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What’s On East Van: November 3, 2017

3 Nov

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  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 futures events for the month and beyond.

Girls Like That – Templeton Secondary School – November 2 – 10, 2017

Growing up a girl is frought with pitfalls, in the digital age they have become land mines.  Girls Like That showcases what it’s like growing up a girl in this technological age, but there are many other messages hidden in this production for everyone.  If you are a woman, any age, you should see this. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 and available through Eventbrite. The cast features high school students from the Lower Mainland including several from Templeton Secondary School. This is about as real as it gets. See it.

Icons Vintage Market – 1024 Main Street – November 3, 2017

Love vintage? Head over to ICONS Vintage Market this Friday, November 3rd at the Eastside Flea, 1024 Main Street. The event features vintage clothing, vinyl records, housewares, music, unique finds, food and drink specials along with pinball and a DJ.  Doors open at 6:00 pm. Admission is $3. This is an all ages event.

Square Dance – Wise Hall – November 3, 2017

If you always wanted to learn how to square dance, now’s your chance.  Professor Bango, Paul Silveria, is hosting an evening at the Wise Hall this Friday. This is a beginner friendly event. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. 

Take Flight – Arts Factory – November 4, 2017 

You are invited to come celebrate 21 years of art creation at Eastside Culture Crawl’s 2017 launch party and benefit this Saturday. The first part of the evening is a reception with cocktails and appetizers and the first to get your hands on our 2017 program guide. At 8:30 pm, they open the doors to the public opening of the LIT Preview Exhibit  featuring 2017 Culture Crawl artists. 

East Van Opry – Rio Theatre – November 4, 2017 

Lots of local talent packed into the East Van Opry happening Saturday night at the Rio Theatre.  This event now in its 5th features country music and much more. Tickets are $24 in advance or $28 at the door.

Winter Farmers Market – November 4 & 5, 2017

Vancouver Farmer Markets kick off their winter markets this weekend.  Saturday’s market is at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sunday’s market at Hastings Park on the PNE centregrounds also from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Come out and support your local growers and makers

Big Top Tuesday – Libra Room – November 7, 2017

Starting Tuesday, November 7th, Big Top returns to their famed weekly residency at The Libra Room. Music kicks off at 8:00 pm and winds down at 11:00 pm. 

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre 

This Friday, Rio Theatre is hosting Fairytale Burlesque.  If you looking for a movie to check out to say indoors, the Rio is showing V For Vendetta with Natalie Portman this Sunday at 6:00 pm. Fets Whiskey Kitchen on the Drive is hosting a Whiskey Dinner this Sunday. To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Portuguese Festa! With Dinner, Music & Show At Casa Verde – December 1, 2017

1 Nov

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If you missed out on the rather funny 2016 Vancouver Fringe Festival Show Festa!, you are in luck it’s back for one night only Friday, December 1, 2017.   This show was created by two Portuguese ladies, Maria J. Cruz and Sandra Medeiros. Maria and Sandra grew up in East Van and met at Charles Tupper Secondary School. They have fond memories of growing up in East Van, but felt there was a bit of stigma living in East Van, which made them tough, scrappy and resourceful. We think this applies to many of us that grew up in East Van. We once asked Maria and Sandra what they loved most about growing up in a Portuguese family. “The food was always amazing! We have the ability to laugh and joke around, even when you don’t have much. Knowing that your family is fiercely protective and will always have your back. Portuguese families are tight knit and loving, even while driving you crazy!”  Now getting back to the food, like many cultures, this is a big part of theirs and experiencing the food is part of the Portuguese Festa happening December 1st. The dinner and show takes place at Casa Verde located at 3532 Commercial Street just off the Victoria Diversion and steps away from the Commercial Street Café. The evening includes a 3 course dinner, an entertaining show and live music. Tickets are $50 and available through Eventbrite.

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Winter Farmer Markets Are Back At Nat Bailey Stadium & Hastings Park

31 Oct

ProduceEricUrquhartVancouver Farmers Market hosts two winter farmer markets this year. Both kick off this weekend. Nat Bailey Stadium kicks off this Saturday, November 4th and Hastings Park happens Sunday, November 5th. These markets happen rain or shine and continue into April.  So if they can be out there in all the elements, so can we to support our local growers and makers.

Nat Bailey Stadium – November 4 to April 21 / 10 – 2

The biggest Winter Farmers Market is at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street on Saturday November 4th and runs each Saturday until April 22nd, 2018 save for December 30th.  The market runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Hastings Park – November 5 to April 29 / 10 – 2

If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the now popular market at Hastings Park.  This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 30, 2018 save for December 24th and December 31st.  The market is located on the Centregrounds.

Photo Credit: Eric Urquhart

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East Van Panto – Snow White & The Seven Dwarves At The York Theatre

30 Oct

SnowWhiteEastVanPantoWe were going to wait until after Halloween to tell you about this upcoming holiday tradition, but we just can’t wait. The East Van Panto is a favourite event we look forward to every year and this show never ceases to disappoint. Celebrating its 5th year, the East Van Panto is back with an outrageous take on Snow White. In this East Van tale, our hero flees the Queen of North Vancouver across the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and lands straight into the madness of the PNE, where she dances with SuperDogs, hops a ride on the Wooden Roller Coaster, and befriends washed-up ‘80s rock stars “The Seven Dwarves”. Pure Panto hilarity ensues as they do everything they can to escape the Queen’s wicked clutches.

“It is really hard to believe that we are doing the East Van Panto for a fifth year!”, says The Cultch’s Executive Director, Heather Redfern. “So many people tell me that it’s a holiday tradition for their family and friends, and that just warms my heart because the Panto is all about celebrating local artists, local places, and local families. This year, we are presenting Snow White & the Seven Dwarves – who just happen to have landed at the PNE! I mean what could be more fun to sing and dance about than that?! The East Van Panto is for everybody and it’s made here especially for us.”

There is amazing cast of talent behind this production.  The East Van Panto is open to all ages 5 and up. Tickets start at $22, family packs are available which include 4 tickets for $135.  Note, all seats for ages 18 and under are $22.  Tickets are available at The Cultch either in person, by phone or online. The shows previews November 29th and November 30th and continues until January 6, 2018. For those looking for a matinee, there are many 2:00 pm shows. For more information on tickets, visit The Cultch. See you there!

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

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What’s On East Van: October 27, 2017

27 Oct

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  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 futures events for the month and beyond.

Parade of Lost Souls – East Van – October 28, 2017

This iconic East Van produced by the Dusty Flowerpot happens Saturday night and will feature costumes, live music, Thriller Flash Mob, parade of lost souls of course. This year’s theme Alter Ego. Costumes are highly encouraged.  This is an all ages event with an after party at the Legion for the adults, if not sold out, which it generally is right before the event.

Halloween Drive-In Movies – River District – October 28 & 29, 2017

Wesgroup Properties and Fresh Air Cinemas brings you double feature drive-in movies to SE Vancouver along the Fraser River (Boundary Road and SE Marine Drive). Saturday, October 28th they will be starting off the evening with a showing of Casper followed by The Shining.  There will be a second round of movies Sunday, October 29th (rescheduled for the rained out event October 21st) with starts off with ET and is followed by Friday the 13th.  Perfect shows for Halloween weekend.  Cost if $20 per carload for 1 movie, $30 per carload for double feature.

Tango Lessons – Italian Cultural Centre – October 27, 2017

This Friday is your last chance to try a tango lesson at the Italian Cultural Centre. Drop is $20 and class runs from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Night For All Souls – Mountain View Cemetery – October 28, 2017 

The 13th Annual All Souls Night happens this Saturday from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street.  The event creates a sanctuary for remembrance and reflection. You are encouraged to bring a lantern and candles as well as photos if you wish to create a memorial for a loved one in a gentle atmosphere of contemplative beauty. The event takes place rain or shine.  To learn more about All Souls Night and events that continue to November 1st visit a Night For All Souls.

2nd Annual Fall Harvest – Croatian Cultural Centre – October 28, 2017

Elemental Trends is hosting an artisan market this Saturday at the Croatian Cultural Centre from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lots of great local vendors on hand. So if you are doing early Christmas shopping or trying to find that perfect birthday gift for someone, this would be a great spot to check out.

The Artisan’s Event – Heritage Hall – October 29, 2017

Another great opportunity to shop local is this Sunday at the Heritage Hall. The Artisan’s Event happens from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

David Myles – Wise Hall – October 29, 2017 

David Myles will be performing at the Wise Hall this Saturday bringing his soulful yet contemporary sound along with jazzy folk ditties and some infectious hip-hop. For tickets, which are a very reasonable $25, visit Ticket Zone.

Dream Horror Live Haunted House – Casa Verde – To October 31, 2017 

We’ve learnt that off a quiet little street in East Van in Cedar Cottage, there is a haunted house which features 21 live actors, trap rooms and crawl spaces, clowns and creepy dolls.  One of the organizers, Mikayla Sorensen, states it’s what nightmares are made of.  Entry is $10 at the door the fun starts each evening at 7:30 pm. For more info, visit Daily Hive.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre 

Are you a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show?  This weekend is your chance to catch it at the Rio Theatre with other fans. It’s a triple threat this weekend with showings of the movie Friday at 11:30 pm, Saturday at 11:45 and Sunday night at 10:00 pm.   Prefer something a little lighter, Beetlejuice is showing Friday at 6:30 pm. If you are looking for Halloween events, check out our feature Halloween Events In East Van.  To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Night For All Souls At Mountain View Cemetery Saturday October 28th

25 Oct

AllSoulsNightYou are invited to the 13th Annual All Souls Night Saturday, October 28th  6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street.  This event is curated by artist Paula Jardine and Marina Szijarto and was created to provide opportunities for the public to commemorate their dead with a family-oriented community art event. The Celebration Hall will be open from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for tea and personal memorial making. Artists and community members will come together to create a sanctuary for remembrance and reflection. You are encouraged to bring a lantern and candles as well as photos if you wish to create a memorial for a loved one in a gentle atmosphere of contemplative beauty. The event takes place rain or shine.  To learn more about All Souls Night and events that continue to November 1st visit a Night For All Souls.  All schedule of all the events around this date are set out below, or you can visit Night For All Souls.

 The departed they visit us in dreams. They glide across our memories like shadows over streams.

Inscription on a headstone at Mountain View Cemetery.

  • Saturday, October 28th 6:00 – 10:00pm Opening Night
  • Sunday, October 29th 3:00 – 5:00 pm Mourners Tea
  • Sunday, October 29th 7:00 and 8:30 pm Performances of “Songs for a Lost Pod”
  • Monday, October 30th 8:00 pm Documentary Screening “For Dear Life”
  • Tuesday, October 31st 7:30pm Harpist Janelle Nadeau
  • Wednesday, November 1st 8:00 pm Closing Night Procession

All events are free, but donations are welcome.

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Halloween Events In East Vancouver

24 Oct

HalloweenPumpkin&LanternIf you are looking for something to do for Halloween, there are no lack of events this year. We have set out a sampling of some of the events happening in East Van.  If you plan on staying in this Halloween and catching up on a scary flick or two,  we recommend stopping into Black Dog Video on Commercial Drive to stock up.   If you want to go out and play, here’s What’s On: 

Parade of Lost Souls. This popular East Van tradition is back on Saturday, October 28th. This year’s theme is Alter Ego. The exact location of the event will be announced at midnight on October 28th on the Dusty Flowerpot website. As in past years, you can expect a parade of wild costumes, giant puppets, live music by East Van’s own Carnival Band among others, a Thriller Flash Mob and performance art created by local community members. The event features the Parade of Lost Souls which takes place near the ‘to be announced location in East Vancouver from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This event is free and for all ages. Costumes are encouraged. For those wishing to carry on after the parade, there is an After Party at The Legion on Commercial Drive from 9:30 pm until 2:00 am.

Fright Nights. Playland is hosting 8 haunted houses including a new Keepers Doll Factory, 20 rides (5 more than last year we hear).  Fright Nights is on October 6th to October 31st (enter E. Hastings & Windermere). Tickets are available online at FrightNights.ca and can be purchased for a specific night.

Rio Theatre. The Rio has you covered leading up to Halloween. They kick things off on Friday night with Beetlejuice followed by Bram Stoker’s Dracula and The Rocky Horror Picture Show rounding out the evening.   They’ve got you covered all weekend long two more showings of The Horror Picture Show on the Saturday and Sunday nights.  Plus Sunday a showing of Poltergeist and The Ghostbusters.

Halloween-Drive In Movie: Wesgroup Property and Fresh Air Cinemas brings you double feature drive-in movies to SE Vancouver along the Fraser River (Boundary Road and SE Marine Drive). Saturday, October 28th they will be starting off the evening with a showing of Casper followed by The Shining.  There will be a second round of movies Sunday, October 29th (rescheduled for the rained out event October 21st) with starts off with ET and is followed by Friday the 13th.  Perfect shows for Halloween weekend.  Cost if $20 per carload for 1 movie, $30 per carload for double feature.

80s Halloween  Party – Federico’s Supper Club is hosting an 80s Halloween Party on Friday, October 27th. The evening includes a 3 course dinner with a live music show by Mark Olexson and The A-Deez which sets the night up for dancing to great 80s music.

COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THE WEE ONES

Trout Lake Community Centre: Halloween Celebration – Saturday, October 28th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  You are invited to come jump in the bouncy castle, play Halloween games, and make some pumpkin crafts. Lots more surprises planned for the wee ones. There is a cost of $4.00 per child.

Hastings Sunrise Pumpkin Patch:  On Saturday, October 28th Hastings Elementary School is hosting their 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. Grab a pumpkin, a bite and enjoy some live music from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission by donation.

Spook-Tacular Science World On The Road: River District is hosting some Halloween down along the Fraser River Saturday, October 28th from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm with a live science show happening from 1:00 – 1:30 pm after which they’ll have ‘science on the spot’ demo stations for everyone to experience.

Halloween On The Drive: Commercial Drive Business Improvement Society is hosting some family friendly events throughout the day on Saturday, October 28th with many local businesses participating and handing out Halloween candy. From 6:00 to 7:30 pm in Grandview Park, the Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting free family fun including face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures and photo booths for those that want pics on their costume. The night will be topped off with fireworks from 7:30 to 8:00 pm in Grandview Park.Halloween-SpiderWebs

 

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A Side Glance By Al Tee ‘Voting’ Was It Worth The Cost?

23 Oct

VancouverVotesOn Tuesday October 10th while heading to see the new Blade Runner – half hour too long not noir-sh enough but one really good scene – I tried to do my civic duty and vote early at City Hall. But there was a line-up and I was not going to wait. After the movie, I tried again and there was still a line-up. Really? Donʼt by-elections usually have low voter turnout? How could this interference with my plans be happening? Turns out there ended up being only 11% participation by eligible voters.

This leads me to the question of why exactly was this expensive democratic exercise necessary? Okay, I know Councillor Geoff Meggs went off to Victoria to take an easy cash gig. But rather than spend the million plus the City dropped to elect a replacement, why didnʼt they just go down the list? Think about it. Meggs came in 10th in 2014, making him the last one on board council. Why not just give the job to the person who came in next. In 2014, Ian Robertson of the NPA was the 11th. Given that the winner of this election was Hector Bremner of the NPA, would it have made a difference? Tell me there is a difference between Bremner and Robertson? If Robertson werenʼt available, the next four closest were also NPA candidates. So in essence Meggs should have just saved us the money and trouble and picked somebody from the NPA to replace himself. The same goes with the School Board. They were fired, so just rehire them. Their term was only one more year. We are doing all this again in 2018. The money spent on the by-election could have been used for something more purposeful rather than reminding us that nobody gets elected without money. The kind of money that only comes from hitching a ride from a name brand political party. So, sorry Judy Graves and Jean Swanson. The last independent to win a council seat was Carole Taylor 30 years ago, and she was heavily connected and financed. Same thing goes to you Mary Jean Watermelon and thanks for the Robo-call. Are those really effective for getting the votes?

This by-election also has me pondering how come, with all our enlightenment and gender neutral washrooms, we have still yet to elect a transperson? Specifically how come the money parties wonʼt offer a ride to Jamie Lee Hamilton? This gal has been running forever. She deserves to be elected just for her persistence. Sadly this by-election is also a reminder that COPE the once mighty vanguards of Vancouverʼs progressive politics are on the verge of extinction. Twas self-destructive infighting that caused their decline.

But there are some positives in all this. One City, a neophyte progressive party, managed to best the money parties and steal a seat from them. Plus more Green Party seats. Keep the City green. Seriously, can we put something green in the school curriculum?  Because the school annex a block over from my place, those kids need to learn to recycle. They are our future.

By Contributing Writer Al Tee

Photo: City of Vancouver

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What’s On East Van: October 20, 2017

20 Oct

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  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.

Eastside Flea – Harvest Market – October 20, 2017

Eastside Flea is back to hosting Friday night events featuring food, music and a handful of select artisans. Check out their space in the Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. Things get under way at 6:00 pm and go till 10:00 pm. Admission is $3 or $5 for a weekend pass if you wish to stop by on the weekend and check out the 50 vendors that’ll be on hand.

Movie ‘Long Time Running’ – Rio Theatre – October 21, 2017

The Tragically Hip documentary LONG TIME RUNNING chronicles the emotionally epic iconic Canadian band’s now-legendary 2016 tour that captured the heart of the nation. Movie shows at 4:15 pm this Saturday at the Rio Theatre.

Halloween Drive-In Movie – River District – October 21, 2017

Looking to get a head start on the Halloween fun, you can take in a Drive-Movie at River District in SE Vancouver this Saturday night. Fresh Air Cinemas will be showing ET at 7:00 pm followed by Friday the 13th – Part 3 in 3D following at approximately 9:30 pm.   Cost is $20 per carload for 1 movie or $30 per carload for 2 movies. Buy tickets in advance online and receive $5.00 off with code RIVERDISTRICT.

Oktoberfest – The Alpen Club – October 20 & 21, 2017

This is your last weekend to get your fill of German beer and food along with some live music? Oktoberfest happens again this weekend at The Alpen Club.

Fright Nights – Playland – Now Until October 31, 2017 

If you are looking to be scared out of your wits, now is your chance while Fright Nights is on at Playland. This year includes 8 haunted houses and 20 rides.  Fright Nights is on nightly now until October 31st. Discounts for online purchases.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre 

If you are looking to take in some live jazz this weekend, Pat’s Brew Pub has the Ben Henriques Set on Saturday, October 21st from 3-7 pm.  Sunday Tangent Cafe features more live jazz with Nicholas Bracewell from 6-9 pm. If you are looking for live theatre, Viva is on Friday and Saturday night at Havana. It’s a story of unconditional love. The play follows two strangers, Alice and Graeme, whose lives become intertwined over the course of one night in Las Vegas, but it’s what you think.  To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Halloween Drive-In Movies At River District

18 Oct

HalloweenPumpkinsHalloween Drive-In Movies are happening this October on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver. Wesgroup Properties and Fresh Air Cinema are again hosting double feature films leading up to Halloween on October 21st and October 28th. The cost is $20 per carload for one movie, $30 for two movies. The Drive-In is located at 3650 E. Kent Avenue South which is located 1/2 a block south of Marine Way at Boundary Road.  Gates open at 6:30 pm and the movie gets under way after 7:00 pm.  River District will provide you with the FM station for audio, so you need a working FM station to partake. This event is first come first serve, so best to arrive early to claim your spot.  Note, movies are subject to change. Therefore, please visit River District to confirm what’s playing. Also, if you visit them online to purchase your tickets, save $5 using the code RIVERDISTRICT.

October 28, 2017

Casper 7:00 pm
The Shining – 9:30 pm   

October 29, 2017
(Rescheduled from October 21st Due To Weather)

E.T. – 7:00 pm
Friday The 13th – Part 3 in 3D 9:30 pm

 

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