Tinhorn Creek 2014 Canadian Concert Series Contest

Comments 146 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Wine country, live music outdoors, and Canadian musical talent — what could be better? Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is gearing up for another season of their Canadian Concert Series in their Golden Mile vineyard amphitheatre.

Tinhorn Concert
Photo courtesy of Tinhorn Creek

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards celebrates their 20th anniversary this year, so come and kick off your shoes and join in the party as they are bringing back some of their favourite bands from past Canadian Concert Series. The much-anticipated annual event is a rare opportunity to see some of Canada’s top musical talent while enjoying award-winning wines and taking in the spectacular views of the South Okanagan Tinhorn Creek’s outdoor amphitheatre sits atop the winery’s hillside overlooking the famed Golden Mile, and is a one-of-a-kind venue for dancing the night away under the stars.

Canadian Concert Series Lineup

Kicking off on May 24th, the 2014 Canadian Concert Series features Tinhorn’s favourite past performers every month and ends with legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Colin James for the grand finale performance on September 6th.

The Town Pants are the first blast from the past and they will be starting the Canadian Concert Series with their rollicking Celtic rhythms on May 24th ($25) and the party continues with the funky grooves of The Boom Booms on June 28th ($30). On July 26th, Hey Ocean ($40) bring their mellow indie party-pop to the vineyard, followed by the alternative rock music of Odds on August 23rd ($45).

Colin James then returns to Tinhorn Creek on September 6th ($75 — SOLD OUT) to celebrate their 20th anniversary. It’s a special visit for the singer-songwriter as he helped the vineyards to celebrate their 10th anniversary a decade ago. He brings back his unique blend of musical styles that are the result of a long career that has seen him as rock guitar legend, platinum pop artist, blues baby and swing music band leader.

Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek

Perched on the picturesque Tinhorn Creek Vineyards estate on the famed Golden Mile, Miradoro Restaurant will feature BBQ food options including grilled salad on house-made ciabatta, grilled sausages and grilled marinated Portuguese tenderloin prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest during performances. Tinhorn Creek wines will be available by the glass or bottle. Each event features a pre-concert reception for Crush Club members.

Osoyoos Wine Tours Osoyoos Wine Tours

Osoyoos Wine Tours Osoyoos Wine Tours

Canadian Concert Series Tickets

Tickets to the Canadian Concert Series are now on sale and are some of the most sought-after in the South Okanagan and beyond. Seasons tickets are just $115 — see the first four concerts in the series for the price of three — and include a complimentary Go Vino stemless plastic wine glass. Tickets for the Grand Finale concert featuring Colin James are $75.

All concerts start at 7:00pm (gates open at 6:30pm). Tickets are available through Tinhorn Creek’s online store, Facebook store, or by telephone: 250.498.3743 or 888.484.6467

Canadian Concert Series Contest

Tinhorn Creek and Watermark Beach Resort have teamed up this year to offer a spectacular giveaway for one lucky Miss604 reader so that they can enjoy the region with a guest and dance the night away at the Canadian Concert Series. The prize package includes two tickets to The Boom Booms at the Canadian Concert Series and a one night stay at Watermark Beach Resort on June 28, 2014, as well as two rides on the Tinhorn Creek shuttle to get you to the concert series and back.

Watermark
Photo courtesy of Watermark Beach Resort

Getaway, runaway, escape at Watermark Beach Resort. Enjoy one night accommodation in a one bedroom Lakeview Suite. Discover the South Okanagan “good life” at the Okanagan resort that defines easy living, where attention to detail and personal service is as unmatched and unique as the experience and amenities available at Watermark.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win a @TinhornCreek @watermarkresort #CanadianConcertSeries getaway from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/w2GT0

Tinhorn Creek has a wineshop, barrel cellar, demonstration vineyard, tours, and Miradoro Restaurant which are complimented by sweeping views of the South Okanagan valley between Oliver and Osoyoos. It’s a one-of-a-kind venue for a concert series that celebrates so many great things about our beautiful province.

Follow Watermark Beach Resort on Facebook and Twitter & Tinhorn Creek on Facebook and Twitter.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 12:00pm. You must be legal drinking age to enter this contest. Please enjoy responsibly. Watermark Beach Resort stay prize is valid only June 28, 2014. Prize does not include transportation to/from the Okanagan. Prize cannot be redeemed for cash or any other value.

Update The winner is @RitchWorld on Twitter!

Surrey Youth Fest 2014

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Surrey Youth Fest is taking place Saturday May 3rd, during BC Youth Week. Surrey Youth Fest will feature a city-wide basketball and break-dance showcase, and much more.

SurreyYouthFest2014

Surrey Youth Fest 2014 Events

Main Event | Saturday May 3rd | Guildford Recreation Centre
Youth Fest, Surrey’s largest celebration for youth has merged with the City-wide Basketball tournament to bring you the best 5 on 5 basketball tournament and biggest Breakdance Battle in Surrey. Awesome DJ, Tons of Prizes & Giveaways, Breakdance and Hip-hop performances, and VIP Players’ Lounge. Youth focused vendors including Surrey Youth Services, Pacific Community Resources, SONiC Radio, Basketball BC, Drive Basketball, AthElite, Wheelchair Basketball BC, Douglas Collage, Trinity Western University, University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), RCMP and more.

What: Youth Fest Breakdance Battle
Where: Guildford Recreation Centre (15105 105 Ave, Surrey)
When: 12:00pm to 6:00pm Fitness Studio – Breakdance Demos and Try-it activity. Open to everyone, especially beginners who are interested in bboying. 6:30pm to 8:30pm head to Gym 3 for the 2 on 2 Battles.

Details: Get your crew together and register for the 2 on 2 battle. There is a maximum of 16 crews. Spots will fill up quickly, register today via SYB Guilford Vol. 2 on Facebook.

What: Free Teen Dance
Where: Guildford Recreation Centre (15105 105 Ave, Surrey)
When: 9:00pm to 12:00am

Details: The Youth Fest Teen dance is the biggest dance in Surrey. DJ, lights, activities and concession. Free entry with non-perishable food donation. Must be 13-18 years (ID required). Register for the Dance by calling 604-501-5100 (Registration number 4367533).

What: City Wide Basketball Tournament
Where: Guildford Recreation Centre (15105 105 Ave, Surrey)
When: 10:00am to 11:30am drop-in basketball with with Basketball BC, Drive Basketball, AthElite, Douglas College, University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), Wheelchair Basketball BC and more. 11:30am to 12:00pm RCMP vs. Youth Basketball Game. 12:00pm to 8:30pm 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament.

Details: The city wide youth basketball tournament is open to junior boys (ages 13-15), senior boys (ages 15-18) and girls (ages 13-18). Prizes will be rewarded to MVP’s and Best Sportsmanship for each division (Girls, Juniors, Seniors). Other prizes will be handed out throughout the day. A prize will be rewarded to the best dressed team so get your teams together and be creative! Sign-up below as a team or individual. There is a maximum of seven players per team. Space is limited, so make sure you register ASAP. Bring either a reversible jersey or a white and black t-shirt to play.

Surrey Youth Fest Shuttle

Teens can take the free Youth Fest Shuttle from their local community centre to Youth Fest on May 3rd. Pick-up locations include Newton Recreation Centre, South Surrey Recreation Centre, Cloverdale Recreation Centre, Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, Fleetwood Community Centre, Bridgeview Recreation Centre, Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre, North Surrey Recreation Centre, and Guildford Recreation Centre. For more information email youthfest[at]surrey.ca or call (604) 591-4793.

Miss604 is a proud sponsor of both Surrey Youth Fest and BC Youth Week 2014

Heritage Vancouver Top Ten Endangered Sites 2014

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Heritage Vancouver Society has released their 14th annual list of the Top Ten Endangered Sites in Vancouver.

Hollywood Theatre (1935) sign

#1 Hollywood Theatre
Community cultural spaces
The Art Deco Hollywood Theatre is a precious community landmark built in 1935-36, and one of our last intact neighborhood theatres. The current owner has not expressed interest in retaining the interior of this significant theatre and has not found a buyer who would maintain its public assembly use. The only proposal so far would retain the facade, make significant changes to the interior and end the building’s use as a cultural community space.

#3/ Kerrisdale Baptist Church
Our heritage churches
With declining attendance at many Vancouver churches, potential church closures are rampant, and threaten the loss of many significant heritage buildings. When these buildings close, Vancouver communities lose more than Sunday worship space; they lose space for the countless social and cultural activities that churches accommodate seven days a week.

#5/ South Vancouver High School
A memory in the community
The history of South Vancouver High School is associated with four generations of school buildings. John Oliver High School is slated for demolition, the ‘Barn’, already vacant, could be demolished, as could Sandford Fleming. Once the Vancouver School Board is finished with its current demolition program, these three South Vancouver High School buildings may be nothing but a fading memory.

#2/ First Shaughnessy
The push is on!
With the upcoming review of the effectiveness of the 1982 First Shaughnessy Overall Development Plan, requests for demolitions are piling up at City Hall. Architects are targeting the pre-date (1940) revered and treasured houses, in an attempt to get demolition approvals before any real constraints are enacted. The Fleck Mansion (1924), as well as houses at 1288 The Crescent, 1263 Balfour and 3990 Marguerite, are imminently threatened.

#4/ Morrisette Farm House
Historic Vancouver farms
There is an immediate threat to two identified historic farmhouses, the Morrisette Farm house (1912) in Dunbar, a designated heritage building, and the Avalon Dairy in Killarney. The threat to these two early farm buildings, and the continuing demolition of others, demonstrates the necessity of identifying historic farmhouses that still survive.

#6/ Firehall No. 5
Modernist firehalls
The City’s current plan is to replace Firehall No. 5 (1952) at 3090 East 54th & Kerr with a new facility incorporating social housing. This is symptomatic of a general lack of consideration for the heritage value of postwar modernist architecture. It is important to give consideration to adapting No. 5 and other modernist fireballs to modern use or repurposing for another use rather than demolishing them.

#7/ World War One Memorials
Lest we forget
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the ‘Great War’. After Armistice in 1918, monuments commemorating the lives of Canadians killed in overseas conflict have occupied a prominent place in our urban cultural landscape, rooting us to our history and reminding us of these monumental events. There are also memorials that commemorate others lost in World War Two and Korea. Unfortunately, some of these significant memorials are neglected, deteriorating or are at danger of being lost.

#9/ East Hastings Street
Heatley to Campbell
In 1996, Vancouver City Council approved a policy to “let go” of the industrial frontages along East Hastings from Heatley Ave to Victoria Drive. The draft Local Area Plan proposes the creation of a ‘high-street’ along East Hastings from Heatley to Clark as a part of the renewal of the area. Ill-considered development along this corridor could impact critical heritage and cultural landmarks at an accelerating rate. Unrecognized but important heritage assets remain unprotected and could be lost.

#8/ Arthur Erickson House & Garden
Arthur Erickson is considered Canada’s greatest architect of all time. His house and garden was his inspiration, his haven, and one of his most delicate design accomplishments. It is a work of art, it is unique, and it is intact. Without being designated a heritage site and receiving appropriate funds and City-controlled entitlements for retiring outstanding debts, preserving and restoring the house and garden, the Arthur Erickson Foundation’s broad missions and objectives of fostering Arthur Erickson’s legacy, will be severely compromised by the loss of this unique iconic and historical site.

#10/ Commercial Drive
Grandview’s main street
Commercial Drive has evolved over the years into a street that is an interesting mixture of textures, tastes, cultures and activities. It is outstanding not only for its significant heritage buildings but also for its sense of place, experience and uniqueness. As Vancouver continues to grow eastward, the pressures to develop this site to its allowable four-storey height limit could create a dreary blandness that would destroy what is important about ‘The Drive.’

Public awareness plays a huge role in preserving our local history. Follow Heritage Vancouver Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr for more information and the latest heritage updates.

Fan Expo Vancouver 2014: Billy Boyd

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Fan Expo Vancouver returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre April 18th to April 20th bringing with it celebrity guests, your favourite writers, actors, and more. This comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming show – expected to draw 25,000 fans – is packed with industry professionals, sketch duels, cosplay, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to shop.

Fan Expo Vancouver
Morning Press Conference: Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), Manu Bennett (Arrow), John De Lancie (Star Trek), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm St)

As throngs of cosplayers, fans, enthusiasts, and families filed lined up outside the Vancouver Convention Centre this morning I had the privilege to interview Billy Boyd ahead of the second action-packed day of Fan Expo Vancouver. Billy is well-known for his character Peregrin “Pippin” Took in the Lord of the Rings series, making him a big draw at fan expos and conventions.

“I’ve been to Canada quite a lot, I’ve worked in Canada quite a lot, but never been to Vancouver,” Billy Boyd told me before the doors to the exhibition opened up for the day.

Fan Expo Vancouver
Interviewing Billy Boyd. Photo by
John Biehler, through Glass

With only a few days in town, Billy managed to meet up with friends who live here and he also made it up to Grouse Mountain yesterday, before the skies clouded over. “The only thing I’ve worried about, because I’m going to stay for a few days, is that it’s going to rain like from now until I think the end of time.” We laughed and I assured him that it would probably only rain straight through to June now. “I left Glasgow for that, you know. It seems to rain more here than Glasgow!”

By next week he’ll be off to Calgary for another event and with his family in tow, he’s making this trip a Canadian adventure for them all. “The last time I was in Calgary I jumped off a mountain.” I asked if it was on purpose and Billy assured me it’s something he would never normally do, but it was for a TV show.

“If there’s one way of getting you to do something you don’t want to do it’s to put a camera on it, because then you’re like ‘God it’s going to be there forever’. Like if I was just there with no cameras I wouldn’t have done it.” Billy was a guest for an episode of Jack Osbourne: Adrenaline Junkie (Series 5, Episode 5, 2009) where they really did climb and jump off a mountain in the Rockies, although he says the jump experience was just awful.

“Everyone who I work with, who I meet in Canada, they either live in Vancouver or they love Vancouver.”

Safely on the ground this weekend at Fan Expo, I asked what he gets asked about the most when fans sign up for meet and greets, Q&A sessions, and photo ops. At the top of his list was Hobbit feet — he gets asked about Hobbit feet the most.

Aside from that, the questions he doesn’t like to get asked are ‘what was the best thing that happened?’ or ‘what was the worst thing that happened?’ because they’re too random. “There was hundreds of great things. It’s like saying to somebody ‘what is the best thing that happened in your life?’ and you’re like oh well I had a nice ice cream last Tuesday, but then I had a baby so that was kind of better.”

On top of portraying a memorable Hobbit, and his roles as Barret Bonden in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, and Glen in Seed of Chucky, Billy Boyd is also the lead singer of the Glasgow-based band Beecake. They’ve been awarded VisitScotland’s award for Best Live Act at the Tartan Clef Music Awards and released an EP, “Please Stay” in June of 2012.

“I was just working last night on a new song because we’re going a new album.” Preparing at first for another EP, Beecake will be putting out a full album since Billy says they have just enough songs. “We are getting really excited about it, I think it’s going to be our best album. We’ve got a new drummer so that’s put a new kind of energy into the band and he’s very keen to tour.”

Billy says that they’ll most likely finish the album by the end of the summer and then they will hopefully go on tour by the end of the year. I asked if it was a different experience to tour as an actor — to events like Fan Expo — and to tour as a band.

“Yeah it’s totally different, you’re right, because as an actor – there’s something quite exciting about arriving in a town that you’ve never been and you’re just yourself. I like to go out and just walk and then you find a place, like I found a little oyster bar last night.”

“But, it’s even more exciting when you’re there with friends and then you know you get to share that experience rather than it just being you. There’s some fun about just being you but it’s definitely more fun when it’s with friends. Most of the guys in the band I’ve been friends with since school so we know each other pretty well so it’s not like it’s hard work.”

Fan Expo Vancouver 2014

You can catch Billy Boyd at Fan Expo Vancouver today and tomorrow before he heads to Calgary Expo April 24-27. Fan Expo is open today until 7:00pm and Sunday, April 20th from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre. You can still book your autographs and photo ops with Billy Boyd either online or on site.

Check the Fan Expo Vancouver guest list online for the latest announcements and follow Fan Expo Vancouver on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Cherry Blossom Photo of the Day

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

During the month of April I will be featuring a Cherry Blossom Photo of the Day, sourced from the Miss604 Flickr Pool and/or the #Photos604 tag on Instagram. You can barely walk a full block in the city without encountering a photographer capturing this pink blooms — or stopping yourself — so it’s the perfect time to start this series. Enjoy!

Sunset Beach Park
Photo credit: Ann Hung on Flickr

Cherry Blossom Haiku

awash in pinkness
a city unfolds its arms
in salutation
— John Greenaway, 2013. Port Moody, British Columbia

View more photography posts on Miss604 along with the Vancouver Photos of the Week.