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PostSecret: The Show Returns To Firehall Arts Centre February 17 – March 5

1 Feb

Post_Secret-The-Show-L-R-Kahlil-Ashanti-Nicolle-Nattrass-Ming-Hudson-700x501Last year, we had the pleasure of seeing PostSecret: The Show at the Firehall Arts Centre which is making a return to Vancouver on February 17th. This production brings to life one of the most popular blogs in the world PostSecret.com. If you are unfamiliar with this blog, in November 2004, US artist, Frank Warren, created a viral movement when he printed 3,000 self-addressed postcards and handed them out to people on the streets and asked them to mail their secrets to his home in Washington, DC.  The secrets were anonymous and the secret they shared could be regret, fear, betrayal, desire, a confession or childhood humiliation.  Postsecret.com is now one of the most visited advertisement-free blogs in the world with over 700 million visitors from all over the world.

On February 17th  Vancouver’s TJ Dawe along with other Vancouver collaborators Kahlil Ashanti and Justin Sudds bring the show back to Vancouver. This is truly an innovative project that pushes the boundaries of crowd-sourced storytelling, combining intimate live performance with secrets from around the globe.  Part of the aim of the production is to show you that you are not alone. When you hear some of the secrets revealed, guaranteed you will find one that resonates with you. Some of the secrets in this show do take on a serious tone, such as suicide, but what we came away with is howPostSecrets.com has connected people by mere words reinforcing to us words are powerful.

PostSecret: The Show is full of raw human emotion in all its honesty, for better or for worse. We are sure you will see some of yourself in the secrets revealed.  Some will make you laugh out loud, some with pull at your heart strings, some will make you think, but by the end, the show does in its own unique way make you see ‘we are all in this together’.  Each and every one of us has the ability to reach out and make a connection to someone and make a difference in someone’s life. Everyone will take away a little something different from this show which was criticized by a few for being too much like a TED Talk. This is a fair comment, but we felt that’s what made for a unique and engaging show. We encourage you to see the human in humanity.  PostSecret The Show runs from February 11th to March 5th at the Firehall Arts Centre. Tickets range from $17 to $30 and are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

PS Looking to go somewhere for a bite before the show that’s close by? Might we suggest Chuchillo.  It is a one block walk away and has Latin American inspired dishes which are pretty tasty.

Foto Friday – East Vancouver Street Art

29 Jan

 

ILiveInEastVanApril202013 328On this Foto Friday, we would like to share with you our love of art. In East Van we are surrounded by talent in many different mediums and we find ourselves often in awe of the collective raw talent in this part of the Vancouver.  Today we share with you some of our first photos that inspired this site which are the many faces of street art around East Vancouver. One holds a special place for us as it was defaced a couple of years ago. We pay homage to the artist, by keeping it alive and well as the main photo in our Twitter feed and we share it here today (pictured above) along with a number of others that have inspired us.  If you’d like to share your photos of East Van, drop us a line at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com.

 

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June Hunter Valentine’s Studio Sale February 6th

28 Jan

valentine print invite2 2016If you are looking for something special and unique for someone this Valentine’s Day, we have the spot for you. East Van artist, June Hunter, is having a Valentine’s Studio Sale on Saturday, February 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are unfamiliar with June’s work, she makes unique pieces of art and jewellery which are inspired by the nature that surrounds her.  Her work has been featured in Style at Home House and Home and Where Vancouver as well as on CBC’s Living Vancouver. At June’s upcoming Studio Sale, you can expect to find up to 50% off on jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints (both framed and unframed) as well as large plexiglass metallic prints. Befitting the occasion, June will  have on hand special crow-themed Valentine cookies.  June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). While there, be sure to ask June about The Great Bunting Giveaway. We understand there will be a door prize this time around which will be one of the rows of bunting on display, which consist of romantic rose and other floral images.  If you are not able to make the Studio Sale, you can also visit her Shop Online or find some of her work at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive.

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Photos Courtesy of June Hunter Images

Exhibit Opening At The Cultch Gallery January 27

26 Jan

Jeff-Wilson-Grandview Smoke ShopThis Wednesday, January 27th, The Cultch Gallery, 1895 Venables Street, invites you to the opening of a new exhibit.   The Cultch Gallery will be showcasing the works of Harold Coego and Jeff Wilson.  Harold Coego originates from Havana, Cuba but now resides in Vancouver and is a self taught artist.  Harold Coego uses various art forms to express himself including painting, drawing, writing and film making.  Jeff Wilson is also a self taught artist and a native of Scotland.  He worked in the mining industry for most of his life before becoming a painter.  Jeff Wilson first exhibited his work in 2011 and in 2013 he became a full-time artist.  He likes to create socially relevant paintings that are bright, bold and exciting. You are invited to attend the opening reception of this new exhibit which will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday,  January 29th.  The exhibit runs until February 20th and can be viewed from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening reception.

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Artist Credit: Jeff Wilson Above
Artist Credit: Harold Coego Below

Havana Restaurant Partners With The Cultch

15 Jan

Havana2Havana Restaurant is an amazing delicious spot located at 1212 Commercial Drive. There is a bit of Old Havana in Cuba at this eclectic spot.  Havana is also a great supporter of local arts whether it’s their own theatre in the back or the area next to the theatre showcasing local art. Whether you come for lunch, brunch or dinner, the place is always hopping and we might add has amazing food and drinks. Added bonus is the outdoor patio which is packed a good portion of the year.  Now there is one more reason to stop at Havana for a bite. They have just announced a great partnership with The Cultch.  Havana is offering 15% off your food purchases on any evening you attend a performance at The Cultch. If you didn’t already know, Havana is located just a short walk from The Cultch. So really it’s a perfect spot to stop before or after the show.   As we regularly attend events at The Cultch, you can bet you will be finding us here before a show. Just remember, you will need to show your ticket.

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Photo Credit: Havana Restaurant

Dark New Comedy ‘All New People’ Comes To Havana Theatre January 17-30

8 Jan

AllNewPeopleHavanaA dark new comedy is coming to Havana Theatre this month called All New People.   Ben Bilodeau, an actor for many years in Vancouver, is making his directorial debut with this fast-paced 4 person play.  The play was created by actor/writer Zach Braff. If the name is not familiar, you may recall him as one of the ‘doctors’ on the TV sitcom Scrubs.  All New People opens with a young, disenchanted Charlie on a chair with an extension cord around his neck, intent on ending his life. Unknowingly, his plans are about to be put on hold with the unexpected arrival of a spiritually misguided, British real estate agent, a Thespian-turned-fireman and a dim-witted, but well-intentioned working girl.  Zach Braff brings you a perky, sitcom-style comedy that we hear is guaranteed to keep you laughing as these unlikely roommates open their hearts to each other and you. All New People runs from January 17 -30. Tickets are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets.

Vancouver Design Jam For Community Art in Mount Pleasant January 28th

7 Jan

Nerd-Jam-Web-HeaderThe Mount Pleasant Business Association is hosting a Design Nerd Jam on Thursday, January 28th. The Mount Pleasant BIA is inviting its members as well as local artists, art businesses and organizations, community groups and developers to share their ideas on what might be fun and engaging public art in Mount Pleasant.  Mount Pleasant is a creative hub filled with artists and artist studios, but there is a feeling that there is little evidence of that on the streets of Mount Pleasant.  Thus, the upcoming Design Nerd Jam which will be held at the Heritage Hall.  What is a Nerd Jam you might ask?  Basically, it’s an idea factory. The premise is to have a fun, fast, creative brainstorming session with various stakeholders in the community.  You are invited to join the conversation on January 28th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  An RSVP is requested which can be done online. If you would like more information, you can email Charmaine@mpbia.ca. at the Mount Pleasant BIA.

Charlie Demers Brings Leftovers To The York Theatre January 26-30

28 Dec

PuSh2016_Leftovers_credit-Simon HayterAn interesting new show is coming to The York Theatre in the New Year called Leftovers. The show is part of the upcoming PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Leftovers is created by Charlie Demers with Marcus Youssef of Neworld Theatre and is a political comedy like none you’ve ever seen. Charlie Demers, if you don’t know him, is one talented guy. He has worn many hats including one of the stars of CBC Radio’s the Debators, playwright of the East Van Panto – Jack & The Beanstalk and more recently a creative writing instructor at UBC best-selling author. Charlie Demers was born in 1980, between the elections of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, and emerged from that era as a proud socialist.  This January, Charlie brings you a complex comedy which we expect will move quickly and touch on many subjects including ideology, dreams and politics. It will be serious and hilarious and this is one show we will be lining up to see.  Leftovers runs from January 26 to 30 at The York Theatre. Tickets start at $10 and are available online from The Cultch.   A post-show talkback happens on January 27th which we expect will be an exceptional evening. Also, a matinee show has been added for Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 pm.  This show has a short run, so if you wish to be entertained, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you wish to learn a bit more about Charlie Demers, we invite you to check out this write up in BC BookLook.

Photo Credit: Simon Hayter

Gifting An East Van Experience This Holiday Season

17 Dec

GiftBoxXmasWe here at ILiveInEastVan.com are big fans of gifting experiences. There is so much to see and do close to home and sometimes we just get busy and don’t get organized to put it together. So why not gift someone a fun East Van experience this holiday season?   We have set out below a few of our favourites which include brewery and foodie tours, cooking classes, theatre as well as dinner and dancing.  We have included links which take you directly to each site to make that gift giving easier.

Vancouver Brewery Tour – East Van Brewery Tour

Vancouver Brewery Tours does great brewery tours in and around East Vancouver. A $75 gift certificate gets you onto one of their regularly scheduled brewery tours which run approximately 3 hours. Another option is purchasing tickets for their Beer and Food Pairing Tours which happen in January 2016 for Dine Out.

Off The Eaten Track – Culinary Tours

Off The Eaten Track offers a number of culinary tours including Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour which takes you through the Hastings Sunrise area for $65. There is also the Railtown Urban Eats Tour runs you $55 and starts in the historic ‘Japantown’ and takes you to a number of stops including Railtown Café and the Settlement Building.  Also on offer are the Main Street Hidden Gems Culinary Tour for $65. Then a personal favourite, the Vancouver Distillery Tour which stops at a number of local distilleries and provides tours, tastings and bites for $75.  Tours all begin at the Waterfront Station and times vary but approximately 2 ½ hours for each.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing. Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year including  Viva Le France on January 27th and March 9th for $65 and a Wine & Cheese Tasting Class on February 23 for $60.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering Flavours of Morocco on January 23rd for $65,  David Robertson of ‘The Dirty Apron’ will be on hand the evening of January 28th showing you how to make some delish dishes for $75, or if you are feeding a crowd for SuperBowl this year, there is Game Day – Feeding A Crowd for $65. Most classes are instructional vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  To purchase tickets, call the store at T: 604.253.3022.

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, they have an interesting show we have our eye on called Leftovers. It features Charlie Demers, one of the stars of CBC Radio’s the Debators and best-selling author. This is a political comedy which we hear will cut through decades of BS.   Tickets are available online from $10. Note the show itself takes place at the York Theatre between  January 26 – 30, 2016.

The Motherf**ker with the Hat At The Firehall Arts Centre January 16 – 30, 2016

16 Dec

HatAn interesting show is premiering in Vancouver in the New Year at the Firehall Arts Centre. The Motherf**ker with the Hat is the inaugural production of Haberdashery Theatre Co., a company whose mandate is to contribute to the local theatre scene by doing edgier, issue driven plays.  This story features 12 Steps, 3 Heart, 1 Hat as well as love and addiction.  The story begins in New York City and moves to the Downtown Eastside.  It features Jackie an ex-con and addict who is determined to stay clean and get his life back track with the help of his sponsor.  Jackie’s efforts are challenged by Veronica, the love of his life, who is an alcoholic/addict and he suspects is cheating on him with a  ‘mofo’ with a hat. The play is being billed as “blisteringly funny and poignant”.    The Motherf**ker with the Hat previews January 16th at 8:00 pm and continues until January 30th at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street. Tickets are available online from $16 – $33 and Wednesday matinee shows are Pay What You Can.