I’ve covered dozens of events from film festivals, to tech conferences, interviews with artists, and concerts and each experience is always unique. However, I must say that when working with the City of Surrey, John and I both agree, it’s an absolute pleasure. They’re organized, the staff is accessible, and getting full media access including the photo pit — and being able to go backstage to sip some Wally’s Wheat Ale when it’s over — is just tops.
My first official blogging assignment for the City was last winter for their inaugural Winterfest at Central City. Since Surrey was named a Canadian Cultural Capital city in 2008 they started up Winterfest along with the Fusion Festival in the summer. Each festival had fun for the family, activities, crafts, and concerts — all with free admission and evening fireworks as well.
Surrey is also home to the largest Canada Day celebration in Western Canada, which I also covered while enjoying sunshine, lemonade, and the sweet sweet sounds of Wil, Rymes with Orange, the Payola$ and Loverboy.
Living in a city that is being taken over by Olympic planning and construction, while also losing major free events for the entire family, it’s nice to see other cities engaging their neighbours and celebrating all of their communities together.
Also for all those who complain about suburbanites coming into downtown and causing a raucous during our festivals and fireworks — please by all means — feel free to bundle up the kiddies in the stroller, take the SkyTrain out to Surrey for Canada Day or the Fusion Festival (or even the Farmers Market, the Clova Jam or the Surrey Childrens’ Festival) and experience all they have to offer — there’s plenty of room for all.
After a brief presentation about Surrey’s involvement in the 2010 games (including being a stop on the torch’s journey) the evening festivities began here at Winterfest.
A funky marching band from Oregon, March Forth, played a quick set that involved dozens of instruments and a fireworks display that had glittery spark cascade down over the crowd with the majestic Central City building in the background. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
Stepping of the platform at Surrey Central SkyTrain station you could already feel the bass from the main stage and smell the sweet sugary goodness of mini donuts. Today is Winterfest in Surrey and I’m pleased to be their official blogger — covering events, sharing photos, and inviting everyone to come down to this free event. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
This evening I was able to sit in on the ‘win your way in’ CFOX Uninvited Guest performance with Thornley at the Roxy due to my involvement with tomorrow’s Winterfest in Surrey. Thornley (Ian Thornley, previously of Big Wreck, and his band) will be headlining the concert stage at Winterfest which is entirely free for all.
I’m really liking what I’ve heard so far from the new album, Tiny Pictures. It’s a mix of Ian’s strong vocals and guitar skills along with some pop tracks such as Make Believe, which was co-written by Dave Genn (54-40, Matthew Good Band) and was produced by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback (but I won’t hold that against them). The entire album was recorded at Alex Lifeson’s (Rush) studio in Toronto. You can listen to the entire performance from today on 99.3 the Fox at 8:00pm tonight.
I’m very pleased to partner again with Winterfest in Surrey this year (and it looks like they’re excited to have me there as well). Come on out to Surrey tomorrow (take the SkyTrain right to Central City) from 12:00pm until 10:00pm for a full day of entertainment and activities for the entire family.
I will be posting photos and blogging throughout the day so you can check out all the action right here starting if you’re unable to make it down (although you should really try because it’ll be a blast).
I got a note last night from Ariane about a hearing she had attended in the West End with regards to the relocation of the Odyssey nightclub from Howe Street, over to Denman. She said the place was absolutely packed, warranting a second meeting, and a strong majority of the crowd was opposed to the move (check out a few videos she took on her Flickr). As this was the first I’ve heard of this, here’s what else I’ve been able to gather regarding the proposal from around town.
The Odyssey is looking for a new home because its current location is slated for demolition. The Odyssey had its home on Howe street for twenty-two years.
The Odyssey is requesting operating hours of 9:00 am to 3:00am, seven days a week. However, the area where the Odyssey wants to move is designated as a Primarily Mixed-use are that only allows hours of operation from 11:00 am to 1:00 am on week days and 11:00 am to 2:00 am on weekends. If certain criteria are satisfied, the Odyssey can extend their hours of liquor service to 9:00 am to 2:00 am on weekdays and 9:00 am to 3:00 on weekends. All types of liquor may be served without food consumption. All types of entertainment are permitted [West End Residents Association]
According to a Vancouver Courier article, the club may not be on the move until at least April 2009.
The Odyssey’s extended lease on Howe Street near Davie was to expire Jan. 31, and its owners won’t learn until March 5 whether a liquor licence for its proposed new location on Denman Street will be approved by city council.
Last week the outlook for a second lease extension seemed bleak. [Vancouver Courier]
Proposed location (above Blenz) – Photo credit:
iTripped on Flickr
There is also an entire website dedicated to getting the public involved in this decision.
A nightclub is applying to move across the street from the King George Secondary School and the West End Community Centre into #200-911 Denman St, the former location of the Desi Downtown Restaurant. The Vancouver Police Department opposes this move. Don’t think a 224 person capacity nightclub that can operate until 2am is good fit on Denman Street?
Then please take action and contact the city:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (604) 871 – 6555
Fax: (604) 871 – 6394
Mail: Lucia Cumerlato, Licence Coordinator, Permits & Licences Department, 453 W. 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1V4.
[Denman Nightclub]
The website also urges, “This is your chance to have a voice on the matter, so no complaining about the late night club related noise after the submission deadline of Tuesday, February 10, 2009.”
The proposed location is the Bay Theatre (recently known at the Starlight Theatre) building just above Blenz, which has been designated a heritage building.
Denman street is amazingly quiet after midnight, same goes with the lower end of Robson street (except after a playoff win by the Canucks or during the fireworks in the summer). I haven’t lived in the West End long enough to know if there have been nightclubs in that vicinity before but as for right now, I think it would definitely re-shape that corner.
I’m curious to know what others think about this proposed move — from residents in the area to even those who frequent the Odyssey — is this a good move or a bad one for the business, the community or the city?
Update: This is on the City Council’s agenda for Thursday March 26th at 2:00pm.
