A very interesting show called 52 Pick Up is coming to the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. The premise is there are 52 scene titles written on a deck of cards that are thrown into the air. As the performers pick up the cards, they perform the scenes, one by one, revealing a hilarious or maybe heartbreaking love story. No two performances will are the same. The show features comedian Dan Willows and Sarah Andrina Brown which we think should make for a fun evening. 52 Pick Up begins November 13th and runs till November 29th. Tickets are available online at Theatre Wire and range from $21 – $28 for adults and $18 -$23 for those under 30 and seniors. There will also be two Pay What You Can Performances on November 15 and 22. Come shuffle the deck.
52 Pick Up At The Havana Theatre November 13 – 29
6 Nov
All Craft And Artisan Fairs In East Vancouver
5 Nov
‘Tis the season for craft and artisan fairs. Local makers have been working hard preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The fairs are a great way to support local when gift giving this holiday season. We have already checked out the first Winter Craft Fair of the season held at River District in SE Vancouver this past Sunday. This one will run every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until December 27th. For those that don’t like crowds, this is a smaller market with great vendors. If you are looking for bigger markets with choices galore, there are many options including Shiny Fuzzy Muddy at the Heritage Hall, Make It!, TOQUE and Vancouver Farmer’s Market Holiday Market and new this year the Italian Christmas Market. We have set out below a rundown of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more. We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.
NOVEMBER 2015
Nov. 8: River District Winter Craft Fair 11- 4
Nov. 10: Crafty Daze – Diwali – Mount Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Nov. 13-15: 32nd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 14: Love It. Craft It – Heritage Hall 11-6
Nov. 14&15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Nov. 14: Holiday Craft Fair – Killarney Community Centre
Nov. 15: River District Winter Craft Fair – River District 11-4
Nov. 20: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 22: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 22: Blim Market – Heritage Hall 12-6
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9 pm
Nov. 28: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 28 & 29: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 – 4
Nov. 28: Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Comm. Centre – 10-3
Nov. 29: Bakers Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Nov. 29: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 29: Renegade Winter Art & Craft Market – 2980 Nanaimo Street 11-5
DECEMBER 2015
Dec. 3-6: Make It! Handmade Revolution – PNE Forum
Dec. 4-6: TOQUE Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair
Dec. 5: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10-4
Dec. 6: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Dec. 6: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 12: Vancouver Farmer’s Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-4
Dec. 12: East Van Ham – 1739 Venables Street
Dec. 12-13: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 13: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 13: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 14: Crafty Daze–Hannukah – Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 19&20: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 19&20: 22nd Annual Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 22: Crafty Daze-Winter Solstice-Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
For those wishing to participate in a craft fair, we have heard that as of today’s writing there are still some tables available at Holiday Craft Fair at Killarney Community Centre on November 14th and Renfrew Park Community Center’s Craft Fair on November 28th. We don’t expect that these spaces will last long though. So if interested, be quick.
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Light The Candles – The Fictionals Are Celebrating 5 Years Of Making People Laugh
4 Nov
You are invited to come out and help The Fictionals celebrate 5 years of making people laugh. If you don’t know them, The Fictionals’ first show was Show Us Your Wits, an Improv and Burlesque mashup at the former Mermaid Cafe. Since then, the comedy troupe has performed in hundreds of shows, expanded to a cast of 12 players and perform regularly at Cafe Deux Soleils and the Rio Theatre in East Van. On Wednesday, November 18th they will putting on Improv Against Humanity which will be an interactive comedy show at the Rio Theatre. And really who couldn’t use more laughter in their life. It’s like exercise, but sitting down. It’s good for you. Add to that, there will be cake! You can purchase tickets in advance online for $10, or at the door for $12. The laughs get under way at 8:00 pm.
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Sunya At The Cultch November 10 – 14
3 Nov
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, in partnership with Diwali Fest, bring you Sunya from November 10 – 14. Indo-Armenian dancer and choreographer, Roger Sinha, and Iranian-born gatherer of musical pearls, Kiya Tabassian, along with four dancers and three musicians break boundaries to create a truly unique artistic experience. World music meets dance in a journey both celebratory and spiritual. “Sunya is a fusion of cultures, genres, and artist impulses,” says Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch. “The musicians and dancers riff off each other, creating an intense and dynamic physical and musical dialogue. The staging is beautiful, featuring vivid colours and patterns created with lights, movement, and sound. Sunya is a feast for all of the senses. It takes you to a place of great spirit.”
What people are saying about Sunya:
“As stirring to the mind as the sounds of the setar are to the heart”
The Chronicle Herald
“Extremely poetic, inspired and inspiring, hypnotic…a sublime piece, an invitation to a subtle journey, sensual and spiritual. A touching beauty”
La Presse
An enchanting atmosphere. A particularly beautiful and fabulous show”
CBC Radio-Canada
Sunya opens at The Cultch November 10th at 8:00 pm and continues until November 14th with a post-show talkback on November 11th. Tickets are available online from $20.
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Dare To Be Square West Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall November 13
2 Nov
Would you like to learn how to square dance? Well now you can. Dare To Be Square West is a festival that brings 3 public dances that feature live music and on the spot instructions for the beginners. We hear that this event draws a “a young, diverse, and enthusiastic crowd from all over the west coast, including Portland, Seattle and Oakland California, which boast vibrant old time dance scenes” Dare to Be Square West is hosting a weekend of events with workshops that teach beginners the basics of old time dance and dance calling as well as strengthening the skills of experienced callers, dancers and musicians. We have set out below the 3 events lined up for this upcoming festival:
Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall Friday November 13
This evening will feature music by Yomada and Shout!WhiteDragon and include callers Paul Silveria, Craig Marcuk and Anne Louise Genest. Tickets for this event are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets. The event kicks off at 8:00 pm. Again, beginners are welcome.
Southern Squares & French Canadian Dancing At The Ukrainian Hall November 14
This evening will feature the calling of Fred Park coming from North Carolina and music by No Mean Feat . There will also be a performance of French Canadian square dances by Suzanne Girardot with La Famille Leger. The event takes place at the Ukranian Hall, 805 E. Pender Street and kicks off at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Family Dance At The Ukranian Hall November 15
This event kicks off in the afternoon at 4:30 pm and will feature family-friendly dances called by Sherry Nevins with the Royal Coachmen and an opening set by Professor Banjo and a “crankie” performance by Dejah Leger (Seattle). This is an all ages event. Tickets are $5.00 per person and tickets are also available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
This event is organized by Paul Silveria who is a Vancouver based square dance caller. Originally from Portland Oregon, Paul learned to call from veteran dance caller Bill Martin surrounded by a thriving old-time music community. Paul has been growing Vancouver’s live-music square dance scene for the past 4 years and is excited to bring this festival to Canada for the first time. 
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River District Winter Craft Fair November 1 – December 27
30 Oct
River District located in SE Vancouver along the Fraser River is hosting their 3rd Annual Winter Craft Fair. For those unfamiliar to the area it’s located at 8683 Kerr Street at the foot of Kerr Street just below SE Marine Drive). The Winter Craft Fair will be showcasing local products and vendors starting Sunday, November 1st from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Winter Craft Fair will continue every Sunday until December 27th. Admission is free. Some of the vendors they have lined up for the first two weekends include the Laughing Sparrow with modern handmade jewellery, The Beautiful Nomad with handmade jewellery made from shells, pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones as well as Stepping Stones Bakery, Chicka Bites Baked Goods and MB Furniture Revival, a local company which takes used furniture and turns shabby into chic. Note, although some of the vendors may take credit cards, many are cash only. So be sure to have some on hand. Come down by the river and support local.
Photo Credit: The Beautiful Nomad
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Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver
29 Oct
Nat Bailey Stadium – November 7 to April 26 / 10 – 2
Vancouver Farmers Market returns to Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street for their winter market starting Saturday November 7th and will run each Saturday until April 23 save for December 26th. The market will run each day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to shop local all winter long. Each week you can expect to find locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods and prepared foods. Also on hand, as usual, will be a few food trucks, hot drink vendors and a little live music to keep you entertained.
Hastings Park – November 8 to May 1 / 10 – 2
If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the market at Hastings Park beginning Sunday November 8th. This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until May 1, 2016 save for December 27th. The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark. This market will also feature a great selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat and dairy products. You will also find locally sourced artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts and food trucks serving hot food to keep you warm in the cooler months. Come out and support local this winter.
Photo Credit: Deborah Waller
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Opening Reception: Mosaic Art Exhibit of Lilian Broca Italian Cultural Centre November 12, 2015
28 Oct
You are invited to an opening reception for an exhibit of mosaic art by award-winning Lilian Broca. Her exhibition, Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca, features seven large mosaic panels created in Italian smalto glass. The panels, which took Lilian Broca 3 years to complete, weigh approximately 80 pounds and range from 70 to 78 inches tall and 48 inches wide. Her work depicts powerful mythical women whose stories are relevant to today’s social and gender issues. Mosaics have for centuries been displayed on church walls and domed ceilings, but Broca wants to make mosaics accessible to all. Lilian Broca also has a desire to tell stories of spirited women whose sacrifices, courage and sheer force of will resulted in powerful social changes. The Judith Mosaics which will be on display reveal Broca’s interpretation of an ancient story that raises ideas about women’s role in society, encouraging contemporary women to possess the courage and inner strength of the independent. The opening reception for this exhibition takes place on Thursday, November 12th at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You are invited to come out and meet the artist herself. If you are unable to attend the opening reception, the exhibition runs until March 31, 2016 before heading to Toronto. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. To learn more about Lilian Broca and her work visit her
website.
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Free Puppetry Workshop & Puppet Show In Mount Pleasant
27 Oct
The Vancouver Star Theatre is hosting a free puppetry workshop and puppet show for families in Mount Pleasant. The workshop and puppet show will be hosted by two puppet masters. Firstly, Randi Edmundson who is an experienced puppeteer and drama teacher. She currently teaches theatre classes for Vancouver Performing Stars and Place des Arts. The second puppet master is Kaeden Derksen who is a children’s performer, musician and drama teacher. Kaeden recently spent time in India facilitating intergenerational theatre workshops for seniors and children.
MAKE PUPPETS & TELL STORIES – Sunday, November 1st
Randi Edmundson and Kaeden Derksen are experienced puppeteers and will be leading a free puppetry workshop for children aged 5-8 at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre on Sunday, November 1st. Participants will make their own simple puppets and learn manipulation techniques. They will also have the opportunity to practice their newly learned techniques in front of their class mates. The workshop runs from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm and registration is required. Contact the Mount Pleasant Community Centre directly to register.
THE MAIN EVENT – Tuesday, November 10th
Randi and Kaeden will be sharing a free puppet show at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. We hear that the performance will be zany, interactive and full of surprises. It will also incorporate music as well as stories created by the workshop participants. The puppet show will begin at 4:30pm and run for 30 minutes. For those wishing to take in this puppet show, you are encouraged to show up early to reserve a seat.
The workshop and puppet show is brought to by the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, the Mount Pleasant Community Centre and the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood Small Grants Program.
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Nirbhaya At The York Theatre November 3 – 14
26 Oct
The Cultch, in partnership with Diwali Fest, presents Nirbhaya starting November 3rd. Nirbhaya is a story based on real life experiences and the violent incident that shocked Delhi and the world. Internationally acclaimed playwright and director, Yaël Farber (Mies Julie) has created searing new work that cracks open the code of silence around women whose lives have been shattered with violence. Farber brings an extraordinary cast and creative team from India that will take you on a voyage into personal testimonies and show you the amazing capacity of the human spirit for survival, redemption and change.
“Nirbhaya is a play that tells the story of women who have suffered abuse in their own voices. By telling their personal stories, these women shatter the silence that surrounds abuse in the hopes that by talking about it, we are acknowledging its existence and can begin healing and making societal change. The play is particularly relevant to the situation we currently have in British Columbia where, because of systemic silence, many women across the province have gone missing over the years, yet these crimes have been ignored and in some cases, deliberately silenced. I am bringing Nirbhaya to the York Theatre because I believe we are all responsible for breaking the silence. Seeing this play together is one action we can take to make change for girls and women in our
neighbourhoods and around the world.”
Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch
Nirbhaya opens November 3rd at The York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, and continues till November 14th. Tickets are available online from $30 at The Cultch or by calling 604.251.1363. Special note, as this performance contains adult themes and mature content, it is recommended for ages 16+.
Photo Credit: William Burdett-Coutts
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