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In Honour of Betty White’s 100th Birthday

17 Jan

As most people know, Betty White was an American actress and comedian who passed away on December 31, 2021. She passed just weeks before her 100th birthday which would be today, January 17, 2022. Betty White was a pioneer of early television with an amazing career spanning over 8 decades. Add to that she was also one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the camera. But what we admired most about Betty was her tireless advocacy for animals and speaking for those that couldn’t speak for themselves. In honour of what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, people around the world are participating in the #BettyWhiteChallenge. This is simply donating $5 to an animal charity that is near and dear to them. We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honour someone who has given so much of herself to animal advocacy.

There are so many organizations locally that are worthy to donate to, we couldn’t possibly list them all. If you are in position to donate $5, we’ve set out some of our favourite animal rescue organizations that we think are worthy of consideration. Every $1 helps.

Vancouver BC SPCA

Wildlife Rescue Association

VOKRA – Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue

SAINTS Rescue

Happy Herd Sanctuary

Thank Dog I’m Out

Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary

OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society

Critter Care Wildlife Society

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World Premiere Of Do You Mind If I Sit Here? At The Russian Hall January 26-29

14 Jan

Theatre Replacement announces the world premiere of their latest work: Do you mind if I sit here? which will be performed at the Russian Hall January 26 – 29, 2022.  This production is part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Do you mind if I sit here? is about 3 social planners that visit the Russian Hall 30 years from now. They intend to repurpose the space for common use, but discover a squatter that has been living there through decades of an environmental catastrophe. The performance is eclectic in style with a metaphorical narrative. They will dare you to imagine the future in terms of our most important hopes, fears and beliefs. This is an in person event with Covid-safety protocols in place which include 50% seating capacity. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

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The Firehall Arts Centre Opens Their 2022 Season With John January 12 – 15

8 Jan

The Firehall Arts Centre opens their 2022 season with Helen Walkley’s powerful dance/theatre piece, John. The production takes place from Wednesday, January 12 to Saturday, January 15, 2022.

“John is a memoir of my oldest brother who disappeared from Vancouver in May of 1969, never to be heard from again. I sourced from an archive of family letters dating from 1959–2010, which document the years leading up to his disappearance, his medical history, and the subsequent tracking my parents did of his disappearance. He was twenty-three at the time and I was thirteen.” – Helen Walkley.

“John is such a powerful, intimate piece that you are left feeling like you know this mysterious person,” says Artistic Producer Donna Spencer. “The performers, Josh Martin and Billy Marchenski, work together and apart in a manner that captures the inner feelings and outer conflicts of this young man. The work takes you on a journey of hope and loss with gentleness and frustration – it is a wonderful and memorable night of dance theatre.” – Helen Walkley

The production is choreographed by Helen Walkley and performed by Josh Martin and Billy Marchenski, John premiered and wowed audiences during its sold-out run at the 2019 Dancing on the Edge Festival.

Performances at the Firehall Arts Centre are continuing live at 50% capacity, masks and proof of vaccination will be required. To purchase tickets for the live performance, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: Chris Randle

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Missed the Culture Crawl? Ditch The Crowds And Meet Some Makers of The Mergatroid December 18

16 Dec

If you didn’t get a chance to hit the Eastside Culture Crawl this past November, don’t fret! This coming Saturday there’s a chance to ditch the heavy crowds from last month and hit the Mergatroid Open House. When it comes to East Vancouver’s art scene many think of the iconic Parker Street building. However, the Mergatroid building across the street also hosts a variety of local talent, from ceramicists to glassblowers and now here’s your (second) chance to see their open studios and do some of last-minute Christmas shopping. With the amount of artisans opening up their studio spaces this weekend, there is bound to be a gift for everyone still on your list.  We’ve set out below which studios will be open to visitors this Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Mergatroid, 975 Vernon Drive.

Glassware:

Glassblowers make up the heart of the Mergatroid building. Attached to Terminal City Glass Coop, this building houses a variety of different glassblowers, all having unique techniques and skillsets. Find Dougherty Glassworks, Maria Ida Designs, Scott Mcdougall and Felicia Vandenboogaard in #259 where they’ll be hosting their iconic “seconds sale” – a great chance to find those unique gifts that no one else has, at a discounted price.

Ceramics:

Who doesn’t love receiving pottery as a gift? Find Eikam Ceramics, a Vancouver favourite when it comes to ceramic décor and tableware. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece, visit Firebelly Clayworks at #230 for unique but functional sculptural bowls, teapots and mugs.

Textiles & Fashion: 

Are you looking gift for that trendsetter in your life? Check out Bronsino’s handcrafted and bespoke leather bags and accessories. Find their workshop at #225 in the Mergatroid Building. For gifts for someone that loves the West Coast, visit Bettina Matzkuhn at #235 for her embroidered landscapes and cartography inspired pieces. 

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From Grandma With Love – Children’s Book Launch December 18 At Trout Lake Community Centre

10 Dec

Lately we’ve been coming across some amazing young people in our community like Bella Neville Cruz. Bella is 5 years old and has written a children’s book titled From Grandma With Love.  The premise is a 5 year old child seeking the love and approval of her Grandmother even when she misbehaves.  It is also about the reassurance and unconditional love from Grandma to the child.  How many people dream of writing a book? Then along comes Bella at 5 years of age, life goal of many already checked off the bucket list. Talk about inspiring.

On Saturday, December 18th, Bella and her family invite you to their book launch happening in the Grandview Room at Trout Lake Community Centre from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.  The book will be available for sale in English and Spanish in softcover for $12 and in hardcover in English for $22. We invite you to stop by and support and meet this budding author.  You can also follow them on Instagram @bellaandmombooks. If you can’t make the in person launch, books are also available on Amazon.

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Graham Clark To Perform 24 Hours of Stand Up Comedy December 17-18 At Little Mountain Gallery

8 Dec

A beloved Vancouver comedian Graham Clark is set to perform 24 consecutive hours of stand-up from Friday, December 17 at 8:00 pm to Saturday, December 18 at 8:00 pm at Little Mountain Gallery (195 E. 26th Avenue). The veteran comedian is ready to launch into this marathon set with inspiration from his talented team of comedians as they feverishly write jokes for him to read, riff, and rate. Why is he doing a 24 stand up gig?

Funds are being raised for the Little Mountain Gallery’s Eviction Fund with the view to finding a new artist-run venue in which they can perform as an independent comedy centre in Vancouver. They only have use of their current space until January 1, 2022. The hope is that the money raised will be used toward a deposit on rent as well as covering outstanding space costs incurred between a move and opening, transportation of our equipment and basic-level recreation of a functional theatre space.

“Little Mountain Gallery’s closure is a big loss for the comedy scene in Vancouver,” says Clark. “We’ve had two full-time comedy clubs close and another long-time comedy hangout, The Kino, also shuttered. Our comedy community needs a place to really be able to experiment and build new audiences. I will try to keep this in mind when I’m at hour twenty.”

Tickets are $20 and will be available online on at www.standupfor24hours.com.  If you can’t attend in person, there will be a Livestream via Twitch.

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Tugboat Landing Artisan Market December 4th In SE Vancouver

26 Nov

Have you made your way down to the walking trails along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver?  If you have, you will come across an area called Tugboat Landing at the foot of Victoria Drive at East Kent Avenue South.  If you aren’t familiar with this area, it once housed tugboats at this landing on the Fraser River hence the name. It was redeveloped into a community of condos and townhomes that enjoy river front living.  The area is located on a public walkway and cycle path just steps away from Gladstone Park and less than a mile West of the new River District development.

Here you will find the 5th Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market which is back for another year.  This is a boutique artisan market that happens at 2010 East Kent Avenue at the foot of Victoria Drive.  Like many markets, this one didn’t happen last year. This year though they are ready to go with all Covid-safety protocols in place including vaccine cards and masking as well as a few less vendors to ensure distancing. Having said that, they still a great line up of vendors that make it fun and easy to shop for gifts in an inviting and cozy space.

Some of what you can expect to find include handmade artisan chocolates by Ladner Artisan Chocolates, custom dog wear by ScouterWear, jewellery by Cord & Stone and ILiveInEastVan will be on site with a selection of totes, t-shirts & toques.   Rawstic Handmade will also be on hand with warm and cozy Alpaca blankets. If you are looking to do some entertaining over the holidays, you will want to visit  Mad Laboratory Distilling who will be hand with their spirits. MadLab’s spirits will pair nicely with Koldie’s Mixers perfect for the next holiday get together with family and friends. Speaking of get togethers, who doesn’t love to have some baking on hand over the holidays? Swiss Bakery will be on site with Gingermen, Gingerwomen, Gingerbread House Kits, sugar cookies and German Stollen.  If you love handcrafted leather goods, be sure to check out DiG Leather which will be back showcasing their new custom leather accessories for E-bikes.  Local artist, Daniel Clegg, will be on site with oil on canvas and watercolours and Speak Art Glitter with prints, art cards, notebooks and more. Bower Fibre Goods will also be on hand with beautifully crafted textiles and LoveandLucyCo with candles, bath salts and gems stones. As you can see, lots of options to shop and support local this holiday season.   

As an added bonus, the fireplace will be on, so will the coffee, tea and hot cocoa along with some pre-packaged sweets. These items will be available by donation with all proceeds going to the Wildlife Rescue Association.  Hours are 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. To learn more, visit them online at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, or give them a follow @tugboatlandingartisanmarket on Instagram.

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Music At The Cinemas Series At The Fox Cabaret

23 Nov

Vancouver Independent Music Centre and No Horses Music present Music at the Cinemas Series. Curator, Tony Wilson, presents two double bill concerts at the Fox Cabaret Saturday, November 27th and Friday, December 3rd at the Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street.

Saturday, November 27th

Veda Hille
On November 27th, Veda Hill will perform songs about love and nature and time, in an art rock/chamber folk style. She will be accompanied by vocalists Lucien Durey and Patsy Klein, Nicholas Krgovich voice and keyboard

Veda Hille has been writing music, making records, and performing internationally since 1992. She is a classically trained pianist, art school drop-out, performance curator, self-taught singer, theatre interloper, and independent artist. She has released 22 albums, the latest being Little Volcano, a solo album that accompanies her new touring show.

Tillicum Shantie
Featuring jazz arrangements of Salish songs and the music of two legendary indigenous jazz artists – Mildred Bailey and Jim Pepper. To purchase tickets for the November 27th performance, visit Eventbrite.

Friday, December 3rd

Josh Zubot Strings
Josh Zubot Strings will perform a wide gamut of melodic/suspenseful harmony, improvisation and extended exploration in sound Josh will be accompanied by Jesse Zubot violin, viola, James Meger bass, Meredith Bates violin, Peggy Lee cello.

Josh Zubot’s string explorations have found a new home with his string quintet of genre defying West Coast players. Josh’s compositions take on emotion, energy, calmness, unpredictability and virtuosic technique. The music combines traditional and graphic notation while slicing group improvisation moving from the tiniest of sound to the extreme. After hearing his acoustic string music, the listener’s sonic universe will be stretched to the limits.
www.joshzubot.ca

Scott Smith and Tony Wilson’s Tribute to Lenny Breau and Buddy Emmons

Tribute to Canadian legendary guitarist Lenny Breau and Nashville pedal steel guitarist Buddy Emmons with music drawn from the jazz tradition.

In the late ’70s guitarist Lenny Breau and pedal steel guitarist Buddy Emmons teamed up and recorded an album entitled Minors Aloud. Recorded in Nashville, the album became a hard-to-find classic and a must-listen for guitarists of any kind. The quartet will play the entire album as well as other tunes Lenny and Buddy collaborated on.

Scott Smith is an award-winning pedal steel player and guitarist who has toured and recorded with Barney Bentall, Rich Hope and Terminal StaQon among many others. Host of the popular Adventures in Pedal Steel series at the Heatley, he released the instrumental album Lifeboat: Explorations in Pedal Steel in 2020.

Guitarist and composer Tony Wilson has been a fixture on the West Coast jazz and free improv scene for decades. In addition to releasing numerous albums under his own name such as Looking Back and A Day’s Life, he has also played and recorded with the Peggy Lee Band, Waxwing and Pugs and Crows.
To purchase tickets for the December 3rd performance, visit Eventbrite.

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Songwriters In The Round December 3rd At The Cultch

22 Nov

Sarah Jane Scouten, Samantha Parton and Suzie Ungerleider are talented Canadian songwriters who are making their way to The Cultch Friday, December 3, 2021.  They are all uniquely talented Canadian songwriters whose combined achievements include multiple world tours, Juno nominations, Canadian Folk Music Awards and several studio recordings as solo artists and as members of acclaimed acts like the Be Good Tanyas and Oh Susanna. They will be bringing you a round style concert sharing their original music, stories and collaborations and invite you to join them for one evening, December 3rd.    This is an in person event. Tickets are $30. To purchase yours, visit The Cultch.

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East Van Panto Returns With Alice In Wonderland November 24 – January 2

12 Nov

We are excited to hear that the East Van Panto is back for its 9th year! This year it’s a trip through the looking glass with a terribly bored Alice who follows a White Rabbit onto the Skytrain, she falls down a hole only to find herself in a Grandview-Woodlands Wonderland. While tracking this elusive bunny, she encounters transit police officers Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb, a busking Cheshire Cat, gets some questionable advice from a cannabis connoisseur caterpillar, and has a heck of a time at a Commercial Drive leftist tea party. Once Alice discovers that the dastardly online mega-store owner, The Queen of Hearts, is using cookies (chocolate chip, that is!) to secretly steal East Van-ers data, she decides to stop her before all the local shops are priced out of existence!

The Cultch and Theatre Replacement are thrilled to welcome everyone back to live in person theatre at The York for all the fun. If you aren’t quite ready for attending in person, you also have the option of joining them online. To grab your tickets, visit The Cultch online. Online tickets start from $35 and in-person tickets from $69.

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

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