September 5, 2011

September 5, 2011–For a second today, I thought it was February.  Not because it was cold but because as I was driving across the Burrard Street Bridge, there was a slew of banners with hearts on all the lamp posts.  Don’t get me wrong, hearts can be associated with a lot of things, but Valentine’s Day has sort of taken over the heart as it’s international symbol.

Where was I?  Right, Burrard Bridge.  The Vancouver Arts Club has displayed some lively banners across the bridge in hopes of inspiring people to take part in their cause.  What is the Arts Club exactly?  With 2 theatres located on Granville Island (Arts Club Theatre and The Revue Stage) and 1 on Granville Street (Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage), the Arts Club Theatres are home to a number of productions staged by young and local performers, year round.  If you like to head out to see a play now and then, supporting the Vancouver Arts Club is an excellent way to not only support our local arts scene but maintain the city as having a reputation for good food and entertainment!

Here’s what is being performed this month:

Arts Club Theatre–Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker
The Stanley–Next to Normal Music by Tom Kitt, Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

But, and there is a but here–the cost of a ticket to any of the shows put on by the Arts Club only covers half of their costs!  That means that even if they sell out all their shows, the Arts Club still relies on individual and corporate patrons to help them continue to operate.  If you are interested in supporting the Arts Club, visit their website HERE or by clicking on the heart-filled banner below.

August 27, 2011

August 27, 2011–I’m notoriously bad at giving people a “head’s up” when it comes to events, with many of my posts the day of or only slightly before said event.  Sometimes I give plenty of notice, and this is going to be one of those occasions!  The 2011 Vancouver International Fringe Festival is happening September 8th-18th; and if you don’t know what it is, well, it’s your lucky day.

Since 1985, this event known to local Vancouverites as “The Fringe,” has been entertaining people of all ages with their local and international showcase of theatrical productions.  The productions are chosen via a lottery system, so you know that a wide-variety of shows will be available to enjoy.  Produced by The First Vancouver Theatrespace Society, this year will see over 600 performances by new and seasoned artists, in venues across the city.  Box Office sales go directly back to the artists producing the shows, so you are doing more than having a good time–you’ll be supporting the arts!  Bonus!

Along with performances, the festival also has it’s own awards night at Performance Works on Granville Island.  As a additional thank you to the city, the admission to the awards night is by cash donation, proceeds of which will go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

The Fringe operates as any festival of the arts does, with the support of sponsors, donors and volunteers.  Attending a show during The Fringe is your first step to offering your support, and if you like it enough, I’m sure that you’ll find a way to help out in the future…  If you are interested in learning more about the shows and events associated with The Fringe, or where to get tickets to upcoming shows visit the festival website HERE or by clicking on their logo.

August 20, 2011

August 20, 2011–I drive a lot.  Like, not a little but a lot!  Since I spend a lot of time in Vancouver, that means about 2 hours each time I go, and that isn’t just once and awhile.  When I drive, I listen to music.  That’s what most of us do in the car, we turn on our stereo and blast our favourite tunes.  Sometimes it’s a CD, sometimes our MP3 device, maybe you even have a tape player with Dance Mix ’94 locked and loaded.  For the last 8 months or so, I’ve been listening to the radio.  I love my own selection of music, but sometimes it’s nice to have a randomized playlist that is filled with music you might not have listened to otherwise.

I used to listen to mainstream stations, but I’ve discouvered that I actually really like listening to Christian music in the car.  I think that partly it’s because I know most of the songs and can sing along but there is the aspect of worship in there as well.  Even if you aren’t a Christian, most Christian music is encouraging and sends a message of hope that can’t be found in contemporary secular tunes.  In BC, well–Metro Vancouver, the Christian music station is Praise 106.5, which is based out of Lynden, Washington.  They play a lot of old favourites (Yes, Newsboys AND DC Talk!) but the new stuff is what interests me the most.  There have be times in my life recently that I turn on my car and a song that speaks right into what is happening in my life comes on; and it inspires me to have faith that God is sovereign and will guide me through whatever mess I happen to be in.

Some of my favourite new bands are Mercy Me, The Afters (they have two really great songs right now: Light Up the Sky and Lift Me Up) and Tenth Avenue North.  Some Christian bands, like Switchfoot, have gone mainstream which is amazing.  Praise 106.5 is run by Christos Ministries, which has camps, missions and other programs running globally and locally.  They actually rely on listeners to help them continue their mission of providing encouraging and Jesus-centered music so if you feel like helping out this important ministry, feel free to visit their DONATE page.

To learn more about their programming, promotions and more, visit the Praise website HERE or by clicking on their logo.  Even if you don’t live within broadcast distance, you can listen online.

August 12, 2011

August 12, 2011–I’m beginning to love Twitter.  I mean, there is so much information packaged in succinct little paragraphs; what’s not to love?  This post is courtesy of a quick Twitter search.

Miscellaneous Productions, based out of Vancouver, is a non-profit society that produces performances, art and media all collaborated with at-risk youth and mentors within the Vancouver Community.  Miscellaneous Productions focuses on anti-racism and anti-violences messages as they convey positive messages through a variety of mediums to the local community.  One of their more popular shows was entitled “E-Race,” a “hip-hop musical” that explores the fast culture of youth, visiting topics such as drugs, drinking and driving, gangs, racism and promiscuity.

This high energy production company is a place for youth to get involved and have a creative outlet in the arts–you can learn more at their website HERE, their Facebook Page HERE or by clicking on their logo.

August 6, 2011

August 6, 2011–It’s the last day of the fireworks kids, so grab your  kettle corn and nibs to head down to English Bay or Vanier Park to get a prime sport for the show in the sky; the 21st Annual Celebration of Light.

The Celebration of Light (formerly, Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire), is a staple for a Vancouver summer to feel like summer.  It’s not just the event itself that is a part of our summer, it the anticipation of whether or not the event will even happen that makes it exciting to see year and year (you never know if it might be the last year).  Why do we have to wonder about whether the fireworks will be back next year?  Since Benson & Hedges was no longer able to provide visible sponsorship (they sell tobacco products), the Celebration of Light has been run by a non-profit organization, The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.  The Society produces the even each summer but only with the support of companies, organizations and people helping them financially and by volunteering for the event itself.

To learn more about the history of the Celebration of Light, to learn how the shows are judged or how you can help ensure that we have a 22nd Celebration of Light NEXT summer, click HERE or on the logo.

August 4, 2011

August 4, 2011–I love this cause.  I love it so much, I might post it twice today just so more people read it!  First of all, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do suggest causes, because I enjoy learning about all sort of causes and if you are passionate about a cause, then I would be honoured to blog about it here.

Today I am blogging about a cause for causes: Sevenly, is an grassroots project that has social media and web selling tee-shirts  that individually contribute $7.00 per shirt to a cause through the sale.  Their unique spin is that they only sell one type of shirt per week, and it is only available at the time.  They partner with a new non-profit every 7 days, help them design a interesting tee-shirt promoting their cause and then sell it on their website, sevenly.org.  I was amazed with how essentially simple their concept is, but how effective it could end up being.

Here is a short video explaining what they do and why:

To learn more about what they are doing, suggest a charity or help design tee-shirts, click HERE to visit their website or on their logo.

(Thank you to Nadine for suggesting today’s topic for the 365 Blog!)

July 14, 2011

July 14, 2011–How cool is this?  There is a non profit society in Vancouver called Girls Rock Camp, which as you have most likely guessed, provided the opportunity for young girls to learn instruments and build self-esteem along their journey to the stage.  The Girls Rock Camp Alliance is a North American run initiative that believes in using music as a way to encourage young females to be strong and courageous against the world.

The “Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls” started in 2001 at the University of Portland, and since it’s first summer, has grown exponentially.  The camp originally started to help young girls learn music in a positive environment, and has since grown into a place where girls learn to be amazing musicians, better citizens and leaders for social change. They believe that girls can play any kind of music they want to and that the creative voices of girls and women need to be amplified to create social change.  The program also provides girls with positive role models and support for their creative endeavors and has the hope of creating a community where girls support each other rather than tear each other down by empowering girls to recognize, understand, and respond to discrimination in positive and meaningful way.

All in in, Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls wants to make sure that “Girls Rock” can become more than just a slogan.

Relying on donated space and volunteer staff members, these camps are in need of your support–whether it’s your time, money or coming to a show, you can help this unique program continue to operate.  For more information about the Girls Rock Camp Vancouver, click HERE or on their logo.  For more information about the global Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, click HERE to visit their website.

June 22, 2011

June 22, 2011–Almost didn’t make it today, but here it is!  Something cool and sophisticated is happening in Vancouver coming up from June 22-July 3, so if you want to take note here you MAY impress some lucky girl on a date!  The Vancouver International Jazz Festival, presented by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society is a fun and adventurous way to explore some new and old music.

Jazz is for everyone.  It’s funky and, well, it’s jazzy!  Okay, I’m tired but bear with me here.  The Coastal Jazz and Blues Society is a non-profit organization that has worked since 1986 to bring Vancouver onto the jazz music scene, as well as create interest in this diverse musical genre in our community through events, projects and education.  Working with a number of community organizations, this society has not only contributed to local artists hitting the world stage, but they have also create outreach programs for all ages.  From music appreciation to playing a variety of instruments, there is something for everyone!

The International Jazz Festival is just one of many events that the society does throughout the year–but it is most certainly not to be missed.  With shows playing at The Orpheum and Vogue theaters, as well as at the Centre you can be sure that your night will be one to be remembered.  For ticket information or more information about the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, click HERE or on the Jazz Fest logo.

Did I mention they also have an official beer?!

June 21, 2011

June 21, 2011–Really cool to find out this week about Pull Focus, a non-profit film school on the Eastside of Vancouver.  Pull Focus specializes in equipping young film makers with the skills to create short films or documentaries to inspire change or action.  Primarily the school offers courses in documentary creation, but also offers students the opportunity to learn editing and political animation (which sounds pretty awesome).

By partnering with like-minded organizations in both the community and film industry, Pull Focus is able to offer inexpensive courses to give those wanting to have a voice the chance to learn the ins and outs of the top medium for information exposure in our society: video.   Once students have gone through coursework, Pull Focus continues to support them in their careers by allowing alumni to use equipment for both shooting and editing, giving non-profits the opportunity to have excellent work done that fits their zero-budget hopes and dreams.

Pull Focus is currently looking to partner with non-profit organizations who hope to have media exposure, specifically for social justice causes.  For more information, contact Pull Focus by going to their website HERE.

June 14, 2011

June 14, 2011–You’ve possibly noticed a few odd things around the Vancouver area since 2009.  Specifically, you may have noticed some interesting sculptures, media and other art in a number of public places throughout the city.  The Vancouver Biennale is an open-air, 22-month art exhibition promoting local and international artists all in conjunction with their current theme “in-TRANSIT-ion” where the movement of people in our society is emphasized by seemingly random art.

The point?  You’ve heard the timeless advice of “slow down to smell the flowers.”  This time, it’s slow down to notice the ordinary and extraordinary as you pilot along your daily life.  As we pause to notice what is up for eye-candy, the hope of the Biennale is to bring into focus our attitude and sensibility towards art.

What’s to be seen?  For example, there is the infamous A-Mazing Laughter piece in Morton Park, Vancouver.  These bronze statues portray the likeness of the artist, Yue Minjun, hysterically laughing in a number of positions.  Or what about that giant, shiny stainless steel piece along Granville Street, Vancouver?  Artificial Rock #143 by Zhan Wang is meant to portray China’s move into modernity.  There are The Blue Trees in Garden City Park, Port Moody.  Wind Waves in Richmond.  Harbour Green Park as well as Sunset Beach Park in Vancouver both host a multitude of sculptures that can be taken in during a leisurely Sunday stroll.  Visit the Vancouver Biennale website HERE before you go to get full details on the pieces being displayed.  Hey, it’s nice to look smart when you not only can name the artist but name the piece of art too!