News: York Theatre Granted Reprieve

Building owners upset at city decision to delay townhouse plan

Cheryl Rossi, Vancouver Courier

Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The city has ordered a 120-day delay on a project that would replace the old York Theatre on Commercial Drive with townhouses.

The decision, passed by city council Sept. 18, will help those that want to save the theatre consider the feasibility of its restoration.

Paul Phillips, president of Vintage Development Corp., one of the owners of the building at 639 Commercial Dr., is not amused by the four-month long protection order. "We're very disappointed and dismayed and obviously upset," Phillips said. "As private citizens we're left holding the bag while a group of interested people and, I presume, there's some financial backing there, use our resources while they dilly around."

Read the full story here>>>

News: Suspected hit-and-run driver turns herself in to police

Vancouver Sun

Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2008

VANCOUVER -- A 25-year-old Vancouver woman turned herself in to police early Tuesday morning claiming to be the driver in the fatal hit and run that happened Sunday night at Commercial Drive and North Grandview, Vancouver police said.

Investigators interviewed her before she was released. Charges have not been laid at this time, pending further investigation, police said.

Read the full story here >>>

Watch the CTV news story here >>>

News: Voters to decide on $23-million Trout Lake reno

Christina Montgomery, The Province

Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Months of lobbying paid off yesterday for Trout Lake residents as Vancouver city council voted unanimously to find $23 million for long-awaited renovations of their threadbare community centre.

The project was added to the city's 2009-2011 capital plan that will be put on the ballot during the November municipal election.

If voters approve the plan, it will still be up to the next council to ensure the work is carried out as budgeted.

Read the full story here >>>

Music: C.R. Avery at the Rio

performing solo, with string quartet
and special guest the sojouners

FRI SEPT 19TH
AT
THE RIO THEATRE
1660 east broadway at commerical drive

http://www.riotheatre.ca/

doors 8:30 show 9:00
tickets at rio box office/ redcat/ zulu / and highlife records.

http://www.myspace.com/cravery

"... blowin' my mind ..." - Tom Waits

"Imagine if Neil Young was inspired by hip-hop, and there you have C.R. Avery." - The Vancouver Sun

"No one plays [harmonica] like him, no one... but I think what people are going to get excited about are the words." - Charlie Musselwhite.

"Raw talent." - Utah Phillips

"Kids In The Hall isn't the only good thing coming out of Canada." - Sage Francis

Theatre Terrific's All Sorts Just One More Triumph For True Comeback Kid! Sept. 10-13!

Mute, blind and in a wheelchair, Chris Kozma was not expected to live after being hit by a car that put him in a coma for three months.

Four years later, Chris is now walking and talking, but with difficulty and he struggles to be understood.

Before the accident Chris was a semi-pro skateboarder and an apprentice in sheet metal work. He can't skateboard now, or participate in his other favourite sports - although last Thursday night not only marked his debut as lead in Theatre Terrific's latest production, it was also the first time Chris attempted to ride a bicycle since the accident.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Chris came in 2007 to check out the company’s Summer Fringe Camp, now in it’s 6th year.

"I loved it. Everyone was so nice, and they understood me."

After seven weeks traveling to Vancouver from Surrey for twice weekly classes, followed by eight performances, Chris and his speech therapist noticed a change.

"I'm more confident now in my speaking. [Also] I don't back down when confronted."
His hard work has paid off, and Chris performs a leading role in All Sorts, this year's newest Fringe festival Production from the inclusive theatre company.

Chris' story is not all that different from the rest of the cast in this diverse troupe of actors, most of whom struggle daily to be understood and respected. His performance in All Sorts as "The Man", an outsider, mirrors his own life in many ways.

All Sorts, which opened last Thursday to a standing-room only house, is a humorous look at alliances and group identity.

All Sorts runs September 10^th – 13^th at the Vancouver Japanese United Church (Victoria Drive at 23^rd Ave).

“Our world is full of 'all sorts'.” Artistic Director Susanna Uchatius commented. “All sorts of people with all sorts of hooks, styles, beliefs and identities. Why is there allegiance? When is there dissension? Is there room in our world for 'all sorts'? What would the world be like without the spice of 'all sorts'?”

All Sorts manages to mix it up and boil it down, with lots of hilarity along the way.

Award-winning composer Joel DeStefano, has created a quirky score of jazz, hip hop and new age, to underline the divergent interests of the “Polites” versus the “Anarchists” and the “Happy” people. His enthusiasm for the project shines through: “I love working with Theatre Terrific… the performers are up for anything so I get to try new things.”

The script and concept were created by director Susanna Uchatius, with input from the cast, DeStefano and assistant director Michelle Bruce.

Formed in 1985, Theatre Terrific is Western Canada’s oldest theatre company for people with disabilities, with a mission is to provide inclusive opportunities to transform lives through the power of theatre.

Remaining performances take place September12^th and 1 3^th at 8:00 pm, with a matinée on September 13^th at 2:00 pm. All shows are presented at the Vancouver Japanese United Church, Victoria at E. 23^rd Avenue. Tickets are $10 - $12, for advance tickets add $2. A one-time $5 Fringe membership is required and can be purchased at any Fringe performance, or through the Fringe. To order online go to www.vancouverfringe.com. For ticket information call 604.710.7435.

For blogs and background information on the cast and creators, go to www.theatreterrific.ca or call the production publicist, Steve Duncan at 604-788-8340 or email srduncan@shaw.ca.

Music: Artic Tour Kickoff

ARCTIC Tour Kickoff Party
at
Cafe Deux Soleils
w/ Fraser Mackenzie
Saturday, September 20
9pm, $5
All ages & licensed venue

Another ARCTIC expedition is about to launch - the independent Vancouver-based band is ready to explore Canada for their second month-long expedition in a year, starting with a tour kickoff party at Cafe Deux Soleils in Vancouver on September 20.

The band itself is already as cross-Canadian as can be. With the three members hailing from Yellowknife, NT, St. John's, NF and Kelowna, BC, their diverse influences and experiences emerge from some of the furthest and most isolated corners of this country. These influences combine in unexpected ways: progressive rock, jazz, industrial rock merge with ambient textures and acoustic singer/songwriter melodies to create something fresh, unconventional and intriguing that has been dubbed "acoustic trance", "psychedelic folk", and "Metric meets Neil Young".

Find out more about the band at http://www.projectarctic.com or http://myspace.com/arctic.

Music: Voodoo Buddha @ Cafe Deux Soleil

Friday, September 19th, at Cafe Deux Soleil


VooDoo Buddha (with US US US opening), show starts at 9 pm.
$5 Cover

Voodoo Buddha is a Alternative Rock Band from Vancouver with a strong funk influence that draws from Jazz stylings. The band combines Chili Pepper and Hendrix Influenced sounds with Indie Rock sensibilities often likened to Modest Mouse. They have recently completed the recording and production of there debut album “Needless To Say”. The Album is an independent production which was recorded though the summer of 2007 In the home studio of band Vocalist, Guitarist, and Violinist Stefan Thordarson and the converted garage of band Bassist Eli Reder-Davis. The album was solely recorded and mixed by Stefan who has developed his skill from previous experience in recording production having worked on other projects including playing on the Jazz group String Fever’s “Blue House Sessions”. The band members all have a strong background in Jazz and other Genres of music; Kai Basanta, the bands drummer, has played in many musical groups and currently plays in the Jazz Fusion/Improvisational band called Ideogram. Cary Campbell, the bands guitarist studies Jazz guitar and has also been a part of various musical projects as well as being featured on the Vancouver band Paint’s album “Urban Folk tales”.

Comedy: Janeane Garofalo @ the Rio

Ran into Watermelon at Commercial and Broadway and found out how she gets those great legs... pounding the pavement to promote her newest venture, the Rio Theatre. She's very excited about the next couple of weeks and was happy to show off the latest poster, featuring none other than Janeane Garofalo, one of the stars of this year's Comedyfest. Ms. Garfalo hits the Rio stage on September 16th, along with Morgan Brayton and Tig Notaro (Last Comic Standing) doors @ 8pm

Next week at the Rio:

For those of you who have not already seen the Dark Knight or you're dying to see it again...the Rio is showing the Dark Knight and Batman Begins this weekend:

Sept. 13th - 15th
Show times:
Dark Knight daily 7pm & 9pm
Batman Begins 4pm weekend matinee

Sept. 16th: Comedy Fest Featuring: Reggie Watts, Brent Weinbach with Sunday Service - doors @ 8pm

Sept. 17th: Comedy Fest Featuring: Janeane Garofalo, Morgan Brayton and Tig Notaro (Last Comic Standing) - doors @ 8pm

Sept. 18th: The Return of "Porno Chic" Debbie Does Dallas and xxx trailers

Sept 19th: CR Avery with string quartet and special guests

That's right we've got something for everyone!!! Music, comedy, perverts and bat freaks!

Literary: Hilary Peach @ the Slam

Hilary Peach features Sept 8th at the LABOUR POETRY SLAM

THE VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM

http://www.myspace.com/vancouverpoetryslam

http://vancouverpoetryhouse.com/

CONTINUES

@

CAFÉ DEUX SOLEILS: 2096 COMMERCIAL DRIVE

(5TH AND COMMERCIAL)

http://www.cafedeuxsoleils.com/

EVERY MONDAY OF THE MONTH

THE NEXT VAN SLAM "ALT SLAM"

IS

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH

THE "SOLIDARITY SLAM"

(POEMS ABOUT WORK)

FEATURING

HILARY PEACH

http://www.hilarypeach.com/

Audio poet Hilary Peach is an inter-disciplinary performer whose work marries song and poetry. For 15 years she has performed internationally at events that include the Vancouver International Folk Music Festival, Montreal’s Voix Des Ameriques, and the Poetry International Festival in Rotterdam. She has released an exquisite debut CD, Poems Only Dogs Can Hear, in which she suspends surreal vignettes inside a matrix of music. Peach was a finalist in the 2004 CBC Radio Poetry Face-Off, and has recently released a short film, Pennsylvania. She is currently working on a literary collection of poetry and a Folk Opera about her boilermaking work called Suitcase Local with musicians Andreas Kahre, Alex Varty and Leah Hokanson. Hilary Peach is Artistic Director of the Poetry Gabriola Festival.

PRIZES SUPPLIED BY

UPRISING BREADS, FLOWERBOX AND URBAN EMPIRE

DOORS AT 8PM

POETRY SLAM AT 9 O'CLOCK

WITH YOUR HOST

COMRADE SPELT

COME IN YOUR WORK CLOTHES AND

READ YOUR POEMS ABOUT YOUR BEST JOB, YOUR WORST JOB,

THE WORK YOU DO, WORK IN GENERAL, UNIONS, NON UNIONS, DRUG TESTING

AND ANYTHING IN BETWEEN

STILL ONLY $5

Literary: Andrea Thompson, Faust MacKenzie, Scruffmouth and Sasha Langford

The Vancouver Poetry Slam and Vancouver Poetry House
http://www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com/


are very proud to present
Friday Night Words: A Showcase of Vancouver Poetry Slam All Stars

Past, Present and Future.

including performances by original Van Slam team member Andrea Thompson,
current slam team members Faust Mackenzie and Scruffmouth,
and
erotic slam champ Sasha Langford.

Cafe Deux Soleils 2096 Commercial Drive Doors open at 8:00 PM.

Show starts at 9:00PM.

Only $10.00
One of the pioneers of the SLAM poetry scene in Canada, Andrea's performances are electric and unique – blending elements of jazz, dub, hip-hop and traditional literary verse into a style all her own. Re-creating mythological themes in a contemporary milieu, she offers her audience an invitation to return to the roots of the oral tradition through the elevation of spoken word to its ancient role as public ritual.Van Slam Grand Champion, Scruffmouth will be performing poems from his new book "The Seventh Sense".
He is also on the 2008 Vancouver Poetry Slam team and has been slamming, speaking the word, and performing dub poetry since 2004. "Faust McKenzie is the bastard child of short-lived love triangle between Bob, Doug, and Spuds McKenzie. In clinical trials, Faust outperformed all other major brands of cranial detergent, despite selling for half the price. Faust smells better up-close, regrets joining Facebook, and has a chapbook for sale entitled 'Faux Reals.'

"Sasha Langford was selected as one of five poets to represent Vancouver in the 2008 CBC Poetry Face Off, opened for Canadian Folk Music Award nominees the Fugitives as part of the 2007 Jewish Book Festival, was invited to perform at two Annual Sistahood Slams as part of Women's month, was the second runner up for the title of Women of the World Vancouver champion, graced the Vancouver Poetry Slam semi-finals stage, and featured at the Vancouver Poetry Slam, The Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam, the Spillious Speak 'n Sing and the Maple Ridge poetry slam both individually and as part of the Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam Team, all before the age of 19.

Since turning 19, Sasha has become the slam champion of the first annual Vancouver Erotica Slam....and that's about all so far.

These four performers will probably never get a chance to share a stage together again.

News: TransLink Adds Security to Curb Queue-Jumping at Broadway Transit Hub

Source: CBC News

Posted: 09/04/08 2:16PM

Filed Under: Canada

Extra security guards and transit police officers have been brought in to try to stop bus passengers from butting in line at one of the busiest transit hubs in Vancouver.

The move by TransLink, the transit authority of B.C's south coast, came after confrontations between passengers, triggered by queue-jumping, on Wednesday morning at Broadway and Commercial Drive in east Vancouver.

Since Tuesday's return to school, there have been long lineups during the morning rush hours for the 99B-Line rapid bus along Broadway to the University of British Columbia. The lineup on Thursday morning stretched about 100 metres, with an average 20-minute wait to get on a bus.

TransLink has added a dozen transit police officers and security guards to try to maintain order at the Broadway transit intersection, where a SkyTrain line merges with various bus lines.

The additional security kept passenger crowds calm Thursday morning but didn't successfully stop everyone from jumping the queue.

"That's a very bad thing. I've seen a couple of people do that," Patrick Sauriol, a 99B-Line passenger, said.

Sauriol said he spent half an hour in line Wednesday, only to watch people cut in front and jump on the express bus.

"We told people to get to the back of the line. Nobody wants to really pay attention to that," he said. "If you are going to spend 25 minutes getting on a bus, you don't want to see people jumping ahead of you."

TransLink said it is reviewing procedures at the Broadway transit hub and will determine whether and what permanent changes are needed.

Theatre: All Sorts Opens Tonight

Start the Fringe off right with a night of All Sorts, a Theatre Terrific production opening up tonight at the Japanese United Church.

From left: Katie Grey, Ruben Castleblanco, Spencer Lee, Sindy Angel, Alex Edwards.

A humorous look at alliances and group identity. All Sorts runs September 4th – 13th at the Vancouver Japanese United Church (Victoria Drive at 23rd Ave).

For this year's Fringe showcase, Artistic Director Susanna Uchatius directs a diverse group of 16 performers from across the Lower Mainland, creating the perfect 'all sorts' cast to question life's perceptions, wink at our assumptions and unearth some truths. Like its candy counterpart, All Sorts has both sweet and dark sides. As always; the work is 'one of kind', and will perhaps mystify, but is sure to delight and touch audiences of all ages.

"Our world is full of 'all sorts'." Susanna commented. "Why is there allegiance? When is there dissension? What happens when the walls are broken?" The script and concept were created by director Susanna Uchatius, with input from the cast and Joel DeStefano.

Award-winning composer Joel DeStefano has created a evocative and engaging score of jazz, hip hop and new age.
Formed in 1985, Theatre Terrific is Western Canada's oldest theatre company for people with disabilities, with a mission is to provide inclusive opportunities to transform lives through the power of theatre.

Presenting their shows in East Vancouver, Theatre Terrific is a ground-breaking company gaining attention for their shows on the 'fringe of the Fringe'. Ed Farolan (Review Vancouver) called their 2006 production, SLOWrunning: "a simple yet perceptive script on time management. The actors … were excellent in their simplicity."

Performances will take place September 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th at 8:00 pm, with a matinee on September 13^th at 2:00 pm. The Wednesday September 10th show is a two-for-one. All shows are presented at the Vancouver Japanese United Church, Victoria at E. 23^rd Avenue. Tickets are $10 - $12, for advance tickets add $2. A one-time $5 Fringe membership is required and can be purchased at any Fringe performance, or through the Fringe. To order online go to www.vancouverfringe.com, for information call 604.710.7435.

.