It’s the New Year and for many people resolutions are top of mind. Whether you are thinking to learn something or experience something new, or tackle a project at long last maybe taking and/or making some time for self-care. The term self care we’ve noticed has magically been given the green light meaning it’s ok to look after yourself as it should. When you look after yourself, you are a happier more productive person for it. So we think it fitting we let you know about The Body Soul & Spirit Expo being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre starting February 2nd. The show is billed as a “Holistic, New Thought and Spiritual Lifestyle Expo, that showcases products, services and resources for growth, and fosters the individual quest for wholeness, health and self understanding.” Organizers have been producing this show for 20 years in cities across Canada. The aim is help you be happier, healthier and connect you with other positively focused individuals. The expo features a number of lectures and workshops throughout the weekend starting on Friday February 2nd. Some lectures are part of the cost of admission, others have an added cost and require registration. Jeffrey Armstrong kicks things off on Friday afternoon discussing Ayurvedic Dosha (body types), followed by a workshop by Lynn Andrews Living Life Intentionally. A variety of workshops continue throughout the weekend including Donna Fairhurst presenting one Psychic’s Journey, Della Resdie with Cellular Consciousness Healing and Debra Metzker Meehl with Joyful Transformation. You can purchase tickets for The Body Soul & Spirit Expo in advance online for $15 if you plan to attend 1 day, or $35 gets you admission over all 3 days. If you prefer last minute, you can purchase a ticket at the door for $20.
Body Soul & Spirit Expo – February 2 – 4, 2018 At The Croatian Cultural Centre
22 Jan
Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn Reviews Black Boys On Now Until January 20th
18 Jan
The Cultch, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Saga Collectif and Zee Zee Theatre bring you an inspiring production, Black Boys. Tiva Quinn checked out opening night of this stand out show. Here is what she had to say:
Black Boys is right up there at the pinnacle of what alternative theatre can do. It includes complex ideas, raw emotion, music, dance and poetry, and it feels like a story that could only be so excellently told using a non-linear, multi-media approach.
It’s about what it means to be a black gay man in Canada and what it means to make theatre about that experience in a world where you’re already painfully aware of how the straight white majorities see you.
It’s about the furthest our words can go to wound or heal one another, and the ways we use screaming or dance or sex to express ourselves when words are not enough. It’s about how we define ourselves both through stories about our past and in acts of judgment and opposition towards the people in our own communities.
It’s just really, really good. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, “Stellaaaa” with a bunch of strangers. You should go see it if it’s not sold out yet. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn
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Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Hot Brown Honey
16 Jan
Unapologetically provocative, Hot Brown Honey shatters preconceptions in an explosion of colour, culture, and controversy. From Australian theatre company Briefs Factory comes this loud wake up call featuring six fierce and talented women communicating important messages through song, dance and, most of all, humour. The 75-minute show has you itching to get out of your seat and join the party on stage – and some get plucked out of the audience to do just that!
Check your privilege at the door and get ready to make noise because “fighting the power never tasted so sweet”. Throughout the show the women tackle several culturally relevant issues such as colonization, white privilege and namely, feminism. Tangled up in colour and acrobatics the show itself smashes the preconception that women are to be silent subjects by the sheer volume of the performance, both literally and figuratively. Their open defiance of stereotypes and the patriarchal expectations of the world we live in is not only hilarious, but incredibly powerful.
For tickets to this wild and fantastic show, on now until January 27th at The York Theatre, visit The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
Photo Credit: Dylan Evans
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The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op Offers Do-It-Yourself Projects Starting February 3rd
15 Jan
Are you interested in tackling a do-it-yourself project for home this New Year, but don’t have the space? You may wish to check out the classes being offered by The Wood Shop Workers Co-op. They regularly offer 1 day classes wherein they provide the space, materials and the tools for the project you wish to tackle. You can choose to make a dining table or storage trunk with reclaimed wood. Each workshop is led by an experienced Wood Working Educator in a professional wood working shop. You will learn how to use wood working tools and learn some introductory fabrication and finishing concepts. When they aren’t teaching classes, the Wood Shop crafts one-of-a-kind furniture and home décor items out of reclaimed wood. The cost of each class varies depending on what you choose to make, but they are offering a variety of dates starting February 3rd. Workshops take place at 251 Southern Creek in the False Creek Flats near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. Note, gift certificates are available should you wish to give a class as a gift to someone. For more information or to register, visit their website at The Wood Shop Workers Co-op.
Photo Credit: The Wood Shop Workers Co-Op
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What’s On East Van: January 12, 2018 Edition
12 Jan
Lots happening in East Van heading into the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.
2nd Annual Live Burlesque Tribute To David Bowie – Rio Theatre – January 12th
In honour of David Bowie’s passing, the ladies of Kitty Nights present a burlesque tribute to the one and only, David Bowie. Show takes place at the Rio Theatre. Event kicks off at 8:00 pm and tickets are available in advance online for $20, or at the door for $25.
River District – Open House – January 13th & 15th
City of Vancouver and Wesgroup Properties are hosting two open houses so the public can provide input on increasing density in Area 3. This plot of land is located in the far East end of the development by Boundary Road. For those that have thoughts on this latest development, stop by and provide your feedback. There are a number of issues that need addressing including transit, transportation and general amenities in the area. The open house is being held at 8683 Kerr Street on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday, January 15th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Holiday Puppet Show – 2050 Scotia Street – January 14, 2017
If you have young kids to entertain this weekend, you may wish to check out a puppet show entitled ‘The Winter’s Tales” being presented by The Vancouver Puppet Theatre. The show is happening ta 2050 Scotia Street near East 2nd Street and Main Street. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door, or in advance online. To grab your tickets, visit Vancouver Puppet Theatre.
Vegan Italian Baking 101 – Italian Cultural Centre – January 15th
Learn to bake some delicious homemade treats from scratch without dairy or eggs. You will learn to make 3 different pastries including a chocolate and almond cake and a crostata which you will be able to eat or take home. Cost of the class is $52 and happens Monday, January 15th at 6:30 pm. To register, visit the Italian Cultural Centre.
Earthquake Preparedness Workshop – Sunset Community Centre – January 16th
Sunset Community is hosting a free workshop to help you and your family get prepared in the event of an earthquake, but really any emergency. Having attended one of these, there are some great tips you can take away from it, even if you don’t complete a full earthquake kit. We recommend you take the 1 ½ hours and attend this free workshop provided by the City of Vancouver. This one gets under way at 7:00 pm on January 16th. To register, visit City of Vancouver.
Grappa Tasting – Italian Cultural Centre – January 18th
If you love grappa, or want to learn more about it, Italian Cultural Centre is hosting a Grappa Tasting event on the evening of January 18th. Tickets are $52 and available online at the Italian Cultural Centre.
Looking for live music? Popular group, Breaking Boundaries, is at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night 8:00 pm. Both Winter farmer markets happen this weekend, Saturday at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm. Looking for an outdoor activity? Chinese Lantern Festival continues this weekend at the PNE. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Grappa Tasting At The Italian Cultural Centre January 18, 2018
10 Jan
You are invited to an Italian Grappa Tasting at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, on January 18th. Grappa is a uniquely Italian alcoholic beverage that is made from discarded grape seeds, stalks and steams that are the by-product of the winemaking process. It has been called Italy’s ‘elixir’ and has been around for many generations. It was popular in Italy and mainly produced there, but is now being made by distilleries in various parts of the world including just south of Vancouver in Oregon. On the evening of January 18th, Marco Fabris of Nonino and Carmen d’Onofrio of Stile Brands will take you through a tasting of 6 Italian grappe. Having had the pleasure of taste tasting grappe in Italy, we expect this to be a very delicious experience. Tickets for this event are $52 and can be purchased by contacting the Italian Cultural Centre at 604.430.3337 or online. The event runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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What’s On East Van: January 5, 2018 Edition
5 Jan
Lots happening in East Van this first week of the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.
Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – January 5th
PNE Agrodome is hosting another ice skating session Friday, January 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own.
A Tolkien Burlesque Night – Rio Theatre – January 5th
The Geekenders & Kitty Glitter present Lord of the Schwings. If you are looking for a silly and sexy evening filled with hobbits, elves, wizards and burlesque, then grab your tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See Rio Theatre for tickets.
Live Christmas Tree Chipping Event – Trout Lake – January 6th & 7th
For those that have a live Christmas tree and not the benefit of curb side pick up, there’s a chipping event at the Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot this weekend. Happens Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Note, there is also a chipping tree event Sunday, January 7th at the Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot 10-4.
East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th
This is your last weekend to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until Saturday, January 6th. Fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $22. For more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.
75th Annual Golden Globes Award Viewing Party – Rio Theatre – January 7th
This year Seth Meyers hosts the 75th Annual Globe Awards which should provide a good bit of entertainment. Fittingly, The Rio Theatre is again opening its doors for those that wish to watch the winners announced en masse. This is a free event, but items at the snack bar are not, but he seats are. First come first serve. Event happens 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Dancing the Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji – The Cultch – January 8th
Did you know The Cultch is hosting free events once a month? The event is called Dark Day Monday and each month anyone from the Vancouver community can teach others something new. It can be whatever you’d like it, maybe it’s hip hop dancing, a yoga class, tai chi, meditation, an 80s dance party, a cooking class, chess, you name it, options are almost limitless. The Cultch is providing a space to learn, create and come together. The next in the series Dark Day #5 happening Monday, January 8th is Dancing The Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji. You are invited to come out learn how to make Vancouver’s best kept secret hummus recipes with Shiraz Ramji while dancing. Things kick off at 6:00 pm.
Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre
Reminder the Winter Farmer Markets are back at both Nat Bailey Stadium (Saturday) and Hastings Park (Sunday) from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.
Image Credit: June Hunter
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Weekly Stories At The Drive Coffee Bar
3 Jan
If you love storytelling, whether watching or listening to it in an intimate venue, then you may wish to check out Weekly Stories at The Drive Coffee Bar, 1670 Commercial Drive located near 1st Avenue. This 1 hour storytelling show is hosted by local organizer extraordinaire Jo Dworschak of Story Story Lie and Coop Radio’s Fruit Salad. You will hear tales from some seasoned storytellers, but each week they do try and get a new face up to take a turn. The venue is a favourite of ours for the great coffee, selection of Cartem Donuts and some of the best sandwiches in the City by La Grotta del Fromaggio plus they also serve wine and beer. Event runs from 7:30 to 9:00 pm every Wednesday night. Admission is by donation. If you have a story to share, stop by and sign up or email Jo in advance at e: storystoryshows@gmail.com.
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Some Delish Cooking Classes Coming In 2018
27 Dec
A New Year is upon us. Who hasn’t made a resolution to learn something new. We try and kick our cooking skills up a notch. Thus love spending time at cooking classes learning new dishes especially this time of year when it’s cold outside. We’ve put together a selection of upcoming classes whether you are a beginner or seasoned cook, we are sure you can take away something from these classes to do at home.
French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pâtés – Uncommon Cafe – January 24, 2018
Valentine of Tartine Maple introduces a cooking class series that will take you on a culinary tour of France. Each class in the series brings you food from a different region of France. While learning about culinary and cultural facts, Valentine will prepare a main dish and sides typical of the chosen region. The first class in this series begins January 24th entitled French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pates. This class will focus on East “Terroir”. You will learn to make:
- Chicken Liver Mousse: The easiest pate.
- “Terrine Campagnard”. A rich meat pâté, delicious served for appetizer with bread and pickles.
- Pâté en Croûte: the richness of a warm porc and poultry pâté cooked in puff pastry.
After the class, you get to sit in the restaurant and enjoy the food with a glass of wine. For $65, you get a cooking class, great meal and bit of a culinary tour. To register, visit Eventbrite.
The Raspberry Trio – Gourmet Warehouse – February 4, 2018
Chef Steven Hodge, Owner/Chef of West Vancouver’s “Temper Pastry & Chocolate” hosts this demonstration class. You will learn three different techniques to use raspberries in a dessert to create some amazing dishes including:
- Light raspberry mousse
- Raspberry gelee
- Dark chocolate sponge
- Raspberry spherification
After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store at Gourmet Warehouse with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.
Thai Home Cooking – Gourmet Warehouse – March 18, 2018
In this demonstration class, you will learn classic Thai cooking techniques and get to know some staple Thai ingredients including how to buy, use and store them. You will learn to make the following dishes:
- Coconut Galangal chicken soup
- Corn Cucumber salad with salted duck eggs
- Eggplant & pork stir-fry with Thai basil
- Red curry chicken with kabocha squash
After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.
Bon appetit!
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Super Valu – 24/7 365 Days A Year
21 Dec
Who has not been stuck preparing for dinner and realized you forgot that one thing you needed for a recipe, or had unexpected company and you don’t quite have enough of something. Did you know that the Super Valu at 1st Avenue & Commercial Drive is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? Yup, that means on Christmas Day when everything else is closed, Super Valu is there for you in your hour of need to save the day. After stopping in last year shortly after Christmas, we learnt that people travelled quite a distance from outlying areas just to pick up a few needed items. For those making the trip by car, there is free underground parking for the first 45 minutes, you just need to register your license plate at a machine near the elevator in the parkade which will issue you a receipt. If you need to grab some fresh flowers as a hostess gift, they’ve got you covered there as well. If you are a senior, take note on Wednesdays, you can do your shop and have your groceries delivered to your door within a 5 KM radius FREE of charge. If you are a senior you can get your groceries delivered any other day of the week for $5.50. If you are a non-senior, delivery is an option for you as well for $10 they will deliver them to you within a 5 KM radius. Note, they will even be doing deliveries on December 24th, but not December 25th and 26th. We think having a grocery store open 24/7 365 days a year is a pretty cool thing to have in one’s back yard. Nice to know they are there if you need them.
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