Artists in Our Midst (“AIOM”) is celebrating 25 years of open-door artistic explorations with the West of Main Art Walk, May 27-28, 2017. In its largest-ever year, the festivities stretch from Point Grey to Main Street and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue, as a vibrant community of more than 50 artists share their works in garden studios, cafés, shops, and community centres.
West of Main Art Walk
Open Studio Tour and Sale
Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28, 2017 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
From Point Grey to Main Street & from Granville Island to 41st Avenue
During the West of Main Art Walk, more than 30 studios, several cafés, and shops will open their doors to showcase the artists’ eclectic and expressive works. As the public traverse between the exhibition spaces, they will have the opportunity to venture to stunning garden studios, personally meet the creators, and engage in dialogue about their art and process.
The Roundhouse Exhibit
Leading up to the Art Walk, The Roundhouse Exhibit will offer early glimpses of the discoveries to-be-made on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 1:000am to 9:00pm at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. The day-long event highlights a wide range of paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and photography, and acts as a prelude to the following weekend-long art walk.
A silent auction will also be held during the Art Walk with all proceeds going to the West of Main Art Walk Legacy Scholarship Fund in support of young and emerging artists from Arts Umbrella and Lord Byng Secondary School.
Win a Prize Pack
Three participating artists have offered up artwork for this prize pack:
All images are property of the individual artist.
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 @Van_Art_Walk prize pack from 3 local artists http://owl.li/F3jc30bMHiV” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
Follow the West of Main Art Walk on Twitter and Facebook for more information. I will draw one contest winner at 12:00pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
Award-winning theatre company Realwheels presents Comedy on Wheels: Celebrating Canada’s Birthday with Belly Laughs! Building from the ground-breaking success of last season’s SexyVoices, this creative and lively disability-inspired comedy variety show combines original stand-up performances, comical scenes, live music, projections, and fun surprises as Realwheels’ community cast tackles some of our sacred cows.
Comedy on Wheels
“Comedy on Wheels will showcase members of the disability community in performances that capitalize on some of our greatest assets – humour and storytelling.”
When: Thursday, May 18 to Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 8:00pm
Where: Performance Works (Granville Island); 1218 Cartwright St
Tickets: Available online now. May 18 pay what you can, May 19 $20, May 20 $25.
Value Add: “Humour & Disability” – join members of the artistic team and special guests for a lively, one-hour panel discussion on Saturday, May 20 at 4:00pm. All performances are accessible through ASL (American Sign Language) and Audio Description provided by VocalEye. Shuttle service to and from the venue available through advance booking. For shuttle info, please contact [email protected].
Comedy On Wheels / John Endo Greenaway Photo
Making a special appearance in Comedy on Wheels is UK-based, Canadian-born comic Tanyalee Davis. At 3’6″, Tanyalee is the Ferrari of comedy – low to the ground and kind of racy! Tanyalee has performed her one-person show “Actual Size” in Melbourne and Sydney (2016), was featured on BBC’s “Live at the Apollo” (2015), performed her second solo show, “Big Trouble In Little ‘Gina”, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland (2013), and did a six-month run of her show, “Little Comedian, BIG Laughs” in Las Vegas (2011). Tanyalee is a member of the Abnormally Funny People ensemble, performing throughout the United Kingdom, as well as a writer and star of the Channel 4 series, “I’m Spazticus”.
Comedy on Wheels features a large community cast and is Realwheels’ newest project under the Wheel Voices programming banner. “A shared laugh strengthens our bonds and dissolves barriers,” says producer and Realwheels’ Man-aging Artistic Director, Rena Cohen. “Comedy on Wheels will entertain and surprise you with its novel perspective. Prepare to laugh away some of your preconceptions!”
Featuring the following incredibly talented community cast members:
Amy Amantea
Emily Brook
James Brown
Cathy Browne
Amelia Cooper
Dannielle Hayes
Art Jonker
Greg ‘Spokes’ Labine
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Laura Mackenrot
Aaron Roderick
Caspar Ryan
Martin J Thomson
Andrew Vallance
Brandon Wilkinson
Kevin Woollard
PLUS Special Guest Comic: Tanyalee Davis
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“I’ve been acquainted with the excellent work that Realwheels does for a few years now. When I heard that they were putting together an ensemble cast for a stand-up comedy production, I decided to get involved,” says photographer Cathy Browne, who doesn’t let being blind stop her from following any of her passions. “Finally, in my early 60s, I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do!”
Cathy says the entire community cast has stories to tell about living with a disability, and they are all as compelling as they are funny. “I’m having a fantastic time working alongside some very talented people […] I hope to see capacity crowds supporting us all, and the wonderful work that Rena Cohen and the Realwheels team does here in Vancouver.”
Get tickets for Comedy on Wheels here »
About Realwheels Theatre
Realwheels creates and produces performances that deepen audiences’ understanding of the disability experience. They envision full integration of people with disabilities in the performing arts. Follow RealWheels on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for more information.
The Pemberton Music Festival is coming up Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16 in beautiful Pemberton, BC with headlining acts like Chance the Rapper, MUSE, A Tribe Called Quest, and many, many more.
Full ticketing details and prices, including Regular General Admission, VIP and Super VIP packages, are now available online now. With your ticket you’ll get 4 days of amazing performances under majestic Mount Currie and a portion of your ticket purchase goes to Pemberton Music Festival Community Fund.
With camping spot filling up fast, you’ll want to get a shuttle pass for the weekend, making Whistler your home base. You’ll have someone else do the driving, you won’t have to worry about parking (there is none on-site anyway) and you could make some friends on the ride! Here’s how you can make the best of a Pemberton shuttle pass when you stay in Whistler:
5 Ways to Enjoy Whistler During Pemberton Music Festival
1. Work Out
You’ll be walking between stages all day at Pemberton Music Festival but if you’re keen to keep up an elevated fitness routine during your time in the area, there are 50km of alpine trails for you to explore. Pick a mountain-top walk, intermediate hike, or advanced hike to start your day.
2. Unwind Before You Let Loose
Have you heard of Scandinave Spa? It’s a magical spa with eucalyptus steam room, Finnish sauna, hot pools, cascading waterfall, all perched between evergreens on the side of the mountain in Whistler. Snuggle up by the fire in your robe between rejuvenating hydro treatments as you think about all of the bands you’re going to see later that day at the festival. You can either book a spa treatment or simply access the pools for the morning to recharge before you head out to the shuttle.
3. Play Time
From June to September, the Blackcomb Village area transforms into the Family Adventure Zone presented by NINTENDO. Ride the Westcoaster Slide, play Mario & Friends Mini Golf, zip around in Go Carts, and more. The zone opens daily at 10:00am, and it’s just a quick walk to the Pemberton shuttle stop via the Valley Trail.
4. Keep Calm and Experience Local Culture
One of my favourite places is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, showcasing art, history and culture. It’s a beautiful and peaceful location to reflect and learn, open daily at 9:30am and there are guided tours every hour on the hour.
5. Late Night Eats
You just got off the shuttle from Pemberton but before heading back to your room, you need to refuel after that last act on stage made you dance off your last festival meal. Not to worry! Head over to El Furniture Warehouse in Whistler Village. It’s open until 2:00am and all food, everyday, all day, is just $4.95. On the hearty and healthy side, Stonesedge is open until 1:00am and has a variety of protein-packed vegan and vegetarian options – their brunches are great too!
Produced and promoted by Huka Entertainment, in collaboration with the Village of Pemberton and land partners the Sunstone Group, the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the festival turns Pemberton Valley, located less than thirty minutes from Whistler, BC, into a premiere musical playground. Last year’s festival drew more than 180,000 people to the most beautiful place on earth. As with last year’s festival, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each ticket will be donated to local organizations in the Pemberton community.
Follow Pemberton Music Festival (#PembyFest) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more information.
Established in 1990, Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. This annual festival explores and celebrates the genius of William Shakespeare, surrounded by the natural beauty of Vancouver. Here’s what will be on stage this season:
Bard on the Beach Summer 2017
Much Ado About Nothing
June 1 – September 23 on the BMO Mainstage
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. Directed by John Murphy
The Winter’s Tale
June 8 – September 22 on the BMO Mainstage
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. Directed by Dean Paul Gibson.
The Merchant of Venice
June 22 – September 16 on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre
A deeply fascinating study in contrasts, Shakespeare’s timeless drama, set this season in modern-day Venice, exposes the consequences of how we treat outsiders in our midst. Portia and Bassanio discover true love but the merchant Antonio and the moneylender Shylock are driven by prejudice and the craving for revenge, as they move ever closer to a devastating judgement day. Directed by Nigel Shawn Williams.
Photo & Image Design: David Cooper & Emily Cooper
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
June 29 – September 17 on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre
Valentine and Proteus are best friends with an awkward problem – they’re both in love with Valentine’s girlfriend Sylvia. And it gets even trickier – Proteus already has a girlfriend of his own. Shakespeare’s early romantic comedy is a lively riff on friendship, love and loyalty with the bonus of two very funny clowns plus a dog that just might steal the show! Directed by Scott Bellis.
Shylock
September 6 – 15 on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre
Meet Jon Davies, an actor and a Jew, condemned by his own community for his portrayal of the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. When the production is cancelled, Davies uses his final post-show talkback to raise provocative questions about censorship in general and the political correctness of Merchant itself. Shylock was first produced in 1996 at Bard and has since been staged around the world. Directed by Sherry J. Yoon.
Play performances run Tuesday through Sunday with matinees on select weekends and weekdays and a range of special events on Monday evenings. All evening performances start at 7:30pm.
Special Events
Check out the full list of special events this season, from the Bard-B-Q fireworks, to Chor Leoni, Family Nights, Wine Wednesdays and more!
View the full schedule online here »
Tickets for Bard on the Beach’s 28th season are now on sale beginning at $21. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection as many performances sell out in advance. Order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.
Follow Bard on the Beach on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Vancouver’s historic Yaletown district will be celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday with an exciting lineup of events and giveaways this season with #YaletownHeartsCanada! Participate in a series of free public events and enter a social media contest for your chance to win 1 of 13 Raleigh bikes.
#YaletownHeartsCanada
Celebrate the 130th Anniversary of Engine 374
When: Sunday, May 21, 2017 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews (Davie & Pacific), Vancouver
On May 23, 1887, this little engine that could pulled the first transcontinental train into Vancouver and sealed the deal for British Columbia joining Canada, completing a nation that spans from coast to coast. 130 years later, the public are invited to re-live the moment alongside the famous engine at its resting home in Yaletown’s Roundhouse Turntable Plaza.
Vancouver families, friends, and history buffs alike will get the opportunity for an up-close look at Yaletown’s famous Engine 374. This free community event celebrates Canada’s 150th anniversary as well as marks the 130th anniversary of Engine 374 arriving in British Columbia – an event that sealed the deal for British Columbia joining Canada, completing a nation that spanned from coast to coast.
Brought to you by the West Coast Railway Association and sponsored by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association, the family-focused affair will offer children’s activities and crafts, a brass band playing a rousing background score and plenty of photo opportunities while kids of all ages play and interact with the train.
Let’s Hear it for Yaletown
When: June 26-30, 2017 Mon-Fri 11:00am to 1:00pm & 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Bill Curtis Square on the corner of Mainland and Davie
In celebration of 150 years of music in Canada, Yaletown will be hosting five days of free outdoor jazz. Taking place the week leading up to Canada day, the neighbourhood will be serenaded with the sounds of live Canadian jazz bands at lunchtime and after work. Vancouverites are invited to visit Yaletown and join the community at Bill Curtis Square (Canada Line Station at Mainland and Davie) for free performances from Monday, June 26 to Friday, June 30, 2017.
#YaletownHeartsCanada Contest
To commemorate these neighbourhood and national celebrations alike, the Yaletown Business Improvement Association is excited to launch an online contest encouraging locals and visitors to post photos and videos sharing what they love about Canada.
13 lucky winners – honouring the 13 provinces and territories of Canada – will each receive a Raleigh bike crafted specifically for city cycling, plus a custom fitting from Yaletown’s Reckless Bikes. Kicking off today, the contest will run until Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
Enter to Win!
Thanks to Swirl Wine Store, a Yaletown staple, I have an awesome prize pack to give away too, valued at $200! It includes 4 bottles of wine, glasses, fun wine gifts, a Yaletown water bottle and a Frisbee.
Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Like, share, or comment on this post on Facebook (1 entry)
- Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a #YaletownHeartsCanada Swirl Wine Store prize pack http://owl.li/iB6w30bKnB6″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
For all of these events and more, follow the Yaletown Business Improvement Association on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Update The winner is Shawn Nygren!
