First Pick Handmade At The Heritage Hall March 16th & 17th

12 Mar

FirstPickHandmade2019First Pick Handmade returns to the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, March 16th & 17th. This is a curated event showcasing 30 Canadian men’s and women’s fashion accessory designers.  First Pick Handmade will transform Heritage Hall into a 3,300-square foot pop up boutique department store. The event will feature long standing Canadian designers as well as new ones. To see the full line up of participating designers, visit First Pick Handmade.

First Pick Handmade was created and curated by Janna Hurtzig  who is the founder/designer behind Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere. Hurtzig has been part of Vancouver’s handmade scene since 1988 in a variety of roles including co-organizer of Shiny, Muddy Fuzzy.  First Pick Handmade happens this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm each day. Admission is $3.00 at the door. Whether it’s to browse or buy, stop by and support our Canadian designers. 

“We’ve hosted three shows, and, in that time, we have already been noted in the Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver’s pick for sustainable shopping. I think we offer a really unique market experience in that we offer fashion and accessories only, and all handmade by local and Canadian designers.”

 Janna Hurtzig, First Pick Handmade Founder, and Curator. 

 

7th Annual East Side Beer Fest March 13th At The Wise Hall

11 Mar

EastsideBeerFest2019Liberty Merchant Company presents the 7th Annual East Side Beer Fest tasting event on Wednesday, March 13th at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. The event will feature craft beers from all over the world as well as bits of food from food purveyors on Commercial Drive. This event is also a fundraiser for the Great Vancouver Food Bank Society which helps provides some 25,000 people in need each week. All ticket sales and draw prizes directly support the Great Vancouver Food Bank Society.  Tickets are $29.99 each and available at all Liberty Wine Merchant locations. In East Vancouver, visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 pm and goes till 9:00 pm.

What’s On East Van: March 8th Edition

8 Mar

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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.

Les Amis du Fromage Celebrates 10 Years With Pop Ups Plus – March 9th

A favourite spot, les amis du fromage, celebrates 10 years in business this Saturday at their East Van location, 843 East Hastings in Strathcona.  Along with cheese samples, they will have a few delish businesses on hand with pop ups including Ritchie’s Bakery with breads, La Glace Ice Cream with handcrafted creamy goodness and Petit Four Pastries. If that’s not enough, there will be demos by Lee Murphy and she will showcase her cookbook The Preservatory. Stop by this Saturday and support local business.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – Gaston Park – March 9th

Got a fruit tree in your yard or community garden that could be producing more? You are invited to join Randi-Lee Taylor of Simply Barefoot Garden Services for some old fashioned hands on pruning techniques. Learn how to prune fruit trees for maximum production, taste, and plant health in this hands on FREE workshop. If you have pruners, you are encouraged to bring the, although they will  have some on hand. Event takes place in Gaston Park this Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

East End History Walk With James Johnstone – 696 East Hastings St. – March 9th

James Johnstone is back offering his East End History Walk this Saturday, March 9th.  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.

Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride – March 9th

The annual Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride happens this Saturday. All riders of all ages welcome. Crow inspired costumes are also encouraged.  Ride kicks off at a NEW LOCATION this year at the Central Valley Greenway and Garden Drive (one block west of Nanaimo). Ride begins at 5:30 pm.

Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue  – March 9th and 10th

Looking for some vintage? Maybe some collectibles or handmade items? The Eastside Flea is one of a couple options this weekend. The Flea happens Saturday and Sunday at 550 Malkin Avenue in Strathcona from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  There of course food trucks at the ready in case you get hungry.

Bridal Swap – Croatian Cultural Centre – March 10th

The Original Bridal Swap happens Sunday at The Croatian Cultural Centre from Noon to 4:00 pm. If you are planning a wedding, or even a big party, there are some great colourful gently used items at great deals.  Tickets are available online or at the door. Visit the Bridal Swap for info on early bird tickets.

Main Street Mixed Bag – The Ellis Building – March 10th 

This Sunday, Main Street Mixed Bag takes over The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. This is as the name implies a mixed bag of yard sale vendors, collectibles, vintage and handmade.  Entry is free and dogs are welcome on a leash.  The market happens 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Biggest Dog Meet Up #5 – John Hendry Park – March 10th

Another large dog meet up is happening at John Hendry Park this Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm.  Bring your dog and your friends.

SPRING FORWARD – March 10thSpring Time Change

Don’t forget, clocks Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time kicks in at 3:00 am on March 10th in Canada.  We figure if we add a picture of flowers, it will encourage Spring. We are ever hopeful! Enjoy the extra hour.

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

East End History Walks With James Johnstone Are Back

6 Mar

EastEndWalkingTourJamesJames Johnstone is back with his popular historical walking tours. Next scheduled walks are Saturday, March 9th and Saturday, March 23rd.  James will take you on a tour of one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Strathcona. The tour kicks off at 10:00 am starting from 696 East Hastings Street at Heatley. This historical walking tour is a culmination of years of researching over 250 homes in the East End. Although you will find architecture is a theme on this tour, James will also focus on social history and how waves of immigrants established themselves in this area before moving on to other parts of the city. The tour will also touch on the impact of portside industries like BC Sugar, the prohibition and the proliferation of bootlegging as well as the City of Vancouver’s attempts to wipe out “urban blight”.  Each tour runs for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours the cost is $20 for each tour. If you would like more information or to reserve your spot, email James directly at historywalks@gmail.com.

Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride Saturday March 9th

5 Mar

StillMoonArtsCrowCrows are certainly part of everyday life in East Vancouver.  Even if you don’t see them or look for them, you always know they are there. They are a rather vocal bunch and quite interesting to watch. If you want to know where the crows fly off to at dusk, this weekend you can ride along with them to see where they go to roost.  March 9th is the Annual Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride hosted by the Still Moon Arts Society. You are invited to join them for a ride from Central Valley Greenway and Garden Drive. The ride will follow the crows on the Central Valley Greenway towards Burnaby which is approximately a 5 km round trip. To ensure safety, organizers ask that you have lights and/or reflectors for the ride home.  This is a free family friendly event. Everyone is welcome. NOTE: Poor weather, could postpone the event. Please check Still Moon Arts Society Facebook page for any updates.  The ride gets under way at 5:30 pm.

The Main Street Mixed Bag Happens Sunday March 10th at The Ellis Building

4 Mar

Mixed Bag.jpgThe Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street, has seen the incarnation of many different events.  It’s a great casual space for hosting events and we quite like the sound of The Main Street Mixed Bag and what organizers have in store.  As the name depicts the event is a mixed bag, but with a bit of a twist.  Originally billed as a yard sale, local makers keen on low table fees jumped on board. There is one other very unique aspect we love.  Young makers, aged 16 and under get a discounted table and an opportunity to be part of market. We have to say we love this! On that note, we hear a young maker is creating cool jewellery with stones.  His business is Natural Design Squamish and he designs some beautiful pieces with a little help from mom.   We also know recently featured Mister We Are The Weirdos will be on hand for the upcoming market along with a whole other talented group of artisans along side some unique offerings. Stop by Sunday, March 10th between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Admission is free and dogs are welcome, on a leash of course. If you want to see which vendors will be on hand, check them out on Instagram @mainstreetmixedbag.

What’s On East Van: March 1st Edition

1 Mar

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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.

Discussion: Passive Home Building – Vancouver Tool Library – March 1st

If you are interested in home building, Vancouver Tool Library member Steven Bishop will lead a discussion on the subject Friday evening.  Steven is a Passive House Consultant and Instructor in the Practical Energy and Advanced Knowledge for Buildings Certificate Program at Douglas College.  Vancouver Tool Library is located at 3448 Commercial Street. Things get under way at 6:30 pm. No cost to the event.

Wine & Plants – Figaro’s Garden Centre – March 1st

It’s the first Friday of the month which means Figaro’s Garden Centre, 1896 Victoria Drive, invites plant lovers to stop by between 3:30 and 6:00 pm for a glass of wine and to talk plants.  Have questions, want to meet others in the area who are digging the garden scene? You are hereby invited.

Square Dance Party – Wise Hall – March 1st

Paul Silveria aka Professor Banjo and The Estro-Jennies are hosting square dancing and live music at the Wise Hall Friday night. Everyone is welcome. There will be lessons for those that don’t know. So come on down and learn. Doors open at 8:00 pm, fun begins at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $17.50 online and $25 at the door. This is a 19+ event.

Oh Man! – The Drive Coffee Bar – March 1st & 3rd

Jo Dworschak, creator of Story Story Lie, brings her multimedia monologue about being a mom trying to overcome her fear of men before having one in Oh Man!  The show for 2 nights only takes place in a more intimate venue, being The Drive Coffee, 1670 Commercial Drive.   Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

Better Than This – Havana Theatre – March 1st & 2nd

The production Better Than This kicks off this Friday at Havana Theatre.  This original show celebrates iconic female characters in musical theatre and women’s changing roles within this genre.  Songs from Chicago, West Side Story and Wicked will be feature. Tickets are $24 and available through Showpass.

Children of God – York Theatre – Until March 10th

A production that delves into some of Canada’s shameful history with a great script, humour and humanity. Contributing writer Tiva Quinn “every Canadian needs to understand the legacy of residential schools’. To see more on Tiva’s review visit ILiveInEastVan. The production is on now at the York Theatre. For tickets, visit The Cultch.

Japan Food Fair – Vancouver Buddhist Temple – March 3rd

Looking for some great cheap eats this weekend? The Vancouver Buddhist Temple is hosting a Japan Food Fair from Noon to 2:00 pm.  They are located at 220 Jackson Avenue in Strathcona.  Everyone is welcome to stop by.

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

Learn To Make A Provencal Vegetarian Dinner at Trout Lake Community Centre March 6th

27 Feb

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Looking to cook something new, healthy and easy for dinner? How about a Provencal Vegetarian Dinner?  Valentine of Tartine & Maple will be leading a delish cooking demonstration on Wednesday, March 6th at Trout Lake Community Centre.  She will introduce you to some food and recipes from southern Europe. During the class, Valentine will demonstrate how to make homemade Olive Tapenade Crostinis, Provence Vegetable Tian and Almond Panna Cotta. You are requested to bring a container with you so you can take leftovers home with you.  The cost is $57.14 and made through City of Vancouver. For more information, visit Tartine & Maple.

Photo Credit: Tartine & Maple

Tiva Quinn Reviews Children Of God On Now At The York Until March 10th

26 Feb

ChildrenOfGodI didn’t make it when Children of God was in Vancouver last year partly because the idea of making a musical about child abuse and cultural genocide seemed a bit implausible, I wasn’t sure it could really work. In fact, it works brilliantly. The script does a fantastic job of including some humour and even some redemption amidst the pain without shying away from the worst things that happened at residential schools.

If you haven’t seen Children of God yet, you should go. Yes, partly because every Canadian needs to understand the legacy of residential schools, but also because it’s an excellent script performed by top-notch double-threat actor/singers and, even when the subject matter gets dark, it’s a real treat to see them perform.

For anyone who has a personal relationship or strong reaction to this material, emotional support workers are available in the lobby throughout the show.

There’s a Q and A period with the performers after the show that’s worth sticking around for. The Q and A I attended had a lot of interesting questions and commentary from both indigenous and settler audience members, and the cast themselves were just as impressive speaking off the cuff as they were during the show. Children Of God is on now at The York Theatre until March 10, 2019.  Tickets available through The Cultch.

Note – during the Q&A I attended someone suggested that people refrain from drinking or at least from bringing alcohol into the theater, as many people in the audience have intergenerational trauma related to the smell of alcohol.

By Contributing Writer: Tiva Quinn

Call To Artists: The Cultch Gallery Seeks Artists For 2019/2020 Gallery Season

25 Feb

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The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, has put out a call to visual artists to submit applications to exhibit their work during their 2019/2020 gallery season. Each exhibition will run for 3 to 5 weeks between August 2019 and June 2020. Submissions can be single or multiple artists’ proposals.

The Cultch has built a reputation over the past 40 years as one of Western Canada’s most innovative and exciting presenting venues. The mandate of The Cultch is to contribute to the enrichment of the city and community’s social and cultural life through the presentation of innovative programs of contemporary music, theatre, dance and visual arts by established and emerging artists.

The Cultch Gallery is a multi-use space and not a traditional art gallery as it also serves as the lobby for performances and is occasionally used for meetings and other small events. Due to the diverse nature of this space, submissions that include sculptures or free standing art will not be accepted.  Further, they will only be able to show works that hang from their gallery ‘rail’ system that does not have a depth of more than 12″.

Submission Criteria for Artists:

  1. An artist statement
  2. Artist bio(s)
  3. Resume/CV
  4. A complete list of images you are submitting, which should include title, size, medium. These images do not have to be the work you will be showing. They want to get a good overview of your work.
  5. You can submit up to 10 images and not necessarily the images you plan on showing, but so they get a sense of the range of work you do. Image files should be in .jpeg format. File names must include the artist name, title of artwork and size of the work when framed: (example: Yuri Arajs – Sunny Day -18 in x 30 in. jpg). Images should be 300 dpi.

Deadline for applications is May 31, 2019. Email your submissions to gallery@thecultch.com, but you can also mail a CD with your application to:

Artists will be notified in June 2019 on the results of the selection process.

If you have any questions, you can email Yuri Arajs, the Gallery Coordinator at The Cultch gallery@thecultch.com.