Support Piano, the Pianos on the Street project, returns this summer with 10 pianos placed in open-air locations around the city for all to enjoy until August 23rd. This initiative is “for the public to play with the goal of building bridges throughout the community” and pianos can be found in the following locations:
Pianos on the Street: Vancouver
CityStudio Main at 21st, CityStudio Spyglass Dock, CityStudio Dude Chilling Park, CityStudio Robson Park, CityStudio Chinatown, CityStudio Canada Place, CityStudio Financial District, CityStudio Creekside, CityStudio Strathcona Park.
Pianos on the Street: Surrey
Pianos on the Street will also come to Surrey this year with a piano placed near the North Surrey Recreation Centre adjacent to Surrey Central SkyTrain (10275 City Parkway) starting July 8th. It will be within the borders of the PARKit summertime pop-up park — a park in place for the summer that, in addition to being a social space, will also feature a number of food carts for the public to enjoy. Musicians will be present to celebrate the launch on July 8th and celebrations will begin at 12:00pm to promote the launch of the project in this area.
UPDATE: Pianos on the Street: New Westminster
Pianos on the Street is also heading to River Market at New Westminster Quay on Friday, July 11th at 12:00pm. A piano will be placed in a special public location on the waterfront at River Market on that day where it will stay until the end of summer. Numerous musicians will be present to celebrate the launch on July 11th.
New this year, Pianos on the Street will feature a video contest with cash prizes of up to $400. Competitors will also be eligible for a chance to play with the North Shore Symphony. Be sure to tag all your photos and videos with #supportpiano. Follow the project on Facebook for more information.
In the last four weeks I have flown to Salt Spring, enjoyed the BC Shellfish Festival in Comox, walked around Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours, attended the Jessie Awards, participated in a farm tour in Pitt Meadows, attended a wedding and hiked in Montana. It’s been almost a month since my pedicure at A Touch Above in Vancouver and my toes still look as shimmery and shiny as the first day I walked out of the spa and into Cambie Village.
A Touch Above Vancouver Spa
A Touch Above is an unassuming day spa on Heather St near 17th in Vancouver, specializing in waxing, facials, pedicures, eyebrow shaping, body care, treatments for men, and more.
My pedicure was in a private room and it included a foot soak, callous work, nail clipping and shaping, cuticle care, buffing, massage and polish. I even had the Dremel Power Buffer go to work on my cracked, dry feet and perfectly smooth them out which was far less intense or stressful than having someone slice your skin off with a blade.
The location calms you even before you walk through the door as it’s just a few blocks west of Cambie Village in a quiet residential area. The spa was loaded with quality products and featured treatment rooms, cozy nooks, and open areas. It felt like ‘your friendly neighbourhood spa’ which offered more than a quick in-and-out express pedicure. I only spent about an hour at A Touch Above and while the time was short, the quality was top notch.
If you do wish to make an event of a pedicure with friends there is a group area but I enjoyed my private room and chatting with Kim Yuen who did my pedi. Their motto of “providing all the best of the downtown spas without the high prices and parking hassles” rings true (I even just took the Canada Line to my appointment and back).
With my pink toes still shining bright and heels still ‘sandal worthy’ I am very pleased with my pedicure ($53 + $5 for Dremmel buffing). As you can see from the Yelp reviews, I am not alone in my praise of this local spa. Follow A Touch Above on Facebook and Pinterest to learn more and find them at 3284 Heather St at 17th or (604) 875-9228.
The Vancouver Swing Society has once again partnered up with Viva Vancouver and the Downtown Vancouver BIA again to bring free swing music and dancing lessons to the streets of downtown Vancouver.
Free Swing Dancing on Granville
Sunday, July 13, 2014: Van Django (live gypsy jazz music)
Sunday, July 27, 2014: The New Orleans Ale Stars (Louisanna hot jazz)
Sunday, August 10, 2014: Air Mail Special (small group swing music)
On each of these Sundays, the free drop-in beginning swing dance lessons run from 1:00pm to 1:30pm, followed by music and dancing from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Then lessons pick up again at 2:30 to 3:00pm, following by music and dancing from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
You don’t need to bring a partner, just show up ready to learn and/or dance. The live music will echo through the street as you move to the rhythm and enjoy this free outdoor experience. Follow the Vancouver Swing Society on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Looking for more free dancing this summer? There’s also Dance at Dusk in Stanley Park and Free Sunday Salsa at Robson Square put on by other organizations.
The Honda Celebration of Light and YVR Airport present the YVR Observation Deck (bleacher seats) and new this year, the viewing area will be fully licensed so spectators can enjoy beer or wine during the July 26th (USA), July 30th (France), or August 2nd (Japan) fireworks nights.
Photo courtesy of the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks
YVR Observation Deck at the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks
Tickets for the YVR Observation Deck can be purchased online in advance and include licensed as well as all-ages sections.
Right now you can enter to win prizes by uploading and tagging your Vancouver photos with #VanShinesBright. Share images that showcase our beautiful city and a winner will be awarded each Friday leading up to the events. Entries will be judged on their creativity, originality and pure awesomeness. Enter via Instagram by posting a photo and comment, enter via Facebook with a story about why Vancouver is the best place to be, or enter on Twitter by explaining in 140 characters why Vancouver is the best place to be. Be sure to tag each with #VanShinesBright.
Photo courtesy of the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks
Win Tickets
I also have two tickets for the YVR Observation Deck to give away to one lucky Miss604. The winner will be able to select their date and enjoy the world’s largest offshore fireworks competition from the comfort of the stands in English Bay. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
Must be 19+ to enter. My winner will be drawn at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Follow YVR Airport on Twitter and Facebook along with the Honda Celebration of Light on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
Update The winner is @EricaMKRizzo on Twitter!
CLICK HERE FOR 2015 LISTINGS
There is no shortage of free outdoor movies this summer in Vancouver, Surrey, Delta, Tsawwassen, and other communities however on top of Stanley Park’s series at Ceperley Meadow, there is now another downtown option as Scotiabank SCENE presents “Waterfront Cinema” at Canada Place.
Free Outdoor Movies at Canada Place
On Thursdays in July and August, residents of Vancouver can watch a family favourite film at Canada Place. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and sit back and relax under the stars. The first 300 people will receive free popcorn and the first 50 Scotiabank SCENE Debit and VISA cardholders to show their cards will receive a VIP seat. Movies begin at sunset, so be sure to arrive early to secure a great spot! This is a family friendly event, no alcohol or smoking please.
The films for this series include:
July 10, 2014 Back To The Future @ 9:15pm
July 17, 2014 Liar Liar @ 9:10pm
July 24, 2014 Austin Powers: Int’l Man of Mystery @ 9:00pm
July 31, 2014 Uncle Buck @ 8:55pm
August 7, 2014 The Notebook @ 8:40pm
August 14, 2014 Ghostbusters @ 8:30pm
August 21, 2014 The Hunger Games @ 8:15pm
August 28, 2014 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan @ 8:00pm
All movie options will be a maximum rating of PG and will be shown on a 40-foot inflatable outdoor screen. You are welcome to bring anything that helps you get cozy and enjoy the show under the stars. More details are available via Scotiabank SCENE.
