Cultural Calendar

The Diversity Health Fair will be held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Saturday, March 9 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Photo courtesy of Diversity Health Fair

The Diversity Health Fair will be held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Saturday, March 9 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Photo courtesy of Diversity Health Fair

Mild March has brought the spring blossoms to bloom and the social calendar to life. Nurture your inner philanthropist at fundraisers like Dress for Success, the BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K and Cake Tasting in Surrey. If architecture’s your thing, don’t miss the Marine Building talk and tour – a Sunday morning full of so much coffee and culture you’ll leave half hipster.
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Dress for Success Vancouver IMPACT 2013
Thursday, March 7, 6 p.m.
Spanish Ballroom at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia
801 West Georgia St.
http://www.dfsvancouver.org/impact

Dress for Success is a Canadian charity helping low income women to transition into the workforce by providing a suit for interviews and a small working wardrobe. This fundraiser is a mix of philanthropy and entertainment, with live and silent auctions, prizes and fine wines to enjoy. Tickets: $125 ($75 tax receipt).
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The Bully Project is a film showing at the Jewish Community Centre. Photo courtesy of The Bully Project

The Bully Project is a film showing at the Jewish Community Centre. Photo courtesy of The Bully Project

The Bully Project
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Jewish Community Centre
950 West 41st Ave.
604-257-5119
http://www.jccgv.com

Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a documentary following five kids and families over the course of a school year. Join the Jewish Community Centre in taking a stand against bullying at this community-wide screening. Wear a pink shirt. Open to the public.
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Vancouver International Salsa Festival
March 7–10
Various Venues
778-990-6111
http://www.salsafestival.ca

Workshops, parties, performances and competitions are bringing the global Latin dance movement to Vancouver. It’s expected to draw over 4,000 participants, mingling with 100 performers from 18 countries. There will be daytime and evening events for beginner to advanced dancers. Tickets: starting at $15.
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Diversity Health Fair 2013
Saturday, March 9,
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Croatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Dr.
http://www.amssa.org

The 9th annual health fair is presenting over 50 health and wellness exhibitors and resources in over eight languages. Check out interactive culinary demonstrations, health screenings, onsite tests and multicultural entertainment. The first 1,000 visitors get a tote bag, and there will be plenty of other prizes and giveaways throughout the day. Open to the public.
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The Art of Being Together
Saturday, March 9,
1 p.m.–5 p.m.
National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Cres.
604-435-9544

This will be the 4th annual art exhibit and fundraiser, featuring works by emerging and established artists from the Lower Mainland. This year’s theme for submissions is “Me and My Community”. Don’t miss the Tetsu Taiko drummers. Admission by donation.
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Sunday Morning at the Marine
Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
JJ Bean, 355 Burrard Street
604-246-9642
vancouverheritagefoundation.org

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation has teamed up with JJ Bean to shine the spotlight on one of the city’s most loved structures, the Marine Building. There will be coffee tastings with the founder and owner of JJ Bean, a talk from the architect behind the renovation and a guided tour of the historic lobby. Tickets: $25.
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Healthy Chef Competition
Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
655 Burrard St.
604-944-0179

This is the 14th annual Healthy Chef Competition, an event put on by the British Columbia Chefs Association and the British Columbia Produce Marketing Association. A bit of healthy competition will showcase fruits and vegetables at their most delicious. Tickets: $90.
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Vancouver Chamber Choir will show off their musical abilities at Ryerson United Church on Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of BC Government

Vancouver Chamber Choir will show off their musical abilities at Ryerson United Church on Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of BC Government

A Cappella Panorama
Friday, March 15, 8 p.m.
Ryerson United Church
2195 West 45th Ave.
http://www.vancouverchamberchoir.com
1-855-985-2787

The Vancouver Chamber Choir will perform a veritable treasure-house of delights for choral aficionados. Mozart, Schubert, Palestrina, Rutter and much more will be delivered with grace, panache and humour by the professional singers of Canada’s finest chamber choir. Tickets: $28 adults, $24.50 students and seniors, $10 student rush at door.
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BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.
Stanley Park Pavilion
http://www.stpatricks5k.com

Run or walk a fun and scenic 5 kilometres through Stanley park in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association. A well-earned after party will offer beer, Irish stew, cupcakes, music, a costume contest and more. Last year the race sold out, so register early. Individual entry: $35; Teams of five or more: $31 each.
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Cake Tasting Fund Raiser
Sunday, March 17,
1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express
15808 104 Ave
http://www.cakes-n-cookies.org
1-888-963-1171

Benefiting the Dearman Air Cadet Squadron of Surrey, a $10 donation earns an afternoon of cake pops, cookies, steam pudding, adult and children’s trifle and more. Enter and win one of three grand prize custom cakes. Register online, at the door or over the phone.
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Claire Morifee, one of the performers at Motown Meltdown. Photo courtesy of Shooting Stars Foundation

Claire Morifee, one of the performers at Motown Meltdown. Photo courtesy of Shooting Stars Foundation

Motown Meltdown
Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m.
Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St.
http://www.shootingstarsfoundation.org
1-855-985-5000

Over 25 hotshot Canadian vocalists backed by a scorching 12 piece band will heat up the dance floor at the Commodore. The familiar Motown songbook includes I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Dancing in the Street and Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone. Tickets: $30.