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Art Of East Van By ILIEV Designs Featuring Artist Kat McPhee

15 Nov

KatMcPheeWe are big fans of the amazing artistic talent we have in East Vancouver. Whether it’s behind the studio walls or in the alley way.  We decided that we wanted to blend our love of the environment, using less plastic and at the same time showcase East Van art.   ILiveInEastVan is partnering with East Van artists to showcase their art work on canvas tote bags.

Today we are excited to launch the Art Of East Van by ILIEV Designs featuring our first artist Kat McPhee. We’ve been following Kat for a few years and love her edgy work that has a definite street vibe. Kat is a self-taught artist that creates vibrant portraits and mixed media prints using elements of graffiti and animation as inspiration.  We have created 3 tote bags featuring Kat’s portraits. As you can see from the photo below, we have totes featuring the stunning Audrey Hepburn, the larger than life Anthony Bourdain and the make my day Clint Eastwood.  These totes are now available for sale at Kat’s studio which is located in the Arts Factory, 281 Industrial Avenue (near Main & Terminal) along with 20 other artists. Their studios are now open for the Eastside Culture Crawl.  We invite to stop by and check out her work during The Crawl happening November 15th & 16th from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and November 17th & 18th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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The Fictionals Celebrate 8 Years Of Improv Comedy At The Rio Theatre November 21st

14 Nov

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According to Daniel Chai, co-creator of The Fictionals and host of Improv Against Humanity, their 8th Anniversary Celebration is going to be an epic night. Daniel tells us “The Fictionals are so lucky to have some of the best audiences who come and laugh with us at every show we do. And of course we want to welcome those who are new to Improv Against Humanity to join the fun!” and “Like any fun birthday party, we want to celebrate with all of our friends, which means the comedy fans of Vancouver.” 

Their epic 8th anniversary celebration happens November 21st at the Rio Theatre. On hand will be a special guest comedian, Cameron Macleod from The Hero Show and JFL Northwest.  The show will also crown the newest Most Horrible Person in Vancouver with YOU the audience choosing the winner.   To join in the fun, you can grab your tickets in advance for $12 from the Rio Theatre, or you can grab them for $14 at the door.

Photo Credit: Zemekiss Photography

Scout, a Porti-Doodle Rescued by the BC SPCA from the Langley 66 Puppy Mill, Inspires the Inception of Scouter Wear

13 Nov

ScouterWearLogoWith the upcoming market season, we will be featuring some local makers and artists heading into the holiday season. Those that follow us regularly know we are big on supporting local.  Today we would like to introduce you to a local maker Scouter Wear ‘Dog Gear for Dog Lovers’. Scouter Wear is a company started by Jill Bartlett that creates quality, water-resistant dog coats, hand-knit dog sweaters, ergonomic dog harnesses and dog accessories. This business was inspired by a dog that came from the BC SPCA. A partnership with the BC SPCA has been a driving mission for Scouter Wear since its inception. Founder Jill Bartlett wanted to give back to the organization that was so instrumental in bringing this business to life. The Company name and logo incorporate Jill Bartlett’s Porti-Doodle, Scout, one of 66 animals seized on February 4, 2016, in Langley, BC. At the time, it was the largest puppy mill seizure in BC’s history, now known as the “Langley 66”. Jill Bartlett and her husband, Mike Hancock, watched news stories in horror as images of abused dogs crossed their TV screen. They decided then and there, they wanted to adopt one of these dogs. After a rigorous screening process, they were invited to view a group of 12-week old puppies that were available for adoption. On arriving, they were ambushed by a sea of 10-pound puppies all clamouring for attention. One of them, a black Porti-Doodle named “No Collar”, captured their hearts and went home with them that day and became Scout, the namesake of the company. They are blessed to have this sweet-natured dog in their lives, so full of playful antics and an unwavering enthusiasm. Jill Bartlett says;

On that adoption day, I made the decision that I wanted to give back to the BC SPCA. Scouter Wear was launched in part as a way to give back to this organization that has given us so much joy”.

Scouter Wear is now an official supporter of the BC SPCA. Scouter Wear contributes 5% percent of its sale proceeds to the BC SPCA. Locally, you can find Scouter Wear products at Spa Dog, 3471 Commercial Street and the Pet Parlour, 3457 Cambie Street as well their website at ScoutWear.com which, of course, is available 24/7. If you wish to check them out in person, you can find them at Deeley’s Day For The Animals on April 27th. This is a great event featuring many amazing animal rescue organizations and related businesses.

 

2nd Annual Disney Charity Show November 18th Fundraiser For Music Heals

7 Nov

DisneyMusic2018On Sunday, November 18th, you are invited to the 2nd Annual Disney Charity Show being held at the Notional Space, 1523 East Pender Street. Their inaugural event was held last year on The Drive in the evening. Feedback was that people wished to come with their children during the day, so woola. Organizers listened and are now hosting their next Disney Charity Show the afternoon of November 18th.  Doors open at 1:00 pm, show beings at 1:30 pm. This a fundraiser for Music Heals which raises money for music therapy programs in Canada. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 and available at the door.

East Van Panto: The Wizard Of Oz At The York November 26, 2018 to January 6, 2019

6 Nov

EastVanPantoWizardOfOzWe are admittedly huge fans of the East Van Panto. This has become a fun holiday tradition for us.  We can’t imagine Christmas without it.  This year The East Van Panto celebrates its 6th season with the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. In this year’s storyline, we hear that a pipeline has burst and Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land Of Oz (also known as Nanaimo and Hastings).  There, Dorothy is pursued by the Wicked Witch and embarks on a journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage and yes, yoga pants!  The East Van Panto always pokes great fun at the quirky things that make our City unique.   Come laugh a little at yourself and our fair City.  Tickets for the East Van Panto start at $24 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $146. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  For families on a tight budget, take note that The Cultch is offering $29 tickets on November 28th & 29th at 7:00 pm. They recently offered Housing Crisis Prices on a number of their productions. To get the special rate for this and other Cultch performances, visit Housing Crisis Prices.

Eastside Cultural Crawl November 15 – 18, 2018

5 Nov

EastsideCultureCrawl2018The Eastside Culture Crawl is back for 4 days starting Thursday, November 15th.  This 4 day arts extravaganza is now its 22nd year and features over 480 artists in and around East Vancouver.  If you aren’t already familiar with this event, artists from a variety of mediums open their studio doors so you can see firsthand their working space, their creative process and their work.  The artists themselves will of course be on hand to discuss any aspect of their work. During the Eastside Culture Crawl, you will find painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers, photographers and much more. The event grows each year and now comprises over 80 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street.

If time is not on your side and you want to take in as many artists in one fell swoop, 1000 Parker Street and the Mergatroid are your spots to hit and definitely a hub of action which includes some food trucks for those that get hungry. The Mergatroid, 975 Vernon Drive has glass blowing demonstrations on view at the main level, but be sure to check out the other studio spaces within the building.  Note, this part of The Crawl can get busy on the weekends, so if that’s not your thing, there are many other options.  Organizers prepare an amazing online map that sets out all the studios.  We invite you to check it out.  If you are unsure where you wish to start, check out the Program Guide for more information.

Each year, we try and tackle a new area/artists we haven’t visited before. This year we are heading to The Arts Factory to check out a young artist we’ve been following for a few years now, Kat McPhee. Her work applies elements of graffiti, is edgy and has the feel of street art.

Also, on our list this year is the artist, L.J. Throstle. Lucy creates beautiful works using single use stencils and acrylic spray paint. Her subjects are generally people and animals. If you can find les amis du fromage’s East van location (843 East Hastings), you can find Lucy’s studio, it is below ground at 841 East Hastings.  She captures subjects in a unique way.

If it’s woodworking you wish to see, you need to check out Jesse Toso and the Toso Wood Works in Parker Studios at 1000 Parker Street.  His items are made for salvaged wood are beautiful and unique.  If you can’t make The Crawl which showcase his larger pieces, you can also visit his gallery at 3567 Commercial Street before or after The Crawl.

What we love about the Eastside Culture Crawl is that you have 4 days to stop in and check out the artists at your own pace.  You go where you want on The Crawl for as long as you want.  Adding to the event, is many great spots to stop for a bite or refreshment along the way. Whether you are in Strathcona, off the Drive, Railtown, Hastings Sunrise, Downtown Eastside or off the growing stretch off Clark Drive, there are countless options for coffee, beer, food and wine.

To help guide you through some of the art available, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a great downloadable map to help you find your way. Don’t miss this opportunity to check out the amazing talent in this City. The Crawl runs November 15th and 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 17th  and Sunday, November 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See you on the Crawl.

What’s On East Van: November 2nd Edition

2 Nov

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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.

Archive’s Consignment Warehouse Sale – 1275 Venables – November 2nd & 3rd

A new organization in Vancouver called Archive is focused on helping locals become more savvy about sustainable fashion practices, including buying more long-lasting, high-quality pieces, including those that are second-hand.  They’ve put together Vancouver’s first consignment warehouse sale which will have racks of all-season men’s and women’s apparel and accessories for sale.  Free admission Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, or to get a jump on the crowds, $10 for 1 hour head start.  There’s also a VIP option the evening before with Sustainable Panel conversation as well as shopping.  To get an advance ticket, visit Eventbrite.

East End Blues & All That Jazz – Firehall Arts Centre – Until Saturday, November 3rd

If you love the sound soul-stirring gospel and blues and jazz, you may wish to make your way down the Firehall Arts Centre this weekend.  There’s also a matinee performance Saturday at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25/30 and available through the Firehall Arts Centre.

Book Launch ‘Cooking In Colour’ – Gourmet Warehouse – November 3rd

East Van residents and food bloggers known as The Food Gays are launching their new cookbook ‘Cooking In Colour’  They will be on hand at Gourmet Warehouse this Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Ritchies Bakery Pop Up – les amis du fromage – November 3rd

Ritchies Bakery will be popping at les amis du fromage East Van location, 843 East Hastings this Saturday with freshly baked bread and baked goods. They will be there from 11:00 to 5:00 pm or until they sell out.

Vancouver Tea Festival – Chinese Cultural Centre – November 3rd & 4th

The 5th Annual Vancouver Tea Festival happens this weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre, 50 East Pender. The event includes a Chinese tea tasting bar, matcha bar and Herbal Tea Making Workshop.  For more info, visit Vancouver Tea Festival.

Bling – Heritage Hall – November 4th

The Pacific Pyros present the 4th annual bead show BLING at the Heritage Hall this Sunday, November 4th.  This show features a wide range of wearable glass art by 17 artists.  Along with the show there will be demonstrations has well as hourly draws. Admission is free. So stop by and check out some of the talent between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Backbone – Vancouver Playhouse – November 4th

The Cultch presents the renowned Australian circus company, Gravity & Other Myths in the production Backbone.  10 performers and 2 musicians take the stage at the Vancouver Playhouse and display incredible strength and flexibility with dance like movements.  This show is only here for a short run. You have till Sunday to catch it.  Tickets available from The Cultch.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

If it’s live music you are after, the Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

This weekend we are back to two farmer markets. Saturday there’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks and also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

The Enemy At The Firehall Arts Centre November 10 – December 1, 2018

31 Oct

The Enemy 1 - Jenn Griffin and Paul Herbert.jpgThe Firehall Arts Centre is presenting a new political drama that touches on a number of themes including corruption, environmental activism and a lack of accountability. The Enemy is a contemporary interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. The original story was written in 1882, but with the current political climate in the US, The New York Times says this story “is suddenly as timely as a tweet.” In Ibsen’s version, Dr. Stockman is written as a male. In The Enemy, Artistic Director Donna Spencer has taken the role of Dr. Stockman and written it as a female to illustrate the road blocks women face when challenging the “powers-that-be” or “the old boys club”. This production also touches on the choices  we make, the ones we think we should make but don’t, and the influences around us that colour that decision-making. The Enemy asks “is the majority always right?” “What happens when truth is declared as not the truth?” “What happens when disbelief is spread via social media, ‘fake news’, and shoddy journalism?” Who ends up being the enemy?

Artistic Director Donna Spencer has chosen a piece that reflects what is happening in the world today. A timely piece that encourages us to look at and question the political, social and environmental landscape around us. You can catch The Enemy at The Firehall Arts Centre from November 10th to December 1st. For tickets visit, the Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: Pedro Meza

Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

30 Oct

FarmersMarketProduceRiley Park Farmers Market – Every Saturday

In case you missed the news, Riley Park Farmers Market is now a year round market happening every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 30th & Ontario.   This is a great space located next to a community garden with ample parking and located on a bike route.

Hastings Park Farmers Market – Sundays Nov. 4 – April 28, 2019

The Hastings Park Farmers Market kicks off Sunday, November 4th at Hastings Park and happens weekly every Sunday until April 28, 2019 except for Sunday, December 30th. The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark.

Whichever market you choose, stop by and support your local makers!

The Ones We Leave Behind At The Cultch Until November 3, 2018

29 Oct

TheOnesWeLeaveBehind-RayShumWe had the pleasure of taking in opening night of the production The Ones We Leave Behind at The Cultch.  This is a multi-layered play created by Loretta Seto and presented by the Vancouver Canadian Asian Theatre. The subject matter being an elderly woman who dies alone with no one to claim her body makes one think about social isolation and the part it plays in our community, but then we ourselves can also play a part in that social isolation.

The Ones We Leave Behind features an investigator for the Public Trustee, Abby Chung, who has been assigned her first case. She is working with an experienced and hardened investigator 30 years on the job.  Abby’s first assignment is locating the next-of-kin for an elderly woman named Beatrice, who has died without any family or friends to claim her. As Abby uncovers more details of Beatrice’s lonely life, she is confronted by her own demons and is forced to face issues in her own life.  The Ones We Leave Behind poses the question, are the greatest walls the ones we build within ourselves?

What we didn’t expect in this production, is the laughs. The relationship between Abby and her mother are honestly quite priceless. As one with a mother that aspires to the direct approach, their relationship was very relatable.  The production touches on many issues abandonment, social expectations including those we place on ourselves.  A lot gets packed into this production which features an excellent cast.  We recommend taking some time out to see The Ones We Leave Behind on now at The Cultch until November 3rd. Tickets are available online from $24.00 at The Cultch.

“I am so grateful to Loretta, who’s written such a gorgeous, multi-layered piece, and shared an immigrant story, and a Chinese immigrant story…The relationship between Abby and her mother is like a mirror of my relationship with my mother, who is an immigrant to Canada, and the language barrier, the cultural barrier, and a generational gap within that. There are quite a lot of differences for each of us to navigate” – Agnes Tong, who plays Abby Chung in The Ones We Leave Behind, in conversations with The Vancouver Sun

Photo Credit: Ray Shum