On January 26, 2011 everyone is encouraged to wear pink around town, at work, or at school to promote registration for The Weekend and the cause it supports.
“Since 2003, over $15 million has been raised by Weekend participants enabling numerous advances in cancer research and care. Proceeds continue to fund innovative research, treatment, and prevention programs for breast and gynecologic cancers at BC Cancer Foundation.” [source]
Wear it Pink is the opportunity for new participants to learn about The Weekend or past walkers to share their own stories and fundraising success. Veteran walkers can receive a $100 fundraising credit for each new participant they refer.
On January 26th you can show your support by wearing pink, hosting a pink-themed party, posting updates on Twitter using the hashtag #wearitpinkday, changing your avatar to something pink, or by using a pre-set Twibbon.
Follow @wken2endcancer on Twitter or Facebook for more information about The Weekend and how you can participate in Wear it Pink Day 2011.
Since I profiled In Medias Res last week I have received wonderful leads and information about some upcoming shows to check out around Vancouver. This has prompted a return of my shamefully underused ‘Music Monday‘ series.
Carmen Townsend
Fresh off her Australian tour and prior to returning home to the East Coast, Carmen will be playing a free showcase at The Railway Club tomorrow, January 11th, 2011 from 7:00pm until 8:00pm. Her forthcoming album Waitin’ and Seein’ will be available January 25th, 2011.
Follow Carmen: Website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube
Red Cedar
Vancouver locals Andy Bishop, Colin Jones, Bruce Ledingham, JP Doucet and Shaunn Watt will celebrate the release of their new album Enter The Sun Gods with Adelaide and Lord Beginner at the Biltmore on January 13th. Doors open at 8:00pm and cover is $10.
Follow Red Cedar: Website, MySpace
West Coast Pop! Vancouver is Awesome and 100.5 The Peak have teamed up for West Coast Pop!, a new concert series at the Red Room with a low-dough price of $10.50. The showcases will run from February 19th until May 14th, 2011 and include acts such as We Are the City, The Dudes, You Say Party, and Kyprios.
Should you have a favourite up-and-coming local or Canadian act that you would like to see featured, please feel free to contact me using the subject line ‘Music Monday’.
This week there will be a forum regarding building heights in Vancouver ahead of a City vote on proposed height restrictions later this month. The current building height limit in downtown Vancouver is 466 feet, which the Shangri-La currently soars well beyond (see: Higher Building Policy). Here’s a quick comparison of our five highest structures:
Royal Centre
Height: 141m/464ft, 37 storeys
Built: 1973
Use: Office space, also known as RBC Tower
[poll id=”59″]
All those who would like a say (as to whether we should welcome 80 to 90-storey towers or not) can attend the forum at the Vancouver Public Library’s central branch downtown at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 11th, 2011.
Update There is a public information session Monday, January 17th, 2011 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Empire Landmark Hotel.
Think you know Vancouver? Think Again! In honor of Vancouver’s 125th anniversary coming up this year, SFU’s Department of History is presenting a series of frank and informative lectures from January to October.
1936 lecture in Vancouver. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-4908
The inaugural lecture takes place January 27th and will be hosted by TV and Radio personality Charles Demers along with SFU Urban Studies professor Matt Hern. They will talk about Vancouver without rose-coloured glasses in an honest and witty discussion. Both are authors of recent books exploring various aspects of Vancouver’s history. This lecture will be held at SFU Harbour Centre downtown from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
When my husband told me that a guy at his work was in a band that I should check out, I didn’t hesitate to do just that. Over the years, I have come to trust (and love) John‘s taste in music so if he sends me a link, shares an mp3 or simply says “listen”, I’m all ears. Turns out the band is called In Medias Res and they have a beautiful, dreamy sound that can quickly transform to pure head-nodding, fist-pumping rock.
Consisting of Andrew Lee, Ryan Flowers, Steve Watts, and Ash Poon, In Medias Res (or simply “IMR”) has been around for the better part of a decade and according to Andrew (vocals/guitar), they have no plans to slow down. “We have always adapted to our growing and changing lifestyles so I don’t see us stopping anytime soon. In fact, half of the band is married and the band will see its first baby later this year so we have found ways to keep rocking and rolling.”
While the band isn’t a full time gig for any of the members, they are all fully committed to the craft. “I think the only goal we ever had as a band was to write and perform music that we all were really proud of,” added Lee. “Being in a band is actually one of the most illogical things you could do if you were trying to make a living from it. You could look at it as a type of rebellion (against your upbringing, being middle class and white [of which I am not], society, etc.) or you could see it as an act of doing something because it brings you joy.”
Having played everywhere from The Purple Onion to Mesa Luna over the years, IMR is no stranger to the live music scene in Vancouver. Lee said that although it’s changed drastically in the last fives years, it is not necessarily representative to the state of music in Vancouver. “Venues shutting down only means that the bands and promoters are having to get more creative in how and where they put on shows. With that said, I think it’s important that Vancouver realize that giving a space for creative people can translate into a form of economic growth.”
Speaking of performing live, IMR will be in concert tomorrow. Being unfamiliar with the band until this very morning, I asked Lee what those in attendance could expect. “Picture this: We are playing our hit single at the Biltmore and everything is going great. It comes time in the song for Ash’s guitar solo. He then unplugs his guitar from his amp and grabs a toaster and plugs his axe into it. He then proceeds to get electrocuted by the toaster while never missing a note of his solo.” Here’s hoping Ash keeps his eyebrows!
You can catch In Medias Res at the Biltmore with Lakefield this Saturday January 8, 2011 – doors at 8:00pm. Follow @IMRMusic on Twitter or Facebook for updates and info.
Should you have a local independent or new music act you would like to promote, feel free to fire me a message.
