Esther Leung-Kong is a Vancouver-based Chinese Canadian author who aims to help educate children on diversity, immigrant struggles, and cultural representation through her bilingual book Wonderfully Made 奇妙的傑作 for kids 5 to 10 years old.
Wonderfully Made 奇妙的傑作 Book Giveaway
In Wonderfully Made, Leung-Kong shares her story and struggles of fitting in as a child immigrating to a new place. Along the way she met Indigenous friends and learned about their stories that helped transform her journey in embracing her own cultural roots.
Leung-Kong’s passion includes advocating for justice and compassion both locally and globally through her work at the non-profit organization Culture Regeneration Research Society and volunteering with the local grassroot charity Vancouver Urban Ministries, leadership development for young people and inspiring others through music. Throughout the years she has been raising awareness among the Chinese immigrant community about colonial history and treatment of Indigenous people.
The bilingual book is available in hardcover and ebook, with illustrations by Melanie Choi, and narrated by the author in audiobook format.
Enter to Win
I have a book along with audiobook link to give away! Here’s how you can enter to win:
I will draw two winners at random from all entries at 12:00pm on April 28, 2022. Open to Metro Vancouver only.
Testimonial from Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Founder and Executive Director of the Orange Shirt Society:
“In 2003 I went to China to teach English, I only lasted 3 months! For the first few weeks all I did was cry; I had to remind myself that no one sent me, that I was free to go home at any time, this made me feel better. I arrived near the end of January, which is the beginning of the Chinese New Year. l’d always wondered what millions of people looked like, well I sure found out fast. It was like someone took me and dropped me on another planet. Everything I knew to be true was no longer true – from the language to the currency, to the food, I couldn’t even cross the street by myself. I needed someone to help me. This is what Wonderfully Made reminded me of. Because of this experience, I could associate with the experience of Esther coming to Canada and having a difficult time adjusting.
Thank you, Esther, for learning about and helping to educate others about Residential Schools in Canada. No matter what nationality we are or where we are from, we all have a right to walk on this earth and to breathe the air. No one is better or less than anyone else. We are all wonderfully made!”
This weekend celebrate Earth Day at outdoor venues across the region, enjoy theatrical presentations, a festival of Indigenous song, stories, and dance, and much more! Here’s what’s happening around Metro Vancouver April 22-24, 2022:
Broadway Across Canada has announced the return of the national tour of Come From Away, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world. It will take to the QE Theatre stage in Vancouver from August 16 to 28, 2022.
First North American Tour Company of COME FROM AWAY. Photos by Matthew Murphy, 2018
Come From Away Comes to Vancouver
When: August 16 to 28, 2022
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
Tickets: On sale Monday, May 2 at 10:00am online or by calling 1-855-985-5000.
American Express Cardmembers can get Front Of The Line® Presale access to tickets from April 26 to 27, 2022.
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all.
A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), 4 Olivier Awards (London) including “Best New Musical,” 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” 4 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards (North American Tour) including “Best Production,” 4 Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” 4 Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” 6 San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” 3 Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” 3 Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).
The touring production of Come From Away currently stars Marika Aubrey (Lincoln Center’s South Pacific), Kevin Carolan (Disney’s Newsies), Harter Clingman (Peter and The Starcatcher), Nick Duckart (In the Heights), Chamblee Ferguson, Christine Toy Johnson (The Music Man), Julie Johnson (Memphis), James Earl Jones II (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess), Julia Knitel (Beautiful), Sharone Sayegh (The Band’s Visit), Danielle K. Thomas,Jeremy Woodard,Jenny Ashman, Jane Bunting, Amelia Cormack, Aaron Michael Ray, Kilty Reidy and Brandon Springman.
Come From Away was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, and presented in 2016 by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC and Mirvish Productions at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, CA. It was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and was further developed at Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Artists, in East Haddam, CT. The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, and the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle WA also provided development support.
For the latest news, announcements and “backstage” access for all upcoming shows follow Broadway Across Canada on Twitter and Facebook #BACTouring #BACSub #BACSuperfan.
HEALTH PROTOCOL NOTE: To prioritize the safety of audiences, staff, cast and crew, Broadway Across Canada continues to require proof of vaccination for entry to all of our performances. All Patrons 12+ are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and patrons 19+ must show accompanied government-issued photo ID.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 33rd Season returns to Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park, after two years of dark stages in response to the pandemic, and all tickets are now on sale for three plays and special events in this year’s Festival, which runs from June 8 to September 24, 2022.
Bard on the Beach – Image Supplied
Bard’s single BMO Mainstage production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy, filled with laughter, love and magic. On the Howard Family Stage there are two innovative productions: Djanet Sears’ Harlem Duet, a powerful drama with connections to Othello, and Romeo and Juliet, the timeless story of two young people who risk everything for their love.
“It’s thrilling for our Festival to return this summer and we are busy preparing three incredible productions to welcome our patrons back to Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park,” said Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Founding Artistic Director.
“It’s time again for laughter and magic and to that end, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be our single production on the BMO Mainstage. This joyful production is perfect for all ages and is designed to lift the spirits of everyone who sees it. On the Howard Family Stage, our two productions highlight Bard’s commitment to artistic innovation in theatre; they both feature powerful stories told in a unique way.”
Tickets for the plays are available now starting at $27. Prices for special events, group bookings and multi-play ticket packages can be found online or by calling the Bard Box Office at (604) 739-0559.
Harlem Duet June 15 to July 17 – Opening Night June 21
Romeo and Juliet August 3 to September 24 – Opening Night August 9
Bard Explored June 25, July 9 & August 13 at 11am – Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra leads lively explorations of the Season’s three plays.
VSO at Bard Marvellous Music June 8 – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra plays favourite classical masterpieces under the direction of VSO Concertmaster Nicholas Wright.
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks July 23, July 27 & July 30 – All inclusive! See A Midsummer Night’s Dream, then enjoy a delicious barbecue with all the fixings from Emelle’s Catering, plus pre-Fireworks entertainment. End the night with a private view of the spectacular Celebration of Light fireworks.
Operas & Arias: A Celebration! September 12 & 13 – Talented young stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble return to Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park to perform some of opera’s best-loved repertoire on the BMO Mainstage. Afternoon and evening performances on both dates.
Forum – Challenging Shakespeare June 28 at 7:30pm – Discover how theatre artists are approaching the opportunities and the pitfalls when they use Shakespeare as a catalyst for new works that speak to our world today.
Family Days / Relaxed Performances July 17 & August 14 at 2:00pm – Family Day and Relaxed Performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream offer an open attitude towards audience members moving, making noise, and exiting/entering the auditorium freely. Age restrictions are also relaxed.
Wine Wednesdays July 6, August 3 & 17 at 6:00pm (pre-show event). Enjoy the scenic view from our Marquee tent while you sip and savour BC wines, presented by industry experts and special guests.
Accessible Performances: VocalEye – August 20 at 7:30 pm & August 28 at 2:00pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream on both dates.
Early booking is recommended for best seat selection (all seats are reserved) and because many performances sell out in advance.
Bespoke Market is BC’s newest market featuring a selection of unique goods for mindful shoppers who share a commitment to consume locally. Shop a curated lineup of over 70 creative and locally-owned businesses showcasing goods such as jewellery, paper products, ceramics, clothing, as well as artisanal food and beverages. Many vendors are from Squamish, the Sea to Sky region and beyond.
Bespoke Market in Squamish
When: Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, 2022
Where: Railway Museum of BC (39645 Government Road, Squamish)
Guests are also welcome to pay $5 cash at the door. Bespoke is excited to delight attendees on Friday night with a small gift to say thank you for the support at this inaugural market.
The inaugural Bespoke Market will bring fresh creative energy and a deepened sense of community to the market world, offering a selection of unique handmade goods as well as market favourites including vintage clothing and housewares.
Live music and unique vendor displays will help inspire this new three-day experience of shopping and discovery.
At the helm is deeply experienced event producer and visionary Shannon Lorenz, whose aim is to make this market different by elevating the overall experience for everyone involved. Both shoppers and vendors alike will support each other through the commitment to consume locally and support the local economy.
“Amid all the challenges and uncertainty the last couple of years have brought, I could see the opportunity to help people through meaningful connection, ” says Lorenz. “My goal is to serve creative entrepreneurs and build engaged supportive communities.”
Enter to Win
I have $50 in Bespoke Market cash to give away along with two gift bags, and of course tickets to the market! Here’s how you can enter to win:
