Tag Archives: East Vancouver

We Check In At The Village Community Acupuncture in Hastings Sunrise

21 Jun

IMG_1338We recently checked out The Village Community Acupuncture Clinic located at 2625 East Hastings Street. This is a great relaxing space created by co-owners Sara Ward and Tara Akuna, both practicing acupuncturists. These ladies provide quality acupuncture treatments in a community setting with an added feature, a sliding scale. This is certainly not something you see every day in a clinic setting and is a refreshing change. Not only is it a gracious gesture to their community, but it shows their passion and commitment to helping people be and stay healthy. If you are not familiar with acupuncture, it is a form of alternative medicine that has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,500 years.  It involves piercing the skin with thin needles. It can be used to help treat a variety of issues and considering how non-invasive it is, save for a few needles, why not? So we recently tried it for the first time and the needles are in fact very thin and honestly hardly felt. After the needles are inserted, you are then asked to relax for the next 45 minutes. The aim of acupuncture is help your body heal itself which it has a great capacity to do, with the right aids, acupuncture is one of them.   

Co-owners Sara and Tara have created an inviting space that encourages family and community. That is evidenced by the photos on the walls from local artists as well as the community board in the washroom sharing business cards of local businesses. This is a quiet space that feels a bit like home, blankets are provided for each client and you can choose between a chair and a bed for your treatment.  There are currently 5 practitioners at The Village Community Acupuncture and appointments are available 6 days a week Monday to Saturday. We invite you to stop by and give them a try.  For more answers on what issues they treat with acupuncture, we invite you to check out their Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

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Walk Strathcona Summer Series June 23 to July 16, 2017

19 Jun

 

 

MadeInStrathcona2017The Strathcona Business Improvement Association (BIA) has created some new events for their Walk Strathcona Summer Series which aim is to encourage a vibrant pedestrian destination.  The Strathcona BIA geographic covers the area from Clark Drive in the East to Gore Avenue in the West, and from Railway Street in the North to Venables Street in the South. There is quite an array of businesses situated within this neighbourhood which is one of the older established neighbourhoods in Vancouver. This year, the Strathcona BIA is hosting a few events which help you get familiar with what this area has to offer. First up is the Strathcona Street Party happening June 24th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  They’ve invited the Vancouver Mural Fest to join the party. You will have the opportunity to watch 9 large scale murals go live on Cordova Street along with live music, craft beer and pizza. To learn more about the event, visit the Facebook page for Strathcona Street Party.   On Saturday, June 24th, they will be hosting walking tours at 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm.  You will get a sense of some of the history of this hear, the diverse business community and uncover some gems. The tour will take you to a Pop Up Shop where you can learn more about their Most Walkable Street initiative and their upcoming events which continue to July 16th. All the events are free to attend. We’ve participated in Made in Strathcona tours in the past and we have say, this is a vibrant community with much to offer.  If you haven’t checked it out recently, you may wish to go for a wander. Some favourites we love in this area include les amis du Fromage, Homestead Junction, The Heatley and newcomer Stratchona Beer.

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What’s On East Van: June 16, 2017

16 Jun

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  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.

Italian Market – June 16, 2017

The outdoor Italian Market is back at the Italian Cultural Centre Friday, June 16th. This market is situated in the parking lot of the Italian Cultural Centre and has a great mix of vendors which include food, artisans and bits of Italian flavour sprinkled throughout.  Food trucks are always on hand and we’d be very surprised if you didn’t find some pizza and cannoli. Market happens from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Perfect stop after work for a shop, bite and if you want to move, dance! See below for more.

Tango Lessons – June 16, 2017

Have you ever wanted to learn to tango? You are in luck. The Italian Cultural Centre is now hosting drop-in classes every Friday until July 28th at 6:00 pm in the piazza at the Italian Cultural Centre.  Cost is $20 for each drop in session and class runs till 7:30 pm. To register, visit Il Centro.

Farmers Market  – June 17 & 18, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 3 farmer markets. First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 17th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sunday, June 18th , Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Great Grandview Garage Sale – June 17, 2017

The Great Grandview Garage Sale is a multi-family garage sale that happens in the Grandview-Woodlands area. To find a map of the locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. The event happens rain or shine 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 17th.

Car Free Day Main Street – June 18, 2017

Car Free Day happens this Sunday, June 18th on Main Street from Noon to 7:00 pm. This is an all day event in which car traffic is blocked between Broadway and 30th Avenue.  There are a host of activities for all ages. Getting there by transit, bike or foot is recommended. To learn more about what events are happening, we invite you to check out Car Free Day Main Street. Note, this year Commercial Drive will not be hosting their Car Free Day on the same day. They have elected to host it on Sunday, July 9th.

East Van Garden Tour – June 18, 2017

If you wish to tour some of the beautiful gardens in East Vancouver, this self-guided tour happens this Sunday and it’s a great way to see how others use their outdoor space. You can do the tour at your own pace and see as much or as little as you’d like. Tickets for the East Van Garden Tour are a very reasonable $15 and are available at Britannia Community and Figaro’s Garden Centre on Victoria Drive.

Gourmet Ice Cream Tour – June 18, 2017

Off The Eaten Track regularly has a great line up of foodie tours around the City. We’ve learnt their Gourmet Ice Cream Tour is now back for the summer months. A tour runs this Sunday, June 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Cost is $29.99. If you can’t make it Sunday, tour also runs Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Eat.Drink. Play. – June 22, 2017

Eat.Drink.Play. is a fundraiser for the Firehall Arts Centre and brings together local food purveyors, distillers of craft beer and spirits and art as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $35 plus $20 for artists. For tickets, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.

The Rio Theatre’s Vinyl Cafe: A Tribute to Stuart Mclean – June 22, 2017

The Rio Theatre plays host to a night of  story telling and live music in honour of the late, CBC host, Stuart Mclean. In honour of his legacy as a great Canadian story teller, they have invited some of their favorite local story tellers and musicians to come together to perform original work and celebrate the art of story telling. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. For more info and tickets, visit the Rio Theatre.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

If you are looking for live music, Tangent Café has The Meghan Gilhesphy Trio on Sunday, June 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. If it’s a Latin groove you are looking for, Café Deux Soleils is playing host to Wasakaka on Friday, June 16th.  If it’s Trivia your after, Tuesday night is the night.  The Eastwood at 4245 Fraser Street hosts a Trivia Night, as does The Storm Crow Tavern on Tuesdays, but the name gives it away – Nerdin’ Trivia Tuesday. On the other hand, if you love to sing, you may wish check out the Impromptu Rock Choir which checks in every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm at the Wise Hall.

NOTE:  Image Credit: June Hunter

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The Vancouver International Jazz Festival June 22 – July 2, 2017

14 Jun

JazzDoubleBassThe Vancouver International Jazz Festival kicks off on June 22nd and runs to July 2nd in and around Vancouver. The festival now in its 32nd year features a great line of talent from across Canada and beyond. There will be over 300 performances during the jazz festival which takes place at various venues around the City. We’ve set out a few spots in East Van that will be showcasing some of the local talent as well as those in town for the festival. East Van’s Tangent Café located at 2095 Commercial Drive regularly features live jazz  and has a steady line up of talent.  Note, events at Tangent start at 8:30 pm and there is a $10 cover charge

 

 Tangent Café  8:30 pm

June 23  – Victor Noriega Group
June 24  – Two Much Guitar
June 25  – Brad Turner Trio
June 27 – Thad Bailey-Mai Quartet
June 28  – Thomas Houlden Quartet
June 29  – Boon Coon Quartet plays Bill Evans
June 30  –  Dubly Sound System
July 2 – Steve Kaldestad

Pat’s Pub located at 403 East Hastings Street will also be featuring live jazz during the festival.  There is also a $10 cover charge for the performances, but there are a few free shows. We’ve noted which are free.

 Pat’s Pub

 June 23  – Sax Summit – The Devil’s Horn 8 pm
June 24 – Nick Aplvor & Craig Scott 3 pm Free
Jun 24 –  The Devil’s Horn 8 pm
June 26  – Sessions at The Patricia with Sharon Minemoto  8pm Free
June 28  –  Blues & Brews with Steve Kozak and Guests  7pm  Free
July 1 – Birney-Stewart Trio 3 pm Free

All events are subject to change. For more information, we invite you to check out the website for the International Jazz Festival or check with the venue hosting directly. 

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Car Free Day – Main Street & Commercial Drive

12 Jun

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Main Street Car Free Day – Sunday June 18, 2017

Car Free Day is one of Vancouver’s biggest festivals. The Main Street Car Free Day happens Sunday, June 18th from Noon to 7:00 pm.  The festival spans some 21 blocks from Broadway to 30th Street and includes 15 stages and mini festivals along this stretch of Main Street.  This is an all ages event which boasts many family-friendly activities including kid-zones, cool artisan shops, food vendors, artisans and much more. Note, transit will be rerouting buses during this event. 

Commercial Drive Car Free Day  – Sunday, July 9, 2017

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive is where it all began some 13 years ago and there is something new for 2017, being a date change.  Instead of Car Free Day following one week after Italian Day, another big street festival, they  have elected to change the date to Sunday, July 9th this year. This Car Free Day on the Drive will also run from Noon to 7:00 pm and feature 15 blocks of great food, entertainment, live music, local artisans and much more.  There is a strong message of advocacy and activism in this community for providing car free spaces and a green culture. Note, transit will also be rerouting buses during this event.

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What’s On East Van: June 9, 2017

9 Jun

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALots happening in East Van this next week. We’ve set out below What’s On, but first we’d like to give a shout out to East Van artist June Hunter for creating this image for our new weekly series.  As you may know, the crow didn’t make it into the running for official bird for the City of Vancouver’s. We felt the crow needed a little love and recognition, so it’s officially our graphic for What’s On East Van. June Hunter is well versed in all things crow and she captures some amazing photos of them. We invite you to check out her art work and photos. For now let’s see What’s On East Van for the coming 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.

Driven – June 10, 2017

If you love cars, Driven is happening this Saturday at Pacific Coliseum. This is an aftermarket show featuring some 300 vehicles. Event runs from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Admission is $20. For more info, see DrivenShow.ca.

Main Street Bike Expo – June 10, 2017

If travelling by 2 wheels is more your style, you will want to check out the inaugural Main Street Bike Expo happening this Saturday at The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street also home to the Eastside Flea. This event happens from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and features photography, exhibitors, workshops, free bike tune ups, show & shine bike beauty pageant and to top it off a brewery bike tour at 6:00 pm sharp.  Admission is $3.00.  For more info, see MainStreetBikeExpo.com.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire – June 10 – 11, 2017

If you are curious how things are made, or just want to see some of the amazing talented makers we have in this City, you will want to check out the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire. This event happens at the PNE Forum. It is an all ages event where you will find everything from tech geeks, painters, potters, knitters, roboticists, artists, bakers and 3D printing enthusiasts and much more.  There will be over 150 makers on hand for this 2 day event happening at The PNE Forum June 10th and 11th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info, see MakerFaire.com.

Italian Day – June 11, 2017

Honestly, Italian Day is one of our favourite community events. Commercial Drive from Grandview to Venables is blocked off from traffic. The space is turned into a large piazza with food, music, dancing, vendors, displays, people watching, activities for kids, patios for sipping & nibbling.  This year’s theme is Amore, which of course is Italian for love.  Event kicks off at Noon and runs till 8:00 pm. Free to attend.

Workshop Canning & Freezing Your Summer Bounty – June 11, 2017

If you wish to learn the basics of canning, the folks at The Uncommon Café in Strathcona are hosting a workshop on Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.  For more information or to register, visit TartineMapleCuisine.com.

Tasting Plates Riley Park – June 14, 2017

Vancouver Foodster (aka Richard Wolak) is hosting Tasting Plates at self-guided foodie tour in the Riley Park area on Wednesday,  June 14th.  The event kicks off at The Honey Shoppe on Main Street and continues to a number of delish spots in the area. For information on tickets see Vancouver Foodster.

Free Italian Opera – June 15, 2017

June is Italian Heritage Month and with that comes some cool events in Vancouver for the month. One of them is free outdoor opera at the Italian Cultural Centre Thursday, June 15th. Two of City Opera Vancouver’s young singers will fill the air with Neapolitan songs. Food and wine will be available for sale starting at 6:30 pm, the concert is free and starts at 7:00 pm. The event runs till 9:30 pm.

Retro Design & Antiques Fair – June 11, 2017

If you are on the hunt for antiques, vintage or collectable items, you may wish to check out the Retro Design & Antiques Fair being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Sunday, June 11th from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

This weekend, An AcroYoga Show happens at The Cultch on Saturday with 2 shows at 3:00 and 7:00 pm.  Can you spot a liar? Check out Story Story Lie at Café Deux Soleils at 8:00 pm for its last show of the season.  Looking to listen to some live jazz, the Sara Kennedy Trio will be playing at Tangent Café on Commercial Drive from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.  Looking for comedy,  Trae Crowder billed as a Liberal redneck is performing at the Rio Theatre Saturday night. Instant Theatre hosts sketch comedy at the theatre at Havana Restaurant Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 pm. East Van Comedy picks things up on Sunday in the same spot.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Main Street Bike Expo – Saturday, June 10, 2017

7 Jun

MainStreetBikeExpo2017You are invited to check out the inaugural Main Street Bike Expo happening this Saturday at the Ellis Building, 1024 Street.  The event is celebrating creativity in the cycling world.  They will be showcasing lifestyle brands, community networks, new technology, workshops, free tune ups and a bike valet. Exhibitors for the event include Mobi by Shaw Go, Landyachtz, Union Street Cycle, RAD Cycle, Paul Brodie book signing (of Brodie Bikes), Layback Co,  Bonavia Cycles, BC Lung Association’s Bicycle Trek for Life & Breath, XS Helmets and Two Wheel Gear to name a few.  Along with live music by Rodney Decroo, Nashlyn, James Green and Alex Little, food trucks will be on hand.  Some of the other events lined up for the day include:

11:00 AM

History Lesson + presentation by Gordon “The Bike Guy” Hobbis of
Cap’s Bicycle Shop & The Bike Museum

4:00 PM

Show & Shine Bicycle Beauty Pageant hosted by comedian Kathleen McGee

6:00 – 8:00 PM  

Mark Mills Bicycle Brewery Tour Meet at the Ellis Building at 6:00 pm sharp and follow Mark as he takes you on a musical bicycle journey sampling beers at four different breweries before you end up at the MSBE Landyachtz afterparty.

The Main Street Bike Expo runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission to the event is $3.00. To learn more about what’s planned for this first day out, visit Main Street Bike Expo.

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What’s On East Van: June 2, 2017

2 Jun

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There are so many great events happening in East Van, we are adding a new feature What’s On summarizing weekly or bi-weekly some upcoming events and general happenings in East Van.  Most events featured here will be for the upcoming week or a bit beyond.  To see beyond that, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and lists events for the month and beyond.   

National Doughnut Day – June 2, 2017

June 2nd is National Day and well we think it’s a great day to show some locals like Cartems Donuts, Duffin’s Donuts and Lucky’s Doughnuts some East Van love. If you are looking for gluten free doughnuts, we suggest you try the Gluten Free Epicurean in Mount Pleasant.

Vancouver Craft Beer Festival – June 3-4, 2017

This weekend the PNE Fairgrounds plays host to the 8th Annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival June 3-4, 2017. This year’s festival, outside of great craft beer, includes a long line up of local musical talent including Alex Maher, Mark Woodyard, Railtown Prophets as well as DJs spinning tunes. Tickets for the event are $39.00 and include 2 drink tokens along with a 4 oz souvenir taster mug. Note, more drink tickets can be purchased on site.  

Farmer Markets – June 3 & 4, 2017

This weekend you have the benefit of 3 farmer markets. Saturday you have Vancouver Farmers Market which hosts a one of the larger markets at Trout Lake from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Another option is the River District Farmers Market from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm located on the Fraser River at the foot of Kerr Street (at East Kent Avenue).  If Sunday’s a better day for you, stop by the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market at Dude Chilling Park which happens from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

15th Annual Heritage House Tour (Strathcona) – June 4, 2017

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation hosts the 15th Annual Heritage House Tour on Sunday, June 4th. This year, they will be visiting homes in Strathcona to see the completed renovation of Places That Matter site which is the Walter and Mary Chan House.  It is significant for its connection to SPOTA and a fight to save Strathcona from freeway development in the 1960s.  This is just one of many homes on the tour.  Tickets are $40 or $30 for students and are available online.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

This weekend, lots happening at The Cultch. June 3rd is your last opportunity to catch the powerful show Children of God.  rEvolver Festival continues through to June 4th with a number of great shows at The Cultch including Vampires in Barcelona and Spawn.  rEvovler Festival is also showcasing a new kind of game show All The Way at the Russian Hall.  If it’s comedy you are after, Instant Theatre hosts sketch comedy at the theatre in Havana Restaurant Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 pm.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop – June 6, 2017

The City of Vancouver hosts a free Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Britannia Community Centre from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. There are currently 23 spots open. We’d like to see this fill up. We recently attended one of these workshops and highly recommend them. Great information, it’s free and it is only 1 hour and 30 minutes of your time. Well worth the time investment for you, your family and pets. To reserve your space visit City of Vancouver.  (POSTPONED)                       

Live Music With Les Is More – June 7, 2017 

Local R&B, funk and blues band, Lesismore will be bringing their sound to Federico’s Supper Club on June 7th.  Stop by for a great evening of live music, dinner and dancing.

Grandview-Woodland Plaza Exploration – Thursday, June 8, 2017

 “The City of Vancouver has been approached by the development team about a potential redevelopment of the Safeway site located at 1780 East Broadway, at Commercial Drive. The Grandview-Woodland Community Plan provides guidance about how this site should redevelop and sets a requirement to provide a new at- grade public plaza on the site.  The development team is proposing that the plaza be located at an alternative location nearby. While this is a variation from the approved Community Plan, the City wants to work with the community to give this new idea its due consideration.   To introduce and explore the idea of an alternative plaza location, the City is hosting an event. The primary purpose of the event is to assess the degree of community support for the new plaza idea.” This is a free event, but advance registration is required.  If you are interested in hearing what’s planned, this is your opportunity to hear information and provide your feedback. To register, visit Eventbrite.

Photo Credit: pixaio.blogspot.com 

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Italian Day Sunday June 11, 2017

29 May

ItalianDay2017One of our favourite community events is back, Italian Day which will be held on Sunday, June 11th. This year’s theme is Amore, which means love in Italian. Organizers chose the theme because “love lies at the heart of Italian culture and its lifestyle. It is  a universal language and an exchange evoking many things: affection, romance, passion, respect, creativity, and commitment.  It is life, unity and the pursuit for an emotional connection and is shared in relationships, arts and culture, at the dinner table, in our daily work, in pursued dreams, and in community.” For Italian Day 2017, organizers wish to celebrate Amore in all aspects of life and the magical power it holds to inspire, connect and create infinite possibilities and experiences, both individually and collectively.

For Italian Day, Commercial Drive from Broadway to Grandview will be turned into one long piazza. Many of the restaurants will have outdoor seating areas, food trucks will be dotted along the stretch, live music will take place on several stages and much more. This year, we hear there will be some talent flown in from Italy to celebrate.  Danilo Ciaccia and his band ItalyAMO will be performing. As well 2 DJs from an Italian Radio Station, DJ Osso and Pippo Lorusso will be on hand at the 5th Avenue Stage mixing things up. You can also expect Federico Fuoco to entertain the crowds as will be singers from Vancouver Opera. If you stop by the Napier Greenway at the Britannia Community Centre, East Van artist Paula Luther will be hosting a free workshop ‘Little Hearts Project’. Materials are supplied and everyone is welcome to stop by and participate. This event runs from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Italian Day kicks off at Noon and the party runs till 8:00 pm. Just a reminder that vehicle traffic on Commercial Drive is blocked off, so it is best to take transit, walk or cycle in. For those cycling to Italian Day, there will be a Bike Valet set up at the Royal Bank of Canada at 1st Avenue & Commercial. We invite you come out and celebrate all things Italian.

Photo Credit: Italian Day

 

 

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Rodney DeCroo Performs At The Cultch Wednesday, May 31st

24 May

LRodney-DeCroo_Cultch_May-31_WEB.pngocal boy, Rodney DeCroo will be bringing some new music and poetry to The Cultch on Wednesday, May 31st.  Rodney has made East Van his home and will be showcasing songs from his new album Old Tenement Man produced by Tonic Records, now his 8th album.  He will also be featuring work from his third poetry book, Next Door To The Butcher Shop published by Nightwood Editions which explores the permeability of memory and uncovers heart-wrenching beauty from shadowy grit.  The Georgia Straight recently featured their Top 50 albums for each year the paper has been published for their 50th Anniversary. Rodney’s album Campfires On The Moon was featured for the year 2015 in which he’s affectionately referred to as the dark prince of East Van.  It takes courage for artists to showcase their dark side and lay it bare for all to hear. We suspect his performance at The Cultch with some special guests will be a memorable evening. .Along with his new album, Rodney will be featuring a new book of poetry entitled Next Door to the Butcher Shop which we understand offers a rare, sharp, first-hand perspective of life around the edges, with dark comedy dispersed throughout.

An excerpt from Next Door To The Butcher Shop

How quickly age
descends on us. Our memories are maps
to places that don’t exist. I was an emperor
on a green lawn wearing a white sheet
and a paper crown. The birds sang my praises
from the hedges and the trees 

The evening will also feature the talents of Geoff Berner and Fraser Mackenzie who join Rodney on stage.   Tickets are $20 and available in advance at The Cultch OR by phone at Telephone: 604-251-1363, or you can purchase tickets at the door $25.

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