Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story on Tour at the Surrey Arts Centre

Comments 48 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Arts Club’s production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story opens today at the Surrey Arts Centre. The world’s most successful rock n’ roll musical is currently on tour around the province until November 20, 2011.

“Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Oh Boy,” “Not Fade Away”—the list of hit songs penned by Buddy Holly goes on and on. By his untimely death, the legend had already changed popular music forever.

Vibrant and celebratory, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story highlights the talent and passion that live on in his music, thrilling audiences long after they dance out of the theatre.

Tickets are currently on sale (in person or by phone) and five shows have already sold out.

The tour has already been to North Vancouver, Burnaby, West Vancouver, Mission, and Maple Ridge. It will be in Surrey until October 28th then move on to Coquitlam, jump over to Cranbrook, Trail, Nelson, Kelowna and Vernon before heading back this way trough Chilliwack and over to the Island. Victoria, Courtenay, and Nanaimo will round out its run.

If you would like to catch Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in Surrey, I have a pair of tickets to give away. Central City Brewing has also offered up a $50 gift certificate so you can enjoy dinner before or after the show.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I entered to win Buddy Holly Story tickets in #surreybc from @TheArtsClub & $50 for @CentralCityBrew from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/6U2Pf

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 10:00am. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. Please enjoy responsibly.

Follow The Arts Club on Facebook and Twitter, as well as Central City Brewing on Facebook and Twitter for seasonal information.

Update The winner is Sheryl!

Joey Kenward Heart of a Canuck

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I first met Joey Kenward at the Pacific Coliseum four years ago when he was the voice of the Vancouver Giants. John set up the radio broadcast and Joey did production, the play-by-play, ran down to the locker rooms to do interviews between periods, then ran back up to the press box to call the rest of the game. Seeing how hard he continue to work for his career (and sports in this town) makes it rather fitting that he’s doing the Heart of a Canuck segments now for the Vancouver Canucks.

Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC: From the radio booth
Joey Kenward in the WhitecapsFC’s press row. Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

This summer Joey went out from behind the microphone and stepped in front of the camera. He attends practices, travels with the team, does interviews, provides commentary, and still finds time to fill in the radio play-by-play timeslot here and there. “I get to fill the viewers in on what happens to the team on a day-to-day basis and what’s happening with the team when we don’t see them at a rink,” Joey told me during a call I had with him this week. “Most people only see these guys as athletes. Now, we get to have a very ‘behind the scenes’ look at who these individuals are and see what got them to where they are.”

One of Joey’s first tasks when he signed on with the Canucks was to film the Heart of a Canuck segments with players as they visited their hometowns. The segments focused on a few core players who are North America-based. “It was really cool to walk around the former neighbourhood with the player, walk into their old rink where they laced ’em up as a kid, and see the expressions on their faces as they talked about their past,” Joey said, reflecting on his visits to Smithers with Dan Hamhuis and Montreal with Alex Burrows.

The hometown visits will be broadcast during games throughout the season and you will probably be able to catch them on CanucksTV (on YouTube) once they air.

As for Joey, he is about to head out on the road with the team until they return to play the Rangers on October 18th.

He told me that the most recent filming they did was in the car with Daniel Sedin as he dropped his daughter off at school then headed to the rink. “What’s the player thinking about when he’s driving into work? What music does he listen to? What are some of the things they think about? It’s a chance for the viewer [and fan] to see the players outside of the rink environment.”

Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC: From the radio booth
Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

From our talk I gathered that Joey was pretty much settling into his dream job – and who could blame him. He’s come a long way since he did colour commentary in Kelowna or play-by-play for the Swift Current Broncos. “I’ve been very lucky and very privileged to have been given the opportunities I’ve had. Now I get more experience in front of the camera and this is a great chance to do what I love doing.”

A full 2:54 minute preview of this season’s Heart of a Canuck theme is now up on CanucksTV.

Viva Surrey! For the Surrey Christmas Bureau

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Viva Surrey! will celebrate Latin American culture through music, dance, and food (from Taqueria Jalisco) at the Espirito Santo Hall next weekend. The event will feature entertainment from Flamenco del Mar, Alejandro Ruiz, salsa band Moviendolo with Edwin Martinez, and tango dancers Portal al Tango, led by Bobbi and Patricia Lusic.

Surrey Fusion Fest 2010

What Viva Surrey!
Where Espirito Santo Hall 12918 – 112th Ave (just off King George) in Surrey
When Saturday, October 15th, 2011 from 6:00pm
Tickets $15 and are available by calling (604) 581-9623

The event will be supporting the Surrey Christmas Bureau, a non-profit organization that assists low-income families with children under the age of 16. “Through the Hamper and Adopt-A-Family programs these families receive food certificates, toys, gifts, warm clothing and household items. In addition, the Bureau matches sponsors with nearly 250 families who have children with unique challenges and considerations.”

This would be a great time to explore more of Surrey’s vibrant culture while you support a very worth cause leading up to the holiday season. You can find out more about the Surrey Christmas Bureau’s Adopt-a-Family program and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Vancouver Canucks 2011-2012 Season Guide

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Vancouver Canucks hit the ice at Rogers Arena tonight to officially begin their 2011-2012 season as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the events of June behind us, members of the Canucks Nation are looking straight ahead, and moving on. If you’re preparing yourself for another season of hockey with heart, here’s a quick guide to help you take in all the action.

Canucks Playoffs 2011

The Team

We have a few new faces on the Canucks roster this season. Andrew Ebbett, Marco Sturm, Mark Mancari, Steven Pinizzotto, Alexander Sulzer, and Dale Weise [see a full list in the NucksMisconduct season preview].

Where to Watch

For most people, it’s a toss up between their living room and Rogers Arena for the best fan experience. However, there are some great dine-out options in Vancouver during the game. Many local pubs and restaurants have stepped up their audio and visuals (flat screens, house sound system, etc.) for games and you can’t beat the deals they offer on game days.

The Canucks officially partner with the following during the season: Beyond Restaurant + Lounge (on Burrard), Boston Pizza (over 30 locations in the Lower Mainland alone), The Hurricane Grill (1137 Marinaside in Yaletown), Verace Pizzeria Napoletana (189 Keefer, 1 block from Rogers Arena), The Keg (14 locations in the Vancouver area), and Vera’s Burger Shack (14 Lower Mainland locations).

How to Listen

Can’t get near a television? Tune into TEAM 1040AM to listen to the broadcasts, check out the live stream, and download the Bell Media radio app if you’re on the go.

Blogs

My favourite Canucks bloggers are ready to go this year. Read and subscribe to NucksMisconduct, Canucks Hockey Blog, and Canucks Corner for the best analysis and information. I’m also going to check out Canucks Army and Head to the Net this season.

Apps & Social

Download the Canucks iPhone application for schedules, scores, player biographies and instant updates. Follow @VanCanucks on Twitter and the #Canucks tag. There aren’t many players on Twitter but you’ll find @Ryan_Kesler talking to @KBieksa3 quite a bit.

If you’re using GetGlue (which is like Foursquare but for television and movies) you can check into Hockey Night in Canada and earn team stickers.

Chicago Wolves

Don’t forget that the Canucks’ AHL affiliate team is the Chicago Wolves. Check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

Special Events

The first open practice of the season is this Saturday, October 8, 2011. Stay tuned later in the season for Super Skills information. October 18th will also be designated Rick Rypien night at Rogers Arena and the players will be wearing tributes to #37 on their helmets all season [source: Canucks Hockey Blog].

Getting There

With BC Place open once again, and a few conflicting game nights, parking near the arena might not be an option. Your best bet is to try transit and if you’re coming from the South or East, you can even park & ride at a Canada Line station (like at Bridgeport). Walk over to the Vancouver City Centre, Yaletown Roundhouse, or Waterfront stations after the game and meet up with your car outside of the city (or take it all the way home, combined with a bus if need be).

Here’s to another great season of hockey. Cheers to everyone who has the Heart of a Canuck. Go Canucks Go!

Centre for Child Development Gala of Hope Fundraiser

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Centre for Child Development is hosting their annual Gala of Hope Fundraiser next month in Surrey.

What 12th Anniversary “It Takes Two to Tango” Gala of Hope.
Sample wines of Argentina and experience the tango. Hear inspiring stories from current and past clients as you help raise funds to support children with special needs.

When Saturday, November 12th, 2011.
Wine reception 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Three course dinner from 7:30pm.

Where Northview Golf & Country Club, Surrey.

Tickets Available by calling (604) 591-5903 or email [email protected].

This cause is dear to me and the Centre for Child Development has been a part of my hometown community for as long as I can remember. If you can’t make it to the gala you can check out the Halloween Fun Run at the Shops at Morgan Crossing. Proceeds from the 5km fun run on October 30th will also support the Centre for Child Development.

The Centre for Child Development helps children with the most complex and severe developmental disabilities. Established in 1953, The Centre serves more than 2,000 children per year, ages 0-19 across Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock.

More information is available online and you can follow @CDFBC on Twitter or Facebook.