Firehall Arts Centre is bringing back to the stage the music of a Canadian icon and renowned singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, with the production of Circle Game: Reimagining The Music of Joni Mitchell. Artistic Producer and local talent, Donna Spencer, brings this energetic musical experience featuring six quadruple-threat talents to the stage. Together they play eighteen instruments, creating modern variations on themes by Joni Mitchell. For those that don’t know, Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential female recording artists of the late 20th century. She often featured social and environmental issues in her music. Mitchell’s music stands the test of time and is once again the voice of a generation. Some examples include the heartbreak of a failed love affair in “River”, the fear of imminent ecological disaster in “Big Yellow Taxi”, and the promise of a generation gathering to ‘get back to the garden’ in “Woodstock” are topics that resound as heavily today as they did fifty years ago. Circle Game runs from January 12th to February 9th, 2019. Tickets are available online at The Firehall Centre with several Pay What You Can Performances on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm.
Circle Game: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell January 12th to February 9th At The Firehall Arts Centre
8 Jan
Pitch, Bitch And Ditch At The Cultch January 14th “The Dragon’s Den Of Theatre”
7 Jan
Do you love watching Dragon’s Den? If yes, then you may wish to check out Pitch, Bitch and Ditch happening Monday, January 14th at The Cultch. Do you have a great idea for show? Do you want to have a say in what type of productions you’d like to see on stage? Creators, Pippa Mackie and Kim Senklip Harvey, aim to highlight the strength and power of female-identifying voices and experiences. During the course of the evening, they will guide attendees through a lively banter and debate on a variety of possible topics. No idea is off limits, no suggestion taboo, you are to let your imagination run wild and oh, the bar will be open should that help you loosen your tongue just a little. There general theme goes like this:
PITCH
Bring your ideas —
pitches are anonymous, so no judgement!
BITCH
Kim and Pippa discuss the pitches, and debate whether they have potential as plays or not!
DITCH
The power is in your hands
—audience members vote on which pitches are ditched and which ones have promise!
Tickets for the event are $10 and available online through The Cultch. If you are interested generally in Women In The Arts, there is mixer by that name the same evening before the show from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in The Cultch Lobby. It is free attend the mixer.
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The Enemy At The Firehall Arts Centre November 10 – December 1, 2018
31 Oct
The Firehall Arts Centre is presenting a new political drama that touches on a number of themes including corruption, environmental activism and a lack of accountability. The Enemy is a contemporary interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. The original story was written in 1882, but with the current political climate in the US, The New York Times says this story “is suddenly as timely as a tweet.” In Ibsen’s version, Dr. Stockman is written as a male. In The Enemy, Artistic Director Donna Spencer has taken the role of Dr. Stockman and written it as a female to illustrate the road blocks women face when challenging the “powers-that-be” or “the old boys club”. This production also touches on the choices we make, the ones we think we should make but don’t, and the influences around us that colour that decision-making. The Enemy asks “is the majority always right?” “What happens when truth is declared as not the truth?” “What happens when disbelief is spread via social media, ‘fake news’, and shoddy journalism?” Who ends up being the enemy?
Artistic Director Donna Spencer has chosen a piece that reflects what is happening in the world today. A timely piece that encourages us to look at and question the political, social and environmental landscape around us. You can catch The Enemy at The Firehall Arts Centre from November 10th to December 1st. For tickets visit, the Firehall Arts Centre.
Photo Credit: Pedro Meza
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A Vancouver Guldasta Comes To The Cultch With Diwali BC – October 2-21, 2018
25 Sep
Diwali BC brings A Vancouver Guldasta to The Cultch. The play is written and directed by Paneet Singh and focuses on the Dhaliwals, a Punjabi family in the early 1980s. In this production, you will witness the family navigate its way through the experience of trauma and violence occurring in Punjab. At the same time their daughter has a complicated friendship with Andy, a Vietnamese refugee teen who is living in their basement. The story takes during the Indian government’s invasion of the “Golden Temple” which is the holiest shrine of the Sikhs. A Vancouver Guldasta allows you to eavesdrop on conversations otherwise reserved only for the privileged ears of living room walls. The show runs from October 2nd to 21st at 8:00 pm most evenings, but there are some 7:00 pm shows on Sunday and 2:00 pm matinees. Tickets are available online from The Cultch.
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Never Still At The Firehall Arts Centre September 26th – 29th, 2018
12 Sep
Never Still the newest work by Vanessa Goodman is inspired by the inherent conflicts and dichotomies of water. The production is both graceful and challenging, much like humanity itself. The show has social, environmental and biological themes explored within this highly physical new work. Never Still dives into the distinctive and overlap between three different systems of circulation: global water cycles, communication technology and fluids within the body. “We are living in an increasingly polarized culture,” says Donna Spencer, the Firehall Arts Centre’s Artistic Producer. “And it is our role as artistic creators to encourage audiences to consider, through what they are seeing on stage, how inextricably linked we all are in finding our way through these challenging times.” Donna goes onto say that this Season the Firehall Arts Centre’s programming is “about choices – ones we make, the one we think we should make but don’t and the influences around us that colour that decision-making”. This production is a collaboration Shion Skye Carter, Stéphanie Cyr, Bynh Ho, Scott Morgan, Alexa Mardon, James Proudfoot and Lexi Vajda. Never Still is at the Firehall Arts Centre from Wednesday, September 26th to Saturday, September 29th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Firehall Arts Centre.
Photo Credit: Ben Didier
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Rumble Theatre Presents Tremors 2018 At The Italian Cultural Centre August 16-25, 2018
15 Aug
In 2007, Rumble Theatre created the Tremors Festival which was originally a two week run of plays created by emerging companies. In 2014, they devised a new model for this festival which focused on providing mentorship to individual emerging artists rather than emerging companies. Tremors is now a vehicle for young emerging artists to build networks, receive professional mentorship, develop their craft and work on exciting plays. Each show is directed, designed, stage managed, and performed by a company of emerging artists working with the guidance of professional mentors. This year, they have are producing 3 contemporary Canadian plays: Selfie by Christine Quintana, Tiny Replicas by Dave Deveau, and Theory by Norman Yeung.
From August 16 to 25, these three plays and their Tremors lounge will be created in different rooms of the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street. You are invited to stop by and see one show, see a double bill, or take in all three. Admission to all shows is Pay-What-You-Decide. You, the audience members, get to pick what to see and how much to pay. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit Tremors 2018.
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Vines Art Festival At Trout Lake Park August 17-19, 2018
8 Aug
Vines Art Festival happens August 8 – 19, 2018 in various locations in Vancouver with a number of the events happening at Trout Lake/John Hendry Park this weekend. This festival was created by Heather Lamoureux in 2015. Heather works with a young, vibrant and talented group of people to create this festival now in its 4th year. The inaugural festival was a one day event at Trout Lake Park run solely on a fundraised budget built with a strong vision, determination and volunteers. The second year they tripled their budget with support from the Vancouver City Cultural Service and their primary sponsor Mountain Equipment Co-Op. The third festival grew from a one day to a ten-day event in 7 of Vancouver’s public parks in partnership with Vancouver’s Artists in Residence program.
Vines was two missions in its creation, one to broaden the reach of artivism. Bringing the art, with its ability to inspire creativity and social change, out of the theatre or gallery and into community parks, paths, and trails making it accessible to all. Two, to direct local artists to create in relation to the earth – creating works at the intersection of environmental and social justice. The festival is a free public event that creates platforms for local artists and performers to create with and on the land, steering their creative impulses toward work that focuses on the environment – whether a deep love of nature, sustainability, or climate justice. During the festival, they present a wide range of disciplines and cultures while acknowledging the festival takes place on unceded territories of the Musqueam and Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
Vines Art Festival has a long line up of events happening this weekend which concludes with an Unsettling Ceremony with Sara Cadeau Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm. To see the full line up of events, visit Vine Arts Festival.
Photo Credit: Vines Art Festival
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What’s On East Van: August 3rd Edition
3 Aug
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.
Plant Club – Figaro’s Garden Centre – August 3rd
Love plants, want to trade notes with others who love plants and want to learn more or share some tips. Figaro’s Garden Centre is hosting an informal Plant Club With Wine the first Friday of the month. Stop by between 3:30 and 5:30 pm to chat on all things growing.
Serate in Piazza – Italian Cultural Centre – August 3rd
Every Friday evening in July and August, the Italian Cultural Centre hosts free live outdoor music in the piazza. Event happens from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You are welcome to stop by and enjoy the music, it’s free. If you get hungry, there’s pasta, sausages, gelato and lots of refreshments available to purchase. Should it rain, the event moves indoors.
ABRA Cadabra – Federico’s Supper Club – August 3rd
Federico’s Supper Club has a special night of ABBA music lined up this Friday with the tribute band, ABRA Cadabra. These events often sell out, but if you are lucky to find a spot, it’s a fun night of great food, great service along with music and dancing. Visit Federico’s Supper Club for more info.
Bakery Pop Up – les amis du fromage – August 4th
Les amis du fromage’s East Van location at 843 East Hastings Street is hosting another Bakery Pop Up this Saturday, August 4th. Guest Baker will be Lauren Ritchie with delish fresh loaves of bread from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm or until they sell out.
International Blues Music Day – Rio Theatre – August 4th
If you love blues music, Rio Theatre is the place to be Saturday night. The Wallin’ Walker Band and David ‘Boxcar’ Gates will be performing. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets available at Rio Theatre.
Ice Cream Social – Beta 5 Chocolates – August 4th & 5th
This weekend Beta 5 Chocolates invites you down for a Journey. It’s a sundae featuring strawberry rose sorbet and Lychee rose sorbet, vanilla Chantilly, raspberry sauce, vanilla diamond cookies, elderflower jello, summer berry salad and edible flowers. Stop by 413 Industrial Avenue 1:00 to 5:00 pm for this sweet treat. Don’t forget they now having something for our 4 legged friends as well.
42nd Annual Powell Street Festival – Oppenheimer Park – August 4th & 5th
The Powell Street Festival Canada’s largest celebration of Japanese arts and culture happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 pm in and around Oppenheimer Park. Lots of things to see and do for all ages.
Vancouver Mural Festival – Various Locations – August 6th
Take in the opportunity to see some amazing large scale public murals this holiday Monday. Vancouver Mural Festival has a great map setting out the locations of the murals. Best part, it’s free to wander and check out all art. Lots of great coffee shop, ice cream spots and breweries in the area should you need to refresh along your route.
Spent Grain Dinner – The Pie Shoppe – August 6th
This long weekend Monday, the ladies from The Pie Shoppe are collaborating with Chef David Jackman to host a Spent Grain Dinner. The menu includes Barley, Wheat, Rye and Malt from neighbour brewers and distillers in the East Van community. There will also be a short presentation on Spent Grain and Wasted Food led by one of the brew masters. There are 2 seatings for this dinner Monday, first up 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, then 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Tickets are $75.00 and available online from The Pie Shoppe.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
If you are looking to escape to the movies this long weekend, The Rio Theatre is hosting The Goonies on Friday night for their late night movie at 11:30 pm. Looking to take in some comedy, East Van Improv League is at Havana Theatre Sunday night at 7:30 pm and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery is Monday night at Havana Theatre 9 pm. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained, big or small, Playland is now open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. Three Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Artful Sundays Happen In The Napier Greenway August 12th to September 2nd
1 Aug
Artful Sundays return to the Britannia Community Centre 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. The first event kicks off Sunday, August 12th from Noon to 5:00 pm and for the next 3 Sundays following. Each Artful Sunday brings a variety of local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. We see Clara Shandler, the Sidewalk Cellist will be on hand as will Wonky Clay Pots. 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 12th to September 2nd.
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Vancouver Mural Festival August 6 – 11, 2018
30 Jul
The 3rd Annual Vancouver Mural Festival is back in various locations in East Vancouver August 6 – 11, 2018. The event is organized by Create Vancouver Society which is dedicated to artistic and cultural development in Metro Vancouver. The permanent large-scale public murals created as part of this festival will form a part of the City’s cultural legacy. And honestly the ones we’ve seen to date, are pretty spectacular. This year’s event is slated to be even bigger and better and will include a Celebration Concert on Saturday, August 11st in Jonathan Rogers Park. This is a large park located at West 8th Avenue and Manitoba Street in Mount Pleasant which will host the outdoor concert. The venue for the concert will be open from Noon to 9:30 pm which will include an afternoon program featuring various activities with the concert being held in the evening between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The concert line up includes A Tribe Called Red and Charlotte Day Wilson. Tickets are priced at $30, $25 and children under 12 years of age are free when attending with an adult that has purchased a ticket. You can purchase tickets through Live Nation or at Red Cat Records. We encourage you to stop by and check out the artistic talent for this year’s Vancouver Mural Festival. You can check out each artist in advance online which also has a great map indicating where the murals will be. Visit Vancouver Mural Festival for more details. If you missed last year’s mural festival, we’ve set out below some of our favourite pics.
ILiveInEastVan.com 