Kitsilano Showboat – 88 Seasons of Free Entertainment at the Beach
byThe Kitsilano Showboat has been entertaining Vancouverites at the beach since 1935. This free community stage provides a venue for entertainers of all ages and all backgrounds from across the Lower Mainland.
Kitsilano Showboat’s 88th Season
Following a fire this spring, and fundraising efforts, the show will go on!
The Showboat will celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day Tuesday, June 27 with an eclectic and vibrant starting at 7:00pm. Author, journalist, and political commentator Hadani Ditmars will sing “O Canada” acapella in English and French, then Vancouver-based independent singer-songwriter Norine Braun will take to the stage, accompanied by Alice Fraser on keyboards and harmony vocals. A long-time supporter of Showboat, Norine is an award-winning artist in the roots rock, blues and jazz vein. She has received many awards, including the Canada Council for the Arts Award and a First Peoples’ Cultural Council Award.
The Bright Sunset Chinese Dance Group will then perform in authentic, colourful and beautiful costumes as they present various classical and folk dances from China. Bright Sunshine’s aim is to share the rich variety of Chinese culture and to encourage seniors to stay healthy, fit and active.
The highlight of Canadian Multiculturalism Day will be performances by Kohania, a professional, dynamic and multitalented group of Ukrainian refugees. They’re currently in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, one of the special measures the Canadian government has taken to support the people of Ukraine. CUAET offers Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home. Kohaina (which means “love” in Ukrainian) will hold you spellbound with multi-instrumental music, gymnastics and dance.
On Friday, June 30th the Showboat will host the 15th Field Regiment Band, and on July 1st there will be festivities from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.
The Royal City Concert Band and West Vancouver Concert Band will perform on Friday, July 7th, and on Saturday, July 8th enjoy the talents of Halau Kia’O Ka Hula and Dunvegan Dance Academy. Wailele Wai Wai and Vancouver Dorfmusik will perform Friday, July 14th and there will be a special fundraising showcase on Saturday, July 15th. The Showboat will also be active during KitsFest August 11-13.
All performances are free to attend. The full summer schedule is available online and you can follow on Facebook for updates.
About Kitsilano Showboat
Kitsilano Showboat is a beloved Vancouver institution that dates back to 1935, when it was launched to keep unemployed entertainers performing for audiences that couldn’t afford entertainment. Since then generations of local performers have treated audiences to shows spanning the whole entertainment gamut, all set against the magnificent backdrop of English Bay and the North Shore mountains.
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The Kitsilano Showboat epitomizes the concept of “community”. Free and open to all, brought to us for each of the past 88 summers by dedicated volunteers – for many years led by the indomitable Bea Leinbach, and now carried on by her son Barry. Fundraising is underway to repair the damage from a catastrophic fire. But, is there anything more worthy of funding from the millions of dollars that the City of Vancouver extracts from rezonings in the form of Community Amenity Contributions? Mayor Sim and the rest of Council… it is time to step up and invest in this important community institution. Give us a reason to feel proud of the City again!
As you know we had fire early this year at Vancouver Show Boat.I would like to Thank Tom Digby member of City of Vancouver Park Board and the other members to help organise repairs that were required at the Show Boat.I was able to go and listen to the entertainment on July the !st Canada day 2023.
Thank you Tom Digby and the other members of Vancouver Park Board.
Sincerely,
Bruno Clapci.