The 9th Annual Verses Festival of Words happens from April 25th to May 4th at a variety of locations in Vancouver. This is 10 day event is Canada’s largest alternative literary festival which features spoken word, storytelling and music. The event celebrates poetic artists, including spoken word and page poets, storytellers, singer-songwriters and improvisers. This is where activism and art take centre stage. You are invited to come experience the transformative power of words. If you are interested in checking out 3 or more events, you may wish to consider a Festival Pass which is $75 but gets you full access to all shows happening throughout the festival. There are a number of locations in East Vancouver playing host to the Verses Festival including the Wise Hall, The Cultch, Havana Theatre, York Theatre and Storm Crow Tavern. For a full rundown of events, visit Verses Festival. Take note if you are on a budget, there are a couple of free events you are invited to participate in titled Talk The Talk one is on the Climate Crisis May 4th and the other Decolonizing the Arts May 2nd.
9th Annual Verses Festival of Words April 25th to May 4th
23 Apr
Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews The Tashme Project On Now At The Firehall Arts Centre
8 Apr
First presented in 2015, The Tashme Project is a collection of stories, assembled and performed by Japanese-Canadian actors Julie Tamiko Manning and Matt Miwa. Performed for a captivated audience at the jam packed Firehall Arts Centre on opening night, Tamiko Manning and Miwa seamlessly weave their way through dozens of different stories and characters, tracing the common history and experience of the Nisei (Japanese elders) through childhood, WWII internment and post-war resettlement. Recounting stories that are both chilling and playful, The Tashme Project is a wonderful piece of theatre that shares the history that we all know through the personal voices of those who were actually there.
On a quest to satisfy their life-long curiosities, Tamiko Manning and Miwa sat down for 25 interviews with Japanese elders across the country. The Nisei were children at the time of internment and their stories remain largely untold in Japanese-Canadian families. The Tashme Project tells the real stories of the Nisei, disseminating the oral history of their elders, in an effort to transfer this important history and Japanese-Canadian identity to younger generations. Furthermore, it reminds the audience of the harsh realities that occurred right in our neighbourhood of East Vancouver, forcing us to consider the histories that occupy the spaces where we work, play and live.
The Tashme Project is on now until April 13th at the Firehall Arts Centre.
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
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VoiceStory Live: The Power Of Your Voice Continues At The Cultch
3 Apr
Winston Yeung brings VoiceStory Live to the stage at The Cultch in a series of presentations. What is VoiceStory Live? “VoiceStory is about creating a safe, empowering space free of judgement, ridicule and fear. So those that had to swallow their words and hide their stories from the world can finally have a place to share, a place to breathe, a place to unfold your wings and be!”
Winston is passionate about giving a voice to those who may not otherwise have one. They aren’t famous, they aren’t rich, they are us. Every day people trying to live a good life, do the right thing, make a difference in their own lives for themselves or for others.“It’s about people telling authentic stories of facing their fears, overcoming adversity, accomplishing achievements, and experiencing great adventures. People empowering people through storytelling!”
Voice Story Live tackles different subject matters for each session. We’ve set out below the next set of topics and dates at The Cultch.
July 7
SHAME
August 5
GRIEF
September 17
TELL THE TRUTH
VoiceStory Live does mean putting away your cell phone, forgetting that to do list and other places you should be and things you should be doing. You are invited to be in the moment with others. To purchase tickets, visit The Cultch.
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Act Of Faith At The Cultch April 11-20, 2019
2 Apr
What happens when everything we believe to be true about ourselves or those closest to us is challenged by new information? If you aren’t religious, do you believe in miracles? Act Of Faith coming to The Cultch on April 11th ask these big questions. The production brought to you by Realwheels Theatre is inspired in part by a true story. The play explores the mystery of faith-based healing and the consequences of life-changing transformation. Act Of Faith runs April 11 – 20, 2019 at Historic Theatre in The Cultch. Tickets are available online at The Cultch.
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What’s On East Van: March 22nd Edition
22 Mar
Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend. Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show – PNE Forum – March 21st – 23rd
The Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show kicks off at 1:00 pm on Friday and runs till the end of the weekend. There is a long list of exhibitors with a beautiful array of items. Bonus is children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
Hot Honey Brown – The Cultch – To March 30th
Hot Honey Brown continues this weekend The Cultch. Don’t miss this wild ride from Australia that brings six sassy women on stage who are here to make some noise and smash some stereotypes. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.
Jesus Christ: The Lost Years – Havana Theatre – March 22nd and 23rd
If you ever wondered what Jesus might have been up to between the ages of 13 and 30 well this weekend’s your chance. Monster Theatre brings Jesus Christ: The Lost Years to Havana Theatre for a couple more nights this Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available online $15-$20 through Showpass.
Musical Intergenerational Event – Trout Lake Community Centre – March 23rd
This Saturday morning, Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting a Musical Intergenerational Event for the whole family. You are invited to come and dance and sing along to the music from 10:30 am to 11:45 am. This is an all ages event and cost is $1.00 per person.
East End History Walk With James Johnstone – 696 East Hastings St. – March 23rd
James Johnstone is back offering his East End History Walk this Saturday, March 23rd. Tour starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings at 10:00 am and runs for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Cost is $20 per person. To reserve your spot, email James at historywalks@gmail.com.
Screaming Chickens Theatrical Society Monthly Taboo Revue – Wise Hall – March 23rd
The Screaming Chickens Theatrical Society are hosting their monthly burlesque variety show at the Wise Hall this Saturday night. This is a 19+ show. Show gets under way at 9:00 pm.
Movie ‘A Star is Born’ – Rio Theatre – March 23rd
If you haven’t yet managed to see A Star Is Born, you get your chance this Saturday night at the Rio Theatre. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga blend their talents for this passionate story. Movie kicks off at 8:30 pm. If you can’t make it Saturday, it shows again on Monday at 8:45 pm at the Rio.
Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music
Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music? Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.
Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.
Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing. We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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The Tashme Project: The Living Archives At The Firehall Arts Centre April 2-13, 2019
18 Mar
The Firehall Arts Centre brings an eye-opening, award-winning play The Tashme Project: The Living Archives to the Firehall Arts Centre April 2 to April 13, 2019.
Created and performed by Julie Tamiko Manning and Matt Miwa, The Tashme Project: The Living Archives traces the history and common experience of the Nisei (second generation Japanese Canadians) through childhood, internment in Canada during the Second World War, and post-war resettlement east of the Rockies. The Nisei, now in their 70s and 80s, were children at the time of internment and their stories of adventure and play are presented in sharp relief with the more common internment narratives of hardship and justice.
The Tashme Project: The Living Archives is created from twenty interwoven interviews with Nisei from Toronto, Hamilton, Kingston, Montreal, and Vancouver. The piece moves from voice to voice and story to story with fluidity and with a purposeful and constructed gracefulness. The actors portray the voices of both men and women interviewees as they seek a deep emotional and spiritual connection with the stories of their elders, breathing new life into these memories. This production is an embodiment of Nisei character, language, spirit and story, and brings to light a part of Canadian history that has been often kept in the dark. Tickets start from $25 and are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.
What people are saying about The Tashme Project: The Living Archives:
“…profoundly moving…”
Nikkei Voice
“A remarkable piece of verbatim theatre.”
Broadway World
“…Manning and Miwa…lovingly bring to life the hesitancy and frailty of these ‘living archives’.”
Montreal Gazette
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What’s On East Van: March 8th Edition
8 Mar
Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend. Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Les Amis du Fromage Celebrates 10 Years With Pop Ups Plus – March 9th
A favourite spot, les amis du fromage, celebrates 10 years in business this Saturday at their East Van location, 843 East Hastings in Strathcona. Along with cheese samples, they will have a few delish businesses on hand with pop ups including Ritchie’s Bakery with breads, La Glace Ice Cream with handcrafted creamy goodness and Petit Four Pastries. If that’s not enough, there will be demos by Lee Murphy and she will showcase her cookbook The Preservatory. Stop by this Saturday and support local business.
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – Gaston Park – March 9th
Got a fruit tree in your yard or community garden that could be producing more? You are invited to join Randi-Lee Taylor of Simply Barefoot Garden Services for some old fashioned hands on pruning techniques. Learn how to prune fruit trees for maximum production, taste, and plant health in this hands on FREE workshop. If you have pruners, you are encouraged to bring the, although they will have some on hand. Event takes place in Gaston Park this Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
East End History Walk With James Johnstone – 696 East Hastings St. – March 9th
James Johnstone is back offering his East End History Walk this Saturday, March 9th. Tour starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings at 10:00 am and runs for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Cost is $20 per person. To reserve your spot, email James at historywalks@gmail.com.
Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride – March 9th
The annual Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride happens this Saturday. All riders of all ages welcome. Crow inspired costumes are also encouraged. Ride kicks off at a NEW LOCATION this year at the Central Valley Greenway and Garden Drive (one block west of Nanaimo). Ride begins at 5:30 pm.
Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue – March 9th and 10th
Looking for some vintage? Maybe some collectibles or handmade items? The Eastside Flea is one of a couple options this weekend. The Flea happens Saturday and Sunday at 550 Malkin Avenue in Strathcona from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. There of course food trucks at the ready in case you get hungry.
Bridal Swap – Croatian Cultural Centre – March 10th
The Original Bridal Swap happens Sunday at The Croatian Cultural Centre from Noon to 4:00 pm. If you are planning a wedding, or even a big party, there are some great colourful gently used items at great deals. Tickets are available online or at the door. Visit the Bridal Swap for info on early bird tickets.
Main Street Mixed Bag – The Ellis Building – March 10th
This Sunday, Main Street Mixed Bag takes over The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. This is as the name implies a mixed bag of yard sale vendors, collectibles, vintage and handmade. Entry is free and dogs are welcome on a leash. The market happens 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Biggest Dog Meet Up #5 – John Hendry Park – March 10th
Another large dog meet up is happening at John Hendry Park this Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm. Bring your dog and your friends.
SPRING FORWARD – March 10th
Don’t forget, clocks Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time kicks in at 3:00 am on March 10th in Canada. We figure if we add a picture of flowers, it will encourage Spring. We are ever hopeful! Enjoy the extra hour.
Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music
Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music? Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.
Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. 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.
Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver including local events for New Year’s Eve, check our Event Listing. We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those watching their wallet and well who isn’t.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Tiva Quinn Reviews Children Of God On Now At The York Until March 10th
26 Feb
I didn’t make it when Children of God was in Vancouver last year partly because the idea of making a musical about child abuse and cultural genocide seemed a bit implausible, I wasn’t sure it could really work. In fact, it works brilliantly. The script does a fantastic job of including some humour and even some redemption amidst the pain without shying away from the worst things that happened at residential schools.
If you haven’t seen Children of God yet, you should go. Yes, partly because every Canadian needs to understand the legacy of residential schools, but also because it’s an excellent script performed by top-notch double-threat actor/singers and, even when the subject matter gets dark, it’s a real treat to see them perform.
For anyone who has a personal relationship or strong reaction to this material, emotional support workers are available in the lobby throughout the show.
There’s a Q and A period with the performers after the show that’s worth sticking around for. The Q and A I attended had a lot of interesting questions and commentary from both indigenous and settler audience members, and the cast themselves were just as impressive speaking off the cuff as they were during the show. Children Of God is on now at The York Theatre until March 10, 2019. Tickets available through The Cultch.
Note – during the Q&A I attended someone suggested that people refrain from drinking or at least from bringing alcohol into the theater, as many people in the audience have intergenerational trauma related to the smell of alcohol.
By Contributing Writer: Tiva Quinn
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Call To Artists: The Cultch Gallery Seeks Artists For 2019/2020 Gallery Season
25 Feb
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, has put out a call to visual artists to submit applications to exhibit their work during their 2019/2020 gallery season. Each exhibition will run for 3 to 5 weeks between August 2019 and June 2020. Submissions can be single or multiple artists’ proposals.
The Cultch has built a reputation over the past 40 years as one of Western Canada’s most innovative and exciting presenting venues. The mandate of The Cultch is to contribute to the enrichment of the city and community’s social and cultural life through the presentation of innovative programs of contemporary music, theatre, dance and visual arts by established and emerging artists.
The Cultch Gallery is a multi-use space and not a traditional art gallery as it also serves as the lobby for performances and is occasionally used for meetings and other small events. Due to the diverse nature of this space, submissions that include sculptures or free standing art will not be accepted. Further, they will only be able to show works that hang from their gallery ‘rail’ system that does not have a depth of more than 12″.
Submission Criteria for Artists:
- An artist statement
- Artist bio(s)
- Resume/CV
- A complete list of images you are submitting, which should include title, size, medium. These images do not have to be the work you will be showing. They want to get a good overview of your work.
- You can submit up to 10 images and not necessarily the images you plan on showing, but so they get a sense of the range of work you do. Image files should be in .jpeg format. File names must include the artist name, title of artwork and size of the work when framed: (example: Yuri Arajs – Sunny Day -18 in x 30 in. jpg). Images should be 300 dpi.
Deadline for applications is May 31, 2019. Email your submissions to gallery@thecultch.com, but you can also mail a CD with your application to:
If you have any questions, you can email Yuri Arajs, the Gallery Coordinator at The Cultch gallery@thecultch.com.
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Hot Honey Brown Returns To The Cultch March 15 to 30, 2019
20 Feb
This March, the production Hot Honey Brown returns to The Cultch. This smash hit from Australia took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with a group of six sassy women who know how to make some noise and defiantly smash stereotypes. This production is part of the evolution of our changing cultural landscape as it relates to women. The #metoo campaign shook the tree, we think Hot Honey Brown lends voice to some of the empowerment that comes from stepping out of the shadows and speaking up. See a production that speaks with sass along with hip hop, dance, poetry, comedy, circus, song and striptease to push boundaries and defy labels. Last year, an extra week was added due to popular demand for tickets. So if you wish to see this production, we recommend grabbing your tickets sooner vs. later. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.
What people are saying about Hot Honey Brown:
★★★★★
Is it empowering, exuberant, rousing, fun? Hell, yes! It’s also the show that the world needs right now!”
The Globe and Mail
★★★★★
Gleefully challenges stereotypes of sex and race with a full grin, bared
chest and raised middle finger.”
Edinburgh 49
★★★★★
It’s gobsmacking the talent and message this show has to offer: how it challenges
everyone to review their views, and inspires everyone to rock the boat”
Theatre Press
★★★★★
A powerhouse performance of passion and poignancy”
Broadway World
★★★★★
Unapologetic, almost aggressively graceful and fabulously fierce…”
Theatre People
ILiveInEastVan.com 