Italian Day on the Drive

Comments 153 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver’s own Little Italy is hosting the annual Italian Day on the Drive festival on June 11th, celebrating Italian culture, heritage and respective immigrant contributions in Vancouver. This festival transforms Commercial Drive into a lively 14 block, vehicle free, celebration and community festa!

Italian Day on the Drive

Where: Commercial Drive, Vancouver
When: Sunday, June 11 2017 – 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Admission: FREE

Join over 200 sponsors, merchants, retail booths, food vendors and restaurant patios, for this full day of family fun, and enjoy several stages hosting live music and theatre. Watch for street performers, classic cars, activities and displays, children’s amusement zones and more. Of course there will also be some phenomenal food!

Italian Day On Commercial Drive

For Italian Day 2017, the theme is “Amore”, to celebrate all aspects of life and the magical power it holds to inspire, connect and create infinite possibilities and experiences, both individually and collectively.

Win Dinner for Two

I have the opportunity to give away dinner for two at award-winning Federico’s Supper Club in support of Italian Day! Italian cuisine and welcoming hospitality is served up in an old school atmosphere complete with live music and dancing five nights a week. If you are seeking a culinary adventure or celebrating a special occasion, Federico’s Supper Club is truly a unique experience.

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 dinner for 2 at @FedericosClub & check out @ItalianDay on the Drive June 11 http://bit.ly/2rYyp8k” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow Italian Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Dinner value is $100 for up to two guests. Gratuities not included. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly.

Update The winner is @kardyck!

Mission Hill Summer Concert Series with Michael Bolton

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Imagine summer in the vineyard with live music and fantastic cuisine! The Mission Hill Summer Concert Series is back, bringing world-class musical talent to their spectacular outdoor Amphitheatre. In addition to the concerts, they offer experiential packages to enable guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, wine and song.

Mission Hill Summer Concert Series

Cowboy Junkies – July 7th – Sold Out
Michael Bolton – July 8th
Jewel – July 28th – Sold Out
Chris Botti – August 3rd – Sold Out

The intimacy of these concerts is a popular element for guests, who can enjoy their favourite artists up close in an atmosphere that’s as far from an arena performance as possible. Brilliant sound, the scents of summer, the taste of Mission Hill wines and food, prepared on-site by the estate’s new Executive Winery Chef, Brad Froelich, and his staff, combine to make the evening unforgettable.

Tickets are still available for the Michel Bolton performance but they’re going fast! Call (250) 762-5050 or book online now »

Mission Hill Summer Concert Series with Michael BoltonThe multiple Grammy Award-winning and American Music Award-winning singer, songwriter and social activist has sold more than 60 million records worldwide. He’s earned more than 24 BMI and ASCAP Awards, including Songwriter of the Year, and the Hitmaker Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In addition to supporting humanitarian causes through his Michael Bolton Charities for the past 22 years, he’s also performed with Luciano Pavarotti, BB King, and Ray Charles; written with Bob Dylan, Paul Stanley and Lady Gaga; and had songs recorded by Cher, Streisand, Kanye West and Jay Z. He’s been hailed as one of the “Sexiest Men Alive” by People magazine, done comic turns on TV’s Two and a Half Men, and portrayed Captain Jack Sparrow in The Lonely Island’s SNL digital video, viewed more than 150 million times.

Loggia Wine Lounge & Concert

You can also still book one of the amazing experiential packages for the Michael Bolton concert. The Loggia Wine Lounge & Concert experience includes reserved concert seating at the base of the amphitheatre and exclusive access to the winery’s outdoor covered Loggia gallery adjacent to the Amphitheatre. Guests will be treated to wine service and hors d’oeuvres prior to the concert. Call (250) 762-5050 to book.

“A concert performance under the open sky at our outdoor Amphitheatre is a truly unforgettable experience,” states von Mandl. “There is something extraordinarily special about this intimate hilltop location; a wonderful outdoor concert experience reminiscent of the grand performances staged at Europe’s historic open-air Roman amphitheatres. We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional musical performers to the winery this summer.”

Stay in Style

Book your weekend away for the Mission Hill Summer Concert Series and stay at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna.

Delta Grand Okanagan, Kelowna

This award-winning hotel right on the waterfront offers premier accommodations, guest rooms, and villas for your stay. Dine at OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, enjoy the tranquil spa, get a workout in at the gym, or take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool while you unwind during the concert weekend, a summer getaway, or a winter retreat.

Follow Mission Hill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

June Theatre Listings for Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

One of my favourite Vancouver date night activities with my husband is a dinner and a show, which is why I’m so excited to partner with the Jessie Awards this year to bring you monthly theatre listings.

The Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards are an annual awards ceremony and party produced by the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award Society to celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements of the Vancouver Professional Theatre Community.

June Theatre Listings for Vancouver

Arts Club Theatre Company Presents:
Bittergirl
at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston St, Granville Island)
June 15 – July 29, 2017
This cathartic and catchy musical charts the romantic breakups of three women and the lively antics that ensue. ’60s girl group music like “Be My Baby,” “And Then He Kissed Me,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Where Did Our Love Go?” provide the perfect backdrop for the bittergirls’ journey back to happiness. Who knew getting dumped could be so much fun?

Bard on the Beach Presents:
Much Ado About Nothing
on the BMO Mainstage at Vanier Park
June 1 – September 23
It’s Italy in 1959, and a group of actors and filmmakers are celebrating the wrap of their latest movie. Movie stars Beatrice and Benedick are drawn to each other but refuse to admit it, and Hero and Claudio’s marriage plans are about to be sabotaged by a journalist’s mean-spirited scheme. Cue the paparazzi, then a faked death, and la dolce vita threatens to become not so sweet; but with a script full of surprises, love can still triumph before the credits roll.

Bard on the Beach Presents:
The Winters Tale
on the BMO Mainstage at Vanier Park
June 8 – September 22
A husband’s fierce jealousy is the trigger for a magical and moving tale, set in Sicily and Bohemia, which begins with a cruel punishment and ends with a miracle. King Leontes believes his wife, Queen Hermione, has been unfaithful to him with his best friend, so he puts her in prison and orders that their newborn baby be abandoned in the wilderness. Sixteen years later, across the sea, two young people fall in love and their union becomes the catalyst for reunion, redemption and a family’s healing.

Axis Theatre Presents:
Th’owxyia: The Hungry Feast Dish
at UBC Botanical Gardens (6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver)
June 24 – 25 and July 1 – 2

Six Storytellers from the Kwantlen First Nations Village of Squa’lets, spin the tale of Th’owxiya: the Hungry Feast Dish. The mouth of Th’owxiya holds the most wonderful foods from around the world. But if you steal from her, you will pay a terrible price, for Th’owxiya eats children. When a brave young mouse takes a piece of cheese from Th’owxiya, he is caught. To appease the goddess, he must find two young spirits to sacrifice to her before the moon rises or she will eat his whole family. With the help of two young bears, a raven and a sasquatch, the young mouse sets forth on a journey for knowledge and forgiveness. Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish has shades of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale and the First Nations story The Wild Woman of the Woods, told through mask and music. Suitable for ages 5–12 & family audiences.

Carousel Theatre for Young People Presents:
Good Day and Good Night
at the Bee Stage at Carousel Theatre (1411 Cartwright St, Granville Island)
June 6-18, 2017
Good Day and Good Night introduces infants, toddlers and their caregivers to storytelling and live music in an intimate drama experience that allows them to enjoy theatre on their own terms. The Sun is confident and popular. The Moon is shy and easily overlooked. One day, the Sun meets the Moon, and the two set off to explore each other’s worlds. At first it seems they are too different to ever be friends, but through song, some animal friends, and a little help from the audience, they learn to accept each other’s differences and become friends. They also learn that when they work together they make an excellent team. Good Day and Good Night is recommended for newborn to age 3.

Follow the Jessies on Facebook and Twitter for more information about theatre in Vancouver.

Langley Wine Events Summer 2017

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This summer enjoy a variety of winery events right in our own backyard as Township 7 Winery and other local vineyards in Langley, host a range of activities, from painting to live music, bacon to Shakespeare.

Langley Wine Events Summer 2017

Campbell Valley Spring Wine Festival May 29 to June 9, 2017
Join the wineries of the Campbell Valley Wine Route (Township 7, Backyard, Chaberton, Glass House and Vista d’oro) for a fun filled afternoon in south Langley’s very own wine region. This year each winery hosts two days with complementary culinary offerings and tastings of their newest releases, all while our vineyards are in bloom. More info »

Father’s Day: Wine & Swine June 18, 2017
Celebrate Father’s Day with bacon, wine and dad! The 6th annual Wine & Swine honours the special man in your life at Township 7‘s picturesque South Langley winery. They’ve partnered with the Water Shed Arts Cafe for a fantastic 3 course small plates swine inspired offering paired with our wines. Live music will also be performed at this casual, fun celebration. Book your tickets today »

Paint & Sip – Seascape: Pathway to Paradise June 15, 2017
Join resident artist, Felicity Holmes, at Glass House Estate Winery for a magical evening of painting and sipping. Included in the cost of your ticket is all your painting materials, a glass of wine, cheese & charcuterie and some other delicious treats.

Art in the Vines June 25, 2017
Over 30 established and emerging artists will be on-hand to discuss their works including crafts, jewelry, glass, pottery, paintings, photography, clothing, handcrafted cuisine, and more. Enjoy Township 7′s award winning wine, scrumptious food, along with delightful tunes. If you are a local artist interested in participating, please contact [email protected].

Bard in the Vineyard: Much Ado About Nothing July 7 to July 15, 2017
Experience Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing performed live in the vineyard. Full of sparkling merriment this sexy comedy sizzles as one set of lovers battles against a dirty trick and another simply battles each other in a “merry war”. Delight in the play’s witty dialogue performed by Bard in the Valley. Arrive early, bring a picnic and enjoy this talented local troupe paired with local wine all in an alfresco setting at Township 7. Purchase tickets online here »

Summer Music Series June 4 to October 1, 2017
Enjoy live music at Backyard Vineyards every weekend, all summer long. Talent includes John Gilliat, Fionn, Razzmajazz, Jayleen Stonehouse, Andrew Christopher, and more.

Campbell Valley Wine Route Wineries:


YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Winners List 2017

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The 34th annual YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards are being held tonight at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where over 80 nominees will be recognized in 12 categories.

I will have live coverage from the sold out event on Twitter throughout the night on @Miss604 and using the tag #YWCAWODA. A full list of nominees will be placed here following the event. Good luck to all!

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

Arts, Culture & Design
Kathleen Bartels – Director, Vancouver Art Gallery

Business & the Professions
Anne Stewart – Partner Emeritus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Community Champion
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia – Co-Founder, Pacific Autism Network

Education, Training & Development
Nancy Olewiler – Professor, School of Public Policy, SFU

Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Meredith Powell – Co-Founder, The Next Big Thing

Environmental Sustainability
Jennie Moore – Associate Dean, School of Construction and the Environment, BCIT

Health & Wellness
Dina Panagiotopoulos – Pediatric Endocrinologist, BC Children’s Hospital and Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine, UBC

Non-Profit
Patricia Woroch – CEO, Immigrant Services Society of BC

Public Service
Catherine Roome – President and CEO, BC Safety Authority

Research & the Sciences
Terry Thomas – Chief Scientific Officer, STEMCELL Technologies Inc.

Young Woman of Distinction
Nicole Ticea – Founder and HIV Researcher, OneWorld Diagnostics

Outstanding Workplace
Clearly

Connecting the Community
Shirley Weir – Founder, MenopauseChicks.com

YWCA-tagline

Follow the YWCA of Vancouver on Facebook and Twitter for more information along with the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards @YWVanWODA on Twitter.

YWCA Metro Vancouver is dedicated to achieving women’s equality. Their mission is to touch lives and build better futures for women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities.

Miss604 is the proud Social Media Sponsor of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, since 2010