The Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (“VOKRA”) is hosting an Oscar viewing party for a cause. This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing cats around the Lower Mainland and placing them in foster homes, covering costs and providing support. They’ll be hosting a fundraiser at The Morrissey on Oscar night to benefit their programs.
Date Sunday, February 26, 2012 Time 3:30pm (earlybirds get free appetizers). Red carpet 4:00pm, broadcast 5:00pm LocationThe Morrissey (1227 Granville St) Tickets Admission is a suggested donation of $20 for VOKRA. Reservations can be made for groups of six or more by calling (604) 682-0909.
While Vancouver is a very dog-friendly town, I am a cat person and grew up with a kitty (she passed away in 2009 when she was 19 years old). I love following VOKRA on Twitter and Facebook for information, current campaigns, and heart-warming stories.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Review — I was not paid to write this post or any other. The review is based on the opening night performance for which Miss604.com had complimentary media tickets. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The National Ballet of Cuba Presents Don Quixote in Vancouver starting tomorrow and running until Saturday night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Photos courtesy of the National Ballet of Cuba. Vancouver Dates: February 16, 17, and 18, 2012.
According to organizers, “The production was to be the last for Vancouver impresario David YH Lui, who very sadly passed away in September while working on the project, leaving his business partner Brent to carry on without him. Brent is now Vancouver’s newest impresario.”
Choreographed by Alicia Alonso, from the original work by Marius Petipa, members of the company have recently been dubbed some of the best in the world. Featuring the music of Ludwig Minkus, the score will be played by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, which I have had the pleasure of hearing during several of the VO’s productions. This legendary tale promises not to disappoint and I will also have a guest contributor provide a full review.
Tickets are available online for $47 to $97 and I have a coveted pair of tickets to opening night tomorrow as well. Here’s how you can enter to win my opening night tickets:
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RT to enter to win tickets for the National Ballet of Cuba’s Don Quixote from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/963Zr
Since opening night is tomorrow, this is a quick giveaway. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am tomorrow morning, February 16, 2012. The winner will need to confirm their attendance by 12:00pm (following email notification) otherwise another winner will be declared. Update The winner is @StreetStyleStef!
Update I was fortunate enough to send someone to review this ballet who has been passionate about the medium for her entire life. The following review was written, and contributed exclusively to Miss604, by Kelli Smith.
Opening Night Review “I was beyond excited to have the chance to see the National Ballet of Cuba tonight, and not only were Vancourites honoured enough to watch this world renowned classical ballet company, but we watched them preform the epic Don Quixote.
Don Quixote is an old tale, and showcases many pieces of highly challenging classical ballet choreography. Ballet Nacional de Cuba were wonderful at bringing their energy and cultural representation to this performance.
The dancing left me breathless at times, and I was literally almost brought to tears with Kitri’s magnificent solo’s and duets with Basilio in the third act. I was nearly on the edge of my seat at one point, leaning forward in anticipation and to more clearly see the astonishing talent.
You could feel the excitement in the crowd as soon as the orchestra started. By the end there were standing ovations DURING the performance (which I have never seen before at any ballet). The strength, fluidity, softness and gracefulness of the National Ballet of Cuba was truly amazing.
I truly believe it makes the experience, the closer you are, being able to see the expressions on the Corps de Ballet, as well as the effortless leg work of the Soloists. Definitely worth the price of the best seats in the house!”
This morning a new non-profit organization launched in Vancouver with a focus on the therapeutic power of music. Music Heals will unite music therapy-related initiatives (such as the Music Therapy Ride) and support a wide range of music therapy services to communities across Canada.
“(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort-between demoralization and dignity.”— Barbara Crowe, past president of the National Association for Music Therapy.
The board of Music Heals is comprised of members of the former Shore 104FM radio station (who did the annual Music Saves video), those involved with the Music Therapy Ride, and Chris Brandt of Nimbus Recording. “By uniting [these initiatives] all under one umbrella we will be able to maintain a more consistent awareness of Music Therapy,” says Chris. “This is paramount because Music Therapy is not covered by the government. It is purely funded by donations.”
To bring awareness to this new venture, musician Neil Osborne (5440) and producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers) are going head to head in the organization’s first fundraising campaign.
Powered by their love of hockey, driven by their passion for music, the two have made a wager based on whose favourite NHL team makes the playoffs this year. The rules state: “If Richardson’s favourite hockey team does not make the playoffs this year, he will donate his producer fees to Music Heals. If Osborne’s favourite team does not win the 2012 playoffs, his royalties for the record will be donated to Music Heals. If both teams don’t measure up, they both donate.”
The Big Baby Drive is coming to Oakridge Centre this spring, in partnership with the Metro Vancouver YWCA, to collect donations of baby supplies. Organized by One Big Movement, the goal is to collect more than 1,000 pieces of baby food, clothing, diapers, and more.
Location Oakridge Centre at Cambie & West 41st, in front of The Bay Dates Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23, 2012 Hours From 10:00am to 4:00pm each day
Did you know that BC has had the highest child poverty rate in Canada for the 8th year in a row? This is a real community issue that many of us have overlooked, and the One Big Movement team is here to tackle it directly! The number of children living below the poverty line in BC has actually INCREASED by 16,000 people over the past two years since 2009 (from 137,000 children) [source]
Items to Donate
Unopened Baby food, unopened body care, skincare, baby wipes, bath care, sun care, shampoo products, new blankets, clothes (mitts, sleeping bags, socks, shoes, etc.), bedding sheets, new diapers (any size), baby monitors, speakers, pushchairs, car seats, highchairs, cot beds/baby cribs, breast pumps, toys (nursery, bath, developmental, playhouses, etc.). Monetary donations to the Metro Vancouver YWCA’s Crabtree Corner will also be accepted on-site.
CelticFest Vancouver is one of the city’s most vibrant annual festivals. It includes musical mash-ups and whisky tastings to free family events and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to round out the weekend March 10th to 18th.
Celts on The Creek
Saturday, March 10, 2012
From 12:30pm to 5:30pm
The Plaza at The Village on False Creek
With perforances from The Gotthard Sisters, Lorne Warr and The Streels, Good For Grapes, and the Jocelyn Pettit Band. This is a free festival preview event for all.
A Whisky Kiss: 6th Annual Scotch-Tasting
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Doors 5:30pm, scotch tasting at 6:00pm
The Cellar (1006 Granville St)
It’s one of CelticFest’s most popular events and will feature whisky educator Mike Nicolson. After the tasting head upstairs for a musical guest at Doolin’s.
Tickets are available in advance for $30, or at the door for $35, and admission includes 5 premium scotch samples including single malts paired with appetizers. This is a 19+ event. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe trip home.
From Texas to Tipperary
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Starting at 8:00pm
Stadium Club at Edgewater Casino (750 Pacific Blvd)
Tickets are available in advance for $20 and will be $25 at the door. This is a 19+ venue.
From Irish ballads to fast-pickin’ bluegrass this is an all-star lineup that is not to be missed. Performers include Jim Byrnes, Roy Forbes, Steve Dawson, Babe Gurr, Cameron Latimer, T. Nile, Fish and Bird, The Matinée, Farrell Spence and the CelticFest House Band: Adrian Dolan (accordion, piano, fiddle), Keona Hammond (flute), Kalissa Hernandez (fiddle), Darren Parris (bass) and Tom Landa (guitars).
The San Patricios Concert: From Galway to Guadalajara
Friday, March 16, 2012
Starting at 8:00pm
Stadium Club at Edgewater Casino (750 Pacific Blvd)
Tickets are available in advance for $20 and will be $25 at the door. This is a 19+ venue.
CelticFest has a proud tradition of groundbreaking cross-cultural collaborations and this year will be no exception. Join Celtic and Mexican musicians, listen to mariachis and do a jig. The performers are Mariachi Los Dorados, Locarno, The Paperboys and the CelticFest House Band.
Big St. Pat’s Night Out
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Starting at 8:00pm
Vogue Theatre (918 Granville St)
Tickets are available in advance for $30 and will be at the door for $35.
Featuring the super energetic and talented Delhi 2 Dublin with special guests, Luxembourg’s Dream Catcher. Experience bhangra, Celtic, dub, reggae and electronica with global rhythms and club beats, D2D style.
Free Lunch Time Concerts on the Plaza at Pacific Centre
Corner of Granville and Georgia
From 12:00pm to 1:00pm daily
Thursday, March 15, 2012:Ivonne Hernandez & Jeremy Walsh
Friday, March 16, 2012: Vazzy
8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Starting at 11:00am
The parade will have the same route as last year, starting at Drake then moving up Howe to Georgia. Pre-parade festivities start at 10:00am at the Music Stage in The Celtic Village.
Music Stage in The Celtic Village
Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Located on Granville between Georgia and Smithe. It will have a music stage, kids zone, food area, artisan booths, and free workshops at Tom Lee Music.
Tickets for paid events are available online and you can follow CelticFest Vancouver on Twitter and Facebook for additional information and updates.
This morning a new non-profit organization launched in Vancouver with a focus on the therapeutic power of music. 
