Archive | October, 2018

The Enemy At The Firehall Arts Centre November 10 – December 1, 2018

31 Oct

The Enemy 1 - Jenn Griffin and Paul Herbert.jpgThe Firehall Arts Centre is presenting a new political drama that touches on a number of themes including corruption, environmental activism and a lack of accountability. The Enemy is a contemporary interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. The original story was written in 1882, but with the current political climate in the US, The New York Times says this story “is suddenly as timely as a tweet.” In Ibsen’s version, Dr. Stockman is written as a male. In The Enemy, Artistic Director Donna Spencer has taken the role of Dr. Stockman and written it as a female to illustrate the road blocks women face when challenging the “powers-that-be” or “the old boys club”. This production also touches on the choices  we make, the ones we think we should make but don’t, and the influences around us that colour that decision-making. The Enemy asks “is the majority always right?” “What happens when truth is declared as not the truth?” “What happens when disbelief is spread via social media, ‘fake news’, and shoddy journalism?” Who ends up being the enemy?

Artistic Director Donna Spencer has chosen a piece that reflects what is happening in the world today. A timely piece that encourages us to look at and question the political, social and environmental landscape around us. You can catch The Enemy at The Firehall Arts Centre from November 10th to December 1st. For tickets visit, the Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: Pedro Meza

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Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

30 Oct

FarmersMarketProduceRiley Park Farmers Market – Every Saturday

In case you missed the news, Riley Park Farmers Market is now a year round market happening every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 30th & Ontario.   This is a great space located next to a community garden with ample parking and located on a bike route.

Hastings Park Farmers Market – Sundays Nov. 4 – April 28, 2019

The Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks off Sunday, November 4th at Hastings Park and happens weekly every Sunday until April 28, 2019 except for Sunday, December 30th. The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark.

Whichever market you choose, stop by and support your local makers!

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The Ones We Leave Behind At The Cultch Until November 3, 2018

29 Oct

TheOnesWeLeaveBehind-RayShumWe had the pleasure of taking in opening night of the production The Ones We Leave Behind at The Cultch.  This is a multi-layered play created by Loretta Seto and presented by the Vancouver Canadian Asian Theatre. The subject matter being an elderly woman who dies alone with no one to claim her body makes one think about social isolation and the part it plays in our community, but then we ourselves can also play a part in that social isolation.

The Ones We Leave Behind features an investigator for the Public Trustee, Abby Chung, who has been assigned her first case. She is working with an experienced and hardened investigator 30 years on the job.  Abby’s first assignment is locating the next-of-kin for an elderly woman named Beatrice, who has died without any family or friends to claim her. As Abby uncovers more details of Beatrice’s lonely life, she is confronted by her own demons and is forced to face issues in her own life.  The Ones We Leave Behind poses the question, are the greatest walls the ones we build within ourselves?

What we didn’t expect in this production, is the laughs. The relationship between Abby and her mother are honestly quite priceless. As one with a mother that aspires to the direct approach, their relationship was very relatable.  The production touches on many issues abandonment, social expectations including those we place on ourselves.  A lot gets packed into this production which features an excellent cast.  We recommend taking some time out to see The Ones We Leave Behind on now at The Cultch until November 3rd. Tickets are available online from $24.00 at The Cultch.

“I am so grateful to Loretta, who’s written such a gorgeous, multi-layered piece, and shared an immigrant story, and a Chinese immigrant story…The relationship between Abby and her mother is like a mirror of my relationship with my mother, who is an immigrant to Canada, and the language barrier, the cultural barrier, and a generational gap within that. There are quite a lot of differences for each of us to navigate” – Agnes Tong, who plays Abby Chung in The Ones We Leave Behind, in conversations with The Vancouver Sun

Photo Credit: Ray Shum

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What’s On East Van: October 26th Edition

26 Oct

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some 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.

Makers Market – Ellis Building – October 26th

In case you missed it, the Eastside Flea moved from The Ellis Building to Eastside Studios at 550 Malkin Avenue which means it left a great space for markets at the Ellis Building.  So a Makers Market is now hosting what appears to be monthly markets on Friday nights.  There official launch is this Friday, October 26th and there’s a line of local handmade small batch goods. We see our friends at Sriracha Revolver will be there. This is a family friendly event that happens from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. Admission is free.

Trick Or Treat On Hastings Sunrise – October 27th

This Saturday you are invited to Trick or Treat on Hastings Street between 12:00 and 3:00 pm.  Visit businesses along the East Hastings strip with your costume and receive a treat (or a trick!).

All Souls Night – Mountain View Cemetery – October 27th

All Souls Night is an opportunity to commemorate the dead.  You are invited to tea and memory making at Mountain View Cemetery between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm this Saturday evening. Light a candle for someone you’ve lost.

Drive-In Movies – River District – October 27th

River District in SE Vancouver is hosting their last weekend of free drive-in movies.  This weekend they are showing Frankenweenie at 7:30 pm followed by It at 9:30 pm. For tickets visit, Picatic.com.

Book Launch & Signing – The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook – October 27th

Brad Hill creator of a series of Foodie cookbooks will be on hand to launch his newest cookbook The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook at Riley Park Farmers Market this Saturday. He will be on hand from Noon – 2:00 pm along with delish plant based eats.

Parade Of Lost Souls – To Be Announced – October 27th

The iconic East Van event the Parade of Lost Souls happens this Saturday night. This all ages community event celebrates the Day of The Dead and features a roving parade, live music, art installations, dance performances including flash mobs all of which happens from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Following the parade there is the After Party which this year happens at The Wise Hall. For more details, visit their website Parade of Lost Souls. Great opportunity to try out that scary make up/costume. If you wish to be in the parade meet at the Britannia Library at 7:00 pm.

Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch – Hastings Elementary School – October 28th

You are invited to check out the 3rd Annual Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch Festiva at Hastings Elementary School. Choose a pumpkin for your Jack-O-Lantern, share some food, enjoy a live bluegrass band, and take part in fall-themed festivities and decorations from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm . Costumes encouraged. Pumpkins are by donation.

Pumpkin Carving – Strange Fellows Brewing – October 28th

Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, invites you to come down Sunday afternoon to do some pumpkin carving between 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Everything is supplied including the pumpkins. All by donation with proceeds to go the Vancouver Food Bank.

Beetlejuice – Rio Theatre – October 28th

Now THIS is a movie to watch on the big screen.  The Rio Theatre will be showing Beetlejuice Sunday at 5:30 pm and being rain is expected might be a perfect Sunday afternoon thing to do.  Tickets $12, we suggest getting advance tickets.

 Japan Food Fair – Vancouver Buddhist Temple – October 28th

If you love Japanese food (and who doesn’t really), you may wish to make your way down to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple this Sunday, October 28th. They will be hosting a Japan Food Fair and Fall Bazaar from Noon to 2:00 pm. Lots of great eats and great prices. Happens at 220 Jackson Avenue in Strathcona.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

If it’s live music you are after, the Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

This weekend there is only one Farmers Market this Saturday. That is Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm). Trout Lake is now closed for the season, but Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks off NEXT weekend, November 4th. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Maker Market At The Ellis Building Launches Friday October 26th

24 Oct

MakerMarketAtTheEllisSo in case you missed the news, The Eastside Flea, which was until recently located at 1024 Main Street in the Ellis Building, has moved to the Eastside Studios at 550 Malkin Avenue in Strathcona.  Which we might add is a great cool space. This though left the window open for someone to organize and takeover the space at now vacant Ellis Building and that they’ve done. This Friday, October 26th is the launch of the Maker Market At The Ellis which features you guessed it local makers, food trucks and more.  We see our friends at Sriracha Revolver will be on hand with their amazing spicy sauces AND one of their sauces we hear will be added to a spicy drink collaboration at the bar. Yes there’s a bar, cash only.  This new Makers Market happens from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  If you can’t make this one, two more are lined up Friday, November 23rd and Friday, December 14th. If you are a local maker looking for a cool new spot, they are taking applications for their upcoming markets.  To learn more, visit them on Instagram @makermarketattheellis.

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Me Love Bingo At The Russian Hall October 26th – Fundraiser For Theatre Replacement

23 Oct

MeLoveBingoYou are invited to an evening of fun and silliness for the Second Annual Me Love Bingo. This is a fundraiser for Theatre Replacement which works hard to showcase local artistic talent on stage.  Kyle Loven hosts this year’s Trick Or Treat Edition of Me Love Bingo at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue.   This Bingo Party encourages costumes for which we hear there will be prizes. A bar will be available as will a silent auction with some pretty cool items.  Doors open 7:00, Bingo gets under way at 8:00 pm sharp!  Admission is $15.00 and seating is limited. So if you want to Bingo Party, you best pick up your tickets sooner vs. later. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

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Book Launch The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook October 27th At Riley Park Farmers Market

22 Oct

PlantBasedFoodieCoverBrad Hill, creator of a series of Foodie cookbooks officially launches The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook this Saturday at Riley Park Farmers Market.  More people are looking to add plant-based foods to their diet, whether it is for health, taste or ethical reasons. It’s a flourishing area in the world of food which means there are some innovative and delicious plant-based foods now available in Vancouver. The Plant-Based Foodie -Vancouver cookbook explores the stories and recipes of the restaurants and foodie businesses behind this boom.

Hot on the heels of The North Shore Foodie, The East Van Foodie, and The Gastown Foodie, Foodie Book series creator, Brad Hill, has changed things up and focused on vegan and vegetarian restaurants from across Vancouver. The book features a thorough showcase of Vancouver’s veggie venues, from the casual comfort of MeeT restaurants to the roots of Vancouver’s veggie scene at The Naam, to the polished perfection of the Acorn and Heirloom, plus everything in between.

Creators of the book say that the 27 restaurants that were selected in this book represent the most influential, exciting, and progressive plant-based cuisine in the city.  It showcases the restaurant’s stories, written by food writer Chris Dagenais, snapshots in time and engaging vignettes that focus on the ‘why’ of the businesses, not just the who, what, when, where. There are recipes from each restaurant that is presented. The recipes range from a decadent hearty comfort food to light healthy meals that provide perfectly balanced nutrition.  Brad Hill adds beautiful photography of the recipes as well as the restaurants featured in The Plant-Based Foodie Cookbook.

You are invited to stop by this Saturday for the book launch from Noon to 2:00 pm at Riley Park Farmers Market. The book creators will be on hand along with some delicious plant-based finger food. If you can’t make the book launch, check out Where To Buy the cookbook online or instore.

Photo Credit: Brad Hill

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What’s On East Van: October 19th Edition

19 Oct

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some 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.

Fright Nights – Playland – October 19-21

Fright Nights is now on at Playland nightly at 7:00 pm until October 31st (save for October 22nd and 23rd).  If you like things ghlouish, scary and to get your heart racing, this is your spot.  Advance tickets recommended, some evenings to sell out.

Election Day – City of Vancouver – October 20th

It’s voting day this Saturday at many locations throughout the City from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.  There are, in case you missed it, 158 candidates for 27 positions for Mayor, School Board, Council Members and Parks Board.  Even if you don’t know who to vote for in all positions, vote for the ones you want.  If you are unsure where to vote, the City has a Where To Vote. You only need to put in your postal code and it will give you the polling stations in that area. Remember to bring ID when you go to vote.

The Shakespeare Show – Havana Theatre – October 19th & 20th

Monster Theatre presents The Shakespeare Show filled with tragic heroes, a few witches Anne Hathaway and Queen Elizabeth at Havana Theatre Friday & Saturday night. Tickets are $15-20 and available online through Showpass.

East Van Opry – Rio Theatre – October 20th

This Saturday you are invited to the East Van Opry. Now in its sixth year, the event happens at the Rio Theatre this Saturday night. Expect an eclectic mix of this City’s stage performers. Advance tickets are $24, or at the door for $28.  Visit The Rio Theatre for tickets.

Pumpkin Carving & Beer – Parallel 49 Brewing – October 21st

Parallel 49 Street Kitchen invites you down for a day of pumpkin carving. They will supply the tools and the pumpkins. Of course the Street Kitchen has some great eats and beer as well. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.  Event happens 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Retro Design & Antiques Fair – Croatian Cultural Centre – October 21st

If you love collectibles, vintage, funky kitschy items, maybe a little art deco, the Retro Design & Antiques Fair is the place to be this Sunday. There will be a 175 tables at the Croatian Cultural Centre to browse.  Event happens 10:00 to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5 at the door, children under 13 are free.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for something new to check out? Reminder Caffe La Tana just opened next to Pepino’s Spaghetti House. Cafe is open 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. If it’s live music you are after, the Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

Two Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm). To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Another Side Glance With Al Tee: Politics & Robo Kennedy

18 Oct

RoboKennedy (2)Kennedy Stewart wants to save us. He wants to save us from the NPA, Kinder Morgan, and big money influence at City Hall. I know this to be true because the four robo-calls I got from him said so. Kennedy Stewart also sent me a mailing, dropped off a handbill at my door, and opened a campaign office in my neighborhood. He really wants to save us.

Why?

Why does a guy who has represented Burnaby federally since 2011, now need to be our mayor? Has he solved all federal related issues in Burnaby South? Or will federal NDP leader Jagmit Singh – soon to be parachuted into Stewart’s Burnaby seat – provide a better level of understanding and representation for the issues facing Burnaby?  Kennedy Stewart has been around politically since he ran federally and lost to Hedy Fry back in 2004. But he’s never run for a civic position in Vancouver. Not School or Parks Board nor City Council.

For a guy who claims a long relationship with Vancouver, he’s been noticeably absent from city politics. Generally people who run and become mayor have some kind of political or civic involvement. I think the last guy that ran for mayor who didn’t have that connection was Bill VanderZalm. Come to think of it, didn’t Christie Clark try and run for Vancouver mayor in 2005?

To be clear, I am not comparing Kennedy Stewart to two often loathed former politicians. I’m just saying I find something about his whole candidacy improbable. I’m reminded of a guy angling for the nice corner office with a view.

But of course I’m wrong. I must be. A form letter included in my Kennedy package mail out, was from vaunted East Van political warrior Libby Davies. She says we need Kennedy’s leadership in Vancouver and that I should dig deeper to support him. How deep? How about $200?

Kennedy plans to build 60,000 units of various types of residences in the next 10 years. Anyone who’s ever been involved with any kind of home reno knows, it’s usually longer than you predicted and more expensive. Still, you got to applaud his problem solving confidence which he has according to one of his pamphlets because;

“ I know cities. “

You know who else knows cities? People who live in them. People who live in this city don’t like it when their garbage isn’t collected. They don’t like it when there’s problems with transit. They don’t like annoying neighbors who break by-laws or make by-law complaints. People especially don’t like it when the whole town shuts down because it never seems prepared to handle a dump of snow. People don’t like it when traffic speeds down their street cause the city refuses to put in a roundabout or a few speed bumps. People don’t like it that there’s less free parking on public streets.

It’s one thing to be in Ottawa putting up motions, it’s a whole other thing dealing with contentious building projects and people protesting outside your home. Not to mention the irate citizen with a tax beef who accosts you in the lobby of city hall.

Kennedy Stewart most likely will be the next mayor and maybe if I talked to him I’d see things differently. Unfortunately after 4 robo-calls I’ve heard enough. But in fairness to Kennedy, I did get 2 robo-calls from Ken Sim and one from one of those Vancouver parties. I won’t vote for them either.

By Contributing Writer Al Tee

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Side Glance With Al Tee: Civic Election Edition – The Top Twenty?

17 Oct

AlTeeSideGlanceTopTwentyLess than a week away and there are enough candidates running for mayor on the random ordered ballot to stage a basketball tournament. In fact, that’d be my suggestion for whittling down the number of candidates for mayor. Divide them up into four teams, play some round robin hoop, and the team with the most wins is the 5 people who get to be on the ballot. Simpler for the voters and more entertaining. Who wouldn’t want to see Wai Young dish to Fred Harding who then dunks on Ken Sim? Of course my suggestion is not treating city politics seriously and this election is serious business. It’s Vancouver’s most important in a generation, or at least that’s what it says in the mailing I got from the Kennedy Stewart campaign.

Twenty, yes twenty people want to be your mayor. Are they the twenty smartest, most imaginative, learned, insightful people in Van City? The top twenty? You decide. The candidates run the gamut from front runner Kennedy Stewart to Roller Girl and among the things all 20 have in common is a solution to our affordable housing issues.

The problem is, what exactly is affordable and what does it look like? The livable wage – that which covers your monthly expenses – is $20.91 an hour in Vancouver. Assuming you’re fortunate enough to have full time work, and are only spending 30% of your income a month on housing, you’re still looking at a minimum $1,000 per month.

What do these 20 good people, who feel you should pay them to sit in the big chair at 12th and Cambie, think a minimum $1,000 should get you? Six hundred square feet? Four hundred square feet? A half a shipping container? A studio in a forty story rabbit hutch beside a Skytrain station ?

My suspicion is that in the end affordable, presuming you’re making a livable wage, is the market rate.  Just once I’d like to hear a candidate say;

“ It’s too late. We need to focus on transit. Improve transit cause
people have to live farther out. “

Of course any candidate for mayor who would say that, would never make the top twenty.

By Contributing Writer Al Tee

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