Jessie Awards 2012: Live Blog

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 30th Annual Jessie Richardson Awards for theatre in Vancouver are upon us as stars of local stages flock to the Commodore Ballroom. Nominees were announced back in May and the season will culminate with awards presentations tonight.

Jessie Awards 2012

I will be covering the awards ceremony for the third year in a row, providing photos, quotes, and posting about the recipients. The Jessies are always an enjoying production with laughs and the occasional tear as the industry pays tribute to some of its most remarkable colleagues.

The live blog will begin around 6:45pm tonight and it will be updated every few minutes. Please stay tuned and join me for this evening of celebration. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Hovander Homestead & Tennant Lake Park in Washington

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Whatcom County in Washington holds many attractions and destinations for those traveling for a day trip, or longer, from the Greater Vancouver region. Moving beyond the shopping malls and grocery stores of Bellingham, there’s much more to discover and enjoy. Two of such destinations is the Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake Park, perfect for cyclists, families, history buffs, picnickers, and anyone who likes exploring the great outdoors.

Ferndale, Washington

Ferndale, Washington

Heading south across the border and into Washington State, take the Main Street exit in Ferndale, before you get to the airport or Bellis Fair exit. Just 25 minutes from the border (an hour from Vancouver proper) you’ll find the 96 acre park at the Hovander Homestead.

Hovander Homestead Park consists of a large field area, gardens, a 60-foot barn, farm animals, recreation area, and the Hovander’s home which was built in 1903 by Hokan Hovander who immigrated from Sweden with his family.

Ferndale, Washington

People are drawn to the park for its fields (perfect for picnics), trail network, tours of the Hovander home, and special events like the annual Highland Games. The home, barn, and grounds are very well cared for and you could spend hours exploring every corner of the park. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Theatre Under the Stars 2012

Comments 133 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Theatre Under the Stars (“TUTS”) returns to Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park for its 66th season starting Saturday, July 8, 2012. This year’s two feature productions, that will run on alternating nights, are Titanic: A New Musical and The Music Man.

Tickets are available starting at $29 and new this year, TUTS is offering Rain Insurance. For an additional $5 at time of purchase, you can switch to another night should it be raining on the night of your performance. You can also get reduced rates for children or large groups can purchase tickets for the VIP area that includes catering and reserved seats.

TUTS also offers summer musical theatre camps for kids ages 8 to 18, with all camps including tickets to a TUTS show, a camp t-shirt, and a live performance opportunity on the Malkin Bowl stage.

If you would like to attend a Theatre Under the Stars show this season, I have a pair of tickets to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment here naming which show you would like to see (1 entry)
  • Post one of the following updates on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets for @TUTSVancouver #Titanic from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/bOlUL
RT to enter to win tickets for @TUTSVancouver #MusicMan from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/bOlUL

I will draw one winner at random from all entries next Monday, July 2, 2012 at 12:00pm. Follow TUTS on Twitter and Facebook for performance and event information this summer. Update/strong> The winner is Christine!

Happy Birthday Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

On this day in 1994, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston celebrated its 100th birthday and re-opened to the public. After operations ceased at the cannery, it was purchased by the federal government in 1979 and development by Parks Canada was completed in the 1990s.

Steveston Scavenger Hunt

Now 118 years old, this National Historic Site commemorates the fishing and canning industry off Canada’s Pacific Coast through exhibits, activities, films, and events.

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.

They currently have an exhibit called Seafood for Thought and have a permanent photo collection that compliments its installations like the canning line, and the herring reduction plant. Just imagine the working conditions — and smells — back when it was fully functioning cannery!

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Steveston Scavenger Hunt Steveston Scavenger Hunt

Steveston Scavenger Hunt Steveston Scavenger Hunt

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Kids and adults alike can listen to audio, scroll through video footage, and learn more about the history of this industry that was so important to the area.

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Outside of regular exhibitions, they have a “Music at the Cannery” series beginning July 6th with performances from local bands every Friday night until August 31st. You can also meet in front of the cannery for a “Strolling Through Steveston” tour on June 29th and June 30th at 2:00pm.

Anniversary Weekend in Richmond, B.C.
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is $19.60 for families, $7.80 for adults, $3.90 for youth, and children 6 and under are free. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for special event information. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is located at 12138 Fourth Avenue in Richmond.

Laura Marling at the Commodore

Comments 21 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Singer and songwriter Laura Marling is coming to Vancouver on Wednesday, bringing her award-winning British folk sound to the masses during her North American tour.

The 22 year-old won Best Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards, released two albums between 2010 and 2011, and was once again nominated for Best Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards this year.

Her current tour throughout Canada and the United States is in support of her third album, A Creature I Don’t Know and has played Coachella and Bonnaroo recently. Willy Mason will join her for the show at the Commodore and he’s been touring with her for most of this North American leg. Tickets are currently on sale for $35.25 (includes fees) for the Vancouver show.

If you would like to see Laura Marling in concert on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 I have a pair of tickets up for grabs. 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 tickets to see #LauraMarling in Vancouver from @LiveNationWest & @Miss604 http://ow.ly/bLr8N

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Monday, June 25, 2012. Must be 19 years of age to enter, win, and attend as this is not an all-ages show. Update The winner is Kathryn!