East Van if you love the blues, you are in for a real treat. Canadian Juno award winning recording artist, Crystal Shawanda, is coming to The Waldorf Hotel on Friday, May 13th. Crystal Shawanda released her first single in Canada in 2008 “You Can Let Go”. It was the fastest climbing single on the Canadian Country Singles Chart since Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s “Georgia” in 2000. Crystal has performed at a Presidential inauguration in Washington, DC, won a Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year in 2013 and is now singing the blues. She has just released a new album the Whole World’s Got The Blues and will be performing some of her new songs. Crystal has an amazing rawness and soul reminiscent of Etta James, Janis Joplin and Lucinda Williams. We had the immense pleasure of seeing her perform at the York Theatre shortly after it opened and what treat. Crystal is one dynamic performer. We recommend you take in this show which is an unbelievable deal at $10. Show gets under way at 10:00 pm at the Hideaway in the Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street. Tickets are available online from Ticket Zone.
Crystal Shawanda Is Coming To The Waldorf Hotel May 13th
5 May
Take A Bow At The Cultch May 6 & 7 Celebrating Life & Music of David Bowie
4 May
It has truly been a year for losing music legends, so we were pleased to see this event coming to The Cultch this weekend. Avant Dance Co. presents Take A Bow which celebrates the life and music of David Bowie. David Robert Jones known by most as David Bowie was an English, singer, songwriter and record producer and like Prince, he danced to his own beat. David Bowie was a true innovator and had a career spanning five decades before he passed on January 10th of this year. This weekend, the Avant Dance Co. will explore the different faces of Bowie’s music through a variety of dance styles which will include ballet, hip hop and contemporary. This presentation is for two nights only Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th at 8:00 pm at The Cultch. Adult tickets are $25, student/senior $20 and children 12 and under $15. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office.
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SFU’s Philosphers’ Café Comes To Commercial Street Café Starting May 4th
3 May
SFU’s Philosophers’ Café is coming to the Commercial Street Café starting Wednesday, May 4th. The Philosophers’ Café is a series of informal public discussions throughout the City on a variety of topics. Founded in 1998 by Yosef Wosk, these discussions are aimed at creating cutting-edge, safe and stimulating environment for public conversation. More than 70,000 people have attended Philosophers’ Cafés at 90 different venues across B.C. So whether you are a student, senior, scholar, philosopher, community minded, or just plain curious, you are encouraged to attend and share your ideas. The events are free to attend and no registration is required. We have set out below the discussions that will be taking place at the Commercial Street Café. This is a great gem of a cafe located at 3599 Commercial Street at East 20th Avenue.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 6:30 pm
Mobility and Urban Densification: Do we need rapid transit?
Moderator: Peter Holt
Monday, May 23, 2016 6:30 pm
Wealth Is Associated With Money & Assets: But What Makes You Feel Rich?
Moderator: Peter Holt
Thursday, June 23, 2016 6:30 pm
The Sharing Economy: Is This The End of Ownership?
Moderator: Peter Holt
“Thinking the unthinkable, imagining the impossible, and discussing
the improbable”
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Help Keep Vancouver Spectacular – Organize A Clean Up Campaign
2 May
Now that Spring is officially here, it also means the return of the City’s annual clean up campaign called “Keep Vancouver Spectacular”. This initiative began in 1996 and was then a co-ordinated effort between the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver and Oceans Blue Foundation. It has evolved with a variety of sponsors over the years. Generally, people get together individually or in groups to clean up their neighbourhood streets, lanes, parks and shorelines. The City of Vancouver supplies the tools which include:
• Garbage bags
• Gloves, cleanup tools (tongs)
• Free pickup of litter collected
As a past Block Captain, there is satisfaction in seeing everything looking green and clean in your neighbourhood. We are big supporters of this campaign. We can all grumble about the litter we see strewn here, there and everywhere, but you have the power to change that and the City gives you the tools to do it. From past experience, it is amazing how much garbage can be picked up with a small group of people. Added bonus, it is also pretty easy to organize. You simply go online fill out the registration form. After that, the City delivers you the requested items. Enlist a few volunteers and it could be a handful, or it can be a dozen or more, depends on size of the area you wish to tackle. Designate a location that everyone in your group returns the garbage to, the City usually provides signage for that purpose. The City will pick up the collected garbage from your designated spot. The time commitment is whatever you want to make it, but generally 1 to 2 hours is the average if doing a larger area, but it can be as little 45 minutes covering 1 or 2 city blocks. If neighbours need a little encouragement to participate, truth be told, I have enticed a few neighbours with fresh coffee and baked goodies. Outside of the clean up being great for the urban wildlife and visually more appealing, it is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build some pride within one’s community.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Block Captain, the City of Vancouver provides a Block Captain Manual which is fairly straightforward and available to download online.
Also this year in conjunction with Keep Vancouver Spectacular, ElectroRecycle and Encorp, are offering you the opportunity to recycle your electronics, small appliances and power tools for free. Household battery drop-off will also be available at this event which takes place Saturday, May 7th. Drop off location is the Sunrise Square Parking Lot at 2500 Franklin Street near East Hastings Street and Nanaimo. The times for drop off are 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Did you know, in 2012, 16,400 volunteers in 180 groups came together to fill more than 6,000 bags with litter. Remember though if at any time you see items illegally dumped, you can contact the City at 311 or email them to request the item(s) be picked up. Will you help keep the City looking spectacular?
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Treat Your Mom To A Brunch Tour Saturday May 7th
28 Apr
Want to do something tasty and fun with your mom for Mother’s Day? Well Off The Eaten Track Tours is offering their Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour in the heart of the East Village with a discount on Saturday, May 7th. You are invited to join them on Saturday morning at 9:30 am to meet some local businesses and nosh your way through a progressive brunch. On this tour, you will visit 5 culinary spots including a 35-year old Italian deli, a funky southern restaurant, a bakery, a local butcher shop and Vancouver’s smallest tea shop. There are only 10 spaces available on this tour. If you wish to get your seats, be sure to use the promo code TREATMOM to receive a 10% discount. For more information on the tour, or to purchase your spots, visit Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour.
Photo Credit: Off The Eaten Track
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Some Great Ways To Shop Local This Weekend
27 Apr
If you have some gift shopping to do whether a baby shower, wedding shower, birthday or Mother’s Day, there are some great opportunities to shop local this weekend. Each spot will have perfect items for gift giving whatever you may be shopping for. First up, there is the:
Modern Fort – The Market That Gives Back – Saturday, April 30th
The Modern Fort is hosting The Market That Gives Back which is also a fundraising event benefitting families with austism. The market happens this Saturday, April 30th at The Aviary, 637 East 15th Avenue from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. All participating vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to Canucks Autism Network. Some of the local businesses on hand include Loulou Lollipop, Emerson Apparel, Giving Gifts, Linden’s Art Gallery, K’Pure and a photo session with East Van’s Klik Photographic.
Giving Gifts 3rd Anniversary Party – Sunday, May 1st
Giving Gifts is a great cooperative shop with an ethical focus located at 4075 Main Street. This Sunday, May 1st they are having their 3rd Anniversary Party so along with balloons and treats, there will be some deals to be had as well as an opportunity to win a $300 gift certificate to the store. The celebration gets under way at 2:00 pm and goes till 5:00 pm.
June Hunter Spring Studio Sale April 29th – May 1st
June Hunter is opening up her East Van Studio for a Spring Sale this weekend from April 29th to May 1st. June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew Street). You can expect to find jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints and unique pieces of art and yes, sale prices as well. Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic spots around East Van. You can check it out for yourself on Friday, April 29th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Winter Farmers Market – Hastings Park Sunday May 1st
Lastly, if you have a foodie in your life, we recommend the last winter farmers market of the season at Hastings Park which happens this Sunday, May 1st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You are sure to find something delectable that makes a great gift, or a collection of a few items from this market.
Photo Credit: June Hunter Images
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Spring & Summer Farmer Markets In East Van
26 Apr
The warm Spring weather is now here which also means more great local produce. We are fortunate to have yet another season of farmers markets lined up which offers us not only produce, but handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries and makers of spirits are now on hand offering tastings as well. Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake is the largest and a great place to sit down and have a picnic on the spot at the park with your new purchases. River District is one of the smaller markets situated just below Marine Drive at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver, but generally different vendors than the markets organized by Vancouver Farmers Market. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is also smaller than Trout Lake, but we love that it’s on a Sunday so giving some options when faced with a busy weekend. The Italian Market is held on Friday afternoons in front of the Italian Cultural Centre and is a personal favourite. Along with produce, you will find artisans, food trucks, coffee and more. The added bonus is the Italian Cultural Centre usually has a number of other events going on including art on display, live music and/or dancing. The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season.
Trout Lake Farmers Market:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday May 7th – October 22nd
Location: North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley
Main Street Station Farmers Market:
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday June 1st to October 5th
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday June 12th – October 9th
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park)
River District Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Saturday May 14th – October 15th
Location: 8683 Kerr Street (at E. Kent Avenue S.)
Il Mercato: Italian Market:
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
June 17th, July 15th and August 19th
Location: Il Centro, Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street (off Grandview Highway)
We encourage you to come out and support these local producers and vendors.
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Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIII May 1 At The Heritage Hall
25 Apr
If you love vinyl, you may wish to check out the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on Sunday, May 1st.. The event takes place at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records, this is certainly the place to be. You can expect to find LPs, 45s, 78s, turntables, vintage audio gear, record storage and more with over 50 independent vendors. That translates to over 50,000 vinyl records on sale. If you are looking to discover rare records and/or stock up on bargain classics, we invite you to stop by the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on May 1st. Admission is $4.00 for adults, kids are free.
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Make It Vancouver! At The PNE Forum April 22-24
20 Apr
In case you hadn’t heard, one of Vancouver’s biggest showcases for one-of-a-kind handmade goods comes to East Van this weekend, Make It Vancouver! It’s their Spring show with almost 200 makers, designers, artisans and crafters. As you might expect, there will be an amazing selection of items including fashion, accessories, jewellery, art, baby items, home décor and our personal favourite, food! There is great line up of vendors including some favourites such as French Made Baking, Rootables, The Salt Dispensary, Trudy Ann’s Chai & Spices, Jules & Kent and The Local Churn to a name a few. On deck for home décor is another strong line up and includes a personal favourite we’ve featured here previously on the site East Van Light. If you are looking for some gift items whether for Mother’s Day or an upcoming birthday, this is the place to be. And if you think it’s all for the women, think again. There will be something for everyone on hand. Add to that, for all you hungry shoppers, there will be food trucks and a beer garden. Make It Vancouver! takes place at the PNE Forum on Friday, April 22nd from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, then continues on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with their last day being, Sunday, April 24th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5 at the door which allows you to shop all of the 3 days, admission is free for kids 12 and under. See you there.
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Eastside Flea Grand Opening Weekend April 16 & 17
14 Apr
In case you hadn’t heard, the Eastside Flea has found a new permanent home at the Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. This flea market features it all including vintage goods, vinyl records, collectibles and handmade items by local artisans. This weekend is the Grand Opening of their new space and it will be a 2 day event on April 16th and 17th. They have been busy reworking their new digs and are ready to show it off. Added bonus is Tacofino Food Truck will be on hand for those that get hungry while shopping. There will also be deejays on hand as well an artist show room and a few other surprises. The Eastside Flea will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come on down and check out their new space.
ILiveInEastVan.com 