Tag Archives: The Cultch

What’s On East Van: December 13th Edition

13 Dec

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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.

Make It! Vancouver – PNE Forum – December 11-15

The biggest handmade market is now at the PNE Forum until Sunday, December 15th.  Expect to find over 250 makers with a wide variety of items including food, clothing, accessories, home décor, gourmet goodies, art, items for babies and kids and a whole lot more.  We are sure you can get a lot of your Christmas shopping done under this one roof.  Admission is $7 at the door, or purchase online through Showpass and save $3.

Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 14 & 15

If you are wanting a less crowded shopping experience than Make It!, we encourage you to check out Crafty Affaire at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. This one is a fav market, it’s a good sized and well curated market with a variety of  vendors. Market happens 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is by donation.

Holiday At The Elbow Room Café – The Cultch – Until December 29

Holiday at the Elbow Room Café is now on at The Cultch until December 29th. This is a new Cultch holiday tradition inspired by Vancouver’s most iconic café. Expect a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to the long standing café known for slinging sarcasm and insults right along with its food. The show features a cast of characters snowed in at the iconic café. Expect a night of song, dance and laughter.  Tickets are available online at The Cultch.

A Very Swingin’ Christmas – Hungarian Hall – December 15

If you love the sound of big band music and Frank Sinatra, you will want to check out A Very Swingin’ Christmas happening at the Hungarian Hall at Kingsway and Fraser this Sunday night. Tickets are $35 until December 13th after which they are $45.  To purchase your ticket in advance, visit Eventbrite. If you wish to purchase your ticket at the door, note it’s cash only.

Aurora Winter Festival – Hastings Park/PNE – Until January 5, 2020

The Aurora Winter Festival continues at Hastings Park/PNE with an array of indoor and outdoor activities, Christmas Market, games, rides.  This is an all ages event. For tickets, visit Ticketleader.

Fado: The Saddest Music in The World – Firehall Arts Centre – Until December 14

It’s the last weekend to catch this play featuring Fado music with origins going back to the early 1800s in Lisbon, Portugal. The show happens at the Firehall Arts Centre.  If you haven’t experienced it, we invite you to check it out. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

East Van Panto: Pinocchio – The York – On Now Until January 5, 2020

Our favourite holiday tradition is now on at the York Theatre until January 5th.  Take in this fun and entertaining show that is fun for all ages. Just remember if you are in the front row, you might become part of the production. This year’s panto is Pinocchio and touches on some unique aspects in East Van, such as the mysterious Beckwoman and the coffee wars on The Drive for starters. Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.

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 support our local growers and makers? Stop by one of the Winter Farmer Markets happening on either Saturday or Sunday.  Saturday we have  Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, it’s Hastings Park Winters Farmers Market also from 10:00 am to 2:00 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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Holiday At The Elbow Room Café December 10 – 29, 2019 At The Cultch

4 Dec

ElbowRoomCafeHoliday at the Elbow Room Café is a new Cultch holiday tradition inspired by Vancouver’s most iconic café. Written by Dave Deveau and directed by Cameron Mackenzie, husbands and lifelong friends of real life Elbow Room Café proprietors Patrice Savoie and Bryan Searle. Although the physical café is permanently closed, it lives in this production of Holiday at the Elbow Room Café.  Expect a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to the café known for slinging sarcasm and insults right along with its food. The downtown restaurant was a local favourite for over 35 years, Elbow Room Café closed its doors for business in the fall of 2018, a year after the sad passing of Bryan Searle—this show is dedicated to his memory.  The show features a cast of characters snowed in at the iconic café and well you know how well Vancouverites deal with snow right?!  Expect a night of song, dance and laughter.  Tickets are available online at The Cultch.

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Tiva Quinn Reviews Minowin On Now At The Cultch To November 24, 2019

22 Nov

MinowinDancers of Damelahamid’s latest production, Mînowin, is visually stunning and deeply meditative.

For context, it’s important to know that Canada’s potlatch ban lasted from 1885 to 1951 – many people continued to practice their dances and hold potlatches in secret, but there was still a powerful fear that these traditions might become lost. This dance group was founded in the 1960s to ensure that Gitxsan dance traditions would continue, to celebrate the fact that the dances could be taught and presented openly again. Today the company is run by Margaret Grenier, daughter of the founders, and is a highly respected dance group that performs all over the world.

In Mînowin, the group celebrates both Gitxsan and Cree traditions through a variety of short pieces, closing with a contemporary dance focusing on resilience. Powerful singing and dancing comes together with a truly brilliant set, projection and lighting design that gives each piece a unique sense of place, transforming The Cultch into an ocean with swimming orcas, then a herd of horses galloping through prairie grass, then a forest fire that’s gradually subsiding, allowing new life to begin. In some of the later pieces, the lighting is integrated directly into the dance, creating echoes of dancers steps or the sweeping motion of a cedar bough. Throughout, the overall lighting scheme is somewhat dark, adding drama to the lighting effects and the motions of the dancers.

My one quibble in all this is that I didn’t always know what was going on. Some pieces are introduced in an indigenous language followed by English, some in an indigenous language only, and some had no introduction at all. It feels peevish to complain about this. Did indigenous people in Canada ever have to deal with situations where they didn’t speak the language and didn’t know why things were happening? Duh. Even so I’d say if it’s going to bother you a lot when there’s clearly a story being told and you don’t know quite what the story is, then don’t go.

If you’re ready to appreciate the beauty of the performance and to just let go during the parts when the meaning isn’t handed to you, then absolutely go. I’m finding there was a dreamlike quality to Mînowin that has me appreciating it even more the next day.  The production is on for only a short run at The Cultch to November 24th. To grab tickets, visit The Cultch.

By Contributing Writer: Tiva Quinn

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East Van Panto: Pinocchio – November 20, 2019 to January 5, 2020

18 Nov

PinocchioEastVanPantoWe are admittedly huge fans of the East Van Panto. This has become a fun holiday tradition for us. Honestly, we can’t imagine Christmas without it.  This year The East Van Panto celebrates its 7th season with the presentation of Pinocchio. This year’s production welcomes back the creative team behind last year’s Wizard of Oz.  In this year’s storyline, a lonely old ice-cream seller named Gelato is given a puppet by the mysterious Beckwoman of Commercial Drive (have you met her? She is very mysterious, but we digress).  Gelato dreams of having a child and all of sudden his wish comes true. He goes around trying to tell everyone, which means a famous cricket, an angry orca and a dastardly fox, but does anyone believe him?  The Drive can be a scary place, a cappuccino war might break out anytime between the Abruzzos and the Calabrias (no really, it might).  We learn that kids are ditching class to go to The Hastings Racecourse, but why?  Well Pinocchio is advised not to worry, but instead to follow his noise and all will be fine, or will it? Grab your ticket(s) to find out.  Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  Note, the show will be performed at the York Theatre.

What people are saying about the East Van Panto, in case you haven’t heard the rave reviews. It is a night to get out have a little fun and laugh at what makes East Van unique.

Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto has become a Vancouver tradition, to the point where it’s hard to imagine the holidays without it.” 
Vancouver Musicals

Every year [East Van Panto] gets bigger and funnier”
Vancouver Presents

The East Van Panto is now officially the best holiday tradition in Vancouver”
Colin Thomas

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Eastside Culture Crawl Happens November 14 to 17, 2019

13 Nov

ECC2019The Eastside Culture Crawl is back for 4 days starting Thursday, November 14th.  This event is a 4 day arts extravaganza that features the work of over 478 artists in and around East Vancouver.  Artists with a variety of mediums open their studio doors so you can see first hand their working space, their creative process and of course meet and talk to the artists about their work. On The Crawl, you will find painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers, photographers and much more. The event comprises some 78 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street.

We suggest if time is not on your side and you don’t mind crowds, you can take in the works of many artists in one fell swoop at 1000 Parker Street and the Mergatroid. These two hubs in the heart of East Van also feature food trucks for those that get hungry or thirsty wandering around.  The Mergatroid, at 975 Vernon Drive is just steps away from 1000 Parker Street also offers glass blowing demonstrations throughout the event on the main level which always draws a crowd.

If you don’t like crowds, there are a wide range of spaces to choose from during The Crawl, so there are lots of opportunities to see working studios and spaces that are a little further afield.   This year, as you make your way around, we encourage you to watch for the Displacement Exhibit. It is a multi-venue salon style exhibition which you can view at the Arts Factory, The Cultch, Firehall Arts Centre and Alternative Creation galleries.  This is an important exhibit that addresses the issue of disappearing affordable artistic production spaces and raise awareness of the loss of these spaces in our community.  The exhibit features work by artists faced with the challenge of eviction, shifting demographics and displacement.   The Eastside Culture Crawl Society feels “the contribution of arts and culture is integral to the identity of our city and the threat to viable artist space is a threat to the very core of a healthy vibrant community.” We couldn’t agree more. Change is inevitable but we would like to see a balance to ensure support for what makes Vancouver unique and beautiful.  To help guide you through some of the art available, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a printable .PDF map to help you find your way. We encourage you to check out the amazing talent in this City.  There is also a great Events page. Definitely worth a look.

If you have creative kids and want to check out The Crawl, we invite you to check out Crawling For Kids which Melk Art & Design is again hosting at their studio at 936 Clark Drive on Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm  It is a free afternoon of hands on creativity. It’s an opportunity to create collaged cards with nature inspired stamps.  Again, it’s free, first come first served.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, one thing we love about the Eastside Culture Crawl is that there is no set schedule. You go where you want, when you want for as long or as little as you want.  Add to that, there are an array of great spots to stop for a bite to eat or if one gets thirsty.   Whether you are in Strathcona, off the Drive, Railtown, Hastings Sunrise, Downtown Eastside or off of Clark Drive, there are countless options for coffee, beer, food and wine. Enjoy and get out support our local artists.

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Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews Kuroko On Now At The Cultch Until November 17

12 Nov

kurukoVancouver Asian Canadian Theatre presented the world premiere of Tetsuro Shigematsu’s Kuroko on November 7th at The Cultch. The acclaimed creator of behind Empire of the Son and 1 Hour Photo, Shigematsu says this was his biggest challenge to date. Kuroko is not a solo show and Shigematsu is not personally taking the stage, as he usually does. This time he’s only the playwright and he’s telling one of his most personal stories yet – a dark comedy that earned a standing ovation from a captivated audience on opening night.

The story is of a man, Hiroshi, who has lost his job and worries about how he’s going to provide for his family. In particular, Hiroshi struggles to find a way to help his daughter Maya, who is an extreme recluse and has spent the last six years in her bedroom exploring virtual reality. The play explores human relationships and how they’re affected by our increasingly digital world. It also delves into the idea of sacrifice, bringing to light the different cultural and moral attitudes towards the topic in Japan and Canada. Shigematsu provides an interesting commentary on the intersection of these cultures as well as making a loud statement about family and how to truly take care of one another.

Kuroko is so popular that the first week is already sold out. An extra performance has been added on November 16th – get your tickets before they’re gone. Visit The Cultch for online purchase.

By Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojvodic

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The Father Comes To The Cultch November 20 – 30, 2019

4 Nov

TheFatherTheCultchChristopher Hampton translates French playwright, Florian Zeller’s, award winning play The Father.  Christopher brings this highly acclaimed production to the stage at The Cultch November 20 to 30, 2019.  The play is one that has taken Paris, London and New York by storm and accumulated many awards along the way.  It is a deeply moving production about Andre a man in mental decline.  He can’t remember where he put his watch or why there are strangers in house and asks why people keep moving his furniture. His daughter Anne tries to keep up with all the answers to Andre’s questions.   This November will be the first time this work makes its way to Vancouver.   An important production that many with aging parents will be able to relate to.  Tickets for The Father are now available online and are $40 for adults, but note student and artist tickets are available at $25. To purchase in advance, visit The Cultch.

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World Premiere of Kuroko Comes To The Cultch November 6 to 17, 2019

23 Oct

kurukoThe acclaimed creator behind Empire of the Son and 1 Hour Photo, Tetsuro Shigematsu, brings Kuroko to the stage at The Cultch November 6 to 17, 2019. The production features Maya who is a hikikomori, an extreme recluse. She has spent the last 6 years in her bedroom exploring virtual reality.  One day she meets a mysterious player online who challenges her to the ultimate quest: saving her own father’s life. How? By visiting the scariest place IRL (In Real Life), Suicide Forest. For tickets, visit The Cultch.

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What’s On East Van: October 18th Edition

18 Oct

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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.

Wood Themed Wall Art Event – Toso Wood Gallery – October 18

If you love the look of wood on your walls, then you may wish to check out this Wood Themed Wall Art Event happening Friday at Toso Wood Gallery, 3567 Commercial Street from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The event features a number of local artists. Everyone is welcome.  If you can’t make it Friday evening, most of the work will be available to view over the next 2 weeks.

Banner Painting Workshop – Britannia Community Centre – October 19 

Looking to get creative, Britannia Community Centre is hosting a banner painting workshop with the theme of Flowers.  The workshop goes from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cost is $20, all materials supplied. Call 604.718.5825 for more info or to register.

Linda Ronstadt The Sound Of My Voice – Rio Theatre – October 19

Another opportunity to catch this movie at the Rio Theatre that features Linda Ronstadt,   a rock queen in the 70s and 80s. She was a pioneer in a male-dominated industry and an early advocate for human rights. You are invited to view a film that follows the trajectory of her career and a few stops on the way.  The movie Sound of My Voice is playing this Saturday at 1:20 pm. For more info, visit the Rio Theatre.

The Best of Fringe – REPLAY – Havana Theatre – October 18 & 19

If you missed the Fringe this year, now is your catch to some of the best shows from the event during REPLAY happening at the Havana Theatre this Friday and Saturday.   To see which production is playing on which day/evening, visit Havana Vancouver which also takes to Showpass if you wish to purchase tickets.

Fright Nights – Playland – This Weekend

Fright Nights is on now almost nightly until October 31st at Playland. If you love being scared out of your wits, this if for you.

Harvestland – PNE Grounds – October 10 – 20

You are invited to Canada’s largest festival where you get to experience a ride on a tractor, play in the hay with animals, check out a pumpkin patch, explore a woodland labyrinth (think wooden maze) along with a Bavarian Village and all to all that, there will be rides. Admission for adults is $15.74, seniors and children (3 to 12) is $10.49. Family passes are available for $47.24 (2 adults and 2 kids). For tickets, visit Ticketleader.ca.

First Pick Home Décor – Heritage Hall – October 19 & 20

The inaugural First Pick Home Décor marketplace happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday and Sunday.  You will find over 30 local vendors with beautiful locally made items for the home. Event happens from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $3.

Take d Milk, Nah? – The Cultch – Until October 26th

Take d’ Milk,  Nah? Is at The Cultch now until October 26th that is if you can find yourself a ticket.  Many of the shows are sold out, but if can snag yourself a ticket, we hear it’s worth it.   The show touches on race, religion and nationalism, you know light topics!  For tickets, visit The Cultch.

East Van Opry – Rio Theatre – October 19

The East Van Opry is back at the Rio Theatre this Saturday, October 19th.  The event now in its 7th year features an eclectic mix of Vancouver’s musical talent. Some of those  performing include Lone Town Painters, Shirley Gnome & Paul Silveria with hosting duties by Charlie Demers.  Fun gets under way at 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $24 in advance or $28 at the door.

Introduction To Belly Dancing – River District Neighbourhood Centre – October 20

River District Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a fun relaxed introduction to belly dancing workshop this Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Cost is $12 for drop in.  This is a beautiful bright space by the Fraser River. For more info, 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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Transform: A Cabaret Festival On Now Until October 12th

7 Oct

TransformDid 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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