During these particular economic times I’ve noticed many more people are heading out to a night at the theatre (whether it be live, or film) – it’s a great form of entertainment that’s easy on the wallet. There are many ways to catch a flick in town, from Hockey Nights in Film and the upcoming DOXA Film Festival to a unique event happening out in Surrey at the end of the month called Green Movie Nights.
“Surrey-Newton Green candidate Trevor Loke will begin hosting a series of Green Movie Nights, every Tuesday evening at the Strawberry Hill Library in Surrey. The non-partisan event will provide a forum for community members to see unique, independent documentaries and continue a discussion about the topic following the film.”
The 11th Hour
When: Tuesday March 10th, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Info: Facebook Event
American Drug War
When: Tuesday March 17th, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Info: Facebook Event
Who Killed the Electric Car
When: Tuesday March 31st, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Info: Facebook Event
All screenings will be at the Strawberry Hill Library 7399 122 Street in Surrey and admission is by donation. It’s located right near the Scottsdale bus loop so feel free to take transit (from Surrey Central or Scott Road SkyTrain).
The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and Paralympic Games will be here in less than a year and they’re looking for performance volunteers for the following:
Opening Ceremony – February 12, 2010
Victory Ceremonies – Nightly, February 14-21 and 23-26, 2010
Closing Ceremony – February 28, 2010
Performers will need to apply, attend an audition, and be approved by VANOC however they are looking for individuals with all levels of skill and while production or performing experience is an asset, it is not required (check here for all details including how you must be 17 years or older).
They are looking for athletic types, musicians, vocalists, dancers, non-dancers and performance groups. The preparation for the Games ceremonies begins months in advance and 100s of hours can be contributed, so that’s one thing to keep in mind along with rehearsal dates and times, which will begin in November 2009.
Although tickets to the ceremonies are not included, it does actually seem like something pretty impressive to put on your resume if this is within your chosen field. You can apply now online.
Update: There is a two-for-one deal on tickets to Rigoletto March 17th. Call (604) 683-0222 and mention promo code 1670
The curtain rises in only a few hours and I’ll be heading to the Queen Elizabeth theatre shortly to begin tonight’s coverage of Blogger Night at the Opera for Rigoletto. In the meantime, check out the Vancouver Opera’s blog as they have some great interviews and behind-the-scenes photos leading up to tonight’s performance.
Update: Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Planning at the Vancouver Opera met us as we set up our laptops in the lobby of the theatre in preparation for tonight’s performance of Rigoletto. He guided us backstage — as well as up onto the raised stage — for a tour, with just an hour to go. I had a great photo of the props table and “Duke’s Throwing Goblet” but with the low light many of my frames were too blurred to published. Regardless, here are a of couple shots form the tour.
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Yesterday I ran across town and back checking items off my to-do list and getting ready for my husband’s office party. One of my stops was at Mine Stylesource (177 East Broadway at Main Street), it’s a great little salon with a really laid back feel.
I knew I wanted my hair down, with some curl, and stylist Janis Bekkering gave me just that with a ton of body and movement throughout. Janis was a delight and her professionalism and talent really shined through – especially when I got to take a sneak peek at a photograph of some styles the Mine Stylesource crew did for a competition – the creations were amazing.
The product used on my hair was Eufora, which contains certified organic Aloe vera gel as its base and contains no synthetic fragrance, and it held my curls all evening without being overbearingly stiff.
Mine Stylesource is also the home of Anthony, winner of Canada’s Superstar Hair Challenge as well as the host of the Global News morning segment “Anthony Style”.
I felt really bad for not knowing they have been around for so many years, but I’m certainly glad to know there’s another salon option for me (and my husband) out there, and given the style I received yesterday I’m happy to spread the word.
Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review but my style was on the house
Instead of hitting the town this Saturday night one group is encouraging you to invite some friends over for a Boggle tournament or to pop some popcorn and melt into your couch for a night of movie watching.
“Social Media for Social Change (SM4SC) serves as an example of how social media can bring together people from all around the world together to change society in a big way. The premise of SM4SC is simple — to take all the connections made through social media, and put them together to host first-class fundraising events happen “in real lifeâ€. SM4SC’s fundraisers benefit local charities in cities around the United States.” [SM4SC]
This weekend’s SM4SC event, Stay in and Help Us, will allow everyone (regardless of geographical location) to have a lovely night at home while supporting a cause in the New York area called City Harvest.
With the downturn in the economy on both sides of the border charitable donations are low, however every person can do their part to make a big difference with even the slightest contribution. SM4SC Co-Organizer Meg Fowler explains, “Many of my friends that make this complaint also go out to lunch all the time, or for dinner several nights a week, or buy multiple $20 martinis on the weekends. I definitely don’t have a problem with people going out to have fun, whether they’re doing shots of Patron, or going for cheap wings — but I think they forget that even a small portion of those expenditures could do wonders for a charitable organization. One cosmopolitan bought at a trendy bar = a few days of meals for a family of 4.”
Meg’s small idea has snowballed into quite a big deal, and thank goodness. “… I had a little mini brainwave: what if I asked people to stay home one Saturday night, and contribute their entertainment money to our cause? Or go out — but match what they spent and give it to us? We kept brainstorming, and before we knew it, we had a URL.”
You can join Meg calls a “worldwide pajama party” on Saturday March 7th 2009 by following along on on Twitter, join the event on Facebook, or stay tuned to the site for updates and Ustream video.
“I think it’s a model pretty much any charity could replicate,” said Meg. “Since it doesn’t require anyone to do anything but skip a single night out — and give some money they weren’t planning on saving, anyway! In fact, I’m sure we’ll end up doing one of these nights for every event we do for Social Media for Social Change going forward.”
In Vancouver we’ve done a few events like this, that were as equally spontaneous and effective, from Twestival to the great TweetupHeatup. Now it’s time to look at other cities, their initiatives, take part, and also see how we can bring their interesting campaigns back home. It’s easy to participate, and to find a cause to support, and things like this end up connecting us all.
“Your small sacrifices — one less dinner out, one less movie, one less concert, one less drink — can make a huge difference to people in need.”
