THEATRE
ARTSCLUB THEATRE COMPANY | 604-687-1644 | ArtsClub.com
THE 39 STEPS: Hitchcock meets hilarious! A seductive mystery woman, an accusation of murder, a missing finger, and a mad dash to foil foreign pies! Four gifted actors play over 150 zany characters in this Monty Pythonflavoured Hitchcock spoof. Feb. 20-March 16 at various locations.
HOW HAS MY LOVE AFFECTED YOU?: Marcus Youssef has a difficult relationship with his mother, Roleene. When the playwright discovers a storage locker full of her journals, he begins to delve into her historyand his own. The play questions the nature of familial obligation: what do we owe to each other, and what do we owe to ourselves? $35.
2 PIANOS 4 HANDS: A laugh-out-loud autobiographical story, the creators/stars Ted and Richard propel you through comically poignant vignettes of their childhood piano lessons and share the triumphs and tortures of being extraordinarily good failed musicians. March 14-Apr. 14 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville). $45.
MY TURQUOISE YEARS: A comic coming-of-age story set in 1960. Marion, raised by Aunt Elsie in sleepy Cordova Bay, has grown up hearing tales of her glamorous, globe-trotting mother, Nancy. Just as Marion is blossoming into womanhood, Nancy suddenly announces a visit to Canada, throwing everyone into a tizzy. Apr. 4-May 4 at Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston). $10.
DREAMGIRLS: Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, the musical tells the rags-to-riches tale of a 1960s girl group, loosely based on The Supremes. After getting their big break, The Dreamettes seem unstoppable until rivalry and betrayal enter the group. Told through the unforgettable sounds of Motown. May 9-July 7 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville). $29.
THE CULTCH | 1895 Venables | 604-251-1363 | TheCultch.com
GRAVITY OF CENTER: Critically acclaimed choreographer Victor Quijada delivers his ninth and perhaps his greatest dance work yet. Inspired by social issues stemming from the contrast between abundance and scarcity, he explores movement that yet again blurs the boundaries between hip-hop, contemporary, and classical dance. Feb 19-23. $15-$32.
EXTRACTION: Delve deep into the heart of intertwined cultural phenomena: Chinas rise as an economic power and oil extraction in Alberta. This bilingual (English and Mandarin) play digs beneath the surface of highly charged political debates to illuminate lives transformed by legendary traffic jams, boomtown fever, translation trouble, and diplomatic intrigue. Mar 5-9. $15-$41.
BROKEN SEX DOLL: The rapid pace of technological advancement in 2136 has only been matched by a dramatic decline of morality. Robots have become lifelike, humans are robotic, and the two intermarry. King has been in a relationship with a Ginger 5000 fembot for some time, but things take a dramatic detour when she starts to malfunction and he has her replaced. Mar 13-24. $15-$41.
SPIN: This uncommon theatrical and musical journey celebrates the bicycle as muse, musical instrument, and agent of social change. Inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry, the first woman to cycle around the world in 1894. Apr 9-20. $15-$41.
HIGHGATE: A morbid romp through Victorian funerary culture, jumping straight from the darkest part of Tara Cheyenne Friedenbergs imagination. A band of figures captivate in this fascinating gothic dance of death, physical oddity, humour, and horror. Apr 30-May 4. $15-$32.
MUMP & SMOOT: Clowns of horror duo Michael Kennard and John Turner turn every convention about clowns upside down in a series of darkly humorous sketches that range from the zany to the macabre. Not for children! May 22-June 2. $15-$41.
JERICHO ARTS CENTRE | 1675 Discovery | 604-224-8007 | JerichoArtsCentre.com
HECUBA: After the Trojan War, Hecuba, former Queen of Troy, is about to be led back to Greece and a life of slavery. The play includes vivid arguments about how the dictates of religion and politics conflict with our sense of justice and human dignity. Until Feb 17. $10.
THE RIMERS OF ELDRITCH: Set in the mid-20th century in a decaying Bible Belt town that once was a prosperous coal mining community, it focuses on the murder of the aging local hermit. Everyone in the community has a motive. Feb. 28-Mar. 16. $15-$20.
THE PRINCES PLAY: Victor Hugos tragic story of the deformed jester who tries to protect his daughter from the sexual advances of the prince, brilliantly adapted by Tony Harrison, Britains leading verse playwright. Mar. 29-Apr. 21.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE: A moving Pulitzer Prize-winning study of the enigmatic painter Georges Seurat, lauded for its deeply insightful and highly personal examination of life through art and the artist. May 2-18.
1/4 LIFE CRISIS: A hilarious, energetic one-woman show about the challenges and disappointments faced by twenty-somethings (and up) navigating their way through life. May 23-25.
PACIFIC THEATRE | 1440 West 12 | 604-731-5518 | PacificTheatre.org
MOTHER TERESA IS DEAD: A conscience-stricken mother abandons husband, son and comfortable London home, resurfacing among the street children of Indias slums. A gripping examination of privilege, spiritual sickness and uneasy sacrifice. March 1-23. $15.
HOW TO WRITE A NEW BOOK FOR THE BIBLE: The story of an aging mothers peculiarities and a sons flawed devotion. A celebration of what holds a family together. Canadian Premiere. Apr.-26-May 25. $15.
THE GIRL IN THE FRAME: A wildly sexy musical comedy about a hilarious, quirky, modern story of romance. Feb. 13-Mar. 2, 8pm at Studio 1398 (1398 Johnston). $25-$28 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
LIQUID: You supply the topic, Windy City Women take the plunge. A new two-act play improvised each night. Feb. 20-23, 8pm at Havana Theatre (1212 Commercial). $10-$12 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
MY FUNNY VALENTINE: Zee Zee Theatre explores the tragic murder of gay, 15-year-old Lawrence King in an artistic, rigorous conversation to find the humanity in the midst of this terrible hate crime. Feb. 20-Mar. 2 at the Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova). $15 at FireHallArtsCentre.ca.
HOLMES AND WATSON SAVE THE EMPIRE: A family-friendly, hilarious musical mystery starring Damon Calderwood and Gordon Roberts (the fearless duo from Billy Bishop Goes to War) in its Canadian premiere. Accompanied by Chris Robson, guitar, vocals, actor and Ren茅e Bulat, violin. Feb. 27-Mar. 16, 8pm at Deep Cove Shaw Theatre (4360 Gallant). $16-$18 at FirstImpressionsTheatre.com.
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL: Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. Winner of 10 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Apr 2-7, 8pm at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie). $35 at Ticketmaster.ca.
US & EVERYTHING WE OWN: This world premiere from the Prodigals playwright centres around a young man whose hunger to be successful threatens his relationships with those he cares about when he gets in over his head in an investment scheme. Apr 4, 8pm at PAL Studio Theatre (581 Cardero). $12-$21 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
DANCE
Ballet BC | BalletBC.com
SWAN LAKE: Ballet BC introduces The National Ballet of China in Swan Lake, a unique fusion between western classical ballet and Chinese culture. Choreographed by the great Russian ballerina Natalia Makarova, showcasing the Companys solid foundation in Russian-style classical ballet. The strong, assured ensemble is grandly suited to the extreme demands of the classical style. Feb 27-Mar 2, 8pm at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie). $55 to $110 at Ticketmaster.ca.
GISELLE: A legendary ballet presented with a contemporary point-of-view by Resident Choreographer Jos茅 Navas. The pinnacle of Romanticism in dance, Giselle is a story of class struggle, sacrifice and doomed love between a young peasant girl and a nobleman. Apr. 25-27, 8pm at at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie). $22.25 to $70 at Ticketmaster.ca.
Roundhouse Comm. Centre | Pacific and Davie | Roundhouse.ca
Pay what you can or reserve tickets ($5-$20) at Eventbrite.com.
15TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE CONTINGENCY PLAN: A double bill featuring work from Dance Allsorts current repertoire and excerpts of a new creation titled what belongs to you. This new piece explores the five senses, focusing on how we use them as filters to help inform and shape our relationships with others and our environment. Feb. 17, 2pm.
SILK ROAD MUSIC: A world tapestry of music and dance, Steps on the Road conjures the world on one stage with vibrant imagination, weaving through sound and steps, imprinting their global vision with some of Vancouvers finest dancers with roots from around the world. Mar 25, 2pm.
PROJECT SOUL: A preview of a developing full-length show presenting popping, locking, hip hop, and b-boying (break dancing) in a dynamic and colourful way. The performance also focuses on who they are as individuals, as a crew and what keeps them driving forward in these street styles. Feb. 19, 2pm.
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS: In collaboration with New Works, the Tomorrow Collective has curated three performances, plus films from the Brief Encounters archives for a very special all-ages, matin茅e. Performers include Josh Martin (The 605 Collective), Prevail (Swollen Members), Alison Denham, Clancy Dennehy, Shyama-Priya, and Mitch Anderson. Apr 15, 2pm.
JUSTINE A. CHAMBERS + ARTS UMBRELLA: Her Study for Enters and Exits is an iteration of a larger in-progress work, Enters and Exits.?Arts Umbrella Dance Company will perform four short pieces.
In honour of Mothers Day, moms will get in free. May 13, 2pm.
Scotiabank Dance Centre | 677 Davie | $22-$30 at TicketsTonight.ca
BODY-SCAN: SWEET GYRE: Su-Feh Lee of Vancouvers battery opera performance and Beno卯t Lachambre of Montreals Par B.L.eux join forces with Juno Award-winning musician Jesse Zubot to explore the human body in a bold new work. The piece magnifies familiar senses into a shifting landscape through which personal histories, memories and desires pass. Feb 14-16, 8pm.
JOE INK: Choreographer Joe Laughlin revisits some of his most popular works (Harold, Billy, Stan and Jack (1997), Left (2003) and an excerpt from the elegiac dusk (2011) )in an evening celebrating 25 years of making quirky, lyrical and imaginative dance. Mar 6-9, 8pm.
THE LIGETI PROJECT: The music of the great Hungarian composer Gyorgy Ligeti provides the starting point for this exciting new collaboration between contemporary choreographer Martha Carter and the innovative Microcosmos String Quartet. A dialogue of movement, sound and rhythm that vibrates with contrasts, and expresses raw energy and deep emotion. Apr 18-20, 8pm.
STRIA: The latest solo work by the award-winning and versatile choreographer/performer Marie-Jos茅e Chartier, inspired by the beautiful and unpredictable terrain of the Badlands. An exquisite blend of movement, music, text and voice to delve into a mosaic of colourful memories, and touches on themes of nature, love and loss. Apr 25-27.
DanceHouse | 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse | 601 Cambie | $70 at DanceHouse.ca
BJM: Les Ballets Jazz de Montr茅al continues in the spirit of exploration that has been its hallmark since 1972. Feb 15-16, 8pm.
CARTE BLANCHE: A combination of the up-and-coming and the renowned results in an eclectic, exciting, and high-quality company at the forefront of the development of dance, both in Norway and abroad. Mar 22-23, 8pm.
CUADRO FLAMENCO: Flamenco Rosario dancers Afifa Lahbabi, Melanie Meyers and Bonnie Stewart along with singer Stephanie Pedraza will join Rosario Ancer and Victor Kolstee. Feb. 15, 8pm at St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th). $20-$25 at FlamencoRosario.org.
DANCES FOR A SMALL STAGE 28: Three evenings of intimate and enchanting performances in celebration of Valentines Day. Feb 14-16, 7pm at the Legion on the Drive (2205 Commercial). $20 at door. MovEnt.ca.
CLASSICAL
麻豆传媒映画Symphony Orchestra | VancouverSymphony.ca
CLASSICS OF VIENNA: Christopher Gaze hosts a repertoire of Mozart, Strauss, Lehar and Van Suppe. Feb. 7, 2pm. Orpheum Theatre.
DENZEL SINCLAIR: The Nat King Cole songbook includes Unforgettable, Route 66, Nature Boy. Conductor Jeff Tyzik. Feb. 8 & 9, 8pm. Orpheum Theatre.
THE LISTENER: Childrens performers Magic Circle Mime with conductor Gordon Gerrard. Feb. 10 at 2pm.
AN ENGLISH RHAPSODY: Bramwell Tovey conducts with 麻豆传媒映画Youth Symphony Orchestra with Dal Barltrop violin. Feb. 16 & 18 at 8pm; Feb. 17 at 2pm. Orpheum Theatre.
BEETHOVENS FIFTH: Bramwell Tovey conducts Elgars Sospiri, Mozarts clarinet concerto in A Major with Jeanette Jonquil and Beethovens 5th. 8Pm. Feb. 22 and 23 at Chan Centre and Feb. 25 at Bell Performing Arts Centre.
GALLOP & GO: Childrens performers Lisa and Linda. Mar. 1 at 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse and Mar. 2 at Terry Fox Theatre at 10am and 11:30am.
ROMEO AND JULIET: Jose Luis Gomez conducts a repertoire of Mussorgosky, Chopin, Prokofiev, with pianist Dina Yoffe. Mar. 2 at Orpheum and Mar. 4 at Centennial Theastre, 8pm.
VSO CHAMBER PLAYERS: FRENCH MASTERS: Poulenc, Mart, Ibert, Debussy and Francaix. Mar. 7 at 7:30pm and Mar. 10 at 2pm, Pyatt Hall.
THE HEROIC VADIM GLUZIM: James Gaffigan conducts violinist Vadim Gluzman in a repertoire of Strauss, Berstein, Beethoven. Mar. 9 & 11, 8pm. Orpheum Theatre.
CLASSICS OF DANCE: Host Christopher Gaze salutes the Goh Ballet Academy and Youth Company. Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Mar. 14, 2pm, Orpheum Theatre.
A CELTIC CELEBRATION: Conductor Steven Reinekes arrangements and Leahys thrilling and emotional reels and jigs. Mar. 15 and 16, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre.
THE LITTLE RUSSIAN SYMPHONY: DaYe Lin conductor, Avan Yu piano, with a repertoire of Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Tschaikovsky. Apr. 6 & 8 at 8pm, Apr. 7 at 2pm, Orpheum Theatre.
FROM THE NEW WORLD: Conductor Andrew Grams, violinist Ray Chen with a repertoire of Smetana, Sarasate and Dvorak. Apr. 13 at the Orpheum, Apr. 15 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, 8pm.
ANTHON MARWOOd PLAYS MOZART: Violinist Anthony Marwood leads a repertoire of Mozart, Rameau, Schubert and Haydn. Apr. 19 and 20 at Chan Centre, 8pm.
RITUALS: Features Aaron McDonald on timpani with a repertoire of Edward Top, Giorgio Magnanensi, Michael Colgrass, Sofia Gubaidulina and Louis Andriessen. Apr. 20, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre.
APRIL IN PARIS: Christopher Gaze hosts a performance of Weber, Rossini, Saint Saens, Chopin, Debussy, Delibes and Berlioz, with pianist Jeffrey Luo. Apr. 25, 2pm, Orpheum Theatre.
PIZZARELLI PLAYS ELLINGTON: John Pizzarelli guitar/vocals, Larry Fuller piano, Tony Tedesco drums and Martin Pizzarelli bass. Apr. 26 & 27, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre.
Music in the Morning | MusicintheMorning.org | 麻豆传媒映画Academy for Music | 1270 Chestnut, $10-$18
LATITUDE 41 TRIO: Violinist Livia Sohn, cellist Luigi Piovano, and pianist Bernadene Blaha. Feb 13-15, 10am.
MUSIC FROM BANFF: Esteemed faculty artists from The Banff Centre summer programs, as well as young Victoria-born violinist Timothy Chooi. Mar 13-15, 10am.
ST. LAWRENCE STRING QUARTET: Apr 17-19, 10am.
麻豆传媒映画Recital Society| 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse (601 Hamilton) | $18-$60 at VanRecital.com
NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN, CELLO AND NOREEN POLERA, PIANO: Works by Franck, Chopin, Ligeti, Bronner and Tchaikovsky. Feb. 10, 3pm.
MILOS KARADAGLI, GUITAR: With two recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, he aims to start bringing a new sense of excitement to the classical guitar. Feb. 17, 3pm.
Vetta Chamber Music | $15-$28 at VettaMusic.com | West Point Grey United Church (4595 West 8th)
SERENADES AND ROMANCE: Feb. 7 & 8.
HARP AND STRINGS, INTRODUCING COULOIR: Mar. 21.
PIANO TRIOS: May 30 & 31.
Friends of Chamber Music | FriendsOfChamberMusic.ca
EMERSON STRING QUARTET: With the announcement of cellist David Finckels departure from the quartet after more than three decades together, this concert will represent the last time for this foursome to perform together in Vancouver. Feb. 3, 3pm at the 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse Theatre (600 Hamilton). $40 at FriendsofChamberMusic.ca.
OUT FOR LUNCH MUSIC SERIES: Selected Friday afternoons at 12:10pm, free with 麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery admission. Arrive early; this popular event has limited space. VanArtGallery.BC.ca
Feb. 8 Emily Westell, violin (New York) and Alexander Karpeyev, piano (London)
Feb. 15 Sara Iraldi, cello (Italy) and Massimo Follieri, piano (Italy)
Mar. 1 Gene Ramsbottom, clarinet and Richard Epp, piano
Mar. 8 UBC Chamber Strings, Jonathan Girard, director
Mar. 22 Arioso Quintet
Mar. 29 Arioso Quartet, Gene Ramsbottom basset horn, Gregory Cukrov, bassoon and sopranos Nicole Brooks & Baha Poureslami, mezzo-sopranos Evanna Chiew & Katie Miller, tenor Tony Caruso, bass Nickolas Meyer and Marisa Gaetanne, director
TANGO MEETS JAZZ: Pablo Ziegler Quartet shares the Chan Centre stage with American violinist Regina Carter. An intoxicating fusion of tango and jazz. Feb 16, 8pm at the Chan Centre (6265 Crescent). $36-$72 at Ticketmaster.ca or ChanCentre.com.
OPERA
麻豆传媒映画Opera | Queen Elizabeth Theatre | 648 Cambie | VancouverOpera.ca
THE MAGIC FLUTE: Set on the rocky shores and in the ancient rainforests of the Pacific Coast, VOs highly praised 2007 production, with new design elements, artfully blends Mozarts beguiling music with indigenous mythology and visually stunning design. The eternal story of humankinds search for spiritual harmony will move you; the human characters, spirit-animals and supernatural creatures will delight you. Mar 9-17. $35-$175 at VancouverOpera.ca.
TEA: A MIRROR OF THE SOUL: Combining sounds of water, paper, ceramic and stone with a traditional western orchestra, Tan Duns haunting score is trance-like and beautiful. Highly theatrical, visually stunning, and charged with eroticism, ritual and poetry. May 4-11, 7:30. $35-$190
CHORAL
CHOR LEONI AND FRIENDS: Chor Leoni has shared the stage with rock stars, opera superstars, and stars of the stage. This concert reunites some of them to mark the choirs 20th anniversary while honouring the legacy of founder Diane Loomer, C.M. With favourites from the past as well as the premiere of a new work by Robert Sund. Mar 23, 7:30 at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC (6265 Crescent). $15-$30 at Ticketmaster.ca.
Musica Intima | MusicAIntima.org
TWENTY: Sit back and listen as musica intimas 20-year journey unfolds: from the first piece ever performed by the ensemble, Sicut Cervus by Palestrina, to its most recent critically acclaimed works such as Birdsong by Ed Henderson. The program also includes the much-anticipated premier of R. Murray Schafers Here The Sounds Go Round. Mar 14, 7:30pm at Heritage Hall (3102 Main) and Mar 16, 7:30 at Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 W. 41st). $13-$40 at MusicaIntima.org.
Elektra Womens Choir | Elektra.ca
NORWEIGAN SPRING: In 2008, Elektras Artistic Director Morna Edmundson saw the final performance of Norways stunning womens choir Voci Nobili. Now she is thrilled to be sharing the stage with Guest Conductor Gamborg Helbekkmo, featuring a Scandinavian, Canadian and international repertoire. March 9, 7:30pm at Ryerson United Church (2195 W. 45th). $15-$28 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
TO MUSIC: A tribute to the art of music, to the marriage of words and melody, and to the connections and memories evoked through song. Internationally-renowned Canadian soprano Nancy Argenta is special guest, sharing some of her favourite baroque arias. May 11, 7:30pm at Ryerson United Church (2195 W. 45th). $15-$28 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
麻豆传媒映画Cantana Singers | VancouverCantanaSingers.com
BRAHMS REQUIEM: A Grand Classic of the choral repertoire, A German Requiem, To Words of the Holy Scriptures, Op. 45 by Johannes Brahms, in a totally unexpected place: the West Atrium of the new Life Sciences Institute at UBC (2350 Life Sciences Mall). Feb. 23 at 8pm. $25-$30 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
麻豆传媒映画Chamber Choir | VancouverChamberChoir.com
POETRY IN MUSIC: THE CONDUCTORS SYMPOSIUM CONCERT: The 麻豆传媒映画Chamber Choir, led by Jon Washburn and five conductors from the 33rd annual National Conductors Symposium, performs music based on verse from some of the greatest poets of the world: Goethe, Shakespeare, Auden, Whitman, Eliot, Rossetti, Dickinson and more. Feb 9, 8pm at Ryerson United Church (2205 W. 45th). $32.75 at Ticketmaster.ca.
A CAPPELLA PANORAMA: THE GREAT CHORAL REPERTOIRE: Program includes Mozart, Schubert, Palestrina, Rutter, the two Stephens (Chatman and Foster). Pacifica Singers joins in on several pieces. Mar. 15, 8pm at Ryerson United Church (2205 W. 45th). $32.75 at Ticketmaster.ca.
BACH MASS IN B MINOR: This Mass plumbs the depths of musical and spiritual experience. Mar 29, 8pm at the Orpheum (884 Granville) $32.75 at Ticketmaster.ca.
YOUTH & MUSIC: CHORAL CREATIVITY: Be on the cutting edge of choral creativity by sharing these special moments with the young musicians. Apr 19, 8pm at Ryerson United Church (2205 W. 45th). $32.75 at Ticketmaster.ca.
麻豆传媒映画Phoenix Chamber Choir
SPRING CONCERT: ASPIRE: Works from Phoenixs Young Canadian Choral Composers Competition and also international sensations Ivo Antongnini (Swiss-Italian), Krystof Penderecki (Poland), and Paul Mealor (whose music was featured during Will and Kates royal wedding). Apr 27, 7:30 at Shaugnessy Heights United (1550 W. 33rd). $15-$25 at PhoenixChoir.ca.
MUSIC
MOTOWN MELTDOWN: Inspired by the critically acclaimed film Standing In The Shadows Of Motown over 25 hot-shot Canadian vocalists, backed by a scorching 12-piece band will heat up the dance floor. Mar 23, 8pm at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). $30 at Ticketmaster.ca or Highlife Records. Apr 6, 8pm at Red Robinson Show Theatre (Boulevard Casino, Coquitlam). $32 at Ticketmaster.ca. ShootingStarsFoundation.org.
EVENTS
OFF THE WALL IN CHINA: Photographer and adventurer William Jans 6th live show about absurd travels. This journey through the Philippines and China includes: sleeping on the Great Wall, a treacherous cliff hike, climbing the perfect volcano, and the wild Crucifixion Festival. Feb 8, 8pm at Clova Cinema (5732 176 St.) and Feb 21, 8pm at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway). $22.99 at wrjphoto.com or $21.99 at Zulu Records (1976 West 4) and Neptoon (3561 Main).
VANCOUVER SPRING SHOW: Multi-performer show will celebrate Chinese New Year with myriad top performers from around the globe. The shows founder and director, Cherry Tao, is considered to be one of Chinas dancing treasures. Tao is also the founder of Motion Artistry Dance in Vancouver, which marries her classical training with jazz and hip-hop. Feb. 9 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie). $38-$138 at SpringShow.ca.
VANCOUVER SWORDPLAY SYMPOSIUM: Swordplay enthusiasts from around the world gather for in the 麻豆传媒映画International Swordplay Symposium, hosted by Academie Duello. Public event brings together instructors, practitioners, writers, and lecturers from around the world for an exciting series of events with swordplay at their heart. Feb 15-17 at Academie Duello (412 West Hastings). AcademieDuello.com.
BC HOME AND GARDEN SHOW: Five days of insight and inspiration for making your house a home, featuring HGTV stars like Bryan Baeumler of Leave it to Bryan, Paul Lafrance of Decked Out and Vancouvers own Philip DuMoulin & Sarah Daniels of Urban Suburban, 425 retailers and a full line-up of new features, all under one roof. Feb. 20-24, 4pm at BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific). BCHomeandGardenShow.com.
VITALY: AN EVENING OF WONDERS: When audiences think theyve seen everything, simply pulling a rabbit out of a hat isnt going to thrill anyone anymore. The young illusionist and magician has made it a personal challenge to reintroduce awe and wonderment to those who have forgotten what it feels like to be amazed. March 8-10 & 15-17, at 8pm, The Cultch, 1895 Venables.
FESTIVALS
13TH ANNUAL CHUTZPAH! FESTIVAL: Breath-taking dance, hilarious comedy, a silent film screening with live music, prize-winning theatre and international music highlight the 13th Annual Chutzpah! Festival, the Lisa Nemetz International Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts. Feb. 7-Mar. 3 at various venues. $18-$40 at ChutzpahFestival.com or TicketsTonight.com. (see )
VANCOUVER COMEDY & ARTS FEST: Martin Short hosts opening gala to kick off performances by some of the top names of comedy Tig Notaro, Sean Cullen and Bob Saget. Various locations. Feb. 7-17. ComedyFest.com. (see )
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL: Bringing together communities of filmmakers and outdoor enthusiasts in a forum where they can discuss topics of mutual interest. Feb. 8-17, 7:30 pm at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway), the Centennial Theatre (2300 Lonsdale), and the Pacific Cinematheque (1131 Howe). Vimff.org.
TALKING STICK FESTIVAL: Showcase of professional Aboriginal artists in dance, music, theatre and visual arts but most importantly, a First Nations cultural immersion through spoken word, storytelling, powwow and more. Feb. 19-Mar. 3 at various locations. $12-$25 or pay what you can at some events. FullCircle.ca.
8TH ANNUAL WINTERRUPTION FESTIVAL: Vancouvers Coastal Jazz and Granville Island celebrate life on the West Coast through music, arts, performance and food at Performance Works. Enjoy major ticketed concerts by New Yorks Sex Mob, Bend Sinister and Dominique Fricot. Free concerts are plentiful during the event. Dont miss two shows each from Tyson Naylor Trio, Jen Hodges All-Stars, 4=4, and Mazacote. Feb. 22-24. $15-$18 at NorthernTickets.com. CoastalJazz.ca.
FESTIVAL DU BOIS: Quebecois, Celtic, world and folk music; storytelling; kids tent shows; dance; and traditional food. Mackin Park, Coquitlam. Mar. 1-3. FestivalDuBois.ca
CELTICFEST VANCOUVER: Music, dance, comedy, revelry and a healthy dose of that magical Celtic spirit, culminating with the annual St. Patricks Day Parade March 17 at 11am. Mar. 9-17 at various locations. CelticFestVancouver.com.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL: World-class dance performances from Vancouver, Montreal, Switzerland and New Zealand, showcasing a diverse range of styles from Butoh to Gitxcan. Performances, exhibtions and workshops thoughout the city from Mar. 2-23. VIDF.ca
SAKURA DAYS JAPAN FAIR: Enjoy the tranquility of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, eat festival food, try ikebana (flower arranging), premium sake tastings, guided tree talks and walks with Harry Jongerden and enjoy Haiku Invitational readings. Festivities also include cultural performances of Japanese classical dance, taiko drumming, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), martial arts performances, anime, eco-friendly cars or motorcycles and more. Apr 7-8, 10 am at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak). $8-$10 at door. JapanFairVancouver.com.
