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]
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.
Those who frequent this site often may notice that I have a bit of a passion for all things history in and around Vancouver. This weekend a very special event is taking place in the downtown Eastside (our city’s oldest neighbourhood) and everyone is welcome to join in person or online.
By recognizing and recording the stories of up to 20 sites of historical importance in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, mobile videographers connect past to present, creating an opening for informed reflection on the future.
This crossmedia exhibition and web project remixes Labour, Work, and Working People: A Working Class and A Labour History Walking Tour using Web 2.0 strategies to expand the number of voices heard and stories told.
Using the latest in digital technology, live video streams tell tales of 20 DTES sites through enduring memories of Vancouver’s labour history. Videographers present the history and context of each site and reveal new relationships with contemporary players. Strikes, lockouts, evictions, state suspicion, attacks on working class movements…markers of a death – each site has a unique role to play in the story of the neighbourhood.
New tools are being used to harness history and bring it forward with mobile devices, wireless networks, live screens and video mixers. [Facebook Event]
You can preview the walking tour and all of its stops on this interactive map, and there is also a booklet online featuring more of the locations and another tour that will originate from Burrard SkyTrain area.
The event this weekend will be streamed live online from all 20 sites and will also be remixed as an installation at Gallery Gachet until February 28th. More information is available on from Fearless City.
I’m a big fan of anniversaries and it may have been a little-known fact that my Best of 604 Awards were originally started because I wanted to celebrate my 5th blogaversary with others, in style, while supporting a cause.
Tonight, Toni & Guy, the world-famous hair salon, is having a special bash of its own to celebrate 10 years in Vancouver.
W.A.R. is a hair and fashion show taking place tonight at the Penthouse Nightclub that will also be supporting Beauty Night.
This worthy cause provides, “beauty care and wellness programs to marginalized adults and youth,” and you can read more information in my interview with organizer, Caroline.
I’m not only excited to experience the hair and fashion show but the Penthouse (at 1019 Seymour) is actually a Vancouver landmark — started up by the Phillipone family, which I have written about briefly in my entries about the little green house on Richards Street or Vancouver Burlesques: An Elegant History.
Toni & Guy is located downtown on Alberni at 1088 Alberni Street and also in Kits at 2179 West 4th Ave and you can also follow their updates on Twitter. If you’re able to come out tonight at 7:00pm to the Penthouse, tickets are $30 and proceeds will all go to Beauty Night.
