Archive | November, 2018

The Fictionals Celebrate 8 Years Of Improv Comedy At The Rio Theatre November 21st

14 Nov

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According to Daniel Chai, co-creator of The Fictionals and host of Improv Against Humanity, their 8th Anniversary Celebration is going to be an epic night. Daniel tells us “The Fictionals are so lucky to have some of the best audiences who come and laugh with us at every show we do. And of course we want to welcome those who are new to Improv Against Humanity to join the fun!” and “Like any fun birthday party, we want to celebrate with all of our friends, which means the comedy fans of Vancouver.” 

Their epic 8th anniversary celebration happens November 21st at the Rio Theatre. On hand will be a special guest comedian, Cameron Macleod from The Hero Show and JFL Northwest.  The show will also crown the newest Most Horrible Person in Vancouver with YOU the audience choosing the winner.   To join in the fun, you can grab your tickets in advance for $12 from the Rio Theatre, or you can grab them for $14 at the door.

Photo Credit: Zemekiss Photography

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Scout, a Porti-Doodle Rescued by the BC SPCA from the Langley 66 Puppy Mill, Inspires the Inception of Scouter Wear

13 Nov

ScouterWearLogoWith the upcoming market season, we will be featuring some local makers and artists heading into the holiday season. Those that follow us regularly know we are big on supporting local.  Today we would like to introduce you to a local maker Scouter Wear ‘Dog Gear for Dog Lovers’. Scouter Wear is a company started by Jill Bartlett that creates quality, water-resistant dog coats, hand-knit dog sweaters, ergonomic dog harnesses and dog accessories. This business was inspired by a dog that came from the BC SPCA. A partnership with the BC SPCA has been a driving mission for Scouter Wear since its inception. Founder Jill Bartlett wanted to give back to the organization that was so instrumental in bringing this business to life. The Company name and logo incorporate Jill Bartlett’s Porti-Doodle, Scout, one of 66 animals seized on February 4, 2016, in Langley, BC. At the time, it was the largest puppy mill seizure in BC’s history, now known as the “Langley 66”. Jill Bartlett and her husband, Mike Hancock, watched news stories in horror as images of abused dogs crossed their TV screen. They decided then and there, they wanted to adopt one of these dogs. After a rigorous screening process, they were invited to view a group of 12-week old puppies that were available for adoption. On arriving, they were ambushed by a sea of 10-pound puppies all clamouring for attention. One of them, a black Porti-Doodle named “No Collar”, captured their hearts and went home with them that day and became Scout, the namesake of the company. They are blessed to have this sweet-natured dog in their lives, so full of playful antics and an unwavering enthusiasm. Jill Bartlett says;

“On that adoption day, I made the decision that I wanted to give back to the BC SPCA. Scouter Wear was launched in part as a way to give back to this organization that has given us so much joy”.

Scouter Wear is now an official supporter of the BC SPCA. Scouter Wear contributes 5% percent of its sale proceeds to the BC SPCA. Locally, you can find Scouter Wear products at Spa Dog, 3471 Commercial Street and the Pet Parlour, 3457 Cambie Street as well their website at ScoutWear.com which, of course, is available 24/7. If you wish to check them out in person, you can find them at Deeley’s Day For The Animals on April 27th. This is a great event featuring many amazing animal rescue organizations and related businesses.

 

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What’s On East Van: November 9th Edition

9 Nov

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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.

Pub Night At Pat’s Pub For Strathcona Community Centre – November 9th

You are invited to a Pub Night with proceeds from the event going to assist programming at Strathona Community Centre this Friday.  The fundraiser happens Friday night at Pat’s Pub, 403 East Hastings Street. Expect live music,a  50/50 draw and much more.   Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.  Event kicks off at 6:00 pm.

Late Night Movie – Rio Theatre – November 9th

If you are a night owl, the Rio Theatre is featuring the original Back to The Future for Friday’s late night movie. For advance tickets, visit Rio Theatre.

Vancouver Train Expo – PNE Forum – November 10th & 11th

This weekend the PNE Forum plays host to the Vancouver Train Expo. A great event for all ages.  Entry fees range for seniors, childrens and adults, but there is a family rate of $30 which includes up to 3 children under 16. 

Remembrance Day – November 11th

There will be several opportunities to honour those that served our country and they truly deserve a moment of silence and remembrance. Whether it’s publicly, or privately. Here are a few we know about if you wish to attend in person:

CRAB Park at Portside, 149 East Waterfront Road – 10:30 am
Memorial South Park Cenotaph: 41st Avenue and Windsor Street, Vancouver 10:30 am
Grandview Park:  1200 Commercial Drive, Vancouver 10:45 am

Dream Board Workshop – Sunset Community Centre – November 11th

You are invited to a free Dream Board Workshop at Sunset Community Centre led by Lorelei Tolosa. This is a neighbourhood small grants project so supplies are included as are snacks and refreshments. Families are welcome to attend. For more info or to RSVP email powerofthreee@gmail.com. The workshop happens from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Diwali Celebration – Sunset Community Centre – November 12th

The Sunset Community Centre plays host to a family friendly Diwali Celebration Monday, November 12th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Enemy – Firehall Arts Centre – November 10th

A contemporary political drama kicks off this Saturday at the Firehall Arts Centre. The Enemy is an interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, a female Dr. Stockman discovers contamination in the community’s water source and is branded an enemy and accused of destroying the local economy. Economic benefits vs. Community health and well-being.  Who is the enemy? Should be an interesting production. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Best of Men – Havana Theatre – November 10th 

Donny and Fernella were high school sweethearts. Now touching their early thirties, they are finally getting married. Meanwhile Donny’s two best friends, Craig and Simon, struggle to come to terms with the fact that only one of them will be the best man, while the other will stop at nothing to assume a position he believes is rightfully his. BEST OF MEN is a play that travels the many curious corners where the fairytale of love and the joy of friendship can take you. Show is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and available from   Showpass. 

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

If it’s comedy you are after, Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery happens at Havana Theatre every Monday night.  For live music, 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 it’s two winter farmer markets. Saturday there’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

2nd Annual Disney Charity Show November 18th Fundraiser For Music Heals

7 Nov

DisneyMusic2018On Sunday, November 18th, you are invited to the 2nd Annual Disney Charity Show being held at the Notional Space, 1523 East Pender Street. Their inaugural event was held last year on The Drive in the evening. Feedback was that people wished to come with their children during the day, so woola. Organizers listened and are now hosting their next Disney Charity Show the afternoon of November 18th.  Doors open at 1:00 pm, show beings at 1:30 pm. This a fundraiser for Music Heals which raises money for music therapy programs in Canada. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 and available at the door.

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East Van Panto: The Wizard Of Oz At The York November 26, 2018 to January 6, 2019

6 Nov

EastVanPantoWizardOfOzWe are admittedly huge fans of the East Van Panto. This has become a fun holiday tradition for us.  We can’t imagine Christmas without it.  This year The East Van Panto celebrates its 6th season with the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. In this year’s storyline, we hear that a pipeline has burst and Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land Of Oz (also known as Nanaimo and Hastings).  There, Dorothy is pursued by the Wicked Witch and embarks on a journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage and yes, yoga pants!  The East Van Panto always pokes great fun at the quirky things that make our City unique.   Come laugh a little at yourself and our fair City.  Tickets for the East Van Panto start at $24 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $146. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  For families on a tight budget, take note that The Cultch is offering $29 tickets on November 28th & 29th at 7:00 pm. They recently offered Housing Crisis Prices on a number of their productions. To get the special rate for this and other Cultch performances, visit Housing Crisis Prices.

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Eastside Cultural Crawl November 15 – 18, 2018

5 Nov

EastsideCultureCrawl2018The Eastside Culture Crawl is back for 4 days starting Thursday, November 15th.  This 4 day arts extravaganza is now its 22nd year and features over 480 artists in and around East Vancouver.  If you aren’t already familiar with this event, artists from a variety of mediums open their studio doors so you can see firsthand their working space, their creative process and their work.  The artists themselves will of course be on hand to discuss any aspect of their work. During the Eastside Culture Crawl, you will find painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers, photographers and much more. The event grows each year and now comprises over 80 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street.

If time is not on your side and you want to take in as many artists in one fell swoop, 1000 Parker Street and the Mergatroid are your spots to hit and definitely a hub of action which includes some food trucks for those that get hungry. The Mergatroid, 975 Vernon Drive has glass blowing demonstrations on view at the main level, but be sure to check out the other studio spaces within the building.  Note, this part of The Crawl can get busy on the weekends, so if that’s not your thing, there are many other options.  Organizers prepare an amazing online map that sets out all the studios.  We invite you to check it out.  If you are unsure where you wish to start, check out the Program Guide for more information.

Each year, we try and tackle a new area/artists we haven’t visited before. This year we are heading to The Arts Factory to check out a young artist we’ve been following for a few years now, Kat McPhee. Her work applies elements of graffiti, is edgy and has the feel of street art.

Also, on our list this year is the artist, L.J. Throstle. Lucy creates beautiful works using single use stencils and acrylic spray paint. Her subjects are generally people and animals. If you can find les amis du fromage’s East van location (843 East Hastings), you can find Lucy’s studio, it is below ground at 841 East Hastings.  She captures subjects in a unique way.

If it’s woodworking you wish to see, you need to check out Jesse Toso and the Toso Wood Works in Parker Studios at 1000 Parker Street.  His items are made for salvaged wood are beautiful and unique.  If you can’t make The Crawl which showcase his larger pieces, you can also visit his gallery at 3567 Commercial Street before or after The Crawl.

What we love about the Eastside Culture Crawl is that you have 4 days to stop in and check out the artists at your own pace.  You go where you want on The Crawl for as long as you want.  Adding to the event, is many great spots to stop for a bite or refreshment along the way. Whether you are in Strathcona, off the Drive, Railtown, Hastings Sunrise, Downtown Eastside or off the growing stretch off Clark Drive, there are countless options for coffee, beer, food and wine.

To help guide you through some of the art available, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a great downloadable map to help you find your way. Don’t miss this opportunity to check out the amazing talent in this City. The Crawl runs November 15th and 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 17th  and Sunday, November 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See you on the Crawl.

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What’s On East Van: November 2nd Edition

2 Nov

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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.

Archive’s Consignment Warehouse Sale – 1275 Venables – November 2nd & 3rd

A new organization in Vancouver called Archive is focused on helping locals become more savvy about sustainable fashion practices, including buying more long-lasting, high-quality pieces, including those that are second-hand.  They’ve put together Vancouver’s first consignment warehouse sale which will have racks of all-season men’s and women’s apparel and accessories for sale.  Free admission Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, or to get a jump on the crowds, $10 for 1 hour head start.  There’s also a VIP option the evening before with Sustainable Panel conversation as well as shopping.  To get an advance ticket, visit Eventbrite.

East End Blues & All That Jazz – Firehall Arts Centre – Until Saturday, November 3rd

If you love the sound soul-stirring gospel and blues and jazz, you may wish to make your way down the Firehall Arts Centre this weekend.  There’s also a matinee performance Saturday at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25/30 and available through the Firehall Arts Centre.

Book Launch ‘Cooking In Colour’ – Gourmet Warehouse – November 3rd

East Van residents and food bloggers known as The Food Gays are launching their new cookbook ‘Cooking In Colour’  They will be on hand at Gourmet Warehouse this Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Ritchies Bakery Pop Up – les amis du fromage – November 3rd

Ritchies Bakery will be popping at les amis du fromage East Van location, 843 East Hastings this Saturday with freshly baked bread and baked goods. They will be there from 11:00 to 5:00 pm or until they sell out.

Vancouver Tea Festival – Chinese Cultural Centre – November 3rd & 4th

The 5th Annual Vancouver Tea Festival happens this weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre, 50 East Pender. The event includes a Chinese tea tasting bar, matcha bar and Herbal Tea Making Workshop.  For more info, visit Vancouver Tea Festival.

Bling – Heritage Hall – November 4th

The Pacific Pyros present the 4th annual bead show BLING at the Heritage Hall this Sunday, November 4th.  This show features a wide range of wearable glass art by 17 artists.  Along with the show there will be demonstrations has well as hourly draws. Admission is free. So stop by and check out some of the talent between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Backbone – Vancouver Playhouse – November 4th

The Cultch presents the renowned Australian circus company, Gravity & Other Myths in the production Backbone.  10 performers and 2 musicians take the stage at the Vancouver Playhouse and display incredible strength and flexibility with dance like movements.  This show is only here for a short run. You have till Sunday to catch it.  Tickets available from The Cultch.

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 we are back to two farmer markets. Saturday there’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks and also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Backbone On Now Until November 4th

1 Nov

BackboneIf you think you’ve seen crazy strength and fitness levels before, think again. The international hit “Backbone”, from renowned Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths, literally tosses around the perception of what strength is, where it comes from, and how it’s measured. With an ensemble of 10 performers and 2 on-stage musicians, “Backbone” had the audience’s jaws on the floor on opening night at Vancouver Playhouse Theatre. Fun for the whole family, this masterpiece of a show is a celebration of human interconnectedness and is somehow very moving without any spoken word.

The performers all work together to bring this beautiful production to life and make their incredible feats of strength and flexibility look graceful and dance-like. It isn’t until the music quiets and lights are bright that you can hear them gasping for air and see the sweat dripping. The impressive acrobatics are enhanced by sound and light effects which get the audience leaning forward, fully engaged in what’s happening on stage and scared that if they look away for just a second they might miss something. From doing dozens of backflips in a row to throwing each other around like toys to creating 3-person high human pyramids while completely blind, “Backbone” is wild and daring. It’s also charmingly informal! While the performers pull their stunts off perfectly in sync, the way they relate to each other is like friends having a great time instead of like professionals hard at work. Not only is it stunning, “Backbone” is actually quite funny too! You absolutely don’t want to miss this unique show, testing the limits of physical, emotional, individual and collective strength.  Backbone is on now until November 4th. For tickets,  visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic

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