Downtown Eastside
The once bare walls of the Union Gospel Missions live-in drug and alcohol recovery program are alive with art thanks to the efforts of Jeanne Krabbendam, a mixed media artist and instructor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
What began as a small project to liven up the space with one donation of artwork from Krabbendam has evolved into a full-fledged rotating gallery showcasing the work of artists from across Metro Vancouver.
A grand opening of the space takes place Thursday, Aug. 30, which will also include 17 pieces of art displayed for sale. All proceeds from the art sold during the Hope for a New Beginning sale will benefit the missions programs and services.
Included in the artwork donated for the sale is a piece by the late, renowned Canadian artist Toni Onley, as well as one by his daughter Lynn Onley.
West End
The citys only choir specializing in rock, pop, Motown, blues and gospel sung in four-part harmony is looking for new members.
Theres no audition or even experience required to become a member of the Sing City Show Choir: Vancouvers only Rock Show Choir. The choir is directed by Laura Lang, a professional singer and entertainer who, according to a press release, brings skill, experience and laughter to Tuesday night rehearsals. Training is provided at rehearsals, and its promised most singers will develop or vastly improve quickly.
The 2012-2013 season begins Sept. 4 and new members can register now by visiting singcity.ca. While youre there make sure to check out the video montage found under videos and photos that includes the choir performing songs such as Rehab by Amy Winehouse, Life in a Northern Town by The Dream Academy and Brian Setzers Jump, Jive an Wail.
Chinatown
Who doesnt love a craft party, particularly if its taking place on the same day in cities across the globe.
The Third Annual Etsy Craft PartyÂ鶹´«Ã½Ó³»edition takes place Sept. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. at BLIM, 115 East Pender St. The party is the brainchild of Etsy.com, a popular online marketplace for everything handmade and vintage.
The party brings Etsys massive online community of more than 17 million worldwide offline once a year to celebrate its roots in independent arts and crafts making. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»has an estimated 390
Etsians.
The theme of this years party is Wish You Were Here, which will be reflected in the crafts undertaken such as postcard making and travel journal binding.
For more information and to register visit blim.ca/events, phone 604-872-8180 or email [email protected].
Grandview-Woodland
I was looking for something special to do for my birthday and now Ive found just the right celebratory event to let loose.
The Fifth Annual Accordion Noir Festival takes place Sept. 13 through 16 at the Grandview Legion, upstairs at 2205 Commercial Dr., with the Creeking Planks, the jug band of the damned.
I dont know what happened during the bands last gig at the Legion, but on the Creeking Planks website they promise to be slightly less explicit during this performance. The Creeking Planks will be joined by two other East Side bands, High Society and the Flying Folk Army, for an evening thats being described as a night of bellows-driven, foot-scooting and boogying. For more information visit creakingplanks.com.
Oakridge
Just in case you have no plans for the long weekend, why not consider giving blood.
Canadian Blood Services estimates it needs 1,200 more donors across Canada and 220 in B.C. in preparation of the carnage that is the Labour Day long weekend. A single car accident victim may require 50 units of blood and blood products to survive injuries. Thats why this long weekend, communities, groups and families across the country are encouraged to rally together to donate blood.
To book an appointment to donate blood or to find the closest location, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283.
Twitter: @sthomas10
