other two are determined to teach her to knock it off.
If you can let go of your need for a sympathetic character and your belief that women should be likeable, there’s a lot to enjoy and a lot to think about here.
My one quibble would be that the Australian play sometimes loses its flow with word choices that just seem wrong delivered in a Canadian accent, but an interesting script and strong acting are more than enough to make up for that.
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Call To Local Artists – Create Something Amazing In Strathcona
23 Jan
If you are a local artist and would like to see your work featured publicly, then be sure to check out Strathcona’s new project 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery. Some of you may have heard Stathcona’s aim to be one of the City’s most walkable communities. “Made In Strathcona” and the Strathcona Business Improvement Association are taking the next step to make this happen. They aim to feature original art work that tells stories about the Strathcona neighbourhood. They would like to bring the streets to life. Local artists are invited to create art installations for public display in the neighbourhood which will be showcased until the end of the summer. Applications are now being accepted until January 29th. To learn more, you can email partnerships@myloudspeaker.ca or check out the online application form which also has a few inspirational ideas 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery. Personally, we would like to see the amazing art that appears when it rains in the City, bring a bit of life to our wet grey days in Vancouver. If you haven’t seen pics of what we mean, visit Rainworks.
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Body Soul & Spirit Expo – February 2 – 4, 2018 At The Croatian Cultural Centre
22 Jan
It’s the New Year and for many people resolutions are top of mind. Whether you are thinking to learn something or experience something new, or tackle a project at long last maybe taking and/or making some time for self-care. The term self care we’ve noticed has magically been given the green light meaning it’s ok to look after yourself as it should. When you look after yourself, you are a happier more productive person for it. So we think it fitting we let you know about The Body Soul & Spirit Expo being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre starting February 2nd. The show is billed as a “Holistic, New Thought and Spiritual Lifestyle Expo, that showcases products, services and resources for growth, and fosters the individual quest for wholeness, health and self understanding.” Organizers have been producing this show for 20 years in cities across Canada. The aim is help you be happier, healthier and connect you with other positively focused individuals. The expo features a number of lectures and workshops throughout the weekend starting on Friday February 2nd. Some lectures are part of the cost of admission, others have an added cost and require registration. Jeffrey Armstrong kicks things off on Friday afternoon discussing Ayurvedic Dosha (body types), followed by a workshop by Lynn Andrews Living Life Intentionally. A variety of workshops continue throughout the weekend including Donna Fairhurst presenting one Psychic’s Journey, Della Resdie with Cellular Consciousness Healing and Debra Metzker Meehl with Joyful Transformation. You can purchase tickets for The Body Soul & Spirit Expo in advance online for $15 if you plan to attend 1 day, or $35 gets you admission over all 3 days. If you prefer last minute, you can purchase a ticket at the door for $20.
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What’s On East Van: January 19th Edition
19 Jan
Lots happening in East Van heading into the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Ice Cream Social – Storm Brewing – January 19th
Love your craft beer and ice cream? Stop by Storm Brewing for an Ice Cream Social happening Friday night from and check out (if you haven’t already) one of Vancouver’s longest running independent craft breweries. From from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, they will be offering ice cream beer floats and special brainstorms, the usual samples and growler fills of course.
Easy Moroccan Vegetarian – Trout Lake Community Centre – January 21
Chef Valentine of Tartine Maple will be leading a cooking class on January 21st and will teach you in the ins and outs of some easy Moroccan vegetarian cuisine. You will learn to make Roasted Garlic Hummus, Vegetarian Tagine and Almond Briouats which are Sweet little nutty pastries. Cost of the class is $57. To register visit City of Vancouver.
Free Movie ‘Maudie’ – Britannia Community Centre – January 21st
Britannia Community Centre is back to hosting Sunday night movies. This week’s feature is Maudie. Things kick off at 6:00 pm and run till 9:00 pm. Popcorn will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend this free community event.
Women in the Arts: An Open Discussion – The Cultch Gallery – January 22nd
As part of Femme January at The Cultch (January 9 – February 4), is inviting women who work in the arts to have an opportunity to network in a casual environment. You are invited to come share your experiences in the industry and get to know others in the industry. This is a free event happening in The Cultch Gallery from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Monday, January 22nd.
The Bread Series ‘Rustic Yeast Bread – Italian Cultural Centre – January 22nd
If you love rustic breads and wish to learn to make them yourself, you may wish to check out The Bread Series happening January 22nd at the Italian Cultural Centre. Fabrizio Busso, a professional baker who will teach you the basics of bread making including kneading and will have you shape and bake several different types of bread. No special equipment required. Cost of the class if $55. To learn more or to register visit the Italian Cultural Centre.
BBQ Cask Night – Whiskey BBQ Six – January 24th
The good folks at Whiskey BBQ Six located at 826 Renfew Street are hosting a special BBQ Cask Night for Dine Out on January 24th. If you love beer and BBQ, this is the place to be. To learn more, visit their website at Whiskey Six BBQ.
Five Course Beer Dinner – Tacofino (East Hastings Location) – January 25th
Tacofino at 2327 East Hastings Street is launching a series of beer and dinner events starting January 25th. Beers from different breweries will be paired with their Baja style West Coast cuisine. Their first dinner will feature beer from Red Truck Brewing. There will be two seatings 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. The cost is $50 per person. Tickets for the event available via Eventbrite.
Comedy, Live Music & Entertainment
Some interesting live music at Café Deux Soleils on January 21st, Keith Bennett and Blair Lewis perform harmonica jazz. Winter Farmer Markets happen this weekend, Saturday at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm. Looking for an outdoor activity? Don’t forget Chinese Lantern Festival finishes up this this weekend at the PNE. So if you’ve been meaning to catch it, it’s your last chance. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn Reviews Black Boys On Now Until January 20th
18 Jan
The Cultch, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Saga Collectif and Zee Zee Theatre bring you an inspiring production, Black Boys. Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this stand out show. Here is what she had to say:
Black Boys is right up there at the pinnacle of what alternative theatre can do. It includes complex ideas, raw emotion, music, dance and poetry, and it feels like a story that could only be so excellently told using a non-linear, multi-media approach.
It’s about what it means to be a black gay man in Canada and what it means to make theatre about that experience in a world where you’re already painfully aware of how the straight white majorities see you.
It’s about the furthest our words can go to wound or heal one another, and the ways we use screaming or dance or sex to express ourselves when words are not enough. It’s about how we define ourselves both through stories about our past and in acts of judgment and opposition towards the people in our own communities.
It’s just really, really good. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, “Stellaaaa” with a bunch of strangers. You should go see it if it’s not sold out yet. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn
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The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival: January 16 – February 4, 2018
17 Jan
The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is a feast of live performance art. The Festival takes place over a 3 week period from January 16th to February 4th in various venues around the City. In East Vancouver, The Fox Cabaret, The Cultch and The Russian Hall will be hosting a number of the performances. Expect to find performances from international, Canadian and local artists in a variety of genres including dance, film, music, multimedia and theatre. Check out some of the original and creative works which will be showcased during PuSh. We’ve set out below the productions coming to East Vancouver. To purchase tickets, visit PuSH Festival and note, if you wish to see several performances, 4 pack and 6 pack ticket options are available.
The Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street
Cris Derksen Trio (February 2–3, 2018)
Daughter (February 1, 2018)
Dickie Beau: Unplugged (January 19–20, 2018)
HINKYPUNK (January 26, 2018)
Joseph Keckler (January 26–27, 2018)
RPM Records: Live in Vancouver (February 3, 2018)
Songs of Insurrection (January 22–23, 2018)
Spokaoke (February 2, 2018)
Torrey Pines (January 20, 2018)
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street
Dublin Oldschool (January 30–February 3, 2018)
I’m Not Here (January 24–28, 2018)
Reassembled, Slightly Askew (January 17–February 4, 2018)
The Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue
Pushoff Mixer (February 1, 2018)
Symposium: Field Notes (February 3, 2018)
The Events (January 17–28, 2018)
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Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Hot Brown Honey
16 Jan
Unapologetically provocative, Hot Brown Honey shatters preconceptions in an explosion of colour, culture, and controversy. From Australian theatre company Briefs Factory comes this loud wake up call featuring six fierce and talented women communicating important messages through song, dance and, most of all, humour. The 75-minute show has you itching to get out of your seat and join the party on stage – and some get plucked out of the audience to do just that!
Check your privilege at the door and get ready to make noise because “fighting the power never tasted so sweet”. Throughout the show the women tackle several culturally relevant issues such as colonization, white privilege and namely, feminism. Tangled up in colour and acrobatics the show itself smashes the preconception that women are to be silent subjects by the sheer volume of the performance, both literally and figuratively. Their open defiance of stereotypes and the patriarchal expectations of the world we live in is not only hilarious, but incredibly powerful.
For tickets to this wild and fantastic show, on now until January 27th at The York Theatre, visit The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
Photo Credit: Dylan Evans
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