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What’s On East Van: August 24th Edition

24 Aug

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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.

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

SwingDanceByChrisLohHave 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

VQFF-Vert-Colour-300px-e1523331631308The 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!

The VQFF is on until August 25th. For more information or to get festival tickets, visit Vancouver Queer Film Festival.

By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic

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Mike Jackson East Van Business Owner Celebrates 30 Years In Business

20 Aug

IMG_2728 (2)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

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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.

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

Tremors2018In 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

EastVanCiderFest2018Liberty 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

CraftWorksWelcomeToWe 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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Vines Art Festival At Trout Lake Park August 17-19, 2018

8 Aug

VineArtsFestival2018-Lily-Cryan-Sirens-Promo5Vines Art Festival happens August 8 – 19, 2018 in various locations in Vancouver with a  number of the events happening at Trout Lake/John Hendry Park this weekend. This festival was created by Heather Lamoureux in 2015. Heather works with a young, vibrant and talented group of people to create this festival now in its 4th year. The inaugural festival was a one day event at Trout Lake Park run solely on a fundraised budget built with a strong vision, determination and volunteers. The second year they tripled their budget with support from the Vancouver City Cultural Service and their primary sponsor Mountain Equipment Co-Op. The third festival grew from a one day to a ten-day event in 7 of Vancouver’s public parks in partnership with Vancouver’s Artists in Residence program.

Vines was two missions in its creation, one to broaden the reach of artivism. Bringing the art, with its ability to inspire creativity and social change, out of the theatre or gallery and into community parks, paths, and trails making it accessible to all. Two, to direct local artists to create in relation to the earth – creating works at the intersection of environmental and social justice. The festival is a free public event that creates platforms for local artists and performers to create with and on the land, steering their creative impulses toward work that focuses on the environment – whether a deep love of nature, sustainability, or climate justice.  During the festival, they present a wide range of disciplines and cultures while acknowledging the festival takes place on unceded territories of the Musqueam and Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

Vines Art Festival has a long line up of events happening this weekend which concludes with an Unsettling Ceremony with Sara Cadeau Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm.  To see the full line up of events, visit Vine Arts Festival.

Photo Credit: Vines Art Festival

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