The Lunar New Year may be over, but people are still in a festive mood and love is in the air. The end of February is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate it than to take advantage of exciting upcoming events like the Talking Stick and Vancouver Cherry Blossom festivals, or maybe heading back to 60s-era Vancouver with the VHF Film Night. Whether your love is for food, arts or culture, February’s got something for everyone.
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The Language of Stones/Le Langage des Pierres
Until March 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bloedel Conservatory,
Queen Elizabeth Park
www.ssbc.ca
The Sculptor’s Society of British Columbia invites you to an exhibition of stone sculptures at the Bloedel Conservatory until March 17. Meet the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, February 16 from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sculptor Jean-Guy Dallaire will also demonstrate his sculpting technique on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. This is an opportunity to see how stones and pebbles inspire his work.
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Talking Stick Festival
February 19–March 3
Various venues
www.fullcircleperformance.ca
Since its first year, in 2001, the Talking Stick Festival continues to be the talk of the town due to its generosity in sharing the rich culture of First Nations people. The two-week long event showcases the music, performance and storytelling of emerging and established Aboriginal artists, inspiring all cultures to explore Aboriginal culture through the arts.
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Winterruption 2013
February 22–24
Granville Island
1689 Johnston Street, Vancouver
granvilleisland.com/winterruption
This year Winterruption celebrates Francophone flavours, comedy, cinema and music. Don’t speak French? Not to worry – anyone can enjoy food and wine tastings, stand-up comedy and other can’t miss performances over the three-day long festival. See website for details.
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Nonna’s Kitchen and Masquerade Ball
Friday, February 22
Italian Cultural Centre
3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver
604-430-3337
italianculturalcentre.ca
If you like Italian food, Nonna’s Kitchen and Masquerade Ball is a must. From pastas to polenta, the buffet-style dinner with DJ and dance will make you want to shout Viva Italia! See website for tickets.
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VHF Film Night:CBC Archival Film Program
Tuesday, February 26
Hollywood Theatre
3123, West Broadway
vancouverheritagefoundation.org
Vancouver Heritage Foundation presents the last installment in their Gritty City: Vancouver in the 60s film series, featuring two films that look back at the West End, Chinatown and Granville Street. Admission by donation.
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Dishing on The Drive
Wednesday, February 27
Various venues on Commercial Dr.
dishcrawl.com/thedrive
Calling all food lovers! Also known as a ‘food crawl’, Dishing on the Drive keeps names of venues a secret until it’s time to discover four restaurants and experience various ethnic cuisines –
all on funky Commercial Drive. See website for tickets.
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Billie’s Blues Dalannah Gail Bowen Concert
Sunday, February 24
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical
Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
dalannahgailbowen.eventbrite.ca
In celebration of Black History Month, Dalannah Gail Bowen performs old-school blues, jazz and gospel. A talented artist known for her incredible stage presence, Dalannah has a reputation for delivering a memorable and passionate performance. So if you love the blues, Billie’s Blues is the place to be.
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Evoking Landmarks from Vancouver to Shanghai Art by Raymond Chow
March 1st–May 30
Dr Sun Yat-Sen
Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/events
Raymond Chow, a graduate of UBC, has made a name for himself as a talented artist, published two books of his work and been included in the book 150 Years of Toronto. This collection features work inspired by the disappearance of historical buildings in Vancouver and Shanghai.
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Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – World Umbrella Dance
February 26th–April 13
Community centres in Vancouver
www.vcbf.ca
No, you don’t have to be a professional dancer to participate. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s World Umbrella Dance is for everyone. Whether you were born to dance or you simply appreciate Japanese culture, the Shiamak Davar Dance Company will prepare you with simple, beginner-friendly choreography. So grab your dancing shoes for an experience you won’t forget. Tickets include unlimited rehearsals and your own umbrella! See website for tickets.
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The Tibetan Resettlement Project Canada: Hope and Opportunities for Displaced Tibetans
Saturday, February 23, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Hewett Centre
949 West 49th Ave, Vancouver
vancouver.mediacoop.ca/events
Help promote awareness for displaced Tibetans emigrating from Tibet to Canada by learning more about what you can do at this workshop. Topics: the Tibetan diaspora and the need for the Resettlement Program, Tibetan cultural contexts and the reality of living as displaced people. Find out how you can make a difference. Entry is free.
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Club Bellydance Returns!
Friday, February 22
Orpheum Annex
823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
bellydancesuperstars.com
Belly dancing has made its way into the heart and soul of B.C., and Club Bellydance organizes workshops around the world to celebrate this popular dance culture. This performance allows the public to join belly dance superstars, and Club Bellydance puts on a show you won’t want to miss. See website for details.