Maya Angelou speaks
Born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis Missouri, Dr. Maya Angelou author, poet, civil rights activist, actress, and three time Grammy-winner experienced the brutality of racial discrimination. Now hailed as one of the greatest voices of contemporary literature, her words are a source of encouragement and inspiration for millions around the world. From being San Franciscos first female African-American cable car conductor to editing the The Arab Observer in Cairo, and working closely with Martin Luther King, Jr. , her living legacy will make for a fascinating evening at The Centre (777 Homer) on Oct. 29. Tickets start at $35 plus fees, available or by phone at 1-866-449-8118.
Worlds best at improv fest
Top notch improvisers from Amsterdam, Milan, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, Edmonton, Montreal, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto and Port Coquitlam! will be blowing up the spot at The 麻豆传媒映画International Improv Festival. Canadian Comedy Award winners (best improv troupe) The Sunday Service will be headlining, plus the $2 opening night International Showcase Spectacular will behosted by Fringe Fest faves Hip.Bang! (pictured). The epicenter of this improvisational explosion will be the Performance Works Theatre on Granville Island.Festival passes all shows, all week are $49. This 13th annual edition of VIIF runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, with shows at 7:30 and 9:30pm. Tickets $12, evening passes $20 and festival passes $49. Monday night $2. .
Also this week
Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, starring the artists who thrive on the DTES (Oct. 24 to Nov. 4; multiple locations; ) Jammin for Jess fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes, featuring House Arrest (Oct. 26, 8pm; Backstage Lounge, 1585 Johnson; $45) Cute to Kill 2, a Halloween-themed short film expos茅 of local and international animators and video artists, exploring each artists morbid fascinations through the guise of cute (Oct. 28, 8pm; VIVO, Main and 4th; $10/$12) .
