It’s time to go back to school with Story Story Lie on September 5th. You are invited to the Rio Theatre to see if you can spot the liar. If you are not familiar with the premise of this show, it is an interactive show where some of Vancouver’s best entertainers share intimate, funny and often embarrassing stories about themselves. One of them is lying and telling you a tall tale. But which one? The audience gets to take part in the interrogation to reveal who the liar is. And the first audience member to guess the liar, wins the grand prize as well as bragging rights. The contestants for the Back To School Story Story Lie are Jon Bennett (The Moth), Conni Smudge (Drag Queen), John Cullen (Just For Laughs), Andrea Jin (Comedian), Gustavo Ferman (Dancer & Entertainer), Marty Lawton (Irish Actress) and host Jo Dworschak. The Westender calls this show “One of the most inventive events on the Vancouver arts calendar” Tickets are available in advance online at Rio Theatre for $10 online or $12 at the door. Fun gets under way at 7:00 pm and runs till 8:30 pm.
Story Story Lie Goes Back To School September 5th At The Rio Theatre
27 Aug
What’s On East Van: August 24th Edition
24 Aug
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.
Serate in Piazza – Italian Cultural Centre – August 24th
You are invited to come listen to live music and dance at the outdoor piazza at the Italian Cultural Centre this Friday night. There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase, should you wish, but the music is free. Fun kicks off at 7:00 pm.
Family Night – Grandview Park – August 24th
The Commercial Drive BIA and the Vancouver Park Board Rangers are hosting a Family Night in Grandview Park this Friday from 5:00 – 9:30 pm. This event features a film, a Kids Zone with balloon twisting, face painter and caricature artist. It’s a free event. Everyone is welcome to stop by.
RnB Icons Motown Dance Party – Federico’s Supper Club – August 24th
Looking for a fun night out of dinner and dancing? Federico’s Supper Club is the place to be Friday night with their Motown Dance Party. Dinner reservations start from 5:30 pm. Music kicks off a little later. To reserve your spot, visit Federicos’s Supper Club.
Tremors 2018 – Italian Cultural Centre – August 24th & 25th
This is your last weekend to catch 3 contemporary Canadian plays by emerging artists. The productions take place at the Italian Cultural Centre. They include Selfie by Christine Quintana, Tiny Replicas by Dave Deveau, and Theory by Norman Yeung. The performances are Pay What You Decide. For more information on times and tickets, visit Tremors 2018.
Won’t You Be My Neighbour – Rio Theatre – August 24th & 25th
The documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbour’ takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination. One of his aims was to bring up a generation of good neighbours. Did he succeed? This is one film that’s on our list and will be showing at the Rio Theatre Friday at 3:15 pm and Saturday at 1:00 pm.
Tiny House Design Weekend – Britannia Community Centre – August 25 & 26
If you are interested in tiny homes, designing and or building them, then you may wish to check out The Tiny House Design Weekend happening at the Britannia Community Centre. The cost is $349 for the 2 days and coverages a wide range of topics and is geared to all skill levels from those just researching the idea to custom builders. To register, visit Eventbrite.
Summer Savour Festival – River District – August 25th
River District is hosting it’s 3rd in a series of 4 summer fun events, Summer Savour Festival. This Saturday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, there will be live music by the Myles Bigalow Trio, Dr. Strangelove to name two. Romer’s Burger Bar will be on hand with free slider samples as well as beer samples. There will be a small marketplace and some food trucks on hand.
Saturday Morning Brunch With Cartoons – Storm Crow Tavern – August 25th
Really how often can you have brunch and watch Saturday morning cartoons while out at a restaurant? Stop by Storm Crow Tavern from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm to have brunch and watch Adventure Time.
Artful Sunday – Napier Greenway – August 26th
Artful Sundays happens again this Sunday in the Napier Greenway by the Britannia Community Centre. This outdoor visual art market features local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Stop by between Noon – 5:00 pm.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
The Rickshaw Theatre is hosting a BC Wildfire Benefit Concert to help those affected by wildfires this Friday, August 24th. Tickets are $12. Looking to take in some comedy, East Van Improv League is at Havana Theatre Sunday night at 7:30 pm and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery is Monday night at Havana Theatre 9 pm. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained, big or small, Playland is now open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. Three Farmer Markets 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 in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm. Note, for the tomato lovers, there’s a Tomato Festival at Trout Lake this Saturday where there will be 100+ varieties. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Beginner Swing Dance August 25 & 26, 2018 At The Russian Hall
22 Aug
Have you ever watched swing dance? The participants always looks like are having a great time. Swing dance is interactive, social and happening this weekend for 2 days at the Russian Hall. Rhythm City Productions is hosting a condensed intensive workshop August 25th and 26th. They will start things off slow and easy, get you practicing and before long, you will be swing dancing around the room. Cost is $90. The lessons happen between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm both days. To reserve your spot, visit Rhythm City Productions.
Photo Credit: Chris Loh
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Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews The Coast Is Queer On Now For Vancouver Queer Film Festival
21 Aug
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF), the largest queer arts event in Western Canada, is back on and celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! More than just film, the festival hosts performances, workshops, panel discussions, parties and more, facilitating a unique community space for 11 days each August. This past Friday night the York theatre was packed with people eagerly anticipating the festival favourite The Coast is Queer.
This made-in-Vancouver short film program has been showcasing alluring animation, provoking dramas, wonderfully peculiar experimental films, and uplifting documentaries since 2000. This year, 11 diverse films ranging between 1 and 14 minutes long were shown to a captivated audience. As a first time VQFF goer I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by how different each film was from the next. There were serious, dramatic, satirical, sweet and downright hilarious films, which shown back to back gives you a bit of emotional whiplash, but the overall effect left the audience giddy as we funneled out of the theatre to vote for our favourites. To top it off the directors of each film were in the audience as well which gave the local program a personal touch!
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
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Mike Jackson East Van Business Owner Celebrates 30 Years In Business
20 Aug
Have you made your way to Les Faux Bourgeois, Heartbreaker Salon or Savio Volpe at the corner of Kingsway & Fraser? If you have, did you catch Mike Jackson’s shop tucked next to Savio Volpe?
It’s a small shop with a retail component in the front and more space at the back for the custom work he does. Thus, the name Studiotique, studio in the back – boutique in the front. We recently started working with Mike and in doing so learned that this is one cool guy who has weathered many incarnations to stay in small business for 30 years. This is quite an accomplishment.
It all began in 1988. Mike was attending the University of Western Ontario, and launched Grubwear Clothing Co. He hit the streets to create and sell streetwear and action sports clothing from the back of his Honda Civic. Soon after, he drove West with his dog Memphis and a U-Haul to open Thriller, his first retail venture. Mike wanted to create bold graphic t-shirts and has a passion for sports, beach lifestyle, surf, skateboard and snowboarding. He was driven to bring these passions together with a cutting-edge design and unique merchandise. Grubwear with his now infamous TRI-G logo was born and has led him around the world with one of his passions, snowboarding. This in turn led him to launch Jackson Snowboards in 1991. The business grew and evolved, Mike had distributors in 11 countries from Germany to Japan. In 1996, he opened Thriller Shop in Kitsilano which became the head office for all his brands, Grubwear, Boris Brothers and Jackson Snowboards. After 3 stores, 15 employees, Mike has scaled things back at his store at Kingsway & Fraser and focuses on his brands that he sells from his storefront as well as his online shop and doing custom work.
Now in 2018, things have come full circle for Mike. To celebrate his 30 years in business, on August 1, 2018 Mike launched a KickStarter Campaign to create 30 special edition Jackson snowboards. He is working with Rob Dow, the creator of WIRED Snowboards in Vancouver who has 25 years of experience in design and production. Mike launched his Kickstarter campaign with the aim of raising $5,000. He reached that mark within 24 hour. If you wish to check out the Kickstarter Campaign to see what reward packages are still available, visit Mike’s Kickstarter.
It takes a lot to stay in business for 30 years. Hats off to Mike who has reinvented himself many times over. Madonna comes to mind when we think of all his incarnations over the years. He may not like that we said that, but that’s how we see it. If you wish to check some of his cool designs, stop by his shop located at 617 Kingsway or check out his online store at Grubwear. You will see East Van merchandise figures prominently. If you are looking to have some custom t-shirts, jerseys, bags what have you for your sports team or for your business, Mike’s your man.
We raise a beer to Mike for 30 years in business! Cheers.
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What’s On East Van: August 17th Edition
17 Aug
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.
Tremors 2018 – Italian Cultural Centre – August 16th – 25th
Young emerging artists perform 3 contemporary Canadian plays at the Italian Cultural Centre. They include Selfie by Christine Quintana, Tiny Replicas by Dave Deveau, and Theory by Norman Yeung. The performances are Pay What You Decide. For more information on times and tickets, visit Tremors 2018.
Family Night – Grandview Park – August 17th
Commercial Drive BIA, Whitecaps FC and Fortis BC are hosting a free movie and family activities in Grandview Park Friday night. The movie is Peter The Rabbit. There will also be a Kids Zone, balloon twisting and more. Event gets underway at 8:00 pm.
Italian Market – Italian Cultural Centre – August 17th
The outdoor Italian Market is back Friday, August 17th in the parking lot in front of the Italian Cultural Centre from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This market has a distinctly Italian taste to them which includes the food and the music
Pizza Making Workshops – Beaconsfield Park – August 17th
Running along side this Italian Market this Friday, will be Pizza Making Workshops in Beaconsfield Park located directly behind the Italian Cultural Centre. You will have the opportunity to stretch and cook your own pizza with pizza master. This is a hands-on event that is suitable for all ages. Two basic pizzas are being offered, but you are invited to bring or buy extra toppings from the market to make the pizza distinctly yours. Cost of the Pizza Making Workshop is $13 online or $15 at the event. There will be 4 pizza workshops starting at 5:00 pm. They will continue at 5:45 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm. To reserve your spot, visit the Italian Cultural Centre online.
Friday Night Live – Hastings Racecourse – August 17th
If you want to check out the horse races this summer, last opportunity to catch Friday Night Live Racing at Hastings Racecourse. Admission is free, races start at 7:00 pm.
PNE – Playland – August 18th – September 3rd
The Fair at the PNE opens this Saturday, August 18th. As always, they have lots of great entertainment lined up throughout the Fair as well some great eats. This year, you can also find the Lost World of Dragons, Action Sports World Tour, Knights of Valour and of course the forever favourites, The Super Dogs. The fun gets under way at 11:00 am Saturday and goes till late.
Mobile Market – August 18th
Looking for fresh BC corn and other summer veggies? Fresh Roots Urban Farm is hosting a Mobile Market this Saturday at 3 locations. First up, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, After that Kensington Community Centre from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, followed by a pop up market at Brant Villa from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Artful Sunday – Napier Greenway – August 19th
Artful Sundays kicks off this Sunday in the Napier Greenway by the Britannia Community Centre. This outdoor visual art market features local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Stop by between Noon – 5:00 pm.
The Good, The Bad The Ugly – Rio Theatre – August 19th
If the heats getting you and you want to sit back in air conditioning with a nice cold beverage, you may wish to check out the classic Clint Eastwood movie The Good, The Bad & The Ugly playing at the Rio Theatre Sunday night at 9:00 pm.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking to take in some comedy, East Van Improv League is at Havana Theatre Sunday night at 7:30 pm and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery is Monday night at Havana Theatre 9 pm. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained, big or small, Playland is now open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. Three Farmer Markets 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 in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Rumble Theatre Presents Tremors 2018 At The Italian Cultural Centre August 16-25, 2018
15 Aug
In 2007, Rumble Theatre created the Tremors Festival which was originally a two week run of plays created by emerging companies. In 2014, they devised a new model for this festival which focused on providing mentorship to individual emerging artists rather than emerging companies. Tremors is now a vehicle for young emerging artists to build networks, receive professional mentorship, develop their craft and work on exciting plays. Each show is directed, designed, stage managed, and performed by a company of emerging artists working with the guidance of professional mentors. This year, they have are producing 3 contemporary Canadian plays: Selfie by Christine Quintana, Tiny Replicas by Dave Deveau, and Theory by Norman Yeung.
From August 16 to 25, these three plays and their Tremors lounge will be created in different rooms of the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street. You are invited to stop by and see one show, see a double bill, or take in all three. Admission to all shows is Pay-What-You-Decide. You, the audience members, get to pick what to see and how much to pay. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit Tremors 2018.
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East Van Cider Fest August 22nd At The Wise Hall
14 Aug
Liberty Merchant Company presents the 2nd Annual East Van Cider Fest on Wednesday, August 22nd at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. In case you hadn’t heard the news, some are touting cider as the new craft beer. However you slice it, cider makers are carving out a niche for themselves in this growing industry with some tasty offerings. The upcoming East Van Cider Fest is the perfect opportunity to taste cider, mead and other spirits from all over BC. The evening will also feature tasty bites from local businesses, a silent auction and door prizes which directly support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets for the event are $24.99 and you are asked to bring a non-perishable food event with you. Your ticket includes 10 tasting tokens, a welcome cocktail and a keepsake glass. To purchase your tickets, visit any Liberty Wine Merchants location. In East Vancouver, you can visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 p.m. and goes till 9:00 pm. If you wish to learn more about BC’s growing cider industry, we invite you to check out this informative write up by What’s Brewing.
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Craftworks Society Hosting Sale Thursday, August 16th
13 Aug
We recently stumbled across a non-profit doing great work in your community. The organization is Craftworks which is based in East Vancouver. Craftworks provides industrial sewing and hand-made craft training and income generating opportunities for people with mental illness, addictions, physical disabilities and other barriers to employment. They make a number of items including reusable bags which are made from repurposed street banners which have been donated to them by various municipalities, Business Improvement Associations and other organizations. Their work diverts hundreds of kilos of synthetic, non-biodegradable fabric from the landfill every year.
Craftworks also makes Christmas ornaments which are sold at the annual Circle Craft Fair in downtown Vancouver as well as on their website. This Thursday, August 16th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm they will be hosting a sale at their space located at 1275 Venables Street, Suite #340 (Clark and Venables). They will have a supply of bags available. The shopping totes are $20. There will also be a smaller book and/or lunch bag on hand for $18 as well as some backpacks for $26. Not only do these bags keep fabric out of the landfill, they also help keep single use plastics out of the landfill. With the work the organization does, we think it’s all around Win Win. We invite you to stop by and check out some of the great things Craftworks is making.
Photo Credit: Craftworks
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What’s On East Van: August 10th Edition
10 Aug
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.
Free Family Night – Grandview Park – August 10th
This Friday, there will be free family friendly square dance at Grandview Park. No experience required, lessons on the spot to live music. All ages welcome. Fun happens 5:00 to 8:00 pm in Grandview Park.
Friday Night Live – Hastings Racecourse – August 10th
If you want to check out the horse races this summer, you can this Friday night at Hastings Racecourse as well as their casino. Admission is free, races start at 7:00 pm.
Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre – August 10th
A few of the folks from Geekenders are hosting a sing-a-long to the Sound of Music tonight at the Rio Theatre. The audience will be lead through a vocal warm up and be given a comprehensive guide to the accompanying actions and use of the interactive funpack/prop bags. Costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $18 in advance or $22 at the door.
Summer Savour Festival – River District – August 11th
The folks at River District are hosting another free outdoor event this Saturday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This is a family friendly event with the Paw Patrol on hand along with balloon animals, face and mural painting, Starbucks will also be on hand with iced coffee samples. To see the full line up, visit Summer Savour Festival.
Vancouver Mural Festival – Celebration Concert – August 11th
As part of the Vancouver Mural Festival, a concert and a host of other family friendly activities happen in Jonathon Rogers Park this Saturday. Event kicks off at Noon until 9:30 pm. The concert line up includes A Tribe Called Red and Charlotte Day Wilson. Tickets are priced at $30, $25 and children under 12 years of age are free when attending with an adult that has purchased a ticket.
Ice Cream Social – Beta 5 Chocolates – August 11th & 12th
Beta 5 Chocolates invites you to “Come As You Are” this weekend. This weekend’s grunge inspired sundae features chocolate cookies n’ cream, peanut butter ice cream, chocolate sour cream doughnut, peanut brittle and a chocolate smiley face graffiti shard, hot fudge and whipped cream. Stop by their shop 413 Industrial Avenue between 1:00 – 5:00 pm this Saturday and Sunday.
Summer Pie Workshop – The Pie Shoppe – August 12th
Want to learn how to make the perfect pie? If so, this hands on class at The Pie Shoppe on Powell Street will be sure to teach you all their tricks. And these ladies now how to make pie. Cost is $95. To register, visit The Pie Shoppe.
Artful Sunday – Napier Greenway – August 12th
Artful Sundays kicks off this Sunday in the Napier Greenway by the Britannia Community Centre. This outdoor visual art market features local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Stop by between Noon – 5:00 pm.
Ilhan Saferali Quartet – Café Deux Soleils – August 12th
This Sunday, young jazz musician Ihan Saferali will be performing at Café Deux Soleils. He plays trumpet and piano and is already starting to establish a name for himself. To catch this young star in the making, stop by Café Deux Soleils Sunday night 8:00 – 11:00 pm.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Looking to take in some comedy, East Van Improv League is at Havana Theatre Sunday night at 7:30 pm and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery is Monday night at Havana Theatre 9 pm. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained, big or small, Playland is now open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. Three Farmer Markets 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 in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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