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Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season – 2017

20 Dec

JustForYouGiftsIt’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season.  We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but with more people downsizing and living in condos, space becomes an issue.  Thus, over the years we have been fans of  giving the gift of experience. Not only is it fun, but you are also creating memories, not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys the gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.

Vancouver Brewery Tours

Founded in 2013, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to craft breweries.. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment.  From first hand experience, we can attest that tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer.  They offer a variety of tours on different days of the weekend and/or weekends. To see what’s offered, visit Vancouver Brewery Tours.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing? Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up including nights featuring ABBA music, 80s and R&B.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes in 2018. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering the art of cheesemaking and these ones tend to sell out. Most classes are demonstration vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, first on our list is Hot Honey Brown, but there are many other great productions already lined up.

Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours

The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City. Every tour offers something a little different, but always tasty.  It’s a fun way to spend some time with friends. To see what tours are offered, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.

The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come.  Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.

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Hot Honey Brown At The York Theatre January 9 – 27, 2018

18 Dec

HotHoneyBrown4This January, The Cultch presents a production that promises to turn up the heat with Hot Brown Honey. This smash hit from Australia took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with a group of six sassy women who know how to make some noise and defiantly smash stereotypes.  We see this as part of the evolution of our changing cultural landscape as it relates to women.    The #metoo campaign shook the tree, we think Hot Honey Brown lends voice to some of the empowerment that comes from stepping out of the shadows and speaking up. See a production that speaks with sass along with hip hop, dance, poetry, comedy, circus, song and striptease to push boundaries and defy labels.  We’ve learnt an extra week has been added due to popular demand for tickets. So if you wish to see this production, we recommend grabbing your tickets sooner vs. later. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.

What people are saying about Hot Honey Brown:

★★★★★
Gleefully challenges stereotypes of sex and race with a full grin, bared
chest and raised middle finger.” 
Edinburgh 49

★★★★★
It’s gobsmacking the talent and message this show has to offer: how it challenges
everyone to review their views, and inspires everyone to rock the boat”
Theatre Press

★★★★★
A powerhouse performance of passion and poignancy” 
Broadway World

★★★★★
Unapologetic, almost aggressively graceful and fabulously fierce…”
Theatre People

 

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What’s On East Van: December 15th Edition

15 Dec

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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.

Chinese Lantern Festival – The PNE – Dec. 15, 2017 to Jan. 21, 2018

This weekend kicks off a 5 week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, live performances, storytelling, food trucks including Beaver Tails and Red Velvet Mini Donuts along with baristas offering coffee, hot chocolate spiked with Baileys if you want it. There will be two live performances nightly Sunday to Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 6:30 and 9:30 pm.   You can purchase tickets in advance online which gets you a better price or at the gate. For ticket information and pricing visit Vancouver Lantern Festival.

Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 16, 2017

Crafty Affaire Market is a great spot to put a serious dent in your Christmas List all in one spot. You can expect to find an array of vendors showcasing handmade creations, one-of-a-kind treasures, some vintage items and we are hearing lots of edible treats for nibbling or gift giving. Crafty Affaire happens Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Admission is $2.00.

June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a 2 day studio sale this weekend. It’s a great opportunity to finish up some Christmas shopping, or get started whichever the case may be for the nature lover in your life.  June has a great selection of nature inspired jewellery, prints, cards, tiles and more.  Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street stop by either day between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

The 24th Annual Women’s Winter Faire happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find a range for items for gift giving for that lovely lady in your life including jewellery, clothing, gourmet foods and much more.  Event happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Admission is by donation with $3-5 suggested which goes to support local charitable organizations.  We see since the inception of the Women’s Winter Faire, organizers have raised over $108,400 for local charities. Hats off to them!

Burlesque, Burlesque, Burlesque – Rio Theatre –  Dec. 15, 16 & 17, 2017

If you are looking to kick up your heels, or well maybe watch someone else kick up their heels on stage, Rio Theatre has you covered this weekend.  Burlesque is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Kitty Nights Presents Pee Wee’s Burlesque on Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm start and Sunday it’s Harry Potter Christmas Burlesque.

Sweet Pop Up Shop With Lisa Lou’s – les amis du fromage  – December 14 – 23, 2017

The Strathcona location of les amis du fromaage at 843 East Hastings is hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop now until December 23rd.  The sweets being those from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar.  There looks to be a great selection of their sweet treats.  Stop by anytime between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are a night owl and wish to take in a late movie, Edward Scissorhands is playing at the Rio Theatre Friday night 11:30 pm. If you are a fan of Jane Goddall, you may wish to catch the documentary Jane at the Rio Theatre Sunday afternoon 2:15 pm or on December 22nd at 6:00 pm. Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets for your Christmas shopping. Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Review Of How Star Wars Saved My Life

12 Dec

StarWarsContributing writer, Tiva Quinn, steps outside of East Van to review an important production that just completed a short run at Performance Works on Granville Island. Although it’s completed, we wish to feature it as it provides valuable information and insight for survivors of sexual abuse.

How Star Wars Saved My Life is intended first and foremost as a cathartic experience for sexual abuse survivors and an awareness-raising piece, but it also succeeds brilliantly as an entertaining one man show. Writer/Performer Nicholas Harrison is a theatre instructor at Capilano College with a lengthy and distinguished history as an actor, writer, director, fight director and stunt performer, so it’s hardly surprising that he knows how to take deeply emotional material and make a good story from it.

The most noticeable thing about all this talent is that when Nick chooses to perform as his younger self, he sells it completely – he takes us through highs and lows of his young life with the full level of joy, fascination, shock and terror that children experience. And when he becomes more withdrawn as he gets older, he makes us feel the reality of being withdrawn and keeping secrets, as well – no small task.

The set was also a very effective piece of this performance, with a minimalist design that works brilliantly for a story where the past and the present are the two most important locations.

The play is often funny, but it’s also quite serious about the work it’s here to do. Each performance is followed by a 15-minute talkback with Don Wright, of the Vancouver Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Noa Rabin of Jericho Counseling, Nick’s therapist. Nick has given Noa permission to share information about their therapy sessions in response to audience questions so that people can learn more about what types of issues come up in therapy for sexual abuse.

In keeping with the spirit of the production to share information and resources with anyone who might need them, I would encourage any survivors who might be interested in this topic to check out Nick’s blog, which covers a lot of the same material. Another organization that provides assistance is the local chapter of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse who also provide services to trans survivors.

By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn

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Blitzen Pop Up On Now Till December 23, 2017

11 Dec

IBlitzen Shopn the space next to Heartbreaker Salon, was Whiskey Cake Home, who we’ve learnt has left this space to focus on their store on Main Street. Which means a great little retail space in the midst of a host of restaurants such as Les Faux Bourgeois, Osteria Savio Volpe, Matchstick Coffee, Los Cuervos at the corner of Kingsway and Fraser.  Most of these spots have waits and line ups, so while you wait for your table, why not pop in to the Blitzen Pop Up and get a bit of Christmas shopping done.  Blitzen Pop Up features a range of products from local makers including:

Anita Sikma Jewelry
Handwoven rugs/pillows/garlic baskets by Becky Brisco
Candles by EastWix
Leather Goods by Hannah Joan
Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce
Patch Planters
Batch salts/scrubs/room sprays By Kis•met Essentials
Andrew Pommier’s Limited Edition Artist Prints
Locally designed textiles and baby swaddlers by Anara
The Vancouver Shop – local neighbourhood patches, prints & giftware
Pacific Northwest Prints
Silk Scarves By Mona Sultan
Handmade Soaps & Balms by Violet Alchemy
Kids clothing and colouring cards by Jamie Anderson
Local Pickles and Pickled Onions by Deandra Vaughn

Blitzen Pop Up is local at 623 Kingsway, corner of Fraser & Kingsway and is open Wednesday to Saturday from Noon to 8:00 pm. Stop by and see what’s in store or check them out on Instagram @blitzenpop.

 

 

 

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What’s On East Van: December 8th Edition

8 Dec

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALots 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.

Brock House Big Band – Trout Lake Community Centre – December 8, 2017

Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting the Brock House Big Band on Friday, December 8th. This is a free concert happening from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. So you are invited to stop by, sing or dance-a-long.

Christmas Tree Pop Up Sale – Luppolo Brewing Company – December 9, 2017

Luppolo Brewing Company in Strathcona is hosting a one day Christmas tree sale with proceeds benefitting Leah’s Place.  Pop Up runs from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm so you have the full day to pop by and grab a tree.

GotCraft? – Maritime Labour Musuem – December 9 & 10, 2017 

If you wish to shop local, this is a great weekend to do it.  Choices abound, first up Got Craft? At the Maritime Labour Museum Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Get thirsty, you have some great craft breweries and Pallet Coffee close by if you need to recharge.

Make It! Vancouver – PNE Forum –  December 7-10, 2017

Make It! Vancouver is on now at the PNE Forum showcasing some amazing Canadian talent. Expect to find over 265 exhibitors selling handcrafted items. They will also have a beer garden and food trucks to round out the shopping experience.   Make It! Is on Friday, December 8th from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday, December 9th from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.  Admission is $8, but they are offering a $2 off coupon on their website.

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall – December 9 & 10, 2017

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday (11:00 to 6:00 pm) and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm) with over 30 artisans offering a range of items. Admission is $3.00.

The 19th Annual Animation Show of Shows – Rio Theatre – December 10, 2017

The Rio Theatre hosts the 19th Edition of Ron Diamond’s wonderfully curated Animation Show of Shows this Sunday, December 10th at 2:15 pm.  More films will be showcased December 11th and 18th.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Looking for humour, The Geekenders Presents How I Met My Mother: A Back To The Future Parody Musical at the Rio Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 8:00 pm.  Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets are in full swing at Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

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Premiere of Web Series – The Dangers Of Online Dating

6 Dec

DOODContributing writer, Nicole Alivojvodic recently checked out the premiere of the new web series The Dangers of Online Dating.  No matter where you live, East Side or West Side, this applies to us all and this show is funny! Here’s what Nicole has to say about this new series:

Five years in the making, award-winning filmmaker Brianne Nord-Stewart launches her web series The Dangers of Online Dating, which follows a young sexual health nurse stumbling through the world of online dating in a hilarious and relatable way. The launch party, held at Vancouver’s historic Penthouse Nightclub, screened the first two seasons in full, had a question and answer period with the cast and creator and a contest for prizes like no other.

The first season began filming in 2012, shortly before the online dating game made the transition from taboo to “everybody’s doing it”. However, while the technology and the stigma have changed, the actual experience of dating online has evidently not. The web series covers all the common online dating fails and more: everything from crazy tattoos to misleading profiles to getting ghosted. It also showcases Nurse Paula’s relatable blunders as she searches for love online, whether she’s sending 1 (or 10) texts too many, licking her hot yoga teacher or trying to steal her French lover’s pee, this series will have you cracking up and covering your eyes in horror at the oh so relatable struggle.

To watch the first episode and subscribe visit The Dangers of Online Dating You Tube Channel. The Dangers of Online Dating launched on YouTube on November 23. A new  episode will be released each week.

By Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojovdic

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Shiny Fuzzy Muddy At The Heritage Hall December 9 & 10, 2017

5 Dec

SFM xmascard 2017 Print (002) Shiny Fuzzy Muddy happens this weekend at the Heritage Hall. This well curated market is now in its 15th year and is brought to you by artists, Kari Woo, Janna Hurtzig, Arleigh Wood and Frances Dickinson.  This year they showcase some new talent including Russell Hackney with ceramics, Kat Cadegan who is coming from Revelstoke to showcase her jewellery. They will be along side, Zed Handmade, Sans Soucie Textile, Claudia Schultz and many more.  All artists chosen for this market exhibit a high level of craftsmanship and quality in their designs. We invite you to stop by and check out Shiny Fuzzy Muddy this weekend. It runs Saturday, December 9th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 10th to 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 at the door.

 

 

 

 

 

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Oh Man! At Havana Theatre December 8 & 9, 2017

4 Dec

OhManOh Man! is coming to Havana Theatre this Friday and Saturday.  Jo Dworschak, creator and producer of Story Story Lie, has put together a multimedia monologue about a mom trying to overcome her fear of men before having one.  With some assistance from TJ Dawe, a respected playwright, actor and director, Jo Dworschak has put together this autobiographical production which features some problematic relationships with men in her family life, to learn she’s pregnant and having a boy.  The production won Best Solo Show at the Montana Fringe Festival and this week’s show will be the first showing in Vancouver and possibly the last.  Jo bills this show as “humorous, heart warming and the perfect night out for the parent”.  You can catch her show Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th at Havana Theatre. Tickets are $10 and available through Eventbrite or at the door. Show kicks off at 8:00 pm. Partial proceeds will be given to “Together We Can”, a support group to help me in need.

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What’s On East Van: December 1st Edition

1 Dec

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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.

The Dirty Betty Show – Café Deux Soleils – December 2, 2017 

This is a fun night out complete with hot comedians, improvisors and drag superstars.  The fun happens at Café Deux Soleils Saturday night at 8:30 pm. Tickets $10 at the door.

Artisan Markets / Craft Fairs – December 2 & 3, 2017 

To get a jump on your Christmas shopping, we invite you to check out some of the smaller artisan markets happening around Vancouver this weekend.  Saturday you will find Tugboat Landing Artisan Market on the Fraser River at the foot of Victoria Drive in SE Vancouver 11 am – 4 pm.  If Sunday’s a better day to get out and shop, River District Winter Craft Fair happens at the foot of Kerr Street from 11 am – 4 pm.  The East Side Best Holiday Shop happens at the Russian Hall from 11 am – 5 pm and delish homemade dumplings will be available.  Also Sunday in Hastings Sunrise, great spot Di Oliva Tasting Bar on East Hastings at Slocan Street is hosting an art sale with local makers and delish tastings of the olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

East Van Panto – York Theatre

One of our favourite events of the holiday season kicked off this week, the East Van Panto. This year’s theme Snow White & The Seven Dwarves is a guaranteed night of fun and laughs for the whole family.  This is a production that gets better every year, if that’s possible. It’s musical, fun, clever and pokes a little fun here and there at East Van, our Mayor Moonbeam, transit, traffic, cyclists and whatever tickles the writers and producers fancy that year.  The East Van Panto previewed November 29th and continues to January 6, 2018, but tickets are selling quick. So be sure to grab some tickets while you can.

Ronnie Burkett’s – The Little Dickens – The Cultch – December 5, 2017

Ronnie Burkett is back Tuesday, December 5th with his show The Little Dickens at The Cultch. This is puppets for adults and we do mean 19+. Ronnie Burkett is a master puppeteer and he will having you rolling in the aisles, if not up on stage for a bit of a hand.  Not to be missed if you want a fun night out.  The Georgia Straight has previously called it “one of the best shows you’ll ever see”.  Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.

Retro & Design Fair – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 3, 2017

A Retro Design & Antiques Fair happens this Sunday, December 3rd at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. There will be 175 vendors on hand with a variety of items plus ‘drop-in appraisals’. The event runs from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. General admission is $5 at the door. There will also be a special early-bird admission for $20 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am for those wanting a jump on things.

DIY Holiday Gifts – Little Mountain Neighbourhood House – December 5, 2017

The Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, 3981 Main Street, is hosting a do it yourself workshop Tuesday, December 5th.   Some of the things you will be learning to make include candles and bath bombs. This is a free workshop and open to everyone. Workshop runs from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Kutapira Kristmas – December 9, 2017

Kutapira brings a high energy Afro-Cuban sound with melodies from Zimbabwe. Event happens at 657 East 15th (Fraser & Kingsway). Tickets in advance are $12 through Eventbrite or at the door for $18. Best hat gets in free.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Looking to take in a movie this weekend, don’t forget the good folks at Black Dog Video on Commercial Drive with an excellent selection of videos this winter.  Winter farmer markets are in full swing with Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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