Tag Archives: Vancouver

A Crime Thriller The Butcher Comes To The Cultch March 20th to 31st

20 Mar

TheButcherThe Cultch and Prime Cuts Collective invite you to take a ride on a philosophical crime thriller, The Butcher.  Who is the Butcher? At a police station a mysterious old man is found wearing a foreign military uniform and a Santa hat. A butcher’s hook hangs around his neck, and gouged on the end is a business card with the words, “Arrest me,” scrawled on it. As a lawyer, a police officer, and a translator struggle to unravel the truth, they uncover a past that won’t stay buried, and a decades-old quest for justice that must be served.  Dark secrets come to light. A past that won’t stay buried. A decades-old quest for justice that must be served.  The production we hear is not what you might expect and will have you guessing the entire time.   The Butcher takes place in the Historic Theatre at The Cultch March 20th to March 31st. Tickets start from $22 and are available online at The Cultch.

What others are saying about The Butcher:

 “Can a play about torture be too entertaining?”
The Globe and Mail

“A devilishly clever piece of work”
National Post

“A live entertainment game changer”
Toronto Stage

“[A] funny, horrifying, serpentine stage thriller” 
CBC Arts

First Pick Handmade YVR Happens At The Heritage Hall March 17th & 18th

12 Mar

FirstPick-Spring2018_postcard_v1.0First Pick Handmade YVR is happening this weekend at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, March 17th and 18th, 2018. This is a curated event of 30 Canadian men’s and women’s fashion accessory designers. They will be on hand with a limited run of items.  First Pick Handmade will transform Heritage Hall into a 3,300-square foot pop up boutique department store for the person that values Canadian design and quality materials.   The event will include a combination of long standing designers as well as newer start ups.  The common thread all these designers share is high quality construction and materials. The event will showcase clothing, jewelry, linen garments, towels, hemp Ts, wedding chic, bikinis, accessories, shoes and bags, for both men and women.  Some of the local designers featured include Bikini Empire, Dhalia Drive, Frances Felt, Rouge Textiles, Jessica Reddittm Daub & Design, Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere to name just a few.

First Pick Handmade was created and curated by Janna Hurtzig  who is the founder/designer behind Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere and Astrosatchel labels.  Hurtzig has been part of Vancouver’s handmade scene since 1988 in a variety of roles including co-organizer of Shiny, Muddy Fuzzy.  We are expecting to see some beautiful items this weekend.  First Pick Handmade YVR runs this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. Entrance is $3.00 at the door.

Nicole Alivojvodic Reviews The After After Party On Now At The Cultch Till March 17th

8 Mar

AfterAfterPartyTheCultchStrap in for a night of shameless, riotous comedy with Jules and Fiona at Vancity Culture Lab. Winner of the 2016 Cultchivating the Fringe Award, “The After After Party” is the perfect girls night out! Written and performed by Katey Hoffman and Cheyenne Mabberley, this gloriously relatable play will fire up nostalgia in anyone who was a teen in the early 2000’s. Grab your BFF, sit back with your Cosmopolitan (or glass of straight Fireball) and reminisce about the NSYNC posters that were plastered on your bedroom wall and Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” being perpetually stuck in your head.

What starts off as a high school version of “The Hangover”, quickly morphs into a tale of female friendship and acceptance. Albeit ridiculous at times, Hoffman and Mabberley have become leaders in female forward comedy, and their company, “After Party Theatre”, is committed to fostering the careers of women. This show will throw you back to the desperation you felt as a teen to be beautiful and popular and remind you to value your female friendships through the inconvenient and unconditional love between Jules and Fiona.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with tickets to this shamelessly fun show, on now until March 17th. Visit The Cultch for further details and show times.

Photo Credit: Helenka Boden

The Original Bridal Swap Happens At The Croatian Cultural Centre March 11, 2018

7 Mar

BridalSwapPlanning a wedding? Trying to stay on a budget? If you’ve answered yes to both these questions, you may wish to check out The Bridal Swap happening at the Croatian Cultural Centre this Sunday, March 11th. If you are unfamiliar with this unique concept, it brings together past brides, brides to be, decorators, wedding planners and craft artisans all under one roof.  For brides to be, you have the opportunity to purchase gently used items from past brides and past brides have the opportunity to sell items from their weddings which could include the ‘dress’ and wedding décor including centerpieces, candles, linens, glassware and vases and much more.  So instead of buying all new, it’s a great opportunity to re-use and repurpose items. The Bridal Swap will also have on hand an array of artisans offering handmade items or services for your wedding day including photographers, jewellery, cakes, wedding favours, flowers, invitations and so on.  The Bridal Swap takes place on Sunday, March 11th from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and you have two options $25 for early admission at 10:30 a.m. for first choice on all available items and this is a popular time for the used items, or $15 for admission after 11:30 a.m.

The Chelsea Hotel: Songs Of Leonard Cohen Returns To Firehall Arts Centre

6 Mar

Chelsea-Hotel-Adrian-Glynn-Marlene-Gineader-2credit-David-Cooper-560x418New York’s infamous hotel, The Chelsea Hotel, makes a return to the Firehall Arts Centre March 17th to April 21st, 2018. Leonard Cohen’s powerful and inspirational music is the heartbeat of Chelsea Hotel, as six performers play seventeen different instruments in a rollicking tribute to the remarkable writer.  Haunted by memories of his tumultuous love life, a writer checks into New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel desperate to find the words and inspiration for his next song.  Wading through past relationships, he reluctantly comes face to face with the love of the present, a love he wishes he could not only forget, but erase from memory.

Conceived and directed by Tracey Power, with musical arrangements by Steve Charles, Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen is an inventive fusion of music, dance, and theatre that invites its audience into the hotel room of a creative mind and takes them on a poetic musical journey.  The production premiered in February of 2012 and was nicknamed ‘the make out show’ as patrons were often caught kissing outside the theatre after the show.  It was remounted by popular demand in the Fall of that same year and went on tour to Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, and Toronto.

With over 200 shows since its premiere, Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen has played to audiences of all ages and received praise across the country for its imagination and creativity.  It received Ovation Awards for “Outstanding Ensemble Production” and “Outstanding Director,” and received numerous nominations for awards including the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award, Calgary Theatre Critics’ Award, and Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award.  The production kicks off in Vancouver March 17th. For those on a budget, note the Firehall Arts Centre offers Pay What You Can shows on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm.  Also for anyone 30 years of age and under, you can get in for $20 any day with proof of age. Tickets are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

What’s On East Van: March 2nd Edition

2 Mar

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out lots more 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.

JFL Northwest Hosts Vancouver’s Comedy Festival – March 1st to 10th 

The Vancouver Comedy Festival is on now with a host of talent in town. Events are happening around the City, but lots of events happening locally at the Rio Theatre, Fox Cabaret and Biltmore Cabaret. To see what’s on where, visit JFL Northwest.com.

Lanterns In The Garden –  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens – March 2, 3 & 4

This is the last weekend to catch Lanterns In The Gardens at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens. They have thousands of beautiful lanterns on display in their gardens.   There are themed lanterns handmade by local artists as well as do-it-yourself lantern making, a photo booth and more.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors or $45 for a family package.   Event happens from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To purchase your tickets online, or to learn more about the event, visit Lanterns In The Garden. 

Meet Members of the NPA – Drive Coffee Bar – March 3rd

If you are interested in chatting with those running for office in the upcoming civic election, The Drive Coffee Bar is inviting the political parties to come have coffee with local residents and answers questions. This Saturday, March 3rd at 10:30 am members of the NPA will be on hand. Stop by and get your questions answered in person.

Grandview Woodland Community Seed Library Launch – March 4th

Love gardening and want to pick up some seeds? Or maybe you wish to chat with other gardenrs to learn more about gardening? Then stop in to the launch of the Grandview Woodland Seed Library Sunday, March 4th. You are invited to stop by on and sign up for a free membership between 1:00 and 3:00 pm.  From 3:00 to 4:00 pm, there will be an interactive workshop on garden planning.  This is a free event and open to all ages.  To register, email gwcseedlibrary@gmail.com. The event happens at the Canucks Family Education Centre at Britannia Community Centre.

PSS PSS – York Theatre – Until March 4th 

This is the last weekend to catch PSS PSS at the York Theatre.  PSS comes to Vancouver via Switzerland and is an all ages show with daring acrobatics that have been performed over 600 times on 5 continents. Take 65 minutes with your family and go laugh it up.  For tickets, visit The Cultch.

 

Art Of Making Lotions, Potions & Scrubs–Trout Lake Community Centre – March 7th
Iona Bonamis will be leading a hands-on workshop Wednesday, March 7th at Trout Lake Community Centre. You will learn step-by-step instructions on how to make your own body care and household products. Cost is $47.62. Last we saw there were only 5 spots remaining. To register, visit City of Vancouver.

Comedy, Live Music & Entertainment

Live music at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night. Cumbia Galera and Joshua Job members of Breaking Boundaries will be on hand to perform.  The Winter Farmer Markets continue with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

Call To Artists: The Cultch Gallery Seeks Artists For 2018/2019 Gallery Season

28 Feb

ArtWorksThe Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, has put out a call to visual artists to submit applications to exhibit their work during their 2018/2019 gallery season. Each exhibition will run for 3 to 4 weeks between August 2018 and June 2019. Submissions can be single or multiple artists’ proposals.

The Cultch has built a reputation over the past 40 years as one of Western Canada’s most innovative and exciting presenting venues. The mandate of The Cultch is to contribute to the enrichment of the city and community’s social and cultural life through the presentation of innovative programs of contemporary music, theatre, dance and visual arts by established and emerging artists.

The Cultch Gallery is a multi-use space and not a traditional art gallery as it also serves as the lobby for performances and is occasionally used for meetings and other small events. Due to the diverse nature of this space, submissions that include sculptures or free standing art will not be accepted.

Submission Criteria for Artists:

  1. An artist statement
  2. Artist bio(s)
  3. Resume/CV
  4. A complete list of images you are submitting, which should include title, size, medium. These images do not have to be the work you will be showing. They want to get a good overview of your work.
  5. You can submit up to 10 images. Image files should be in .jpeg format. File names must include the artist name, title of artwork and size of the work when framed: (example: Yuri Arajs – Sunny Day -18 in x 30 in. jpg)

Deadline for applications is May 31, 2018. Email your submissions to gallery@thecultch.com, but you can also mail a CD with your application to:

Attention: Yuri Arajs / Gallery Coordinator
c/o The Cultch
1895 Venables Street
Vancouver, BC
V5L 2H6

Applications Are Now Being Accepted For Neighbourhood Small Grants Up To $500

27 Feb

NeighbourhoodSmallGrant2015Do you have an idea for a community project that brings people in your community together? It could be something small such as getting a group together to make ‘kids playing here signs’ for your street, maybe a beautification project, hosting a picnic, maybe a tea party or BBQ for your block? We encourage you to consider applying for a Neighbourhood Small Grant. If you have not heard about this program, it is worth looking into. Speaking from experience this program is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build community. You can apply for grants of up to $500 for projects in your community. The aim of the program, which is funded by the Vancouver Foundation, is to connect and engage people within the community in which they live. Neighbours can get together and make an application for a variety of events. Some examples of past events include neighbourhood block parties, clean up campaigns, ethnic cooking classes, emergency preparedness plans, community gardens or an outdoor movie night. This is not for adults only, kids and teens are encouraged to get into the act.  The ideas are only limited by your imagination. Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by a Resident Advisory Committee made up of residents in your neighbourhood. Applicants are advised in late May/early June if they receive funding and are asked to have their projects completed by November 2018.  To apply for a grant, visit Neighbourhood Small Grant.  Note, the site is available in several different languages. Application deadline is Monday, April 8, 2018.  To learn more, check out the video “How To Apply” which shares other people’s ideas

East Vancouver History Walk With James Johnstone

26 Feb

EastEndWalkingTourJamesJames Johnstone is back with his popular historical walking tours this February and March. On Saturday, March 10th, James will take you on a tour of one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Strathcona. The tour kicks off at 10:00 a.m. starting from 696 East Hastings at Heatley. This historical walking tour is a culmination of years of researching over 250 homes in the East End. Although you will find architecture is a theme on this tour, James will also focus on social history and how waves of immigrants established themselves in this area before moving on to other parts of the city. The tour will also touch on the impact of portside industries like BC Sugar, the prohibition and the proliferation of bootlegging as well as the City of Vancouver’s attempts to wipe out “urban blight”.   If you can’t make March 10th, he will be doing this tour again on March 24th.  On March 17th, James will host a history walk  of the Working/Wild Side of Vancouver’s East End. Each tour runs for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and last we heard the cost was $20 for each tour. If you would like more information or to reserve your spot, email James directly at historywalks@gmail.com.

What’s On East Van: February 23rd Edition

23 Feb

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out lots more 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.

East End/Strathcona History Walk With James Johnstone- February 24th 

James Johnstone invites you to take a walking history tour this Saturday, February 24th.  James will regale you with the history of East Vancouver on his 3 hour tour which begins at 10:00 am from 696 East Hastings Street at Heatley.  There is a cost, last we heard it was $20 per person. For more information, visit his website History Walks In Vancouver.

Tamar Ilana’s Ventanas & Lache Cercel’s Roma Swing Band – The Russian Hall – February 24th

A celebration of  Balkan, Flamenco and Sephardic music happens at the Russian Hall Saturday, February 24th.  Experience an evening of live music and dance.  Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the room.  Doors open at 7:00 pm with festivities kicking off at 8:00 pm. To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit Caravan BC.

Lanterns In The Garden –  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens – February 23, 24 & 25

To help celebrate Chinese New Year, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens have thousands of beautiful lanterns on display in their gardens.  Come at night and be prepared to be dazzled.  There are themed lanterns handmade by local artists as well as do-it-yourself lantern making, a photo booth and more.   Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors or $45 for a family package.   Event happens from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To purchase your tickets online, or to learn more about the event, visit Lanterns In The Garden. 

Ways To Reduce Your Family’s Exposure To Toxins – Trout Lake Community Centre – February 28th

An interesting workshop is coming to Trout Lake Community Centre on Wednesday, February 28th.  You are invited to learn about small changes you can make in your environment to help with allergies and preventing disease.  The cost is $15 and registration is through the City of Vancouver.

Latte Art For Beginners – Platform 7  Coffee – March 1st

Have an espresso machine and want to up your latte game? Platform 7 Coffee‘s East Van location has started offering Latte Art Classes For Beginners every Thursday night from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm.  No experience required. Cost is $60 per person.

Comedy, Live Music & Entertainment

If you love animated shows, you may wish to check out The 19th Annual Animation Show Of Shows happening at the Rio Theatre this Sunday afternoon. The Talking Stick Festival continues into the weekend and you can check out the Kin Balam Quartet at Café Deux Soleils on Saturday night. They blend music from various cultures including Indigenous Central and South American. The Winter Farmer Markets continue with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter