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Eastside Culture Crawl November 19-22: 457 Artists + 83 Buildings

12 Nov

EastsideCultureCrawlThe Eastside Culture Crawl is back again for 4 days starting Thursday, November 20th.  This 4 day arts extravaganza really is a must see. During “the Crawl” over 400 artists in and around the heart of East Vancouver open their studios to the public. The event which grows each year now comprises some 83 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street. The mediums vary and include painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers and photographers. There is no set schedule for this event, you go where your mood and interests take you and the array of talent is amazing. To help guide you, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a printable .PDF map to help you find your way. The Crawl runs November 19th and 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To figure out what you wish to see and when, check out the Issuu magazine online.

If you wish to mix things up and do some side trips in and around East Vancouver while on the Crawl, there are so many great stops en route. For instance, in Railtown there is Vancouver Urban Winery & Lounge which is a perfect start for brunch in the Belgard Kitchen before the Crawl or for a bit of wine or beer tasting after. There are more beer options if you head West a little ways including Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Bomber Brewing,  Powell Street Craft Brewery and a newcomer Doan’s Craft Brewing. If Belgian beer is more up your alley Biercraft on Commercial Drive which is also a good spot for brunch before the Crawl. If you are looking for the perfect cocktail, we recommend Odd Society Spirits.  Personally, we will be making a stop for brunch first before the Crawl.  There are so many options in the Hastings Sunrise area and on The Drive including amazing coffee shops. If you are looking for suggestions to eat before the Crawl, in Hastings Sunrise there is the Roundel Café, Yolk’s Breakfast and Red Wagon Café for starters. On the Drive, there is Havana Restaurant, Scandillious or for the perfect sandwhich to go (big enough to share) we recommend La Grotta del Fromaggio. While there, we suggest making the walk next door to Fratelli Bakery for something sweet. You won’t be disappointed.

During the Crawl, les amis du fromage, 843 East Hastings, is another great spot to stop in and do a bit of cheese sampling. They will also have some local vendors in store doing Pop Up Shoppes.  On Saturday, November 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm they will have Mixers & Elixers. They produce small batch shrubs also known as drinking vinegar used in soda water and cocktails. Also on hand Saturday will be Grain which sources exclusively Canadian dry good products from farmers and processors they know.   On Sunday, November 21st  Noon – 4:00 pm, you will find SaltSpring Kitchen Co. in store.  Melanie Mulherin makes delicious small batch preserves in some unique flavours such as Meyer Lemon & Lavender Marmalade, Sour Cherry, Rhubarb & Rosemary Jam, Blueberry & Basil Jam and the one that caught our eye Winter Wonderjam (Strawberry, Cranberry, Orange & Bourbon).   Les amis du fromage is perfectly situated in Strathcona within walking distance of many artist studios.

For some more sweet stuff, the Licorice Parlour is a great stop with over 65 flavours on hand. If you are looking for coffee, there are many great options including the Wilder Snail in the heart of Strathcona, Pallet Roasters, 323 Semlin Drive and Platform 7, 2331 East Hastings St. Of course, there are an array of excellent choices along Commercial Drive including Continental Café, Moja’s Coffee and Prado Café to name but a few. If you find yourself in the Stratchona area, might we suggest a stop at Crackle Crème at 245 Union Street. This sweet little dessert cafe serves up artisan crème brûlée and authentic Belgian liège waffles as well as coffee. There will be many local restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at the ready to help you recharge your batteries before, during or after the Crawl.

See you on the Crawl.

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Social Studies Comes To The Firehall Arts Centre November 21 – December 5

10 Nov

SocialStudiesThe Firehall Arts Centre invites you to their new show Social Studies which begins November 21st.   This is a heart warming comedy about  a well intentioned family in Winnipeg that adopts a South Sudanese “Lost Boy”.  The show takes some funny twists which highlights Canadian values as well as cultural differences.  Social Studies also delves into family connections and examines issues of loss, expectations, and the desire to do good in the world.  As the saying goes, the road is paved with the best of intentions.  You will see first hand how caring and compassionate Canadians deal with their fears and feelings about people’s lives who are very different from their own. We invite you to check out this “engaging new comedy”.  The show runs from November 21st to December 5th. Tickets are available online from $23 at Firehall Arts Centre.

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All Craft And Artisan Fairs In East Vancouver

5 Nov

Snowflake‘Tis the season for craft and artisan fairs. Local makers have been working hard preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The fairs are a great way to support local when gift giving this holiday season.   We have already checked out the first Winter Craft Fair of the season held at River District in SE Vancouver this past Sunday. This one will run every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until December 27th. For those that don’t like crowds, this is a smaller market with great vendors. If you are looking for bigger markets with choices galore, there are many options including Shiny Fuzzy Muddy at the Heritage Hall, Make It!, TOQUE and Vancouver Farmer’s Market Holiday Market and new this year the Italian Christmas Market.  We have set out below a rundown of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more.  We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2015

Nov. 8: River District Winter Craft Fair 11- 4
Nov. 10: Crafty Daze – Diwali – Mount Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Nov. 13-15: 32nd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 14: Love It. Craft It – Heritage Hall 11-6
Nov. 14&15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Nov. 14: Holiday Craft Fair – Killarney Community Centre
Nov. 15: River District Winter Craft Fair – River District 11-4
Nov. 20: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 22: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 22: Blim Market – Heritage Hall 12-6
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9 pm
Nov. 28: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 28 & 29: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 – 4
Nov. 28: Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Comm. Centre  – 10-3
Nov. 29: Bakers Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Nov. 29: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 29: Renegade Winter Art & Craft Market – 2980 Nanaimo Street 11-5

DECEMBER 2015

Dec. 3-6: Make It! Handmade Revolution – PNE Forum
Dec. 4-6: TOQUE Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair
Dec. 5: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10-4
Dec. 6: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Dec. 6: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 12: Vancouver Farmer’s Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-4
Dec. 12: East Van Ham – 1739 Venables Street
Dec. 12-13: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 13: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 13: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 14: Crafty Daze–Hannukah – Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 19&20: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 19&20: 22nd Annual Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 22: Crafty Daze-Winter Solstice-Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4

For those wishing to participate in a craft fair, we have heard that as of today’s writing there are still some tables available at Holiday Craft Fair at Killarney Community Centre on November 14th and Renfrew Park Community Center’s Craft Fair on November 28th. We don’t expect that these spaces will last long though. So if interested, be quick.

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Light The Candles – The Fictionals Are Celebrating 5 Years Of Making People Laugh

4 Nov

CakeWithOneCandeYou are invited to come out and help The Fictionals celebrate 5 years of making people laugh. If you don’t know them, The Fictionals’ first show was Show Us Your Wits, an Improv and Burlesque mashup at the former Mermaid Cafe. Since then, the comedy troupe has performed in hundreds of shows, expanded to a cast of 12 players and perform regularly at Cafe Deux Soleils and the Rio Theatre in East Van. On Wednesday, November 18th they will putting on Improv Against Humanity which will be an interactive comedy show at the Rio Theatre.  And really who couldn’t use more laughter in their life.  It’s like exercise, but sitting down. It’s good for you. Add to that, there will be cake!  You can purchase tickets in advance online for $10, or at the door for $12. The laughs get under way at 8:00 pm.

 

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Dare To Be Square West Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall November 13

2 Nov

SquaredancehugeWould you like to learn how to square dance? Well now you can. Dare To Be Square West is a festival that brings 3 public dances that feature live music and on the spot instructions for the beginners.  We hear that this event draws a “a young, diverse, and enthusiastic crowd from all over the west coast, including Portland, Seattle and Oakland California, which boast vibrant old time dance scenes”  Dare to Be Square West is hosting a weekend of events with workshops that teach beginners the basics of old time dance and dance calling as well as strengthening the skills of experienced callers, dancers and musicians.  We have set out below the 3 events lined up for this upcoming festival:

Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall Friday November 13

This evening will feature music  by Yomada and Shout!WhiteDragon and include callers Paul Silveria, Craig Marcuk and Anne Louise Genest.  Tickets for this event are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets. The event kicks off at 8:00 pm. Again, beginners are welcome.

Southern Squares & French Canadian Dancing At The Ukrainian Hall November 14

This evening will feature the calling of Fred Park coming from North Carolina and music by No Mean Feat . There will also be a performance of French Canadian square dances by Suzanne Girardot with La Famille Leger. The event takes place at the Ukranian Hall, 805 E. Pender Street and kicks off at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Family Dance At The Ukranian Hall November 15

This event kicks off in the afternoon at 4:30 pm and will feature family-friendly dances called by Sherry Nevins with the Royal Coachmen and an opening set by Professor Banjo and a “crankie” performance by Dejah Leger (Seattle). This is an all ages event.  Tickets are $5.00 per person and tickets are also available online at Brown Paper Tickets.

This event is organized by Paul Silveria who is a Vancouver based square dance caller. Originally from Portland Oregon, Paul learned to call from veteran dance caller Bill Martin surrounded by a thriving old-time music community. Paul has been growing Vancouver’s live-music square dance scene for the past 4 years and is excited to bring this festival to Canada for the first time. callinghuge

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River District Winter Craft Fair November 1 – December 27

30 Oct

TheBeautifulNomad5River District located in SE Vancouver along the Fraser River is hosting their 3rd Annual Winter Craft Fair. For those unfamiliar to the area it’s located at 8683 Kerr Street at the foot of Kerr Street just below SE Marine Drive). The Winter Craft Fair will be showcasing local products and vendors starting Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The Winter Craft Fair will continue every Sunday until December 27th.  Admission is free.  Some of the vendors they have lined up for the first two weekends include the Laughing Sparrow with modern handmade jewellery, The Beautiful Nomad with handmade jewellery made from shells, pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones as well as Stepping Stones Bakery, Chicka Bites Baked Goods and MB Furniture Revival, a local company which takes used furniture and turns shabby into chic.  Note, although some of the vendors may take credit cards, many are cash only.  So be sure to have some on hand.  Come down by the river and support local.

Photo Credit: The Beautiful Nomad

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Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

29 Oct

Pumpkins & SquashNat Bailey Stadium – November 7 to April 26 / 10 – 2

Vancouver Farmers Market returns to Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street for their winter market starting Saturday November 7th and will run each Saturday until April 23 save for December 26th.  The market will run each day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.   This is a great opportunity to shop local all winter long. Each week you can expect to find locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods and prepared foods.  Also on hand, as usual, will be a few food trucks, hot drink vendors and a little live music to keep you entertained.

Hastings Park – November 8 to May 1 / 10 – 2

If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out  the market at Hastings Park beginning Sunday November 8th.  This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until May 1, 2016 save for December 27th.  The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark. This market will also feature a great selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat and dairy products.  You will also find locally sourced  artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts and food trucks serving hot food to keep you warm in the cooler months. Come out and support local this winter.

Photo Credit: Deborah Waller

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Free Puppetry Workshop & Puppet Show In Mount Pleasant

27 Oct

PuppetShowMPNHThe Vancouver Star Theatre is hosting a free puppetry workshop and puppet show for families in Mount Pleasant. The workshop and puppet show will be hosted by two puppet masters. Firstly,  Randi Edmundson who is an experienced puppeteer and drama teacher. She currently teaches theatre classes for Vancouver Performing Stars and Place des Arts. The second puppet master is Kaeden Derksen who is a children’s performer, musician and drama teacher. Kaeden recently spent time in India facilitating intergenerational theatre workshops for seniors and children.

MAKE PUPPETS & TELL STORIES – Sunday, November 1st

Randi Edmundson and Kaeden Derksen are experienced puppeteers and will be leading a free puppetry workshop for children aged 5-8 at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre on Sunday, November 1st. Participants will make their own simple puppets and learn manipulation techniques. They will also have the opportunity to practice their newly learned techniques in front of their class mates.   The workshop runs from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm and registration is required.  Contact the Mount Pleasant Community Centre directly to register.

THE MAIN EVENT – Tuesday, November 10th

Randi and Kaeden will be sharing a free puppet show at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. We hear that the performance will be zany, interactive and full of surprises. It will also incorporate music as well as stories created by the workshop participants. The puppet show will begin at 4:30pm and run for 30 minutes.  For those wishing to take in this puppet show, you are encouraged to show up early to reserve a seat.

The workshop and puppet show is brought to by the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, the Mount Pleasant Community Centre and the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Small Grants Program.

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Rescue Me: Grizzly One Cool Dude Is Looking For His Forever Home

22 Oct

GrizzlyWelcome to the next installment of Rescue Me in which we feature pets waiting for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA. Today we would like to introduce you  to Grizzly.  He is a 2 year old male Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier Mix.  If you are looking for a running or hiking partner, then we hear that Grizzly is your guy. He’s a high energy dog that requires an active home.  His friends at the Vancouver SPCA think he will benefit from some fun obedience training to help polish his behavior skills as well as keeping him stimulated.  Grizzly if left alone for long periods without enough exercise, may become bored and bark as well as exhibit a bit of destructive behaviour.  The Vancouver SPCA thinks he would be best suited for an adult only home or one with older children as he’s young and fairly excitable and with his size could be overwhelming for young children.  He can be selective with his canine friends, so they prefer he be your one and only four legged friend. If you think this handsome boy might be a good fit for you, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca.

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Halloween Events In East Vancouver 2015

21 Oct

halloween-night2Lots of fun events coming to East Vancouver for Halloween for the big kids and the wee ones.  We have set out a sampling of some of the events. Of course, if you are staying in to hand out Halloween candy to the wee ones, Black Dog Video on Commercial Drive has you covered for Halloween movies. If you have an event, you’d like to see included on the list, feel free drop us a line at IliveInEastVan@gmail.com

Parade of Lost Souls. This popular East Van tradition takes place on October 31st. The exact location will be announced at midnight on October 30th on the Dusty Flowerpot website. 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 Parade of Lost Souls will take place in East Vancouver on October 31st 7:00 – 10:00 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 Hall on Venables Street. The after party will feature performances by The Tailor, Sweet Anomaly, Orkestar Slivovica, Bone Rattle Burlesque and much more.  Tickets are available in advance and at the information booth the night of the parade.

Fright Nights. Playland is hosting 7 haunted houses, 15 rides, a fire show, Monsters of Schlock and the Radiant Heat Show. Fright Nights is now on until November 1st (enter E. Hastings & Windermere) tickets are available online at FrightNights.ca.

Rio Theatre. On Saturday, October 31st, the Rio Theatre has you covered for scary movies.  They are starting the night with Jack Nicholson in The Shining at 6:15 pm, then Halloween at 9:15 pm and ending with From Dusk Till Dawn at 11:30 pm.  Advance tickets are available online.

7 Deadly Sins At The Waldorf. 7 Deadly Sins is happening at The Waldorf.  This is a multi room affair featuring DJs, dancing and much more. The event gets underway at 8:00 pm and tickets are $35 and going quick.

Dogwood Brewing – Costume Kegger. The fine folks at Dogwood Brewing in SE Vancouver are throwing a Costume Kegger this Halloween. As the name depicts, costumes are encouraged.  Tickets are $30 and includes meal ticket for Disco Cheetah, beer tickets, a DJ, games and shuttle transportation to and from Cambie/Marine Skytrain Station.  The event kicks off at 8:00 pm and will go till 1:30 am.  Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.

Halloween Drive-In Movie Night. You are invited to check out a Halloween Drive-In movie series which will be held this weekend and next at River District in SE Vancouver.  Load up the car with your family and/or friends for the early movie which is family friendly at 7:00 pm on October 24th which is showing Hocus Pocus OR you can opt for the later scary movie for the adults at 9:00 pm which features The Thing.  On Friday, October 30th, they will be doing it all over again. On this Freaky Friday they will be showing The Nightmare Before Christmas at 7:00 pm and for the adult scary movie it will be The Lost Boys at 9:30 pm. The drive-in theatre is located at Boundary Road and East Kent Avenue North. Cost is $20 per car load plus taxes.  Free popcorn for the early movie and 4 food trucks and a snack bar will be on site. You can purchase tickets in advance online.

Halloween On The Drive – The Commercial Drive Business Society invites you and your family down for a FREE family event on Saturday, October 31st. From 12:30 to 4:30 pm, kids under the age of 12 can stop by Famoso Pizzeria on Commercial Drive for a free Margherita Pizzetta. From 4:30 to 6:30 pm, there will be ‘trick or treating’ along The Drive from Venables Street to 13th Avenue.  Participating merchants will have a “TREATS HERE” sign in their windows. Stop by the Southwest corner of Grandview Park between 6:00 and 7:30 pm for a chance to win a prize pack from local merchants.  And to top things off, there will be a fireworks finale at Grandview Park between 7:30 and 8:00 pm.

COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THE WEE ONES:

Trout Lake Community Centre: Halloween Celebration – Saturday, October 31st 10:00 am to 1:00 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.

Britannia Community Centre: Halloween Howl – Saturday, October 31st (1–8 years). You are invited to a FREE spooky community event with entertainment and ghostly games and, of course, tricks and treats.  Event takes place in Gym D from Noon to 2:00 pm. Treats for the first 100 kids.

Britannia Community Centre – The Ghost Caravan – Kids Theatre Show – Sunday, October 25th 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Local children are invited to come out and be a part of The Kids Theatre Show at the Parade of Lost Souls.  They ask that you imagine two ghostly figures riding two white bicycles.  Behind them, like a horse drawn carriage, there is a portable theatre from which costumed characters emerge which will be played by local children.  To learn more, stop by the Cafeteria at Britannia Community Centre and check out what’s happening.

Sunset Community Centre: Haunted Halloween – Friday, October 30th  6:30 to 9:00 pm.  Come check out their spooky haunted houses, crafts and trick or treating. This is a free event for all ages.

Sunset Community Centre: Halloween Skate – Thursday, October 29th 3:00 to 4:15 pm. Dress up in your Halloween costume and skate this spooktacular event. Regular admission and rental fees apply.

Happy Halloween

 

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