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World Cup Final Game: Celebrate Soccer & Samba Sunday July 13th

10 Jul

Goal!Duchessa

In case you missed it, soccer fever has gripped Vancouver.  The number of country flags on passing vehicles around town might give you some insight.   Various locations around East Vancouver have been buzzing with fans gathering to watch their favourite teams. Commercial Drive has certainly been a hub for soccer fever with the sheer number of restaurants, bars and coffee shops showing the game.  Our favourite tweet on Twitter last week was by David C. Jones who summed up people’s passion for the game “Only on Commercial Drive can you walk into a café and be told ‘you have to wait until after this penalty kick’.”

There are many options to watch the final game in East Vancouver outside of the usual bars and coffee shops, including the Rio Theatre which is a free event and local community centres. The City of Vancouver has announced another great option this Sunday for soccer fans for the final match up.  The City is organizing a free outdoor World Cup Soccer event at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) this Sunday, July 13th . The game will be displayed on a 13 X 23 foot LED screen which will be set up in the park. The day is intended to be a celebration of soccer and samba.

Also scheduled for Sunday morning, members of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be running a soccer clinic for children aged 7-12 on July 13 at the Trout Lake Community Centre. The clinic will be led by Vancouver-born Sam Lenarduzzi who played for nine years with Whitecaps FC. Registration will take place at 10:00 am with the hour long clinic beginning at 10:15 am. Word is out about the Whitecaps Soccer Clinic and there is now a wait list. If you wish to add your child’s name, visit the sign up page at Eventbrite.

This day of celebrating soccer and samba will also feature live performances from local South American and Brazilian cultural troupes, a best-dressed fan contest, face painting and a station where kids can design their own soccer jersey. The event is only able to accommodate up to 800 people and although the event was just announced it is already sold out.  So soccer fever has struck Vancouver. Wherever you watch the final game this Sunday, do a little samba for the host country Brazil.

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Broadway East Art Walk Returns Saturday July 12th

6 Jul

BroadwayEastArtWalkMidtownExperiment

The Broadway East Art Walk returns Saturday, July 12th to the Broadway corridor.  Art work by local artists will be on display July 12th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you are not familiar with the Broadway East Art Walk, the vision of organizers is to transform the stretch of Broadway between Price Edward and Price Albert through community engagement and art. All events are open to the public.  The artists and where they will be located are set out below:

425 E Broadway (Andrew Sheret – Outdoors)

490 E Broadway (Teamsters – Outdoors)

452 E Broadway (Large chain-link fence)

2474 Prince Edward (Indoors at St Michael’s Hall and Front Lawn)

While in the neighbourhood, be sure to check out the juried outdoor art exhibition which will be taking place at the same time at the Brewery Creek Garden at Dude Chilling Park, courtesy of the Dude Chilling Art Collective.

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Pints For Paws July 24, 2014 Fundraiser for Vancouver SPCA

2 Jul

PintsforPawsSPCAJuly24

The BC SPCA Vancouver Shelter presents Pints for Paws on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at the Roxy Burger, 910 Granville Street. Although the event is out of East Van, it is to help raise funds for housing and medical needs for all animals at the Vancouver Shelter.  100% of the proceeds raised at this fundraiser go back to the Vancouver Shelter.  Your $25 ticket gets you a burger and a beer (vegetarian, tuna and salmon available as well as gluten free options).  You can purchase tickets in person at the Vancouver SPCA, 1205 East 7th Avenue, or by calling them at T: 604.709.4699 by email at Vancouver@spca.bc.ca. The event kicks off at 5:00 pm and goes till 10:00 pm.

 

 

 

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Dancing On The Edge Festival Firehall Arts Centre July 3 – 12

26 Jun

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The Firehall Arts Centre presents the 2014 Dancing on the Edge Festival July 3rd – July 12th. The festival presents innovative art in unexpected places with six site-specific, by donation performances around Vancouver during the 10-day contemporary dance festival. Whether it’s following performers and musicians around the waterfront Portside Park at dusk, getting entangled in a giant interactive dance machine, Japanese Butoh at Wreck Beach, a moveable feast in the Firehall Arts Centre Courtyard or dance in the outdoor SFU Woodward’s Atrium, the festival is challenging audiences to think outside the black box.

“It’s about taking dance off the stage and showing it can happen anywhere. I believe it adds a level of excitement to experience live performance in a non-traditional setting where wouldn’t expect it and for the artists, it allows them to test how a piece works in a different environment,” says Festival Director Donna Spencer.

New to Dancing on the Edge this year is a ‘Dance Passport’, which allows you to participate in a live performance ‘scavenger hunt’ to the five site-specific shows downtown and collect stamps along the way. Once you have three stamps, you are eligible for a free ticket to a show at the festival.

SITE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCES BY DONATION

DUSK DANCES: July 4 – 6, 7pm | Portside Park
A magical evening with live music featuring a Japanese Butoh-inspired work by Denise Fujiwara, the hilarious synchronized mini pool swimming champs, an ode to the West Coast rain forest and a fusion of contemporary dance and traditional Cree dance from Compaigni V’ni Dansi.

DANCE MACHINE: July 8 – 12 | The Hopbopshop (Maclean & Powell)
Come out and play! Explore the giant interactive dance machine created by Lee Su-Feh, Justine Chambers & Jesse Garlick. FREE, drop-in.

CRUMBLING: July 11, 8:15pm | Firehall Arts Centre Courtyard
A Butoh piece choreographed by Vancouver’s Barbara Bourget (Kokoro Dance) for Mathew Romantini.

FEAST: July 12, 8:15pm | Firehall Arts Centre Courtyard
A visceral, dream-like moveable feast of performance by Katie Devries starring 10 of Vancouver’s finest dancers.

VERITAS. TRUTH: July 9 – 11, 12.15pm + 1pm | SFU Woodward’s Atrium
Developed with Modus Operandi dancers, this piece looks at the human desire to seek out unity & order.

WRECK BEACH BUTOH: July 12, 11:45am | Wreck Beach #4 Trailhead
What better place for Butoh then on the beach?! A clothing option performance for audiences.

For more information about the festival and the artists, visit Dancing On The Edge.

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Rescue Me: Penni Looking For Her Forever Home

24 Jun

PenniVancouverSPCA

Welcome to our next installment of Rescue Me where we help spread the word of pets waiting to be adopted at the Vancouver SPCA. Today, we introduce you to darling Penni. She is a senior female Terrier Cross looking for her forever home. This lovely little girl has lots of love to give and is looking for human companions who are willing to shower this girl with some love. Penni loves going for walks and being outdoors and is friendly with other dogs.  Thus, her friends at the Vancouver SPCA think she would be happy in a home with another canine friend.  This girl is used to having someone at home, therefore would need a bit of time to adjust to being left alone.   Penni  does need someone with a schedule that will allow them to take her for frequent outings so she’ll learn to do her business outdoors, though she is pee-pad trained.  Although Penni is a bit shy at first, she warms up quickly and is full of joy and will welcome you with her endlessly wagging tail followed by snuggles on your lap. This lovely little girl is waiting ever so patiently for someone to love, and a home to call her own.   For more information or to meet Penni, please contact the Vancouver SPCA Shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue, Telephone: 604.879.7721 or Emal: vancouver@spca.bc.ca.   Penni is currently in foster care, but Vancouver SPCA staff will be happy to introduce you. As always, feel free to share this post with your friends to help Penni find her forever home.

UPDATE: Penni has found her forever home.

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Trout Lake Summer Outdoor Concert Series Begins July 2nd

23 Jun

TroutLakeConcertSeries

The Trout Lake Community Center, 3360 Victoria Drive, begins their weekly free outdoor Summer Concert Series Wednesday, July 2nd at 6:30 p.m. with Deanna Knight & the Hot Club of Mars. This group will have you travelling back in time to the early jazz era of the 1920s and 1930s with some of Vancouver’s most eclectic gypsy-jazz ensembles. The following week, July 9th you will find the Sanctuary All Stars which is a 17 piece jazz band. July 16th Highrise Lonesome will entertain you with bluegrass music.  July 23rd brings the Late Thaw Band playing country music which will be sure to pull a few heart strings.  July 30th Robin Layne and Paul Bray team up for the first time for a duo collaboration of improvised music  August 6th brings String Fever which is an eclectic string band with various influences including jazz, folk, Celtic, newgrass, classical and world to name but a few.   August 13th the Jeff Stanfield Band is on deck with acoustic folk and blues.  August 20th the Rio Samaya Band brings you original songs and poetry that combine Latin, reggae and rhumba.  Lastly, on August 27th Kara-Kata Afrobeat Group brings you a mix of many sounds including reggae, Calypso, gospel, modern funk, jazz, blues, salsa and more.

All performances will be held on the East side of Trout Lake Community Centre. This year there will also be a BBQ and a kids art station.  You are invited to bring a blanket, bring the family, your friends and come enjoy the music! Dancing is encouraged.

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Car Free Day Sunday June 15th

14 Jun

CarFreeDay

 

Car Free Day began 10 years ago on Commercial Drive. The idea of organizers was to reclaim the streets and oppose highway expansion and more traffic. Today, organizers still believe that fewer cars equals more community. Car Free Day has now expanded to four neighbourhoods. The festival sites are 100% organized by local volunteers and each festival has a unique flavor and is a family friendly event. Lots to see and do for all ages. In East Vancouver, find Car Free Day on:

Commercial Drive (Venables to Grandview on Commercial Drive) Noon–7:00 pm

On the Drive, you can expect to find roller disco, parading drummers, healing gardens, DJs spinning tunes, the musical talents of Rhythm and Cello which will hold court at 7th Avenue starting at Noon.

Main Street (Broadway to 30th on Main Street) Noon–7:00 pm

On Main Street, you will find lots of mini-festivals, community-supported stages with dozens of bands, multiple kids zones, artisan markets, roller derby and skateboarding. While there, be sure to check out the new parklet at 21st Avenue and Main Street.  We hear Brown Paper Packages will be located between 23rd and 24th with their delicious ice cream sandwiches. If you are a fan of honey and/or bees, Main Street Honey Shoppe will be the place to be Sunday afternoon. They will be holding honey extraction demonstrations from 1 – 5 pm with a live bee beard demonstration at 2:00 pm. Now that will be something to see.

Come out and celebrate Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods and our community spaces!

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Where To Watch The FIFA World Cup 2014 In East Van

12 Jun

Goal!Duchessa

Soccer fever kicks off in Vancouver on Thursday, June 12th and will run till Wednesday, July 13th.  There will be many opportunities to watch the games in East Vancouver.   If you wish to be surrounded by others and get caught up in the soccer fever, we have some suggestions on where to watch the game. Just remember for those that are passionate about soccer, it is on par with religion.  So whatever spot you choose, we recommend you get there early to claim your spot.  Here are some viewing spots that have crossed our radar:

World Cup in Victoria Park (Commercial Drive & Grant Street)

CBC is hosting an outdoor family friendly event to watch the FIFA World Cup Games in Victoria Park on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. They will have large TV screens throughout the park, interactive soccer activities, face painting, video gaming, photo booths and prizes.  Local food trucks have been invited to round out the event.  This is an all ages event free for anyone to attend.

Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial Drive

Federico’s Supper Club will be showing two games this weekend and opening their doors at 2:00 pm on both Saturday & Sunday for the following games that have a 3:00 pm start:

Saturday, June 14th  England v. Italy 3:00 pm
Sunday, June 15th Argentina v. Bosnia 3:00 pm

Federico’s will also be showing future games. Watch their website for details.

Café Roma & Sports Bar, 1510 Commercial Drive

This long standing little Italian coffeehouse has recently undergone renovations and now has a lounge license. So whether you prefer coffee or a drink with your soccer game or both, you don’t have to pick one or the other.  They also have 6 TVs on hand for watching the games.

Portuguese Club, 1144 Commercial Drive

The red and green will be on full display at the Portuguese Club on Monday, June 16th when they kick off with Germany at 9:00 am.   Note though members will have priority entrance during all games. The club will be showing the games on 5 TVs to watch their countryman’s star soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Vancouver Alpen Club (Victoria Drive & 33rd Avenue)

Has made it abundantly clear they will be showing all Germany games on their 17 foot high definition TV.  So if you are a Germany fan, THIS will be the place to be Monday, June 16th to watch the match up between Portugal and Germany at 9:00 am.  Go Germany Go! Germany’s goalkeeper has only been referred to as possibly one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but as we all know, there are many variables in the game of soccer.  Doors open at 8:00 am on game day and there will be a $5 entry donation.

St.  Augustine’s, 2360 Commercial Drive

They will have 13 TVs to watch the games on and will be open from 9 am every day during the World Cup and will be serving brunch until 11 am.  This spot has some 60 plus beers on tap which include many from the local craft breweries.

The Libra Room, 1608 Commercial Drive

If you are supporting Spain or Brazil, this is a great spot to watch the game. We hear that the Libra Room will be opening early for all games and some prizes and drinks specials will be happening as well.

Boteco, 2545 Nanaimo Street

Another spot if you are a Brazil fan, is Boteco. Owner, Filipe Batista, will have the BBQ going and live music for the first game against Croatia on Thursday, June 12th at 1:00 pm. Caipirinhas will be served, a very delicious cocktail made with lime and sugar cane liquor.

ANZA Club:, 3 West 8th Avenue

The ANZA Club located in Mount Pleasant will be broadcasting the Australian games on their big screen in the downstairs lounge. First game for Australia is Friday, June 13th 3:00 pm against Chile.

If you have a favourite spot you wish to share to watch soccer, feel free to drop us a comment. Wherever you chose to watch soccer, get there early and have fun!

Photo Credit: Gabriella Fabbri

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Great Grandview Garage Sale Saturday June 21st 10 am – 2 pm

11 Jun

GreatGrandviewGarageSaleAll bargain and vintage hunters it’s time to mark your calendars.  The area of Grandview-Woodland will be holding their first ever Great Grandview Garage Sale on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This is a multi-family garage sale that takes place all throughout the Grandview Woodland area of East Vancouver. Specifically from Broadway to the Burrard Inlet and from Clark Drive to Nanaimo Street.  If you live in the area, you are invited to participate and it is FREE to sign up. Whether you live in a home, walk up apartment building, co-operative housing, no matter, everyone is welcome to participate.  If you are the one looking for those bargains or vintage finds, think of it is one big treasure hunt.  Who knows what you might across in your travels.  The Great Grandview Garage Sale will go ahead rain or shine 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. To sign up to participate, or see a map of the current locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale.

 

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Calling All Artists For Art Exhibition in Dude Chilling Park July 12th

7 Jun

CanvasOnEaselSilverblee

Cheryl Cheeks and Marnie Hiebert invite you to submit your art for a one day art exhibition in Brewery Creek Community Garden in Dude Chilling Park on Saturday, July 12th.   The purpose of this art exhibition is to inspire dialogue about how art has a place in community spaces, such as gardens and parks. Their aim is to provide an opportunity for local artists to share and sell their work in a non-traditional gallery setting.

They are seeking submissions from visual artists, including sculptors, installations, painters, photographers, illustrators, fibre artists, etc. They ask that you “think big, think lush, think things that pop”. Large pieces are encouraged with a recommended minimum size of 2’ x 2’.   Easels will be provided to display your art. If you are interested in participating, you are asked to submit files for review in .jpg or .pdf format.  Also, when emailing them, include the titles of the work submitted and a short bio, including any necessary links to your work to: dudechillingartexchange@gmail.com.  Deadline for submissions is Friday, June 27th at midnight.

Artists will be asked to drop off and pick up their work the day of event. If you are interested in selling your work, you are welcome to remain in the garden for the duration of the exhibition. Any sales you make, are entirely yours to keep.

As to who is behind this great project, Marnie Hiebert is an abstract and figurative painter.  She has been part of several group shows exhibiting at many galleries and community events.  Cheryl Cheeks is a writer, editor, voice actor, photographer, and one of the creative minds behind the Broadway East Art Walk and the creator and curator of the Dude Chilling Art Exchange.   This art exhibition is funded by a grant provided by the Vancouver Foundation Neighbourhood Small Grant Program.

 

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