Do you know someone who uses their vehicle to do good in their community? Project Purpose, presented by Cowell Auto Group, is rewarding 24 dedicated community volunteers in the Lower Mainland by fixing and cleaning up their car, truck or van. They want to say thank you by making these vehicles like new all over again since it’s important to have safe, reliable transportation in order to give back.

Latest Recipient

Described as humble, upbeat and selfless. Larry Coleman has been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation for over 20 years, he has been a volunteer with The Ride2Survive for the last nine years, and a driver and Board Member with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society for the last four and half years. He drives a 2003 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab so he can carry walkers and wheelchairs. Larry says, if the truck was to let him down he would be letting down a cancer patient and he never wants that to happen.

Cowell Auto Group staff provided a complete car makeover for Larry, as a way to say thank you for his dedication to community service. His ride received all needed repairs and service checks free of charge.

Who Can You Nominate

Visit the Project Purpose website to nominate a committed, long-term volunteer who positively impacts their community and the people around them. This person has a car, but it needs some work, maybe even a lot of work, to be make it a safe and reliable again.

Candidates can come from Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Tsawwassen, Ladner or Pitt Meadows.

Nominations are accepted throughout 2018. Recipients will be selected from the nominees and notified by phone throughout the year.

The Harmony Arts Festival, presented by Odlum Brown Limited, is entering its 28th year with a cornucopia of festival favourites and some exciting new additions. Enjoy a variety of free events and activities including live concerts, art exhibitions, outdoor installations and culinary events along the Ambleside waterfront this August.

Harmony Arts Festival

When: August 3–12, 2018
Where: Ambleside, various venues, West Vancouver

New This Year

• A new Indigenous Exhibition, sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal, will include an authentic marketplace and group exhibition, starting with a traditional welcome on Friday, August 3, 2018.
• The inaugural Indigenous Feast featuring Salmon n’ Bannock will take place on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 on Ambleside Landing.
• We are proud to offer a stunning feature artwork designed by a Coast Salish artist, Sinámkin Jody Broomfield, which pays homage to the spirit of the eagles who live near Ambleside and John Lawson Park.
• Salt & Earth Catering Co. brings savoury treats to the Salt & Earth Oyster Bar in the RE/MAX Waterfront Lounge for all 10 days of the festival.

Enjoy music, film, art, literature, food, and more at Harmony Arts!

Visual Arts

An eclectic mix of local and international artistic talent in a variety of media

• The Fresh St. Market Art Market features a wide range of juried products including ceramics, glass, jewelry, leather, painting, photography, textiles and wood. The market runs both weekends (August 3–6 and August 10–12) on Argyle Avenue.
• ArtSpeaks, sponsored by British Pacific Properties, features a range of workshops, demonstrations and artist talks at the Ferry Building Gallery.
• The Group Exhibition, sponsored by the Always Best Care Senior Services, is an outdoor exhibition, open daily.
• Located at Ambleside and Dundarave storefronts, Art Beat, sponsored by Cressey Development Group, showcases local artists in more than 40 local businesses.
• For the Love of Art, sponsored by Kin’s Farm Market showcases youth art in an outdoor exhibition, open daily.
• Artsy Kids, sponsored by the North Shore News, offers a fun and messy creative outlet for kids. Drop in for crafting, painting and other fun workshops.

Music and Performing Arts

Enjoy over 50 free concerts

• PARC Retirement Living Garden Concerts at the PARC Retirement Living Garden Stage in Millennium Park offers three different performances daily with daytime concerts, dinner concerts at 5:30pm and late-night concerts at 8:45pm.
• Onni Group Sunset Concerts also offers nightly performances at 7:30pm on the Main Stage.
• Enjoy the classics from 2:00pm-4:00pm on August 5, 6 and 12, during the Seniors’ Series sponsored by Hollyburn House.
• Jazz by the waterfront returns with Live Music at the Silk Purse.

Culinary Arts

A feast for the senses with pop-up restaurants and more

• Sample delicious family-style Italian fare from La Sorella Di Mangia in the RE/MAX Waterfront Lounge in Millennium Park.
• The Park Royal Beachside Patio in Millennium Park features down-to-earth cuisine from a pop-up restaurant created by Feast Dining.
• Artisan Eats, sponsored by Just Like Family Home Care, turns John Lawson Park into a mecca of mobile food trucks.
• The always-popular Best of the West, sponsored by Grosvenor Americas, is a ticketed food and wine pairing event. Twelve local restaurants and wineries compete for culinary mastery on Ambleside Pier.
• Catch innovative cocktail stylings from bartenders at the ticketed Night on the Pier.
• Cinema in the Park: enjoy a film in the park. For movie lovers and cinephiles, Cinema in the Park, sponsored by West Vancouver Optometry, offers free nightly movies every evening at 9:00pm on the Main Stage.

Literary Arts

Readings in the Park, sponsored by Bridgewater Tile Ltd., features Canadian poet, Joy Kogawa. This is a perfect event for literary lovers and written word aficionados.

WIN TICKETS: Night on the Pier

The Harmony Arts Festival, sponsored by Odlum Brown Limited, celebrates the rebirth of cocktail culture at the 3rd annual Night on the Pier. It’s a vibrant and exhilarating evening on Ambleside Pier that features some of the best bartenders from around the Lower Mainland. Each mixologist competes to create innovative, daring and bold drinks for you to enjoy. Paired with delicious catered food and a stunning waterfront view, Night on the Pier is the place to be.

Here’s how you can enter to win a pair of tickets to Night on the Pier:

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

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to #NightOnThePier at @harmonyartswv #harmonyartsfestival http://ow.ly/eHnL30lbB6x” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly. Follow the Harmony Arts Festival on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more info.

Update The winner is Jennifer R!

The 2018 Vancouver International Film Festival (“VIFF”) is fast approaching and to make this fine festival function, volunteers are needed. If you love movies, the arts and being a part of an amazing community, then VIFF has a spot for you!

Call for VIFF Volunteers

When: September 27 to October 12, 2018
Where: Various Vancouver venues, centralized at Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour St)

VIFF is looking for volunteers to help fill their diverse Teams and Lead volunteer positions this year.

For 16 days, hundreds of films from around the world will play throughout the city, showcasing unique genres and content. Dozens of directors, writers and actors will be on hand for insightful—and occasionally provocative—post-screening Q&A sessions. The VIFF team of over 1,200 volunteers, in collaboration with staff, and directors create an internationally renowned and appreciative space for filmmakers and audience members to share their love of film and the film industry.

You must be 16 years or older to apply to volunteer. Certain teams have higher age requirements. Before filling out your application, review VIFF 2018 Volunteer Teams.

Volunteer Teams:

The majority of Teams require each volunteer to commit to a minimum of 4 shifts. The majority of shifts are between 3-5 hours. Volunteers interested in Team Lead positions are required to commit to 50 hours.

Volunteer Perks:

• 1 Volunteer Ticket Voucher for every shift you volunteer. Vouchers can be used in advance for
  any available festival screening. Vouchers are transferrable – so bring a friend!
• A Volunteer Pass which can be used by you in the Volunteer Stand-by Line
• For volunteers who are 16 and 17, this pass allows you access to any classified films. Please note
  that under BC classification law, you must be 18 or older to view unclassified films.
• One invitation to the VIFF Volunteer Appreciation Events
• Special offers, screenings and promotions exclusive to volunteers.
• An exclusive Festival Volunteer T-shirt

Volunteers are an essential and valued part of the Vancouver International Film Festival. They help to create successful world class events year-after-year. Apply online for position available from mid-August through October 15, 2018.

Follow VIFF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about the festival, its events, special guests, and films.

Miss604 is a proud media partner of VIFF 2018.

Celebrating the best in independent queer cinema, the 30th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Vancouver’s second largest film festival and the largest queer arts event in Western Canada.

More than just film, the Festival also hosts performances, workshops, panel discussions, parties and more, creating a unique community space for eleven days each August. With over 70 films from 15 countries, this year’s Festival Spotlights include: decolonizing discipline(s): a two-spirit showcase; RISE: Youth Spotlight; Trans Women On Screen Spotlight; and a Spotlight on The Artist.

VQFF Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Where: Thursday, August 9 to Sunday, August 19, 2018
Tickets: Available online now
When: Various venues: Vancouver Playhouse, Cineplex Odeon International Village, SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, VIFF Vancity Theatre, and the York Theatre.

VQFF is proud to welcome Thirza Cuthand (Plains Cree & Scot) as this year’s Visiting Artist In Residence. For over 20 years, Cuthand has been producing videos that tackle issues of sexuality, madness, youth, love, and race. Her short film 2 Spirit Introductory Special $19.99 screened to acclaim at the 2017 Festival. She is this year’s winner of the Anniversary Media Art Award at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival.

View the full VIFF film lineup here »

VQFF 2018 opens at the Vancouver Playhouse with the Canadian premiere of Yen Tan’s 1985, a critically-observed period piece brought to life by an acclaimed cast including Cory Michael Smith, Michael Chiklis, Virginia Madsen, and Jamie Chung.

The Festival’s Centrepiece Gala Film is the dramatic comedy White Rabbit co-written by and starring comedian Vivian Bang, who takes us on the often awkward and hilarious journey of a queer Korean American performance artist struggling to be heard and seen in modern Los Angeles.

Win Passes

I have 3 x pairs of tickets to give away for VQFF, here’s how you can enter to win:

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

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win Vancouver Queer Film Festival tickets @queerfilmfest #VQFF2018 http://ow.ly/xDJg30lbv4v” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow the VQFF on Facebook and Twitter #VQFF2018 for more info. The tickets are good for any film but are subject to availability. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, August 3, 2018.

Update The winner is Leanne S!

Early Music Vancouver (“EMV”) proudly presents the return of the Vancouver Bach Festival, July 30 – August 10, 2018 at Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of downtown and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC.

Since its inaugural iteration in 2016, the festival has grown to offer a remarkable 15 concerts ranging from intimate chamber music programmes to concerts featuring full orchestra, soloists, and a choir. This year’s festival includes performances by many of the top west coast artists specializing in period performance, as well as by gifted artists from all over Europe.

Early Music Vancouver Presents:
Vancouver Bach Festival

When: July 30 to August 10, 2018
Where: Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard St)
& The Chan Centre at UBC (6265 Crescent Rd)
Tickets: $10 to $68 available online or by calling (604) 822-2697. Enjoy any four concerts at the Vancouver Bach Festival for the price of three. Purchases of more than four concert packages will also receive a 25% discount.

View the full schedule of performances online here »

Win Passes

I have a pair of tickets to give away to the following shows:

Musica Transalpina: Vivaldi to Bach with Reginald Mobley, Pacific MusicWorks
Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 7:30pm (Pre-concert talk 6:45pm)

Praised for his “crystalline diction and pure, evenly produced tone” (Miami Herald), countertenor Reginald L. Mobley makes his highly-anticipated Vancouver return, performing with musicians of Pacific Musicworks and led by revered GRAMMY Award-winning lutenist and conductor Stephen Stubbs. Featuring a rarely-performed dramatic cantata by Antonio Vivaldi – Cessate Omai Cessate, as well as one of J.S. Bach’s most beloved solo cantatas – BWV 82 / Ich Habe Genug, audiences will be spellbound by the beauty of Mobley’s voice and charmed by the warmth of his personality.

Bach Cantatas – Actus Tragicus
Friday, August 3, 2018 at 7:30pm (Pre-concert talk 6:45pm)

EMV is delighted to welcome Switzerland’s celebrated ensemble Gli Angeli Genève back to Vancouver to perform a selection of Early Cantatas by J.S. Bach (BWV 4, 131 and 106), as well as G.P. Teleman’s masterpiece Du Aber Daniel. Led by renowned baritone Stephan MacLeod, Gli Angeli Genève is an ensemble of soloists that performs vocal and instrumental repertoire of the renaissance, baroque and classical periods on stages the world over. They are widely considered one of Europe’s top ensembles specializing in Bach’s sacred music.

Bach, Beethoven and Brahms
Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 7:30pm (Pre-concert talk 6:45pm)

Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms have been considered the backbone of the Classical canon since the late nineteenth century. Baroque violinist Monica Huggett and fortepianist Byron Schenkman explore some of those composers’ most beloved works, using instruments and playing styles appropriate to the time when that canon was being established, including Early Music Vancouver’s magnificent 1870 Broadwood piano. The programme includes Bach’s great Chaconne in D minor for solo violin.

Francois Couperin – Leçons de Ténèbres
Thursday, August 9 at 7:30pm (Pre-concert talk 6:45pm)

In celebration of Francois Couperin’s 350th anniversary, this programme includes his sumptuous trio sonata L’Impériale and a complete performance of one of the masterpieces of French baroque music, his surviving three Leçons des Ténèbres, for two sopranos, viola da gamba and basso continuo.

Bach – Trauer Ode (BWV 198) and BWV 146 at the Chan Centre
Friday, August 10 at 7:30pm at the Chan Centre (Pre-concert talk 6:45pm)

Vancouver’s own Alexander Weimann leads the PBO and the soloists of Gli Angeli Genève in a dramatic reading of one of Bach’s greatest works of mourning, the Trauer Ode. Bach composed this large-scale secular cantata for orchestra and soloists in 1727 to commemorate the death of Christiane Eberhardine, the wife of Augustus, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. It is unusually richly scored, even for Bach, and includes not only pairs of flutes and oboes d’amore, but also of violas da gamba and lutes in addition to a full string orchestra. This great work will be performed alongside another masterpiece by Bach, his cantata BWV 146 – Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

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

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a #VanBachFest multi-show ticket pack @earlymusicvan http://ow.ly/XLKy30l8wTa” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow the Vancouver Bach Festival & Early Music Vancouver on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more information.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Update The winner is Angela M!