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What’s On East Van: July 13th Edition

13 Jul

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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.

Greek SummerFest – Boundary & 29th Ave. Until July 15th

Great food, live entertainment and dancing continues this weekend and then it’s done for another year.  The Greek Summerfest is happening at Boundary and 29th Avenue. Lots of great talent taking the stage this weekend including Greek sensation Yanni Sahamis and Grupo Asi Somos performing Venezuelan Music.  This is an all ages event and admission is free. For more information, visit Greek Summerfest.

Movie In The Park – Collingwood Park – July 13th

Collingwood Community Policing is hosting a free movie in the park event Friday, July 13th. Festivities get underway at 7:00 pm.  Movie name not announced, but we expect it to be family friendly.

Adult Nights – Playland – July 13th

Playland Nights continues this Friday Night for the 4th of 6 evening events for the 19+ crowd.  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. New this year is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.   Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.

Eastside Culture Crawl’s 3rd Annual Art, Bike, Beer Crawl– July 14th

This is a fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which does a great job of featuring  East Van artists. This event takes you to 4 breweries whether you wish to cycle or walk, your call.  Last stop is Strange Fellows Brewing which will be serving light bite as well.  To get your ticket, visit Eventbrite.

Miqayel Voskanyan & Friends – The Cultch – July 14th 

Miqayel Voskanyan and Friends will be performing at The Cultch this Saturday. This is an ethno-jazz and folk band based in Yerevan, Armenia. They have introduced jazz to the tar (a folk instrument used across the Caucasus and Iran), which we’ve learnt makes them stand out with a fresh, modern sound in world music.  This is a new genre of music that fuses old and new.  Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and available at The Cultch.

RecycleFest – Trout Lake – July 14th 

You are invited to stop by RecycleFest this Saturday at Trout Lake from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with your unwanted or broken small appliances and power tools. While there, enjoy free food, music, games and prizes and learn a little about recycling.

Weiner Dog Races – Hastings Racecourse – July 14th & 15th

Hastings Racecourse presents their Dog Days of Summer event, the very popular Weiner Dog Races.  Along with the races, there will be food trucks, craft beer and live music and we hope some shade and cooling mats for the hot dogs. Event happens both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. First race each day is at 1:50 pm.

Summer Series At Grandview Park – July 15th

The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting a free family event at Grandview Park (Commercial Drive at Charles Street). You are invited to stop by between 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm for Zumba on the main stage, face painting, balloon twisting and more.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

Looking for live music? Breaking Boundaries is back at Cafe Deux Soleils on the Drive this Saturday night. If you are looking for comedy, East Van Improv League hangs out at Havana Theatre Sunday nights at 8:00 pm. Three farmer markets are happening this weekend. Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back at Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am till 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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Car Free Day On Commercial Drive & Commercial Street Village Sunday, July 8th

3 Jul

CarFreeDay2018Two Car Free Days are happening this Sunday, July 8th. First up is:

Car Free Day On Commercial Drive: Noon – 7:00 pm

The street festival which stretches 15 blocks along Commercial Drive will have at least 3 stages set up for entertainment.  Local artisans will be on hand, there will be activities for all ages and of course great food.  If you hadn’t heard, Car Free started on The Drive, so they have this event nailed down and will be continuing to promote car free spaces and green living within the community. Note, buses will be rerouted for the day along Commercial Drive, but there will be lots of easy access to the event by bus and Skytrain.  If you are travelling by bike and wish to store it while you wander, BEST Bike Valet will be on hand.  Event kicks off at Noon and goes till 7:00 pm.

Car Free Day On Commercial Street Village: Noon – 4:30 pm 

The local businesses that comprise the 3400 – 3500 block Commercial Street are hosting a Mini Car Free Day this Sunday alongside the event on Commercial Drive. They have lots of fun stuff lined up including chainsaw carving by Jesse Toso of Toso Wood Gallery, live music, kids t-shirt giveaway, giant Genga game, street art, rummage sale, chocolate tasting, bike repair as well as an electric bike demo and a whole lot more.  They are asking those that attend to help make this a zero waste event.  This is a first time event for this group, so they are running a shorter event from Noon – 4:30 pm. Stop by and support some great local businesses tucked away on Commercial Street.

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Meet Me At The Lamp(p)ost: Exhibit of East Vancouver Street Photography At Massy Books

2 Jul

 

Massy Books 100% Indigenous owned and operated business that recently moved to 229 East Georgia Street in Chinatown. They have a great selection of rare and off beat books alongside best sellers.  We recently learnt they also have a great gallery upstairs.  It is currently featuring a collaborative collection of street photography that celebrates the artistry and grit of East Vancouver while capturing stillness in a world full of transient moments.

The exhibit is presented by Irish-born, Canadian residents Laura Noonan and Tara Mary Paget, through place-specific street photography, Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost revolves around the present and promotes contentment in self and place. Laura and Tara founded Meet me at the Lamp(p)ost in 2016, they are self-taught lens-based artists, focused predominately on exploring the landscape, people and architecture that make up East Vancouver. They chose Massy Books as a place to display their work for its quirky and artsy nature and its community space that enables people to connect. Meet Me At The Lamp(p)post is on now until July 10, 2018 during regular hours, being 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Thursday to Sunday. Stop by and check out how they see East Vancouver.

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What’s On East Van: June 22nd Edition

22 Jun

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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.

FIFA – The World Cup

FIFA World Cup Soccer continues which means many local spots will be featuring games. Some of those include The Libra Room featuring games after 10:30 a.m. Portuguese Club will open early for all Portugal matches, but just a reminder that members get first dibs on seats/space.  The Vancouver Alpen Club will be open 30 minutes before kick off and beer flows early at 9:00 am. There is a $5 cover charge at The Alpen Club. St. Augustine’s is regularly featuring sporting events.

Playland Nights – PNE – June 22nd

Playland Nights kicks off this Friday June 22nd at 7:00 pm.  Playland will be again hosting 6 summer evenings dedicated to adults only (meaning 19+).  There will be beverages, alcoholic and non, midway games, rides, DJs spinning tunes with a definite party theme. New this year is also a burlesque show and the opportunity to test your lumber Jack/Jill skills with axe-throwing which we understand there’s an extra charge to participate in.   Tickets are $31 in advance or $34 at the gate.  We learnt these events sold out last year, so want to attend, hop to it.

What Ifs – The Cultch – June 23rd

Who hasn’t asked themselves at one time or another ‘what if’ I’d done this or that. Your life could or can take a different trajectory.   Interesting feature at The Cultch this Saturday asking the What If question. What if you got on a plane today? What If you made the first move? What If you said yes?   You are invited to come sit and dream about places and experiences not yet lived.  Life is a journey with many possible paths. It’s easy to get stuck in one path which then becomes comfortable.   Are you stuck?  What if you attended Saturday and it changed your path? There are 2 sessions this Saturday at 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $23 in advance or $20 at the door.

Summer Solstice – Mountain View Cemetery – June 23rd

Little Chamber Music is hosting their 4th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration ta Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, this Saturday, June 23rd.  This is a free family friendly event with music, art and dance. This year they are partnering with Birds! Birds! Birds! which means there will be bird origami and flute players recreating bird song whilst watching bird stilt walkers.   You are invited to bring your lawn chairs, or a blanket and get settled in between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Singing begins at 7:00 pm with other activities to follow until 9:00 pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Middle Eastern Celebration – Trout Lake Community Centre – June 24th

You are invited to a Middle Eastern Celebration happening at Trout Lake Community Centre this Sunday, June 24th.  Join them for henna, dance, arts and craft, theatre performances and more.  Festivities happen from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Participation is free, but food will be available for $7.00. Registration is requested.

Our Social Fabric – Textile Sale – June 24th

Our Social Fabric, a textile recycling initiative is having a sale this Sunday, June 24th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  For those that sew or do crafts, there are some amazing deals. Come early for best selection. Sale happens at 1275 Venables Street, Suite #270.

Zumba & Beer – Andina Brewing Co. – June 24th

ZOOMbeer is back at Andina Brewing Co, 1507 Powell Street. this Sunday, June 24th.  Class gets under way at 11:00 am followed by a flight or glass of beer. Cost is $20. Registration through Zumba Vancouver.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

If you love Star Trek and burlesque, then the Rio Theatre has you covered this Friday and Saturday, Geekenders present a Star Trek Burlesque Show both nights at 8:00 pm. If you are looking for live music, Cumbia Galeria with Joshua Job will be at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night specializing in Latin music.  Three farmer markets are happening this weekend. Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back at Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am till 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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Eastside Culture Crawl’s 3rd Annual Art, Bike & Beer Crawl July 14, 2018

19 Jun

ArtBeerCrawl2018The Eastside Culture Crawl is hosting their 3rd Annual Art, Bike & Beer Crawl on Saturday, July 14, 2018.  This is fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which does a great job showcasing some of the amazing artistic talent we have in East Van.  As the name depicts, you will be taken on a crawl of 4 breweries, names to be announced, but their official beer sponsor is Strange Fellows Brewing which is also where the wrap tour will be held along with light eats.  The beer crawl will feature tasting flights at each brewery along with tours and/or chats on beer as well as art exhibits at certain spot on the tour.  The event happens rain or shine and you are invited to cycle or walk the Art, Bike & Beer Crawl.  Tickets are $55 and available from Eventbrite.  You must be 19 years or older to participate in this event.

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Eat.Drink.Play. At The Firehall Arts Centre June 14, 2018

6 Jun

EatDrinkPlay2018The Firehall Arts Centre invites you to Eat.Drink.Play. being held on Thursday, June 14th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street.  This annual fundraiser brings together some of East Van’s best restaurants, craft brewers, small-batch distillers and performers for an evening of sampling and sharing.  The event takes over the Firehall’s entire premises including theatre, lobby, studio, courtyard as well as the dressing rooms.  Throughout the Firehall, you will find an array of delectable treats, eclectic dance, music and performances as well as a silent auction.  Eat.Drink.Play will feature selections of food from neighbourhood hot spots including The Pint, Tuc Craft Kitchen, Cadeaux Baker, Crab Park Chowdery, Kofta, Elephant & Castle.  Libations will be provided the kind folks at Steamworks Brewery nand Odd Society Spirits as well as Hoochy Boooch kombucha.  You can expect a smorgasbord of delectable treats and enjoyable performances as you roam through the heritage building sampling food, enjoying libations, and bidding on some amazing silent auction items. For music and laughter, Krystle Dos Santos, recently seen in the Chelsea Hotel will be on hand as will Andy Toth seen in the Firehall’s Urinetown The Musical and a few more guests. The Firehall Arts Centre has been producing performing arts for 35 years in this beautiful heritage building at the corner of Cordova and Gore. We invite you to lend your support for our City’s vibrant and innovative arts community. Tickets for Eat.Drink.Play are $49 and $25 for artists and are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

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Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn Checks Out rEvolver Festival On Until June 3rd

1 Jun

RevolverFestivalContributing writer, Tiva Quinn, checked out a few shows being featured as part of the rEvolver Festival. This festival featuring young contemporary artists is on now at The Cultch until June 3rd.  Get out and see for yourself what’s on. Visit The Cultch for tickets.

BUG 

Bug clearly shows that young Ojibwe artist Yolanda Bonnell is a performer and creator to watch. In this one-woman show about addictions, intergenerational trauma and the foster care system, Yolanda portrays a young woman growing up too fast and accepting abusive relationships into her life as a sign that she matters to someone. She also portrays the young woman’s mother, wrestling with her addictions and with questions about whether or not she deserved to have her child taken away by the government. And in a strange and powerful way, she also gives voice to the power of addiction and intergenerational trauma itself, manifesting as Manidoons – the Ojibwe word for bug or worm. The two human characters, mother and daughter, become stunningly real and complex in a short period of time – while the Manidoons are represented as a simple, genuinely creepy being who cares only about gaining more and more control over human lives.

PROBABILITY

Next I went to Probability, a show about two women who may or may not end up in love, and may or may not succeed in making a go of it if they do. Probability managed to be laugh out loud funny in  several places, while also digging into some pretty deep material about the things we want and the things we fear in intimate relationships. The improv game technique of having two actors represent the characters in the story while another two represent their inner monologues is used to excellent effect here – a lot of the ProbabilityPosterfunniest moments and also the most painful, heart-tugging moments come from the difference between what the characters say and what’s going on in their minds. It also means that we get to see the process in motion both when they try to protect themselves and when they try to reveal themselves. All four actresses do a terrific job here, and the set deserves honorable mention as well.

KITT & JANE

Last, I saw Kitt & Jane: An Interactive Survival Guide to the Near-Post-Apocalyptic Future which was also a mix of comedy and serious themes, but with a lot more emphasis on the comedy. Kitt and Jane depicts the antics of two 8th graders who take over their school assembly and decide to present about the coming eco-apocalypse instead of their assigned topic, the life cycle of the salmon. Like actual 8th graders, the actors are incredibly funny at several points along the way, but they also take their  obsessions a bit too far and wear on our nerves at times. The show’s creators cite Adventure Time, Big Mouth, and Gravity Falls as some of their influences and the show definitely is a lot like watching human cartoons. If you enjoy the humor in characters who never quite realize when they’ve gone too far, you might just love this show.

Photo Credit: Patricia Trinh

 

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Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews 12 Minute Madness – rEvolver Festival

28 May

12MinuteMadnessChrisRandleThis year’s rEvolver Festival is focusing on women creators as all the mainstage shows have either been created or co-created by women. One of these shows, 12 Minute Madness, features an entirely female cast. Incredibly dark and candid, the show’s 12 performers give the audience a twisted look into the mind of a sexual abuse survivor. Earning a standing ovation on opening night, this tale is as raunchy as it is poignant – a piece that has necessarily been born out of the #MeToo movement.

The story follows a young woman, Marlena, as she recalls repressed memories of the sexual abuse she suffered as a child at the hands of her own grandfather. Instead of representing different players in this story in the outside world, each character in the production embodies a different part of Marlena’s psyche as she grapples with what has happened to her and questions the reliability of her own memories. There’s shame, there’s sadness, there’s anger and there’s reason (to name a few) and all contribute to complete madness inside Marlena’s head.

This production offers a glance into the mind and soul of a victim of sexual abuse and calls for audiences to realize the multi-faceted and contradictory thoughts and feelings that occur in the mind alone, before even reaching the world outside. rEvolver Festival continues at The Cultch until June 3rd.

By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic

Photo Credit: Chris Randle

 

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Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews The Only Good Indian – rEvolver Festival

24 May

OneGoodIndianPhotoGrahamIsadorPandemic Theatre’s The Only Good Indian, presented by Upintheair Theatre, is on now at the Cultch for the 2018 rEvolver Festival. Performed by several different artists throughout the run of the festival, this piece is part lecture, part meditation and part threat. In it’s West Coast premiere, Toronto’s Jivesh Parasram delivers a funny, yet disturbing and thought provoking account of his experience as an “other” in a world of purported shared human experience.

Each night of The Only Good Indian, a different performer straps themselves into a suicide vest and attempts to rationalize such an “irrational” decision. In doing so, the performer forces the audience to think about, look at, and listen to things that are uncomfortable – visiting dark corners of the human mind which are cast aside in polite conversation.

The aim of the project is to explore the idea of “pluriversality” – the belief that there are many world views and many cosmologies which comprise the whole. This concept is in direct contravention of the idea of a “common truth”, a claim that suggests there is a correct way to think, speak and act, which is so prevalent in the western world and even right here in our community. The Only Good Indian is an experiment which forces people to question their own prejudices and privileges, however “woke” they think they might be.

For tickets to this production, as part of the 2018 rEvolver Festival, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic

Photo Credit: Graham Isador

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Victim Impact At The Cultch June 8-17, 2018

17 May

VictimImpactTheatre Conspiracy brings a unique documentary to the stage at The Cultch, Victim Impact. The production features the story of former notary public, Rashida Samji who drew her family, friends and community into a vast web of deceit in her Ponzi scheme. For those unfamiliar with a Ponzi scheme, it is a “a fraudulent investing scam promising high rates of return with little risk to investors. The Ponzi scheme generates returns for older investors.”   This documentary features some of the mysterious aspects of this case from 2003 to 2012.  The show looks at the fallout of those that got sucked into the vortex of civil and criminal trials.  Over 200 people lost large sums of money in this fraud involving $110 million.   Tickets are available online at The Cultch. Note there are concession tickets for $10 for seniors, students and the unemployed/underemployed. Victim Impact runs from June 8th to June 17th.

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