Cyclists ride beneath a canopy of cherry blossom trees – Photo by Houston Marsh, Flickr
Whether you want to have fun or learn something new, in this issue’s calendar, there’s something for everyone. Catch a lecture at your local library or dance the night away at the Dancey Ballroom. Or better yet, do both. The next two weeks are filled with events that will make you laugh, think and celebrate.
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Great Commonwealth Cities: Undercover Book Club
Tuesday, Apr. 23
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch
350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
604-331-3603
Join the Popular Reading Library for a journey through Commonwealth cities from Melbourne to Vancouver in search of gripping mysteries. Event is free but registration is required.
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Safar/Voyage
Apr. 20–Sept. 15
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
UBC Museum of Anthropology
6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver
604-822-5087
Safar/Voyage will be the first major exhibition of contemporary art from the Middle East to be shown in Vancouver. It is constructed as a journey of 16 artists, each of whom define themselves and the world according to their own creative representations. There will be a special Artists’ Talk on Tuesday, April 23. Admission rates: $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for students and seniors. Admission for children 6 and under is free.
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A Cowherd in Paradise
Thursday, Apr. 25
6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Greater Victoria Public Library, Nellie McClung branch
3950 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria
Be prepared to laugh, learn, and be inspired by author May Q. Wong’s stories and readings of A Cowherd in Paradise: From China to Canada. Her book chronicles the history of Canada’s Chinese immigrants and tells the moving tale of one couple’s search for love, family, and forgiveness across two countries and 100 years. Admission is free but registration is required.
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Bike the Blossoms
Saturday, Apr. 27
11a.m.–3p.m.
Meeting at China Creek South
1255 East 10th Ave, Vancouver
Explore the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms in a fun, free, guided bike ride organized by Velopalooza and the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. The ride will tour the blossom cherry trees in Vancouver and include a talk by Parks Board Arborist, Bill Stephen.
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Katzie First Nation: Day of Celebration
Saturday, Apr. 27
Event begins at 11:00 a.m.
Simon Pierre Longhouse
17961 Wharf Street, Pitt Meadows
corporate/events
In partnership with the Katzie First Nations, the Arts Council is supporting the live performance of Women in Fish, the story of women’s contributions to what was once a top industry. This performance is part of a special celebration by Katzie First Nations. Performance is free, salmon BBQ is by donation. Registration is required.
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What Does it Mean to Live in a Post-Colonial Society?
Thursday, May 2
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch
350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
604-331-3603
Author Jim McDowell explores the life of missionary Father August Brabant and the dynamics that shaped, and continue to define, the settler-colonial relationship between indigenous peoples and the state in Canada. Admission is free.
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A sailor-inspired tattoo on display – Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Tattoos and Scrimshaw: The Art of the Sailor
Mar. 14–Oct. 13
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver
604-257-8300
vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Indelible and highly personal, tattoos and scrimshaw capture in ink the stories of Canadian maritime culture. Join the Vancouver Maritime Museum for an exploration and celebration of the long history of nautical tattoos and sailor art. Admission rates: $11.50 for adults, $8.50 for youth and seniors.
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Music in the Morning: Metales M5
Sunday, May 5
2:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Vancouver Academy of Music
1270 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
604-873-4612
http://www.musicinthemorning.org
Metales M5 is Mexico’s leading brass quintet, and now they bring their inimitable talents to the Vancouver area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and make classical music fun for the whole family! With short pieces, the musicians explain what a fugue and a concerto are and prove that you can play the garden hose. Buy tickets in advance: $18 for adults, $15 for students/seniors and $10 for children.
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Bachata Social
Every Thursday
9:30 p.m.–12 p.m.
Dancey Ballroom
505 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
604-813-6739
Thursday’s Bachata Socials have become one of the most popular dance nights of the week, especially for bachateros who can’t get enough of the music they love. Hosted by Ronald Martinez of Bachata Vancouver, and featuring a music mix of classic Dominican Bachata and Urban Bachata. A casual and relaxed evening open to dancers of all levels. Admission is $7 at the door. Other events hosted by the Dancey Ballroom include Salsa Fridays.
