This Mother’s Day you can give the gift of beautifully hand-made, locally-crafted jewellery, while also supporting a very important cause. Melissa Caron has just launched The Guardian Angel collection of pendants, specifically designed in support of Covenant House, each with its own story. 

Pendant Fundraiser in Support of Covenant House

“I am teaming up with the Covenant House in Vancouver BC, whose purpose is to serve all youth, age 16-24, with absolute respect and unconditional love, to help youth experiencing homelessness and to protect and safeguard all youth in need. They provide a continuum of care consisting of three main programs that youth can access, as well as educational programs, safe and affordable housing, warm meals, medical care, showers, laundry and unconditional love.”
– Melissa Caron

Partial proceeds from each Guardian Angel pendant sold will be donated to Covenant House. There are three unique and distinct styles to choose from, which range from the Sterling Silver Guardian Angel Wing $395 to the dazzling Kalila the Beloved in 14k gold with diamonds and sapphires at $7,500, and styles in between.

Kalila, The Mama Guardian Angel
A latticework of vines and leaves cascade ever so delicately around the glowing sapphire gemstone in Kalila’s womb, providing a nurturing and safe sanctuary enveloping the wearer in unconditional love, and extending outwards to those who gaze upon her shining light. A marquise sapphire sits in her ever-watching eye, the window to the soul, holding your precious spirit in her maternal gaze.  Kalila may be customized in your choice of gold colour and gemstones.

Layla, A petite yet voluptuous shaped angel representing the Mother Goddess rocking you in her upside down heart shaped bosom. Providing a sense of safety, support, and unconditional love guiding you towards your highest power. The gemstone of your choice ever-watching, with crystal clear intention. Layla may be customized in your choice of gold colour and gemstone.

Guardian Angel Wing in Gold or Silver
Wrap yourself in the tender wing of an angel, offering guidance and protection with her beacon of starlight. This winged beauty is offered in your choice of gold colour or sterling silver and gemstone.

Available only for a limited time! Make it your own, or for that special mom in your life. Whichever you choose, your purchase will make a difference in the life of a youth experiencing homelessness in Metro Vancouver.

Follow Melissa Caron Jewellery on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival celebrates its 35th edition this summer from Friday, June 25 to Sunday, July 4. After cancelling the 2020 festival due to COVID-19 uncertainty, the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society is pleased to present a modified 2021 Festival with a program of over 100 virtual events – all in accordance with the Provincial Health Office’s guidelines. Plus, there will be free performances will be announced in May!

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival’s Virtual Program

The 2021 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival includes performances by British Columbia’s plethora of talented artists; streams from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Amsterdam, and Paris; free online workshops; club performances; and a continued partnership with North Shore Jazz. All streams will be available until midnight on July 6, 2021.

Streaming Series

International Streaming Series
The series kicks off June 25th with a performance from Chicago by percussionists Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang. The following nights, travel (virtually) to New York, with a tribute to Bud Powell (Bouncin’ with Bud) featuring Helen Sung, Steve Smith, and Lonnie Plaxico, as well as a solo performance by pianist Fred Hersch, respectively. On June 30th, John Beasley’s Grammy-winning MONK’estra explores the music of Thelonious Monk and original compositions. View the full International Streaming Series lineup here.

Innovation Series at Ironworks
On June 25th begin the series with a performance by a quartet led by violinist Josh Zubot. The Watermill Project, combining Korean traditional music and jazz into a harmonious whole, led by vocalist Sara Kim is streaming June 27th. July 3rd sees a rare appearance by Talking Pictures, led by guitarist Ron Samworth. he final performance from the Innovation Series at Ironworks features two duos: drummer Kenton Loewen and trumpeter JP Carter, plus Not for Proper, Loewen’s duo with pianist Lisa Cay Miller. View the full Innovation Series at Ironworks lineup here.

Pyatt Hall Series & Frankie’s Jazz Club
The Pyatt Hall Series, streaming nightly, opens June 25th will feature sax-master and local jazz impresario Cory Weeds and his Quartet in a tribute to Harold Land. three of Vancouver’s most sought-after players join together as Triology (with Jodi Proznick, Miles Black, and Bill Coon) on June 30th. For the final night of the series on July 4th, catch charming vocalist Andrea Superstein. View the full Pyatt Hall Series & Frankie’s Jazz Club lineup.

Performance Works Series
Opening June 25th with critical darlings and audience favourites Snotty Nose Rez Kids. June 28th will have Blue Moon Marquee’s unique combo of Americana, swing, and gut-bucket blues put a smile on your face. On July 1st, the Peggy Lee Band will explore the elegant compositions of one of Vancouver’s musical treasures, cellist Peggy Lee. July 4th closes the Performance Works Series with jazz-pop chanteuse Jill Barber exploring repertoire in French from her latest album. View the full Performance Works Series lineup here.

Ticketing information is as follows:

• Streaming packages ($50+ tax per series) with single stream tickets ($11+ tax per stream) on sale May 3, 2021 at 10:00am
• The streaming package for all of the ticketed programs at this year’s Festival is $175+ tax

Plans are also afoot for limited in-person attendance, should health orders allow for small gatherings. For more information and the latest updates, follow Coastal Jazz on Facebook.

The BC Restaurant and Foodservice Association (“BCRFA”), Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Save-On-Foods stores, and Town Hall Brands are proud to collaborate to call on the public and industry to #StandUpforService. From March 1 to May 23, 2021 British Columbians are asked to visit the campaign website and share stories of colleagues, servers, cooks, friends, or businesses who are providing a welcoming and unique dining experience while following best practices to combat COVID-19.

Stand Up for Service and Celebrate BC’s Restaurant Industry

The 12-week program recognizes excellence in all the forms that it takes in these times. The efforts of the dedicated personnel that work each day to provide a top-notch dining experience deserve to be recognized, and it is easy to make a nomination online with just a few clicks.

Each week, an outstanding restaurant worker (must be of legal drinking age) will be selected to receive a $100 Save-On-Foods gift card and a gift from Sumac Ridge Estate Winery. At the end of the 12-week promotion, four individuals will be chosen to each receive a special Sumac Ridge Estate Winery gift and a $250 gift card to Save-
On-Foods. These superstar restaurant workers will also be highlighted on the BCRFA and BC Tastes Better Instagram pages.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts that restaurant, foodservice and pub staff are making to ensure that restaurants are rising to the occasion in the face of the most challenging time in a century. It takes a lot of effort and diligence to be on the front line … and we want restaurant staff to know we are there to support them and encourage them.” – Ian Tostenson, president and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Nominate an individual who makes a difference with your dining experience and support the people of BC restaurant industry today. Follow #StandUpForService on social media to view entries, recipients and updates.

Due to popular demand, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art announces the extension of the milestone exhibition To Speak With a Golden Voice — in celebration of the centennial birthday of Bill Reid (1920–1998) and his extraordinary life and legacy.

Bill Reid Gallery Exhibition Extended

• When: July 16, 2020 – September 6, 2021
  • Wednesdays through Sundays from 11:00am to 5:00pm
• Where: 639 Hornby St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Available online in advance.

Originally set to close in April 2021, the exhibition will be extended until September 6, 2021 and will include the addition of two new monumental artworks and the unveiling of an anticipated new book to commemorate the gallery’s namesake in early May. Guest curated by Gwaai Edenshaw — considered to be Reid’s last apprentice — To Speak With a Golden Voice includes rarely seen treasures by Reid and works from artists such as Robert Davidson and Beau Dick, alongside new works created for the exhibition by contemporary artist Cori Savard (Haida) and singer-songwriter Kinnie Starr (Dutch/German/Mohawk and Irish ancestry).

To Speak With a Golden Voice provides new insights into the nuanced facets and creative complexities of Reid’s life and legacy. The exhibition follows four thematic threads, beginning with Voice, a look at Reid’s career at CBC and his prolific writings, including archival recordings of his thoughts on Northwest Coast art. Voice is central to the exhibition, including audio narratives, literary excerpts, and a commissioned sound-based artwork by Kinnie Starr that incorporates Reid’s voice.

To complement the milestone exhibition and to bring a fresh perspective to Bill Reid through the voices of his friends and family, the Bill Reid Gallery will unveil the anticipated commemorative book, ‘Bill Reid, To Speak With a Golden Voice’ at the official online book launch on Saturday, May 8 at 1:00pm. A selection of Reid’s works and photographs with family, colleagues, and friends are artfully curated in the 84-page, full colour publication. Published by the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the book is written by Gwaai Edenshaw and Beth Carter with contributions from Tyson Brown, Jisgang Nika Collison, and Dr. Martine Reid.

Due to the pandemic, the Bill Reid Gallery is following the recommended provincial health and safety guidelines and will limit the number of visitors to ensure 2-metre social distancing. Other measures will include: No touch payment and online ticket sales, sanitizer stations throughout the gallery, temporary removal of interactive objects, frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces, and masks must be worn.

Win Tickets

I have a family pack of tickets to give away (2 adult tickets, 2 child) so you can catch this exhibition before it’s over in September. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, May 10, 2021. UPDATE The winner is Tony!

It’s time to Jean Up for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation! Last year, Jeans Day transformed into a full month of support with the #JeanUp campaign. Every year, over 96,000 kids count on the specialized care provided at BC Children’s Hospital. By wearing jeans and donating, your support will fund everything from innovative research and equipment to specialized care that’s tailored to the unique needs of kids.

Jean Up for BC Children’s Hospital This Month

To support, you can simply donate or fundraise online with your company or school, and then pick a day, week or even the entire month of May to proudly show your Jean Up spirit in support of kids at BC Children’s Hospital.

As the only children’s hospital in the province, tens of thousands of kids who visit the hospital each year count on the care provided here to undergo highly specialized surgery, endure chemotherapy to treat a rare form of cancer, or receive physiotherapy to recover from an injury.

When Sofia was six years old, she was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation, which occurs when the intestines don’t rotate properly during development. Because of her condition, she’s made countless trips to BC Children’s with her family and underwent three surgeries. Last year, she was in the hospital for almost seven months. Sofia’s condition is more stable—but the 11 year old still has a long journey ahead of her. By wearing jeans this May, you can help kids get out of their hospital gowns and back into their jeans.

During these trying and uncertain times with COVID-19, health care providers at BC Children’s continue to do what they’ve always done—ensure kids and families get the expert care they need. But this pandemic has made their difficult jobs even harder.

Your support will help health care providers respond to these rapidly evolving needs, while they continue to deliver the best possible care to kids so they can get back into their jeans sooner.

Tag @bcchf on your social media channels and add a virtual Jean Up sticker to your posts (just enter BCCHF into the GIF search on Instagram) when you #JeanUp this month.

Miss604 is a proud Jean Up Ambassador for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation