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SOMM: VIP Wine Night and Documentary Screening At The Rio Theatre – June 11th

29 May

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The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, is presenting their first ever wine tasting along with the screening of the highly-anticipated documentary SOMM.  This debut film by director Jason Wise explores the “massively intimidating” Master Sommerlier Exam. This film will take you into the mysterious world of the Court of Master Sommeliers. The Court of Master Sommeliers is one of the world’s most prestigious, secretive, and exclusive organizations. Since its inception almost 40 years ago, less than 200 candidates have reached the exalted Master level. The exam covers literally every nuance of the world of wine, spirits and cigars.  Following the screening, a lively and entertaining Q&A is to follow which will include SOMM’s director Jason Wise attending via Skype along with an expert wine panel featuring Westender Vancouver’s wine columnist, Kurtis Kolt, Advanced Sommelier candidate Robert Stelmachuk and Shane Taylor, Assistant Wine Director at Blue Water Care + Raw Bar.   This VIP event gets underway at 7:00 p.m. on June 11th.  Tickets for the wine tasting and film screening are available online in advance for $25.00, or $30.00 at the door. Tickets for the screening only are available online for $12.00 or at the door  for $15.00. Movie screening and Q &A gets underway at 8:30 p.m.

Cultch Gallery Opening Showcasing The Downtown East Side Small Grant Arts Program

27 May

CultchGalleryDTEASPThis Wednesday, May 29th, The Cultch Gallery, 1895 Venables Street, invites you to the opening of a new exhibit.   The Cultch Gallery will be showcasing the works of the Vancouver Foundation’s Downtown East Side Small Arts Grants program. This program was created in 2008 in partnership with the Carnegie Community Centre. The initiative seeks to foster individual achievement amongst local artists in the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.   You are invited to attend the opening reception of this exhibit which will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday,  May 29th. The exhibit runs from May 28, 2013 – June 8, 2013  and can be viewed from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Dinner, Comedy and Dancing Tonight At Federico’s Supper Club

24 May

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Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial Drive, and Jeff Turner Entertainment Group are featuring two of Canada’s best comedians tonight. The comedy show opens with Ben McGinnis who is a native of Vancouver and will entertain you with his caustic wit.  The comedy headliner is Carter Hortie. Carter is a veteran of the comedy scene and has been delivering his satirical comedy for over 15 years across North America.

Come out for dinner before the show and enjoy a 3 course meal.  Reservations are being accepted from 6:30 p.m. onwards.  The comedy portion of the evening begins at 9:30 p.m.  Then cap off the evening with live music by Federico Fuoco and Shannon Green and a little dancing.   All this for $50 not including taxes and gratuity of course.   For reservations call 604.251.3473 or book on-line.

A Call to Artists for Broadway East Art Walk

22 May

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A group of neighbours in the Mount Pleasant area are leading the charge to create an Art Walk in the Broadway East area. The idea is that a number of businesses along the Broadway corridor between Prince Edward and Prince Albert would provide some exhibition space within or outside of their premises.   A small scale pilot Art Walk is scheduled for June 8th with a larger event to follow on September 29th to coincide with other community events taking place at that time.    The goal of the initiative is to bring new life to this area while supporting the local arts.  They are looking for artists in a variety of mediums including: paint, short film, sculpture, performance, temporary installation, you name it. The field is wide open.  It is preferred that you have not exhibited your work previously.   If are interested in submitting your art, submit your contact information and 1 – 2 samples of your work or a link to your portfolio to: broadwayeastartwalk@gmail.com with the subject line “Broadway East Art Walk”.

Screening Premiere of Into Darkness At The Rio Theatre – Thursday, May 16th

16 May

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Star Trek fans it has been a long wait, but the time has finally come. The newest Star Trek movie,  Into Darkness, is finally here and premieres today at the Rio Theatre,  1660 E. Broadway. The Rio is offering a matinee showing at 1:00 p.m. and a late night showing  at 11:30 p.m. with bar service I might add for the late night showing only.

Into Darkness is the 12th installment in the Star Trek series and the sequel to 2009’s Star Trek, The Future Begins.  The crew of the Enterprise is called back home, and on returning they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their organization. Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

Regular screening of Into Darkness runs from May 17th to May 30th at the Rio Theatre.  Why not see the movie at the last independent movie house in the City!   You can purchase tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca.

New In East Van – Giving Gifts & Company

15 May

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Things have been percolating along in one little reclaimed retail space on Main Street.  4570 Main Street is the home of a new co-operative store called Giving Gifts & Company (Main & 30th Avenue).  It opened its doors officially on April 6th and on May 2nd had a very successful grand opening.   Giving Gifts & Company started as a pop up shop and is now a unique concept in retail. It is a co-operative store made of variety of local vendors and artisans.   There are 2 regular vendors and stakeholders in this co-operative. Firstly, Lisa Pozin of Giving Gifts which sells fair trade and eco-friendly items many of  which make perfect gifts for children.  Secondly, Lesley Morris of Upscale Swag on Main  which sells some beautiful clothing and hand bags from designers in Los Angeles and New York as well as exclusive one of a kind fashion jewellery.

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The remainder of the shop comprises of a number of rotating vendors, the number of which may vary, at present there are 9.  There is quite an array of items.   Currently on hand are vintage clothing, shoes and accessories by Clare’s Collectibles, some amazing chocolates by Cocoa Nymph Chocolates, handmade kids clothing including bamboo baby blankets by Little MoSo, antique collectibles by Once Twice Vintage Design, stunning colourful artwork by Julia DiSano of Ebi Emporium and Green With Envy which specializes in air plants in well-designed terrariums. Then there is jewellery by Earth Essence Jewellery.  Certainly a little bit of something for everyone.   The rotating vendors are there generally for one month at a time, but some may be there for longer. It does mean there will always be something in different in store.  This new co-operative is an amazing opportunity for local artisans to get some exposure.  The store is open 6 days a week Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. and closed Mondays.    Definitely worth stopping by and taking a look.

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Stone Soup Festival Coming to Britannia Community Centre May 11th

6 May

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Saturday, May 11th the Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, will be hosting the 18th Annual Stone Soup Festival.  This event is a celebration of food, art, environment and community and is very much a family oriented event.  There is something for everyone at this celebration.    On site there will be a food market as well as local artists and community groups showcasing their works, live music, tea leaf reading, free soup, children’s activities including a Children’s Seed Planting Workshop from 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. in the West Kids’ Area. Also from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Jan Nguyen will be presenting an Origami Workshop at the Britannia Site.

This event focuses on food and the sharing of resources and eating ‘local’.  Stone Soup Festival will celebrate the diversity of food within the neighbourhood and the importance of food to the culture of our community. This year there will be a special focus on Urban Agriculture. To that end, there will be workshops on a variety of topics including The Urban Food Garden (Planning Tips & Advice from Victory Gardens) from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Family Activity Room, How To Plant & Care For A Tree Workshop by David Tracey from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Al Mattison Lounge as well as a presentation by Peter Ladner on Digging Economic Sustainability into the Urban Food Movement at 3:00 p.m. in the Britannia Library. And if that isn’t enough, does your bike need a tune up? Kickstand will be hosting a Bike Tune Up Workshop which is by donation.

Live music will be at the Commercial Drive Stage. The schedule kicks it off with Katheryn Petersen at Noon. At 1:00 p.m. you will find the Carnival Band, then Tim Sars Band will be on stage at 1:30 p.m., Backspin gets going at 2:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. Glenn Watts takes the stage and to finish things off, Rio Samaya at 4:00 p.m.  And of course free soup will be available from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Gym D compliments of Liquids and Solids Cafe & Market.  Come out and celebrate local food in your community!

Vancouver International Burlesque Festival At The Rio Theatre May 2nd

1 May

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The first night of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is coming to the Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, this Thursday, May 2nd.  Did you know that last year’s festival was one of the highest attended burlesque festivals in the world, per night?  Yes, Vancouver has a greater attendance record than the big boys, being New York, Chicago and London.

This year’s festival kicks things off with The Wet Spots. This is the husband and wife team of Cass King and John Woods who will be hosting and entertaining the crowd with their songs about sex.  The line up includes Rock and Roll Burlesque Motown style which will be performed with a live band. Think the Supremes, The Temptations and the Jackson 5. Next up is Gypsy Rose Lee at Minsky’s Burlesque then the production of Paint & Pasties which showcases the work of the VanDolls. They will take the work of famous artists and bring them to life.   Tickets are $35 and available through Northern Tickets.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 8:00 p.m.  The festival continues on May 3rd and 4th at the Vogue Theatre for those that miss the festivities at the Rio Theatre.

Clockwork Universe – A Steampunk Art Happening At Havana Gallery April 28th

24 Apr

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Avenue for/des Arts is a Vancouver not-for-profit visual arts group that is presenting  Clockwork Universe – A Steampunk Art Happening on Sunday, April 28th at the Havana Gallery, 1212 Commercial Drive. What is Steampunk you might ask?  Wikipedia describes it as:

“… any of the artistic styles, clothing fashions, or subcultures, that have developed from the aesthetics of steampunk fiction, Victorian-era fiction, and films from the mid-20th century.Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical “steampunk” style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk.”

Think science fiction and futuristic then throw in some Victorian dress, fantasy and maybe a little technofantasy imagery.  This weekend’s opening show will explore Steampunk ideas and icons. The show will also feature 14 pieces of Steampunk-influenced art as well as  local musicians and performers. To round out the experience, Vancouver Alternative Fashion will be presenting a Steampunk Fashion Parade of local designers.   Everyone is encouraged to participate and come dressed in their Steampunk finery. The art show runs from April 26th to May 7th. The opening and cabaret happens this Sunday, April 28th from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Federico’s Supper Club

19 Apr

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The home of Federico’s Supper Club at 1728 Commercial Drive, has a long history of entertainment dating back to the 1920s.  Federico’s Supper Club is located on the same site as the former Grandview Theatre which is pictured to the left in all its former glory.   In later years, this property housed Luigi Moka’s Ristorante where Federico Fuoco grew up watching his father, Gianni Fuoco, entertain the patrons of Luigi’s with his band.

In 1999, Federico Fuoco established his supper club which has predominantly been a venue to dine and dance the night away.   In recent years, Federico’s Supper Club has been offering up a greater variety of events.  Some of the those events include live music featuring the likes of legendary blues musician, Wes Mackey.

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Wes Mackey will be performing next Wednesday, April 24th at 8:00 p.m.  Not a show to be missed for any blues lover.  Prior to the show, come early and enjoy $9 pasta dishes during their Pasta Hour Special which runs from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. as well as 50% off select wines.   Pasta Hour Special is offered every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Also, on these days, you have the choice of the Chef’s Tasting Menu which offers you a 6 course Tasting Menu for $49.

This Friday is the return of the Dinner, Comedy and Dance Nights which is a co-production with Jeff Turner Entertainment Group. This is a once a month event. Stay tuned to Federico’s website for upcoming shows. On deck this evening, is Patrick Maliha at 9:15 p.m.  Whether you are coming to dine and dance with a group, or dinner with the family after work,  the food and service at Federico’s Supper Club just can’t be beat.

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