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Call To Local Artists – Create Something Amazing In Strathcona

23 Jan

10BlocksOfPassion

If you are a local artist and would like to see your work featured publicly, then be sure to check out Strathcona’s new project 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery.  Some of you may have heard Stathcona’s aim to be one of the City’s most walkable communities. “Made In Strathcona” and the Strathcona Business Improvement Association are taking the next step to make this happen.  They aim to feature original art work that tells stories about the Strathcona neighbourhood.  They would like to bring the streets to life.  Local artists are invited to create art installations for public display in the neighbourhood which will be showcased until the end of the summer.  Applications are now being accepted until January 29th. To learn more, you can email partnerships@myloudspeaker.ca or check out the online application form which also has a few inspirational ideas 10 Blocks of Passion Street Gallery. Personally, we would like to see the amazing art that appears when it rains in the City, bring a bit of life to our wet grey days in Vancouver.  If you haven’t seen pics of what we mean, visit Rainworks.

Body Soul & Spirit Expo – February 2 – 4, 2018 At The Croatian Cultural Centre

22 Jan

Spiritual-OceanIt’s the New Year and for many people resolutions are top of mind. Whether you are thinking to learn something or experience something new, or tackle a project at long last maybe taking and/or making some time for self-care. The term self care we’ve noticed has magically been given the green light meaning it’s ok to look after yourself as it should. When you look after yourself, you are a happier more productive person for it. So we think it fitting we let you know about The Body Soul & Spirit Expo being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre starting February 2nd.  The show is billed as a “Holistic, New Thought and Spiritual Lifestyle Expo, that showcases products, services and resources for growth, and fosters the individual quest for wholeness, health and self understanding.”   Organizers have been producing this show for 20 years in cities across Canada. The aim is help you be happier, healthier and connect you with other positively focused individuals.  The expo features a number of lectures and workshops throughout the weekend starting on Friday February 2nd. Some lectures are part of the cost of admission, others have an added cost and require registration. Jeffrey Armstrong kicks things off on Friday afternoon discussing Ayurvedic Dosha (body types), followed by a workshop by Lynn Andrews Living Life Intentionally. A variety of workshops continue throughout the weekend including Donna Fairhurst presenting one Psychic’s Journey, Della Resdie with Cellular Consciousness Healing and Debra Metzker Meehl with Joyful Transformation.   You can purchase tickets for The Body Soul & Spirit Expo in advance online for $15 if you plan to attend 1 day, or $35 gets you admission over all 3 days.  If you prefer last minute, you can purchase a ticket at the door for $20.

Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn Reviews Black Boys On Now Until January 20th

18 Jan

BlackBoysThe Cultch, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Saga Collectif and Zee Zee Theatre bring you an inspiring production, Black Boys. Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this stand out show.  Here is what she had to say:

Black Boys is right up there at the pinnacle of what alternative theatre can do. It includes complex ideas, raw emotion, music, dance and poetry, and it feels like a story that could only be so excellently told using a non-linear, multi-media approach.

It’s about what it means to be a black gay man in Canada and what it means to make theatre about that experience in a world where you’re already painfully aware of how the straight white majorities see you.

It’s about the furthest our words can go to wound or heal one another, and the ways we use screaming or dance or sex to express ourselves when words are not enough. It’s about how we define ourselves both through stories about our past and in acts of judgment and opposition towards the people in our own communities.

It’s just really, really good. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, “Stellaaaa” with a  bunch of strangers. You should go see it if it’s not sold out yet. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn

 

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival: January 16 – February 4, 2018

17 Jan

PUSHFestivalThe PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is a feast of live performance art. The Festival takes place over a 3 week period from January 16th to February 4th in various venues around the City. In East Vancouver, The Fox Cabaret, The Cultch and The Russian Hall will be hosting a number of the performances.  Expect to find performances from international, Canadian and local artists in a variety of genres including dance, film, music, multimedia and theatre. Check out some of the original and creative works which will be showcased during PuSh.  We’ve set out below the productions coming to East Vancouver. To purchase tickets, visit PuSH Festival and note, if you wish to see several performances, 4 pack and 6 pack ticket options are available.

 

The Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street

 Cris Derksen Trio (February 2–3, 2018)

Daughter (February 1, 2018)

Dickie Beau: Unplugged (January 19–20, 2018)

HINKYPUNK (January 26, 2018)

Joseph Keckler (January 26–27, 2018)

RPM Records: Live in Vancouver (February 3, 2018)

Songs of Insurrection (January 22–23, 2018)

Spokaoke (February 2, 2018)

Torrey Pines (January 20, 2018)

The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street

Dublin Oldschool (January 30–February 3, 2018)

I’m Not Here (January 24–28, 2018)

Reassembled, Slightly Askew (January 17–February 4, 2018)

The Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue

Pushoff Mixer (February 1, 2018)

Symposium: Field Notes (February 3, 2018)

The Events (January 17–28, 2018)

The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op Offers Do-It-Yourself Projects Starting February 3rd

15 Jan

WoodWorkingEducation

Are you interested in tackling a do-it-yourself project for home this New Year, but don’t have the space? You may wish to check out the classes being offered by The Wood Shop Workers Co-op. They regularly offer 1 day classes wherein they provide the space, materials and the tools for the project you wish to tackle. You can choose to make a dining table or storage trunk with reclaimed wood. Each workshop is led by an experienced Wood Working Educator in a professional wood working shop.  You will learn how to use wood working tools and learn some introductory fabrication and finishing concepts. When they aren’t teaching classes, the Wood Shop crafts one-of-a-kind furniture and home décor items out of reclaimed wood. The cost of each class varies depending on what you choose to make, but they are offering a variety of dates starting February 3rd. Workshops take place at 251 Southern Creek in the False Creek Flats near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. Note, gift certificates are available should you wish to give a class as a gift to someone.  For more information or to register, visit their website at The Wood Shop Workers Co-op.

Photo Credit: The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op

What’s On East Van: January 12, 2018 Edition

12 Jan

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Lots happening in East Van heading into the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

2nd Annual Live Burlesque Tribute To David Bowie – Rio Theatre – January 12th

In honour of David Bowie’s passing, the ladies of Kitty Nights present a burlesque tribute to the one and only, David Bowie. Show takes place at the Rio Theatre. Event kicks off at 8:00 pm and tickets are available in advance online for $20, or at the door for $25.

River District – Open House – January 13th & 15th

City of Vancouver and Wesgroup Properties are hosting two open houses so the public can provide input on increasing density in Area 3. This plot of land is located in the far East end of the development by Boundary Road. For those that have thoughts on this latest development, stop by and provide your feedback. There are a number of issues that need addressing including transit, transportation and general amenities in the area. The open house is being held at 8683 Kerr Street on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday, January 15th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Holiday Puppet Show – 2050 Scotia Street – January 14, 2017

If you have young kids to entertain this weekend, you may wish to check out a puppet show entitled ‘The Winter’s Tales” being presented by The Vancouver Puppet Theatre.  The show is happening ta 2050 Scotia Street near East 2nd Street and Main Street. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door, or in advance online. To grab your tickets, visit Vancouver Puppet Theatre.

Vegan Italian Baking 101 – Italian Cultural Centre – January 15th

Learn to bake some delicious homemade treats from scratch without dairy or eggs. You will learn to make 3 different pastries including a chocolate and almond cake and a crostata which you will be able to eat or take home. Cost of the class is $52 and happens Monday, January 15th at 6:30 pm. To register, visit the Italian Cultural Centre.

Earthquake Preparedness Workshop – Sunset Community Centre – January 16th

Sunset Community is hosting a free workshop to help you and your family get prepared in the event of an earthquake, but really any emergency.  Having attended one of these, there are some great tips you can take away from it, even if you don’t complete a full earthquake kit. We recommend you take the 1 ½ hours and attend this free workshop provided by the City of Vancouver. This one gets under way at 7:00 pm on January 16th. To register, visit City of Vancouver.

Grappa Tasting – Italian Cultural Centre – January 18th

If you love grappa, or want to learn more about it, Italian Cultural Centre is hosting a Grappa Tasting event on the evening of January 18th. Tickets are $52 and available online at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Looking for live music?  Popular group, Breaking Boundaries, is at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night 8:00 pm.  Both Winter farmer markets happen this weekend, Saturday at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm.  Looking for an outdoor activity? Chinese Lantern Festival continues this weekend at the PNE. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

Grappa Tasting At The Italian Cultural Centre January 18, 2018

10 Jan

Grappa

You are invited to an Italian Grappa Tasting at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, on January 18th.  Grappa is a uniquely Italian alcoholic beverage that is made from discarded grape seeds, stalks and steams that are the by-product of the winemaking process. It has been called Italy’s ‘elixir’ and has been around for many generations. It was popular in Italy and mainly produced there, but is now being made by distilleries in various parts of the world including just south of Vancouver in Oregon.  On the evening of January 18th, Marco Fabris of Nonino and Carmen d’Onofrio of Stile Brands will take you through a tasting of 6 Italian grappe. Having had the pleasure of taste tasting grappe in Italy, we expect this to be a very delicious experience.  Tickets for this event are $52 and can be purchased by contacting the Italian Cultural Centre at 604.430.3337 or online. The event runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Dine Out – January 11 to February 4, 2018

8 Jan

 

Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival gets under way January 11th. Restaurants participating in Dine Out, will be offering 3 prix-fixe menus, $20, $30 or $40. Note, if you are an Aeroplan member, you get a heads up and first dibs at reservations as of January 8th.     As in past years, there are also a number of special events as part of Dine Out. We’ve set out below a few that caught our eye: 

Vancouver Brewery Tours East Van Craft Brewery & Food Tour

This tour now being offered for the 5th year in a row by Vancouver Brewery Tours is a fun one.   They’ve hand picked some of their favourite East Van breweries including Strange Fellows Brewing, Italian influenced Luppolo Brewing Co. and Columbian influenced Andina Brewing Co. Vancouver Brewery Tours will take you on a brewery tour while you taste your way through East Van’s great food scene.  The tour happen on a number of dates including:  January 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 &  February 1, 2, 3. Costs is $99.50. To learn more, or purchase your ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

Get Crafty Main Street – Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

For one night only, Tuesday, January 30th, the Main Street location of Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. is hosting ‘Get Crafty’.  You get the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and make your perfect artisan pizza.  Your evening also includes a choice of 2 starters, along with your creative pizza and the choice of 3 delish desserts.  Each course is paired with beer tastings from R&B Brewing whose founder will be on hand to share his knowledge and answer any questions.  The fun happens from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Cost is $40.50 which is a pretty great deal for a fun experience. To learn more, or purchase your ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

Railtown After Dark Pop-Up Dinner – Railtown Catering 

On Saturday, February 3rd, the creative team at Railtown Catering will be hosting a pop up dinner at the Railtown Café at 397 Railway Street.   They will be transforming the  café into long table dining for 30 people.  On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail and canapés. After which you will be seated for a multi-course menu with wine pairings.  Menu includes side stripe ceviche, coconut, basil, rice cup, foie gras torchon, umeboshi, nashi pear, shiso, sesame streusel, grilled mackerel, burdock, turnip, water spinach, dashi, yuzu kosho pork ribs, maitake, scallion, ponzu, genmaicha panna cotta, quince, lemon crumb.  All sounds pretty delish to us. The pop up dinner kicks off at 6:30 pm. Cost is $107.00. To learn more, or purchase ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

What’s On East Van: January 5, 2018 Edition

5 Jan

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Lots happening in East Van this first week of the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – January 5th

PNE Agrodome is hosting another ice skating session Friday, January 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own.

A Tolkien Burlesque Night – Rio Theatre – January 5th

The Geekenders & Kitty Glitter present Lord of the Schwings. If you are looking for a silly and sexy evening filled with hobbits, elves, wizards and burlesque, then grab your tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See Rio Theatre for tickets.

Live Christmas Tree Chipping Event – Trout Lake – January 6th & 7th

For those that have a live Christmas tree and not the benefit of curb side pick up, there’s a chipping event at the Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot this weekend. Happens Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Note, there is also a chipping tree event Sunday, January 7th at the Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot 10-4.

East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th

This is your last weekend to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until Saturday, January 6th. Fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $22. For  more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.

75th Annual Golden Globes Award Viewing Party – Rio Theatre – January 7th 

This year Seth Meyers hosts the 75th Annual Globe Awards which should provide a good bit of entertainment.  Fittingly, The Rio Theatre is again opening its doors for those that wish to watch the winners announced en masse. This is a free event, but items at the snack bar are not, but he seats are. First come first serve.  Event happens 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Dancing the Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji – The Cultch – January 8th

Did you know The Cultch is hosting free events once a month?  The event is called Dark Day Monday and each month anyone from the Vancouver community can teach others something new. It can be whatever you’d like it, maybe it’s hip hop dancing, a yoga class, tai chi, meditation, an 80s dance party, a cooking class, chess, you name it, options are almost limitless.  The Cultch is providing a space to learn, create and come together. The next in the series Dark Day #5 happening Monday, January 8th is Dancing The Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji. You are invited to come out learn how to make Vancouver’s best kept secret hummus recipes with Shiraz Ramji while dancing.  Things kick off at 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Reminder the Winter Farmer Markets are back at both Nat Bailey Stadium (Saturday) and Hastings Park (Sunday) from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter