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What’s On East Van: February 22nd Edition

22 Feb

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Comedy With Ed Hill – Havana Theatre – February 22nd & 23rd

Havana Theatre hosts some unique comedy this Friday and Saturday night. An emerging young comic, Ed Hill, takes the stage for 2 shows on Friday and Saturday night.  Ed, originally from Taiwan, has performed all over the world has received numbers Best Comedian accolades as well as being named Comic to Watch in 2018.  Tickets are $12. To catch this talent while ticket prices are still reasonable, visit Showpass.

James Johnstone History Walk – Strathcona – February 23rd

James Johnstone is back offering his East End History Walk this Saturday, February 23rd.  Tour starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings at 10:00 am and runs for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Cost is $20 per person.  To reserve your spot, email James at historywalks@gmail.com.

JFL Northwest Presents Nicole Byer – Rio Theatre – February 23rd

Looking for some comedy this weekend? Nicole Byer is performing two shows this Saturday night at the Rio Theatre.  Nicole is an actress, comedian and writer who hosts the baking show Nailed It currently on Netflix.  She also has a sitcom loosely based on her life. This weekend’s show is called Why Won’t You Date Me?  Sounds like a fun night of comedy. Tickets are $26.50, shows at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm.   For tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.

Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue – February 23rd and 24th

Looking to do a bit of wandering this weekend? Why not check out the Eastside Flea happening this weekend in Strathcona. Lots of cool vintage finds, a bar and some cool vendors to check out, or just hang out with friends and food trucks at the ready in case you get hungry.  Happens Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

7th Annual Oscar Party – El Camino’s – February 24th

El Camino’s is hosting their 7th Annual Oscar Party this Sunday, February 24th. Festivities get under way as of 3:00 pm which the red carpet madness gets under way.  The awards ceremony doesn’t begin until 5:00 pm.

Community Skate – PNE Agrodome – February 24th

It hasn’t quite been cold enough to skate on local rinks, but you can grab your ice skates and head to the PNE Agrodome this Sunday.  A Community Skate will be happening from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Cost is $3 for adults 19+, Senior 65+ and Youth 13-18 $2.50, Child 3-12 $2.00 and 2 years and under free.  Reminder, you do need to bring your own skates & helmets. Rentals will not be available.

Red’s Annual Garage Sale/Swap Meet – Trev Deely – February 24th

If you love motorcycles and tinkering with them, then you likely already know about this event. In case you don’t, the Trev Deely Dealership at 1875 Boundary Road is hosting Red’s Annual Garage Sale and Swap Meet this Sunday.  It’s an indoor event with space for up to 65 vendors. The sale happens from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are looking to see if they have any spaces left, you can contact: tdhd@trevdeeley.com.

BYOB Bike Sale – Trev Deely – February 24th

Now if the Swap Meet above isn’t enough to entice you over, we do hear there will be a BBQ happening on site with proceeds going to charity.  AND their parking lot will play host to BYOB Bike Sale.  Bring your bike to sell, all makes and models welcome. For more info, visit their BYOB Bike Sale Facebook page.  Event happens 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music?  Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. 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.

Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver including local events for New Year’s Eve, check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those watching their wallet and well who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Hot Honey Brown Returns To The Cultch March 15 to 30, 2019

20 Feb

HotHoneyBrown4This March, the production Hot Honey Brown returns to The Cultch.  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.  This production is 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.  Last year, an extra week was 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:

★★★★★

Is it empowering, exuberant, rousing, fun? Hell, yes! It’s also the show that the world needs right now!”
The Globe and Mail

★★★★★
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

 

Bridal Swap Is At The Croatian Cultural Centre March 10th

19 Feb

BridalSwap2019Planning a wedding? Trying to stay on a budget? If you’ve answered yes to both these questions, you may wish to check out The Bridal Swap happening at the Croatian Cultural Centre Sunday, March 10th. If you are unfamiliar with this unique concept, it brings together past brides, brides to be, decorators, wedding planners and craft artisans all under one roof.  For brides to be, you have the opportunity to purchase gently used items from past brides and past brides have the opportunity to sell items from their weddings which could include the ‘dress’ and wedding décor including centerpieces, candles, linens, glassware and vases and much more.  So instead of buying all new, it’s a great opportunity to re-use and repurpose items. The Bridal Swap will also have on hand an array of artisans offering handmade items or services for your wedding day including photographers, jewellery, cakes, wedding favours, flowers, invitations and so on.  The Bridal Swap takes place on Sunday, March 10th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Tickets are available through Eventbrite with the following options which include early access to get first dibs on dresses and decor:

Early Bird Access for WEDDING DECOR:
$25.00 plus tax (gets you early access at 12:00 pm to get First Dibs)

Early Bird Access for WEDDING DRESSES:
$25.00 plus tax (gets you early access at Noon to get First Dibs)

Pre-Purchased General Admission:
$15.00 plus tax (access at 1:00pm)

Tickets at the Door:
$20.00 plus tax (access at 1:00pm)

 

Neighbourhood Grants Are Now Available For Up To $500 For Community Projects

18 Feb

NeighbourhoodSmallGrants2014Do you have an idea for a community project that brings people in your community together? It could be something small such as getting a group together to make ‘kids playing here signs’ for your street, maybe a beautification project, hosting a picnic, maybe a tea party or BBQ for your block? We encourage you to consider applying for a Neighbourhood Small Grant. If you have not heard about this program, it is worth looking into. Speaking from experience this program is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build community. You can apply for grants of up to $500 for projects in your community. The aim of the program, which is funded by the Vancouver Foundation, is to connect and engage people within the community in which they live. Neighbours can get together and make an application for a variety of events. Some examples of past events include neighbourhood block parties, clean up campaigns, ethnic cooking classes, emergency preparedness plans, community gardens or an outdoor movie night. This is not for adults only, kids and teens are encouraged to get into the act.  The ideas are only limited by your imagination. Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by a Resident Advisory Committee made up of residents in your neighbourhood. Note, you need two people from different addresses to apply for the grant in the same neighbourhood. Applicants are advised in late May/early June if they receive funding and are asked to have their projects completed by November 2019.  To apply for a grant, visit Neighbourhood Small Grant.  Note, the site is available in several different languages. Application deadline is April 9, 2019.  To learn more, check out the video “How To Apply” which shares other people’s ideas

Oh Man! Is Coming To The Drive Coffee Bar March 1st & 3rd, 2019

13 Feb

OhMan

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.  Her Production Oh Man! has won Best Solo Show at the Montana Fringe Festival.  Jo bills this show as “humorous, heart warming and the perfect night out for the parent”.  The production is coming to an intimate venue this March at The Drive Coffee Bar on Friday, March 1st and Sunday, March 3rdTickets are $12 and available through Eventbrite or at the door. Show kicks off at 8:00 pm.

Plant-Based Boutique Now Open On Commercial Drive

12 Feb

PBB6Did you catch the Pop Up Plant-Based Boutique on The Drive for 2 weeks this past December? If not, you are in luck. They are back in this bright beautiful space for the next 6 months. The Plant-Based Boutique is located at 1206 Commercial Drive (at Williams Street) across from Grandview Park.  Their focus is on health, wellness and self-care which is 100% plant-based. They have curated products from across North America which include skin care, organic oils for the face and body, candles, plant-based cookbooks, soaps and much more. They are also now serving organic tea and snacks and have added a seating space in store.   You can catch them daily from Noon to 7:00 pm.  Stop by and check out this great space.

 

Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Much Ado About Nothing On Now At The Cultch Until February 16th

11 Feb

muchadoaboutnothingThe Cultch’s Femme Series is currently featuring Shakespeare’s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. You might be thinking, as I was, that it’s unlike The Cultch to put on this type of production; but this is not the classic show you know and love: it’s classic chic. Brought to the stage by Classic Chic Productions, Much Ado About Nothing is a bold and playful romp through the extremes of desire and ambition, loyalty and redemption.

Based in Vancouver, the not-for-profit theatre company is known for their all female cast and crew, believing that there are great male and female roles in theatre that appeal to all human beings. By casting women in male parts they are creating a forum for women to explore these possibilities as well as develop their acting, designing and directing skills. It has been the experience of Director Rebecca Patterson “that gender-blind casting speaks to a diverse audience—straight and queer, men and women—and is a true reflection of our complex contemporary community”.

In Much Ado About Nothing, we see female and male roles that are firmly rooted in tradition. However, whether intentionally or not, performing Shakespeare with an all female cast is a delightful play on these gender roles that Shakespeare himself seemed to enjoy, as evident in plays like The Twelfth Night and Macbeth. What’s more, as his plays were originally performed by an all male cast – since women were not allowed in the public sphere – this provides another subtle layer of fun in Classic Chic’s production.

Don’t miss this classic tale with a twist, on now until February 16th. For tickets, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer:  Nicole Alivojvodic

What’s On East Van: February February 8th Edition

8 Feb

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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.

Piano Karaoke with Eddie Lam – Café Deux Soleils – February 8th

Feeling brave? Have a song you’d like to sing to piano music, you may wish to check out Piano Karaoke this Friday night at Café Deux Soleils. Fun gets under way at 9:00 pm. Costs is $5 or by donation.

June Hunter Valentine’s Studio Sale – February 9th and 10th

East Van Artist and Crow Whisperer, June Hunter is hosting a Valentine’s Studio Sale this weekend. If you are looking for something for your Valentine, or maybe a birthday gift, June will have an array of beautiful items perfect for gift giving. June’s studio is located in the Hastings Sunrise area at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale happens Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Heart Garland Workshop – Britannia Community Centre – February 9th

Looking to make something personal for someone this Valentine’s, Britannia Community Centre is hosting a Heart Garland Workshop this Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This is a free workshop facilitated by East Van artist Paula Luther.  All materials are supplied.

Snowed In Comedy Tour – Rio Theatre – February 9th

If it’s laughs you are looking for, this is the spot to be Saturday night with the Snowed In Comedy Tour. Evening features comedians Dan Quinn, Paul Myrehaug, Pete Zedlacher, Erica Sigurdson.

Backyard Composting – Trout Lake Community Centre – February 10th

If you wish to learn about composting organic matter in your backyard, Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting a workshop from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  Cost is $20. To register, visit City of Vancouver.

Free Family Concert w/ Will’s Jams – Firehall No. 1 – February 10th

There will be a free family concert at the Firehall No. 1 in Strathcona with music by Will’s Jams at 2:00 pm.  Donations will be collected for the Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

Valentine’s Party/Dance – Alpen Club – February 10th    

If you love ballroom dancing and want to kick off Valentine’s a little early, you may wish to check out the Valentine’s Dance Party at The Alpen Club (Victoria & 33rd Avenue) this Sunday night. Admission is $12 and includes 1 hour group lesson, dance party to follow. Doors open at 6:30 pm and goes till 11:00 pm.

Circle Game: Reimagining The Music Of Joni Mitchell – Firehall Arts Centre  

Last weekend to catch the music of  Canadian icon, Joni Mitchell with Circle Game at the Firehall Arts Centre. For tickets information, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Much Ado About Nothing – The Cultch 

Much Ado About Nothing Set in a mesmerizing theatrical world evoking Colonial North Africa, this serious and sublimely ridiculous story of soldiers in love and women confined by tradition—is a bold and playful romp through the extremes of desire and ambition, loyalty, and redemption. The all female cast is part of The Cultch’s Femme Series.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music?  Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. 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.

Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver including local events for New Year’s Eve, check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those watching their wallet and well who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

A Crow Called Canuck Book Signing At Les Amis Du Fromage February 9th

6 Feb

CrowCalledCanuck

There was a sweet story in the Vancouver Courier  this past December about a father and daughter duo that penned a children’s activity book after East Van’s famous crow. It is called A Crow Called Canuck and it tells the story of Canuck who flies to other areas of the Lower Mainland and visits other animals in and around Metro Vancouver. One trip sees Canuck visiting black bears in North Vancouver. We hear that the bears tell Canuck they have to look for food in garbage now as there are so few salmon in the local rivers. Canuck also flies to Delta to talk to the eagles about issues that are affecting their habitat.

The father, Arran Yarmie, is a long standing employee at les amis du fromage which will be hosting a book signing and selling this Saturday, February 9th at the East Van location, 843 East Hastings Street from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. We invite you to stop by and support this budding author and environmentalist. If you can’t make the book signing this weekend, you can purchase the book online at Hancock House or on Amazon. It is available for $14.95. Partial proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Hancock Wildlife Foundation.

The Bench Bakehouse Is Now Open In The Il Mercato

5 Feb

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We recently had the pleasure of checking out The Bench Bakehouse located in the Il Mercato, 1641 Commercial Drive, at 1st and Commercial Drive.  This is a sweet spot that just opened 2 weeks ago. It’s located near the entrance of Super Value facing 1st Avenue. The Bench Bakehouse isn’t visible from Commercial Drive, but we encourage you to walk through the Il Mercato or the few feet from the Drive along 1st Ave. to check it out. They have lots of baked deliciousness including a great variety of freshly baked breads which are naturally leavened sourdough. They also offer a great array of the sweet stuff including brownies, brioche, croissants, a coconut mango cake we were tempted to walk out with, and shortbread cookies big enough for sharing. Did we mention all this sweet stuff is made with 100% real butter. The duo behind this new space know what they are doing having trained in Paris, France at the prestigious Ecole Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil.  The Bench Bakehouse is open 6 days a week and they have a couple seating areas if you want to park it and kick back for a bit.