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What’s On East Van: June 23, 2017

23 Jun

 

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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.

Strathcona Street Party – June 24, 2017

The Vancouver Mural Festival and the Strathcona BIA have joined forces to create a street party to kick off summer. It will take place on Cordova Street where you can watch 9 large scale murals come to life. The Strathcona Street Party also features a beer garden, live music and family fun from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Eastside Pride – June 24, 2017

Pride Season kicks off in East Vancouver this Saturday in Grandview Park. There are a host of activities planned from Noon – 6:00 pm. This is a family friendly all ages event.

Farmers Market  – June 24 & 25, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 4 farmer markets.  First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market first of the season at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, June 25th  Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

 Intro to Tools: Folding Beach Chair – June 25, 2017

There is a great ‘do-it-yourself’ spot that hosts workshops every now and again called Vancouver Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street (just down the way from the Commercial Street Café).  They are hosting an Intro to Tools Workshop this Sunday, June 25th.  In this class you will learn to use a table saw, drill and other power tools with the aim of making a folding chair. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.  There are 2 classes one morning session at 10:00 am and an afternoon session at 2:00 pm. To register, visit Eventbrite.

Pricing Artwork – June 27, 2017

If you are in artist in East Vancouver and needing a little assistance with the business side of things, you may wish to check out this workshop Pricing Artwork happening Thursday, June 27th.  The Eastside Culture Crawl Society is hosting the event and bringing in artist, Annie Briard, who brings a depth of knowledge to the subject matter.  We hear there are a few spots open. Classes are a very reasonable $20 and take place at 716 East Hastings Street just steps away from The Heatley.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend.  Rio Theatre is hosting the Affordable Summer Concert Series with R&B Allstars June 24th.  If it’s local comedy you are after, be sure to check out the Little Mountain Gallery this Saturday. They are hosting a fundraiser for their space at 8:00 pm. If it’s live music you are after, Falconetti’s has the Bottom Shelf Bourbon Trio on Friday, June 23rd. Plus, the International Jazz Festival is now on and continues to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub. If you love piano and storytelling, you may wish to check out Declan O’Donovan who hails from the East. He brings you his new album Broken Sky and a guest home town boy Adam Farnsworth at the Wise Hall Friday, June 23rd.

Image: June Hunter  

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We Check In At The Village Community Acupuncture in Hastings Sunrise

21 Jun

IMG_1338We recently checked out The Village Community Acupuncture Clinic located at 2625 East Hastings Street. This is a great relaxing space created by co-owners Sara Ward and Tara Akuna, both practicing acupuncturists. These ladies provide quality acupuncture treatments in a community setting with an added feature, a sliding scale. This is certainly not something you see every day in a clinic setting and is a refreshing change. Not only is it a gracious gesture to their community, but it shows their passion and commitment to helping people be and stay healthy. If you are not familiar with acupuncture, it is a form of alternative medicine that has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,500 years.  It involves piercing the skin with thin needles. It can be used to help treat a variety of issues and considering how non-invasive it is, save for a few needles, why not? So we recently tried it for the first time and the needles are in fact very thin and honestly hardly felt. After the needles are inserted, you are then asked to relax for the next 45 minutes. The aim of acupuncture is help your body heal itself which it has a great capacity to do, with the right aids, acupuncture is one of them.   

Co-owners Sara and Tara have created an inviting space that encourages family and community. That is evidenced by the photos on the walls from local artists as well as the community board in the washroom sharing business cards of local businesses. This is a quiet space that feels a bit like home, blankets are provided for each client and you can choose between a chair and a bed for your treatment.  There are currently 5 practitioners at The Village Community Acupuncture and appointments are available 6 days a week Monday to Saturday. We invite you to stop by and give them a try.  For more answers on what issues they treat with acupuncture, we invite you to check out their Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

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Walk Strathcona Summer Series June 23 to July 16, 2017

19 Jun

 

 

MadeInStrathcona2017The Strathcona Business Improvement Association (BIA) has created some new events for their Walk Strathcona Summer Series which aim is to encourage a vibrant pedestrian destination.  The Strathcona BIA geographic covers the area from Clark Drive in the East to Gore Avenue in the West, and from Railway Street in the North to Venables Street in the South. There is quite an array of businesses situated within this neighbourhood which is one of the older established neighbourhoods in Vancouver. This year, the Strathcona BIA is hosting a few events which help you get familiar with what this area has to offer. First up is the Strathcona Street Party happening June 24th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  They’ve invited the Vancouver Mural Fest to join the party. You will have the opportunity to watch 9 large scale murals go live on Cordova Street along with live music, craft beer and pizza. To learn more about the event, visit the Facebook page for Strathcona Street Party.   On Saturday, June 24th, they will be hosting walking tours at 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm.  You will get a sense of some of the history of this hear, the diverse business community and uncover some gems. The tour will take you to a Pop Up Shop where you can learn more about their Most Walkable Street initiative and their upcoming events which continue to July 16th. All the events are free to attend. We’ve participated in Made in Strathcona tours in the past and we have say, this is a vibrant community with much to offer.  If you haven’t checked it out recently, you may wish to go for a wander. Some favourites we love in this area include les amis du Fromage, Homestead Junction, The Heatley and newcomer Stratchona Beer.

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What’s On East Van: June 16, 2017

16 Jun

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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.

Italian Market – June 16, 2017

The outdoor Italian Market is back at the Italian Cultural Centre Friday, June 16th. This market is situated in the parking lot of the Italian Cultural Centre and has a great mix of vendors which include food, artisans and bits of Italian flavour sprinkled throughout.  Food trucks are always on hand and we’d be very surprised if you didn’t find some pizza and cannoli. Market happens from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Perfect stop after work for a shop, bite and if you want to move, dance! See below for more.

Tango Lessons – June 16, 2017

Have you ever wanted to learn to tango? You are in luck. The Italian Cultural Centre is now hosting drop-in classes every Friday until July 28th at 6:00 pm in the piazza at the Italian Cultural Centre.  Cost is $20 for each drop in session and class runs till 7:30 pm. To register, visit Il Centro.

Farmers Market  – June 17 & 18, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 3 farmer markets. First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 17th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sunday, June 18th , Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Great Grandview Garage Sale – June 17, 2017

The Great Grandview Garage Sale is a multi-family garage sale that happens in the Grandview-Woodlands area. To find a map of the locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. The event happens rain or shine 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 17th.

Car Free Day Main Street – June 18, 2017

Car Free Day happens this Sunday, June 18th on Main Street from Noon to 7:00 pm. This is an all day event in which car traffic is blocked between Broadway and 30th Avenue.  There are a host of activities for all ages. Getting there by transit, bike or foot is recommended. To learn more about what events are happening, we invite you to check out Car Free Day Main Street. Note, this year Commercial Drive will not be hosting their Car Free Day on the same day. They have elected to host it on Sunday, July 9th.

East Van Garden Tour – June 18, 2017

If you wish to tour some of the beautiful gardens in East Vancouver, this self-guided tour happens this Sunday and it’s a great way to see how others use their outdoor space. You can do the tour at your own pace and see as much or as little as you’d like. Tickets for the East Van Garden Tour are a very reasonable $15 and are available at Britannia Community and Figaro’s Garden Centre on Victoria Drive.

Gourmet Ice Cream Tour – June 18, 2017

Off The Eaten Track regularly has a great line up of foodie tours around the City. We’ve learnt their Gourmet Ice Cream Tour is now back for the summer months. A tour runs this Sunday, June 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Cost is $29.99. If you can’t make it Sunday, tour also runs Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Eat.Drink. Play. – June 22, 2017

Eat.Drink.Play. is a fundraiser for the Firehall Arts Centre and brings together local food purveyors, distillers of craft beer and spirits and art as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $35 plus $20 for artists. For tickets, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.

The Rio Theatre’s Vinyl Cafe: A Tribute to Stuart Mclean – June 22, 2017

The Rio Theatre plays host to a night of  story telling and live music in honour of the late, CBC host, Stuart Mclean. In honour of his legacy as a great Canadian story teller, they have invited some of their favorite local story tellers and musicians to come together to perform original work and celebrate the art of story telling. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. For more info and tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

If you are looking for live music, Tangent Café has The Meghan Gilhesphy Trio on Sunday, June 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. If it’s a Latin groove you are looking for, Café Deux Soleils is playing host to Wasakaka on Friday, June 16th.  If it’s Trivia your after, Tuesday night is the night.  The Eastwood at 4245 Fraser Street hosts a Trivia Night, as does The Storm Crow Tavern on Tuesdays, but the name gives it away – Nerdin’ Trivia Tuesday. On the other hand, if you love to sing, you may wish check out the Impromptu Rock Choir which checks in every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm at the Wise Hall.

NOTE:  Image Credit: June Hunter

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The Vancouver International Jazz Festival June 22 – July 2, 2017

14 Jun

JazzDoubleBassThe Vancouver International Jazz Festival kicks off on June 22nd and runs to July 2nd in and around Vancouver. The festival now in its 32nd year features a great line of talent from across Canada and beyond. There will be over 300 performances during the jazz festival which takes place at various venues around the City. We’ve set out a few spots in East Van that will be showcasing some of the local talent as well as those in town for the festival. East Van’s Tangent Café located at 2095 Commercial Drive regularly features live jazz  and has a steady line up of talent.  Note, events at Tangent start at 8:30 pm and there is a $10 cover charge

 

 Tangent Café  8:30 pm

June 23  – Victor Noriega Group
June 24  – Two Much Guitar
June 25  – Brad Turner Trio
June 27 – Thad Bailey-Mai Quartet
June 28  – Thomas Houlden Quartet
June 29  – Boon Coon Quartet plays Bill Evans
June 30  –  Dubly Sound System
July 2 – Steve Kaldestad

Pat’s Pub located at 403 East Hastings Street will also be featuring live jazz during the festival.  There is also a $10 cover charge for the performances, but there are a few free shows. We’ve noted which are free.

 Pat’s Pub

 June 23  – Sax Summit – The Devil’s Horn 8 pm
June 24 – Nick Aplvor & Craig Scott 3 pm Free
Jun 24 –  The Devil’s Horn 8 pm
June 26  – Sessions at The Patricia with Sharon Minemoto  8pm Free
June 28  –  Blues & Brews with Steve Kozak and Guests  7pm  Free
July 1 – Birney-Stewart Trio 3 pm Free

All events are subject to change. For more information, we invite you to check out the website for the International Jazz Festival or check with the venue hosting directly. 

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Car Free Day – Main Street & Commercial Drive

12 Jun

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Main Street Car Free Day – Sunday June 18, 2017

Car Free Day is one of Vancouver’s biggest festivals. The Main Street Car Free Day happens Sunday, June 18th from Noon to 7:00 pm.  The festival spans some 21 blocks from Broadway to 30th Street and includes 15 stages and mini festivals along this stretch of Main Street.  This is an all ages event which boasts many family-friendly activities including kid-zones, cool artisan shops, food vendors, artisans and much more. Note, transit will be rerouting buses during this event. 

Commercial Drive Car Free Day  – Sunday, July 9, 2017

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive is where it all began some 13 years ago and there is something new for 2017, being a date change.  Instead of Car Free Day following one week after Italian Day, another big street festival, they  have elected to change the date to Sunday, July 9th this year. This Car Free Day on the Drive will also run from Noon to 7:00 pm and feature 15 blocks of great food, entertainment, live music, local artisans and much more.  There is a strong message of advocacy and activism in this community for providing car free spaces and a green culture. Note, transit will also be rerouting buses during this event.

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What’s On East Van: June 9, 2017

9 Jun

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALots happening in East Van this next week. We’ve set out below What’s On, but first we’d like to give a shout out to East Van artist June Hunter for creating this image for our new weekly series.  As you may know, the crow didn’t make it into the running for official bird for the City of Vancouver’s. We felt the crow needed a little love and recognition, so it’s officially our graphic for What’s On East Van. June Hunter is well versed in all things crow and she captures some amazing photos of them. We invite you to check out her art work and photos. For now let’s see What’s On East Van for the coming 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.

Driven – June 10, 2017

If you love cars, Driven is happening this Saturday at Pacific Coliseum. This is an aftermarket show featuring some 300 vehicles. Event runs from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Admission is $20. For more info, see DrivenShow.ca.

Main Street Bike Expo – June 10, 2017

If travelling by 2 wheels is more your style, you will want to check out the inaugural Main Street Bike Expo happening this Saturday at The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street also home to the Eastside Flea. This event happens from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and features photography, exhibitors, workshops, free bike tune ups, show & shine bike beauty pageant and to top it off a brewery bike tour at 6:00 pm sharp.  Admission is $3.00.  For more info, see MainStreetBikeExpo.com.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire – June 10 – 11, 2017

If you are curious how things are made, or just want to see some of the amazing talented makers we have in this City, you will want to check out the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire. This event happens at the PNE Forum. It is an all ages event where you will find everything from tech geeks, painters, potters, knitters, roboticists, artists, bakers and 3D printing enthusiasts and much more.  There will be over 150 makers on hand for this 2 day event happening at The PNE Forum June 10th and 11th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info, see MakerFaire.com.

Italian Day – June 11, 2017

Honestly, Italian Day is one of our favourite community events. Commercial Drive from Grandview to Venables is blocked off from traffic. The space is turned into a large piazza with food, music, dancing, vendors, displays, people watching, activities for kids, patios for sipping & nibbling.  This year’s theme is Amore, which of course is Italian for love.  Event kicks off at Noon and runs till 8:00 pm. Free to attend.

Workshop Canning & Freezing Your Summer Bounty – June 11, 2017

If you wish to learn the basics of canning, the folks at The Uncommon Café in Strathcona are hosting a workshop on Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.  For more information or to register, visit TartineMapleCuisine.com.

Tasting Plates Riley Park – June 14, 2017

Vancouver Foodster (aka Richard Wolak) is hosting Tasting Plates at self-guided foodie tour in the Riley Park area on Wednesday,  June 14th.  The event kicks off at The Honey Shoppe on Main Street and continues to a number of delish spots in the area. For information on tickets see Vancouver Foodster.

Free Italian Opera – June 15, 2017

June is Italian Heritage Month and with that comes some cool events in Vancouver for the month. One of them is free outdoor opera at the Italian Cultural Centre Thursday, June 15th. Two of City Opera Vancouver’s young singers will fill the air with Neapolitan songs. Food and wine will be available for sale starting at 6:30 pm, the concert is free and starts at 7:00 pm. The event runs till 9:30 pm.

Retro Design & Antiques Fair – June 11, 2017

If you are on the hunt for antiques, vintage or collectable items, you may wish to check out the Retro Design & Antiques Fair being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Sunday, June 11th from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

This weekend, An AcroYoga Show happens at The Cultch on Saturday with 2 shows at 3:00 and 7:00 pm.  Can you spot a liar? Check out Story Story Lie at Café Deux Soleils at 8:00 pm for its last show of the season.  Looking to listen to some live jazz, the Sara Kennedy Trio will be playing at Tangent Café on Commercial Drive from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.  Looking for comedy,  Trae Crowder billed as a Liberal redneck is performing at the Rio Theatre Saturday night. Instant Theatre hosts sketch comedy at the theatre at Havana Restaurant Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 pm. East Van Comedy picks things up on Sunday in the same spot.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Main Street Bike Expo – Saturday, June 10, 2017

7 Jun

MainStreetBikeExpo2017You are invited to check out the inaugural Main Street Bike Expo happening this Saturday at the Ellis Building, 1024 Street.  The event is celebrating creativity in the cycling world.  They will be showcasing lifestyle brands, community networks, new technology, workshops, free tune ups and a bike valet. Exhibitors for the event include Mobi by Shaw Go, Landyachtz, Union Street Cycle, RAD Cycle, Paul Brodie book signing (of Brodie Bikes), Layback Co,  Bonavia Cycles, BC Lung Association’s Bicycle Trek for Life & Breath, XS Helmets and Two Wheel Gear to name a few.  Along with live music by Rodney Decroo, Nashlyn, James Green and Alex Little, food trucks will be on hand.  Some of the other events lined up for the day include:

11:00 AM

History Lesson + presentation by Gordon “The Bike Guy” Hobbis of
Cap’s Bicycle Shop & The Bike Museum

4:00 PM

Show & Shine Bicycle Beauty Pageant hosted by comedian Kathleen McGee

6:00 – 8:00 PM  

Mark Mills Bicycle Brewery Tour Meet at the Ellis Building at 6:00 pm sharp and follow Mark as he takes you on a musical bicycle journey sampling beers at four different breweries before you end up at the MSBE Landyachtz afterparty.

The Main Street Bike Expo runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission to the event is $3.00. To learn more about what’s planned for this first day out, visit Main Street Bike Expo.

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Eat.Drink.Play. At The Firehall Arts Centre Thursday June 22, 2017

5 Jun

Eat.Drink.Play2017The Firehall Arts Centre invites you to Eat.Drink.Play. being held on Thursday, June 22nd from 7:00 – 10:00 pm at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street.  This annual fundraiser brings together some of East Van’s best restaurants, craft brewers, small-batch distillers and performers for an evening of sampling and sharing.  The event takes over the Firehall’s entire premises including theatre, lobby, studio, courtyard as well as the dressing rooms.  Throughout the Firehall, you will find an array of delectable treats, eclectic dance, music and performances as well as a silent auction.  Eat.Drink.Play will feature selections of food from neighbourhood hot spots  The Diamond, Deacon’s Corner, Clough Club, Tuc Craft Kitchen, Kofta Meatball Kitchen, Save On Meats, The Pint and Cadeaux Bakery. Libation samples will also be available from local brewers Powell Brewery, Big Rock Brewery, Andina Brewing Company, Strange Fellows Brewing, Strathcona Beer Company and Steamworks. Also on hand will be local craft distiller, Odd Society Spirits, returning to serve up samples of their signature vodka and gin.  You can expect a smorgasbord of delectable treats and enjoyable performances as you roam through the heritage building sampling food, enjoying libations, and bidding on some amazing silent auction items. The cast of the Firehall’s recent hit Circle Game: Reimagining of the Music of Joni Mitchell will be on hand to provide some great tunes. The Firehall Arts Centre has been producing performing arts for 35 years in this beautiful heritage building at the corner of Cordova and Gore. We invite you to lend your support for our City’s vibrant and innovative arts community. Tickets for Eat.Drink.Play are $38 and $22 for artists and are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Delish Workshops This June

31 May

UncommonCafeCanningJune2017Our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have another great line up of classes this Spring. Whether you wish to brush up on your baking skills, canning skills or need a little help with that summer party, they’ve got you covered. Classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple. Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café and regularly hosts classes.  We’ve set out below their next series of classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.

Cooking Class: Brioche Making – June 7th 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills.   You can book your spot online through Eventbrite.

Preserve The Summer Bounty – June 11th 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Valentine will demonstrate the basics of canning and will teach you how to make Strawberry Jam, Pickled Beets & Carrots, Preserved Lemons and Rhubarb Sauce. While the demonstration happens, you get to sip on a glass of wine and you get to go home with items made in class.  Again, registration is through Eventbrite.

Plan A Summer Party – Wednesday, June 21st 6:00 pm– 9:00 pm

This class will get you ready to host your next summer party. Recipes chosen are easy and perfect for a crowd.  Some of the items you will be learning to make include:

o    Gazpacho: Spanish cold tomato soup served with all the trimming; timeless and refreshing

o    Focaccia: Italian flatbread; top it with anything and add to the side of all your party tables

o    Beef Kofta Kebabs: Lebanese inspired dish pack with flavor! Served with Pitta bread and Tzatziki.

o    Season’s Fruits Pana Cotta:

Once the food has been prepared,  you will get to sit back and enjoy what’s been prepared with a glass of wine.  To register, visit Eventbrite.

It just happens that they are currently offering 20% off all classes. Not sure how long that will last, but if you wish to take advantage of it while it’s offered, use the code SAVE20 when registering.

 

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