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May9

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Van Aqua’s Night at the Aquarium

Posted in: Dining, Events, Fundraising, Vancouver, Wine

Vancouver Aquarium’s iconic Night at the Aquarium gala fundraiser is back for its sixth annual signature fundraising event. Proceeds raised from this event are a critical source of funding for the Aquarium’s conservation, research, and education programs.

There is no other location in Vancouver where you can mingle with more than 50,000 wonderful sea creatures. Guests at the gala will enjoy a selection of wines from around the world paired with delicious Ocean Wise™ dishes prepared by some of Vancouver’s top chefs, including Rob Clarke of C Restaurant, Frank Pabst of Blue Water Café, David Hawksworth of Hawksworth Restaurant (recently named Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year) and Ned Bell of YEW restaurant at Four Seasons Vancouver.

In addition, gala attendees will enjoy live music and entertainment, and have a chance to bid on dream vacations in the live and silent auctions. This year’s live auction will feature an exclusive vacation package from Sonora Resort. Journey of the Salmon: From the Stream to the Plate will include a two night stay, round-trip helicopter flight for two, a one hour eco adventure tour on the inflatable Polaris vessel, a “raft and snorkel with the salmon” session, a cooking class, a four hour fishing session plus a signed copy of the Tastes of Sonora Cookbook (valued in total at $6,800).

“There’s no other event like it. Night at the Aquarium is a magical gala where our guests enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring some of B.C.’s top chefs and fine wines,” according to Dr. John Nightingale, president and CEO of the Vancouver Aquarium. “The funds raised at this event directly support our conservation, research and education programs that help to conserve aquatic life.”

Last year, Night at the Aquarium raised over $350,000; the proceeds were used to support the Aquarium’s many programs including Ocean Wise, a national sustainable seafood program, and its frog propagation program to help preserve the Oregon spotted frog (an endangered species in BC).

Tickets are $250 and include an amazing array of Ocean Wise dishes paired with a selection of exquisite wines. This year’s gala features a special VIP reception highlighting BC spot prawns, caviar, and exclusive wines. ‘Virtual tables’ of eight are available for $2,500.

The Vancouver Aquarium is a self-sustaining, non-profit organization.

Night at the Aquarium
Date: Thursday, June 21, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Venue: Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park
Tickets: $250; available either online or by phoning 604.659.3527 (partial tax receipt given)

Photos courtesy of John Heil Photography.
May9

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Rock of Ages: LA’s 80′s Relived

Posted in: Events, Musical, Theater Reviews, Vancouver

[Photo credit: ©Scott Suchman]

Last night, Broadway Across Canada’s Rock of Ages opened to an enthusiastic crowd. Hearing Journey’s “Stone in Love” pre-show was enough to send me back to my teen years living in Los Angeles. Yes, this is a musical set to my LA high school years, dreaming of being old enough to enter many of the Sunset Strip music venues that were evoked in Rock of Ages.

Think Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You“, Jon Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive“, Jefferson Starship’s “We Built This City“, or Europe’s “The Final Countdown“, married with the interior of one of LA’s hottest clubs, to an evening of dance and rock music that tells the tale of young love.

This production focuses on themes of dreaming big, rock and roll hedonism, 80′s politics, and MUSIC! Get ready to rock; this production is loud, brash, and fun to experience.

Rock of Ages begins in the late 80′s on the Strip, where Sherrie lands in the big city and winds up at the Bourbon Room, dreaming of becoming an actress. Pretty, young, and blond, she’s offered a job at the club waiting tables where she meets Drew, with his own dream of making it big in a rock band. Throughout the two hour, 20 minute (with one intermission) show, the audience is in for brash humour (Lonny, played by Justin Colombo nails the annoying 80′s dude almost to a fault), strong vocals (standouts are Tymisha ‘Tush’ Harris performing in two roles, and Matt Nolan as rock music god Stacee Jaxx), and costumes that range from sexy to outrageous.

The majority of the show takes place inside the Bourbon Room, utilizing a smartly designed revolving stage that sets apart some of the scenes. Palm trees, neon signage of the Roxy Theatre, Whisky, Venus Club, as well as Angelyne’s classic billboard pose hang above a wall of posters, LPs, and other memorabilia. A video screen in the centre cycles to show sunny blue skies, LA scenery, and glimpses of the Reagan years. The back of the stage is where the house band (a talented group of guitarists and drummer) lets it rip to the production’s 28 tunes.

Back to Lonny for a moment. Some of his lines (with regard to the story) were completely unnecessary and sometimes added filler to an already two hour+ performance. While everyone’s known a Lonny type, I personally thought that the story could have done without some of his antics.

And while my partner and I loved young Drew’s (Dominique Scott) vocal talent, we both felt that Sherrie’s (Shannon Mullen) vocal range didn’t work well with Dominique’s. Aside from that, this is a tight, fun, and silly production sure to recall that decade to those who lived through it; for those who were too young, I can assure you that this show represents that decade pretty well.

Rock of Ages is presented by Broadway Across Canada and continues at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts through May 13 (Tuesday through Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 7 pm; Saturday, Sunday matinées, 2 pm).
May1

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Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes

Posted in: Dining, Events, Fundraising, Vancouver, Wine

The Arts Club Theatre Company announces its spring 2012 lineup of Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes, running from May 28 to July 18. These intimate four-course dinners held at private residences throughout Vancouver will provide guests the opportunity to discover the latest trends in food and wine, as well as ways of incorporating in-vogue ingredients into the home cook’s arsenal. Not only are these popular events fun and engaging, but they also raise funds for the Arts Club Theatre, a not-for-profit theatre company.

Each highly sociable evening starts with a glass of wine and an amuse bouche to whet the appetite. The chef then gets down to business: a three hour interactive master class demonstrating professional techniques from the simple to the ingenious. Guests have one-on-one access to some of the most skilled and innovative chefs in Vancouver, who will present dishes that highlight the best offerings of the season.

Each class will showcase the finest vintages from a BC winery with wines from the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, including Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery and Rigamarole Wines. This series features a special spotlight on Mission Hill Family Estate—named Winery of the Year in 2011 by InterVin International Wine Competition.

The spring lineup of classes welcomes new chef instructors: David Robertson, owner of The Dirty Apron Cooking School; TV personality Anthony Sedlak, who recently opened The American Cheesesteak Co. in Yaletown; Tim Evans at Siena Restaurant; and Tom Lee, chef de cuisine at Edible Canada at the Market. Chefs Ned Bell, Quang Dang, and Jefferson Alvarez will return this year.

Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes Lineup:
Wednesday, May 23
David Robertson, The Dirty Apron Cooking School; wine pairings from Rigamarole Wines

Monday, May 28
Ned Bell, YEW restaurant + bar; wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 4
Tim Evans, Siena Restaurant; wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 11
Quang Dang, West Restaurant; wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 19
Jefferson Alvarez, Fraîche Restaurant; wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 26
Anthony Sedlak, The American Cheesesteak Co., Food Network chef and host of The Main; wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Wednesday, July 18
Tom Lee, Edible Canada at the Market; wine pairings from Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery

Time: All classes begin at 6 pm.
Tickets: $125 (a $50 tax receipt included); phone The Arts Club Special Events line at 604.687.5315, extension 248.

All photos courtesy of The Arts Club Theatre.
Apr30

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Bard: The Taming of the Shrew

Posted in: Events, Theater, Vancouver

[Lois Anderson, John Murphy in The Taming of the Shrew. Photo credit: David Cooper]

Shakespeare’s romantic romp, The Taming of the Shrew, shines a comic spotlight on the pleasures and misadventures of the search for the perfect partner. Beautiful Bianca has no shortage of admirers, but she can’t marry until her headstrong sister Kate finds a husband. Along comes fortune-seeking Petruchio who sets out to capture the heart of the fiery-spirited Kate. Petruchio and Kate face off in a crackling battle of wits, while three enthusiastic suitors launch their own devious campaigns as they vie for Bianca’s affections.

Petruchio then sets out to tame his new bride, with the help of his sidekick Grumio (Kayvon Kelly). While Kate and Petruchio engage in a lively battle of wits, three hopeful suitors vie for Bianca’s affections: Lucentio (Anton Lipovetsky), optimistic favourite Hortensio (Kevin Kruchkywich) and the elderly but wealthy Gremio (Shawn Macdonald).

While Lucentio poses as a schoolmaster, his servant Tranio (Kyle Rideout) assumes the role of his master. When confirmation of the promised dower is needed, a traveller (Craig Erickson) successfully pretends to be Lucentio’s father until the real Vincentio (Duncan Fraser) arrives. Adding to the shenanigans is a local tailor (Ian Butcher), a widow (Susan Coodin), Baptista’s servant Biondella (Colleen Wheeler) and Petruchio’s servant Curtis (Bob Frazer).

For this Bard on the Beach season opener at the BMO Mainstage, set designer Kevin McAllister has created a pastoral Arcadian landscape with elements that harmonize with the stage’s natural Vanier Park backdrop. Mara Gottler’s costumes add strong, bright colours to the production’s Empire-era, Italian-influenced setting.

The Taming of the Shrew
Dates: May 31 to September 22
Previews: May 31, May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Celebrating Red & White: wine tasting event following the 3 pm matinee and before the 8 pm show on August 18
Venue: BMO Mainstage, Vanier Park, Vancouver
Tickets: $40 (evenings); $21 to $33 (previews and matinees); $30 Youth (6 to 25 years old)
All adult evening tickets are priced at $36 for June
Ticket prices include reserved seating and HST; purchase tickets either online or via phoning the box office at 604.739.0559.
Apr30

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Vancouver Neighbourhood Plans

Posted in: Education, Environment, Events, Urban Planning, Vancouver

[Photo credit: svacher on Flickr]

Three Vancouver neighbourhoods are looking to the future as new community planning processes for Marpole, Grandview-Woodland, and the West End launch in May with events that include walking tours, open houses, and storytelling nights.

Over the next 18 to 21 months, City staff will work with community residents, business owners, students and stakeholders to create new community plans for each area. The plans will guide future development, economic growth, and change in these communities over the next two decades.

According to Mayor Gregor Robertson, “Community plans are the cornerstone to our city planning processes. We know people in Vancouver are passionate about their neighbourhoods and the development that takes place there. Everyone’s ideas are crucial and we want to hear what community residents have to say about their neighbourhoods as we plan for the future.”

[Photo credit: aetherlev on Flickr]

All three communities will be asked “What do you picture?”. The City will consider all answers in order to help shape what these communities might look like in future decades.

The plans will reflect the individual needs and character of each community within established city-wide, regional, and global policies such as Metro-Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy and TransLink’s 10-Year Transportation Plan. The plans will also help to address transportation, housing, social, health, heritage and arts and culture issues.

Along with supporting these plans and strategies, the community plans will directly influence the streetscapes, parks, community amenities and local economy of these areas.

The public is invited and encouraged to participate in one or more launch events, learn about the process, and find out how to add their voice to the discussions.

Marpole
Marpole Walking Tour: Sunday, May 6, 10:30 am
“There’s No Place Like Home” Storytelling Event: Tuesday, May 1, 7 to 10 pm, Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Drive (south end of Granville Street by the on-ramp of the Arthur Laing Bridge)
Community Open Houses:
Wednesday, May 2, 5 to 9 pm, Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, 990 West 59th Avenue (at Oak Street)
Saturday, May 5, 11 am to 3 pm, 8138 Granville Street

Grandview-Woodland
Grandview-Woodland Walking Tour: Sunday, May 6, 10:30 am
“Stories of Grandview-Woodland” Storytelling Event: Friday, May 11, 7 to 10 pm, WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street
Community Open Houses:
Sunday, May 13, 11 am to 3 pm, Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street
Wednesday, May 16, 5 to 9 pm, Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive

West End
West End Walking Tour: Sunday, May 6, 10:30 am
“There’s No Place Like Home” Storytelling Event: Thursday, May 10, 7 to 10 pm, Denman Theatre, 1737 Comox Street
Community Open Houses:
Saturday, May 12, 11 am to 3 pm, Best Western Sands Hotel, 1755 Davie Street
Tuesday, May 15, 4 to 8 pm, Empire Landmark Hotel, 1400 Robson Street
Thursday, May 17, 4 to 8 pm, Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow Street
Apr25

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2012 Epic Expo Vancouver

Posted in: Dining, Environment, Events, Exhibitions, Fashion, Gadgets, Recycling, Sustainability, Technology, Toys, Vancouver

Mother’s Day weekend marks the return of the 6th annual EPIC Sustainable Living Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. This is Western Canada’s largest sustainable lifestyle showcase, giving eco-conscious consumers a taste of the very best in organic, local, and sustainable goods and services, plus some of the smartest trends supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Over 300 eco-friendly exhibitors will be on hand showcasing the latest in high quality, sustainable products, services, and ideas – including over 100 new exhibitors. This year’s theme, “All Things Food – Local, Organic, and Healthy” will give attendees the chance to explore everything from cooking demos and composting to organic produce and fair trade products.

The EPICurean Food Corner is onsite to sample an assortment of the best organic beer, wine, and gourmet treats while showcasing locally-produced, seasonal, and organic foods. Take in new recipes and techniques at the Whole Foods EPICurean Stage, where chefs will dish up delicious samples and cooking demos galore.

Craving more? Drop by one of the hundreds of displays for everything from food to fashion, weddings, home technology and décor, health and beauty, and transportation. EPIC Vancouver offers something for everyone – including some great contests and giveaways.

Stop by the Main Stage for inspiring presentations from leading sustainability experts, green gurus, and special guests, then head over to the Fair Trade Pavilion to get information and purchase products that support producers in developing nations.

Eco-chic attendees will love the Fashion Marketplace and EPICatwalk. Here you’ll find the latest earth-friendly fashions and sustainable styles in clothing and accessories from over 40 exhibitors.

In addition, guests considering a greener ride will enjoy exploring the complete lineup of Toyota and luxury Lexus hybrids on display at Ride ‘n Drive – they’ll even get to test drive one.

The EPIC KidZone offers future eco-enthusiasts a chance to demo the latest eco-toys, and take part in hands-on, kid-friendly activities with the Granville Island Toy Company.

EPIC Sustainable Living Expo
Dates: Friday, May 11 through Sunday, May 13
Friday, 1 pm to 8 pm
Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm
Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
Venue: Vancouver Convention Centre West
Tickets: Adults $15 ($12 online); Seniors, Students, Youth, $12.00 ($9.00 online); Children 12 and under FREE
*All prices include HST. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Multi-day passes available.

Visit the website for more information on EPIC: The Sustainable Living Expo.
Apr25

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New LEGO® Store Opening Weekend

Posted in: Business, Events, Toys, Vancouver

[Star Wars Lego 10143 Death Star II. Photo credit: KatanaZ on Flickr]

LEGO® fans, rejoice! At last, Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre will hold the official grand opening of BC’s first LEGO® Store with a weekend-long Master Builder Event on May 4 to 6 in the shopping centre’s West Galleria.

Join LEGO® Master Builder Erik Varszegi in constructing a larger-than-life eight foot tall R2-D2 model made entirely of LEGO® bricks.

LEGO® fans, Star Wars enthusiasts, kids and adults alike will love meeting, learning from, and lending a hand to the LEGO® building pro; they’ll will even receive a LEGO® Star WarsTM Certificate of Achievement for their help.

The first 300 visitors to purchase at least $35 at the LEGO® Store each day will also receive an exclusive daily grand opening item: a LEGO® Minifigure t-shirt (available only on Friday), a limited-edition LEGO® Store Set (on Saturday), and an exclusive Minifigure Set (available on Sunday). In addition, there will also be free giveaways on opening weekend.

LEGO® Store Grand Opening Celebration
Venue: LEGO Store at Oakridge Centre, West Galleria, 650 West 41st Street, Vancouver
Dates: Friday, May 4, 11 am to 7 pm; Saturday, May 5, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, May 6, 11 am to 6 pm
Apr25

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Vancity Theatre: May Cinema Salon

Posted in: Events, Movies, Vancouver

Each month, Melanie Friesen invites a distinguished guest to Vancity Theatre’s Cinema Salon, in order to present his/her favourite film. After the screening, both audience and speaker have the opportunity to engage over drinks and snacks in the Vancity lounge. This month’s film is The Company of Wolves.

About the film
Nascent female sexuality is the focus of “The Company of Wolves,” where young Rosaleen dreams about nocturnal werewolves and spooky forests. “Never stray from the path, never eat a windfall apple, and never trust a man whose eyebrows meet in the middle,” warns Granny (Angela Lansbury). Then walking in the forest, Rosaleen is tempted aside by a dashing hunter whose eyebrows meet in the middle. While neither a children’s film nor a horror film, its hypnotic beauty is found in the allegories of leaving childhood behind and embracing maturity.

This month’s Cinema Salon is hosted by Sandra Singh, Vancouver Public Library’s Chief Librarian since December 2010.

Singh returned to the VPL after serving as the Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at UBC. Sandra held two senior management positions at the VPL, first as the Director of Branches East/South and Outreach Services, followed by Director of Systems and Special Projects.

She also served as the National Director of Working Together, a federal government-funded national demonstration project that developed new ways of working with people who experience social exclusion or marginalization.

Vancity Cinema Salon with Sandra Singh Presents The Company of Wolves
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 7:30
Venue: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $13.00; may be purchased online
Apr24

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Touchstone’s Shelter From The Storm

Posted in: Events, Theater, Vancouver

[Lindsay Winch, Kyle Jespersen]

Shelter From The Storm will close Touchstone Theatre’s 2012/13 season. The latest Flying Start project, Shelter provocatively explores Canadians’ changing relationship to Americans escaping war in our country. Already an award-winning play, Shelter is sure to turn heads for both its content and the strong voice of local young playwright Peter Boychuk.

Rick was one of thousands of young men who sought refuge in Canada to escape the Vietnam draft. When he takes in a traumatized young American soldier, Rick begins to understand how much our country has changed in forty years. Set in Tofino, BC, Shelter from the Storm is a play about love and loss that questions our notions of courage and cowardice.

Directed by Katrina Dunn, the design team includes Pam Johnson on set, Adrian Muir on lights, Jeff McMahon on sound and Farnaz Khaki-Sadiq on costumes. Touchstone’s 2011/12 Season explores the role of both the dissident and the provocateur in society. Shelter adds one final unflinching discussion to the season’s investigation, and has recently won second prize in the 2011 Uprising National Playwriting Competition.

[Lindsay Winch, Kyle Jespersen, Peter Hall]

Flying Start is one of Touchstone’s programs in association with Playwrights Theatre Centre and the Firehall Arts Centre. The program provides a stage to new playwrights who have yet to be professionally produced. The selected play is developed over a period of two years, culminating in a small scale, fully professional showcase production. The playwright receives a $6,000 stipend, funded by the Vancouver Foundation, to support their writing work.

Shelter From The Storm
Dates: June 1 to 9, 8 pm; June 2, 3, and 9, 2 pm; Wednesday, June 6, 1 pm
Venue: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Post-show Talkback: Tuesday, June 5, 8 pm
Free Preview: Thursday, May 31, 8 pm
Tickets: Available both online and via phoning 604.689.0926

About the Playwright
Peter Boychuk recently completed an M.F.A. in Playwriting at the University of Victoria under the tutelage of Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Joan MacLeod. His one-act plays include Afterglow, Fortunate Son, winning a Stanley Mills Purchase Prize, Honourable Mention in the Canadian National Playwriting Competition, and Best of the Fest at ACToberfest 2007; and Chainmail Bikini, which premiered at the Calgary Fringe Festival. Boychuk works across BC as a freelance director and dramaturg.

All photos courtesy of Pink Monkey Studios.
Apr24

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IKEA Richmond Media Preview

Posted in: Events, Interior Design, Lower Mainland, Packaging Design, Product Branding, Toys, Vancouver

I was invited last night to experience the enormous, beautifully designed new Richmond IKEA, about to open its doors to the public.

The new building will offer underground parking (great for rainy shopping days) as opposed to the current building’s outside lots. IKEA, the household word for affordable home furnishings, is visited by 734 million people each year.

Drinks, DJ WAX spinning tunes, and speciality food items along the way made the evening a lot more engaging for media and guests out shopping and perusing all corners of the new store.

Canada has 11 IKEA stores, and with it an army of employees. Employee discounts and Swedish meatballs aside, IKEA has great educational assistance packages for its staff (75% reimbursement for career-related courses) as well as the IKEA Backpacker.

The IKEA Backpacker initiative is one of the many professional development programs that earned IKEA Canada the recognition of being one of Canada’s top 2011 employers for young people by Mediacorp. By participating in the IKEA Backpacker program, coworkers have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced mentor in different store locations around the world.

If you’d like to be part of the official opening ceremonies tomorrow, get there early! It starts at 8:20, when the doors will be opened to the public for the 1.5 km (!) walk through the 334,000 square foot store.

In honour of Richmond being Canada’s first IKEA store (currently serving 35 years in the Richmond market), the first 1,000 fans in line will be handed mystery envelopes offering everything from an IKEA hot dog to a $250 IKEA gift card.

The sparkly new IKEA Richmond store is located at 3320 Jacombs Road, one block away from the now-closed location.

The old IKEA Richmond will be demolished to make way for new shops in the future.