If you have not experienced Fado music, you are missing out. What is Fado? Wikipedia describes it as “a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sentiment of resignation, fatefulness and melancholia.” We can tell you it is passionate, emotional and relatable. This month and next you have the chance to experience it firsthand. Elaine Ávila, an acclaimed Portuguese-Canadian playwright, brings her play new FADO to the stage at the Firehall Arts Centre. The production “is a tale of love and ghosts set in the back alleys and brothels of old Lisbon. Part concert, part theatre, the story of a young woman confronting her country’s Fascist past and her own identity is interwoven with the heartbreaking national music of Portugal known as Fado, which means “fate.” For tickets to this beautiful production, visit Firehall Arts Centre. For a taste of Fado music, we invite you check out Amalia Rodrigues singing Abandono.
Fado: The Saddest Music In The World At The Firehall Arts Centre November 21 to December 14, 2019
6 Nov
Road Trip Episode of Me Love Bingo At The Russian Hall November 16, 2019
28 Oct
You are hereby invited to a fun night out! The Theatre Replacement, a local theatre company, is hosting their annual fundraiser Saturday, November 16th at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue. Come buckle up for a wild ride of Road Trip Episode Me Love Bingo! Kyle Loven will be hosting the event in a gold costume we hear for what is expected to be a campy night of games, amazing prizes, sweet tunes and zero speeding tickets. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the fun and games get under way at 8:00 pm. Admission is $20, but note bingo papers are a separate purchase at the door for $15. Some great silent auctions will also be on hand to raise some funds. So go have some fun while supporting local art! Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Photo Credit: Wendy D Photography
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Transform: A Cabaret Festival On Now Until October 12th
7 Oct
Did someone say cabaret? Co-curated by Heather Redfern and Corey Payette, Transform: A Cabaret Festival is a daring new concept aimed at bringing radical and lasting change to live performance in Vancouver. While you may think of cabaret as frivolous entertainment, historically, cabaret festivals have emerged during periods of change and uncertainty as a platform for political discourse and deep conversation.
Running for the first two weeks of October, Transform pushes the boundaries of the type of theatre we’re accustomed to. The Cultch has always strived to be a platform for previously unheard voices and stories, but this show takes it a step further. Showcasing more than a dozen diverse artists throughout two hours — including song, dance, comedy, drag, circus and more — the goal is to further our collective efforts towards reconciliation and the important conversations we need to continue to have in our community.
If you’re looking for a night to unwind and be swept up in something larger than yourself, you don’t want to miss this. While you sit in the intimate space of the York Theatre, you’re taken on a journey where you find yourself laughing one minute and crying the next. The hosts seamlessly take you from pointed political comedy bits, to moving and thought provoking song and poetry, to outright riotous musical numbers.
Don’t miss the chance to be a mover and shaker who makes change happen at Transform: A Cabaret Festival, on now until October 12th. Tickets available at The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
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June Hunter Fall Studio Sale September 28 & 29, 2019
23 Sep
East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Fall Studio Sale Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th. If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work. Vancouver’s urban nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows and other birdlife that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. June also captures some truly amazing photos of the visitors that come to her idyllic backyard. During her Studio Sales, June transforms her working space to showcase all her creative works which include cushion covers, jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, totes, wall decals and more. She has lots of beautiful new designs this Fall which will help you bring a touch of nature indoors. Her rescue dog Geordie is usually on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7. You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.
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The Shipment At The Firehall Arts Centre September 24 to October 5, 2019
10 Sep
SpeakEasy Theatre’s critically acclaimed production The Shipment is back at the Firehall Arts Centre September 24th to October 5th. Korean-American playwright Jean Lee brings to the stage a modern minstrel show about black identity meant to wake the world to the ridiculous narratives in dominant media. You can expect some brazen mash ups, stereotypes and clichés portrayed throughout what Vancouver Presents calls a “bold, honest and hilarious” production. The Firehall’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer calls Jean Lee “one of America’s most fearless and exciting playwrights.” This is production to watch. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.
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Tiva Quinn Reviews My Name Is Sumiko Part Of This Year’s Fringe Festival
9 Sep
In case you haven’t heard, the The Vancouver Fringe Festival kicked off another year on September 5th. There’s a great line of experimental local theatre happening around town. Our contributing writer, Tiva Quinn, went to check our My Name is Sumiko on now at What Lab, 1814 Pandora Street. Here’s what she had to say about this production:
“I came away from My Name is Sumiko feeling that I almost liked it more than I should have. Long story short, this is a promising performer whose best work is yet to come, but see her now anyway, that’s just the sort of thing the Fringe is for.
June Fukumura starts out doing a riff on Marie Kondo, with her clown character, Sumiko, calls her “role model.” Joking about whether or not things spark joy is kind of played out, and each of her bits within the riff gets repeated to the point where it’s not funny anymore. And yet, Fukumura brings so much charm, energy and over the top silliness to her performance as Sumiko that it kind of works. The memory of laughing when she tried to decide if a dildo sparks joy the first time kind of carries you through with good enough humour when she does it the 7th time.
All in all, Fukumura riffs on 3 topics, and the finale, a mashup of Indiana Jones, Titanic, Austin Powers and online dating woes was by far the best.
The promo material that talks about “dicing up stereotypes” might make you think this is going to be a woke, intellectual sort of clowning, but it’s mostly just silly and there’s nothing wrong with that. Turn off your brain, go and enjoy.”
For tickets to this, or any other Fringe show, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.
By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn
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Artful Sundays Return To The Napier Greenway August 11th to September 1st
24 Jul
Artful Sundays return to the Napier Greenway this summer. If you aren’t familiar with this event, it is weekly outdoor visual art market which happens over 4 Sundays in the Napier Greenway. It happens in a great community space by the Britannia Community Centre located at Commercial Drive & Napier Street. The first event kicks off Sunday, August 11th from Noon to 5:00 pm and for the next 3 Sundays following. We do know that a couple of personal favourites artisans will be at the August 11th event, BagItUpBy Kate to help you reduce plastic use while shopping and Perching Art Clay with some stunning pieces of jewellery. Each Artful Sunday brings a variety of local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Lots to do and see and it’s free to wander and take in the art that surrounds us. The event takes place in the Napier Greenway at Napier Street & Commercial Drive from Noon – 5:00 pm each Sunday from August 11th to September 1st.
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Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival – Call For Artists
23 Jul
The 17th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival happens September 14th. In advance of that, they have put out a call for artists who have an idea for an illuminated art installation. They are looking to expand and diversify the art that is displayed at the 17th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. The event celebrates the full moon and equinox. They are accepting proposals for art installations including lantern art, electronic art, land art and eco-art. No experience with outdoor installations necessary. They are encouraging people from a variety of backgrounds to participate. To learn more about their hopes and requirements for the event, visit Still Moon Arts Society. Deadline for applications is Monday August 5th at midnight. This is a great opportunity to be part of amazing community event.
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What’s On East Van: July 12th Edition
12 Jul
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.
Indiana Jones Marathon – Rio Theatre – July 12th
Love Indiana Jones? Nothing like seeing these movies on a big screen and this Friday night, the Rio Theatre has 3 of these movies back to back kicking things off with Raiders of the Lost Ark at 6:20 pm followed by The Temple of Doom and finishing it off with The Last Crusade. For tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.
Outdoor Movie – Trout Lake – July 12th
If you are looking for some free family fun, Collingwood Neighbourhood Centre hosts the movie Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp version) Friday night at 9:00 pm. Location is near the tennis courts. Free popcorn will be on hand.
Swinging With Sinatra – Hungarian Cultural Centre – July 13th
If you love that big band sound, you may want to check out local crooner Dane Warren. He will be performing with the Bruce James Orchestra Big Band this Saturday, July 13th at the Hungarian Cultural Centre. You are invited for an evening of Sinatra (and friends). Come to listen or come to dance. This is an all ages event. Tickets are $17.50 and available through Eventbrite.
Summer Savour Festival – River District town Centre – July 13th
Live music with a variety of performers happens this Saturday between 2:00 and 6:00 pm at the River District Town Centre in SE Vancouver. Circus performer Shine Davine will be performing at 2:45 pm followed by a magic show with Yeeri the Magician at 3:35 pm. There are lots of activities for the kids (big and little) including face painting, mural painting and Confetti Box. There will be some food trucks on hand plus River District Neighbourhood Centre at the foot of Victoria Drive & Kerr will have cupcakes available for decorating and eating of course. This a free event. For more info, check out link to Summer Savour Festival.
RecycleFest – Trout Lake/John Hendry Park – July 13th
If you wish to learn more about sustainable living, RecycleFest is the place to be this Saturday. Along with taking in small appliances for recycling, Repair Matters will be on site as well as activities and learning opportunities for all ages. This is a free event that happens at John Hendry Park between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Beer Garden – Parallel 49 Brewing – July 13th
Parallel 49 Brewing is hosting their 4th Annual Summer Beer Garden. This outdoor event happens from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. They’ll have a DJ on hand with music, taco menu and of course beer.
Weiner Dog Races – Hastings Racecourse – July 13th & 14th
The last of the Dog Days of Summer happens this weekend at the Hastings Racecourse. This is the grande finale for the season with the Wiener Dog Races. Event happens Saturday and Sunday. No admission cost. Gates open at noon.
If You Could Read My Mind: Gordon Lightfoot – Rio Theatre – July 14th
The documentary If You Could Read My Mind is playing again this Sunday at The Rio Theatre. It features the life and music of Canadian music icon, Gordon Lightfoot. This is billed is an intimate and emotional examination of the artist’s profound relationship to his music and his Canadian roots. Documentary runs at 2:00 pm. For tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
Main Street Mixed Bag – The Ellis Building – July 14th
The Main Street Mixed Bag happens this Sunday at the Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. This is a fun eclectic mix of handmade artisans, vintage and maybe a little bit of garage sale. Admission is free. All ages welcome including your 4 legged friends, on leash of course. Cash bar for those that wish a bit of refreshment while shopping.
The 4th Annual Art, Beer & Bike Crawl – East Van – July 14th
A fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl happens this Sunday at various craft breweries in East Van. Take a bike tour of 3 East Van craft breweries along with tastings of course between 1:00 and 5:00 pm this Sunday. Tickets are $60 per person or 2 for $100. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More
Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?
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 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.
Looking to shop and support local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am – 2 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing. We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Art, Bike & Beer Crawl – July 14, 2019
8 Jul
This Sunday you are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Art, Bike & Beer Crawl. This is a fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl in which you explore East Van’s craft breweries while at the same time supporting local art. Guests will be taken to 3 of the 9 participating breweries after which there will be a wrap tour at Strange Fellows Brewing with tastings, of course. Tickets are $60 each or 2 for $100. To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
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