Lion dancers perform in the annual Chinese New Year Parade | Photo by Janheunick
Celebrate Black History Month, love, Chinese New Year and much more this month with exciting events across the Lower Mainland! Take advantage of the fun, vibrant and joyous celebrations by attending a festival, a film or a dance performance. From black history films to the annual Chinese New Year Parade, there will not be a dull moment.
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Grace Schwindt – Only a Free Individual Can Create a Free Society
Jan. 23–Feb. 15
Contemporary Art Gallery
555 Nelson St., Vancouver
German artist Grace Schwindt’s film installation explores political, cultural, social and economic systems. Schwindt revisits discussions from her childhood and includes an interview with a left-wing activist who was influenced by the political landscape of the 1960s and 1970s. The artist takes apart the language and projects it into a choreographed dance, the set, props, costumes and other theatrical themes.
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Black history on film.
Vancity Theatre presents Black History Month
Feb. 1–23
Vancity Theatre
1181 Seymour St., Vancouver
604-683-3456
Vancity Theatre is hosting an array of films centered on the theme of black history. In celebration of Black History Month, documentaries, music performances, comedies and dramatic performances will be airing all month. Performances such as Keep On Keepin’ On, Through a Lens Darkly and Black Orpheus will be available for viewing.
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Chinese New Year at the River Rock
Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
River Rock Casino Resort
8811 River Rd., Richmond
www.tourismrichmond.com/events/cny
Celebrate the Year of the Goat at the River Rock Casino Resort! This free event includes an 80 member Lion dance performance that will start your Chinese New Year off right. There will be nine lions and a dragon to celebrate the New Year. The event is packed with traditional music, authentic costumes and other fun festivities.
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NTU/Skwatta
Feb. 11–14
Firehall Arts Centre
280 E. Cordova St., Vancouver
604-689-0926
South African choreographer Vincent Mantsoe creates a beautiful performance that combines traditional and contemporary dance. NTU & Skwatta are two solos that reflect the poverty in the South African squatter camps. In these performances, Mantsoe captures hope and human spirit in dance.
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Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project and Cecile McLorin Salvant
Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver
Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy Award winning Mosaic Project engages the audience with its all-female jazz ensemble. Performing with Carrington is Cecile McLorin Salvant, a French singer with soul and power in her voice. Salvant performs songs off of her Grammy nominated album. For more information on ticket pricing, please visit the website.
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Studio 58 presents NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Feb. 16–22
Langara College
Room SU32, Student Union Building, 100 W. 49th Ave., Vancouver
Part of the Risky Nights series, Studio 58 presents NO STRINGS ATTACHED. This adaption of the classic Pinocchio tale leads the audience into a world with eight Pinocchios, each a guide for the audience on the rough ride through the childhood of the new millennium. Admission by donation, reservations are recommended.
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Digital Culture
Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Surrey City Centre Library
401 – 10350 University Dr., Surrey
www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events
Engage in the philosophical questions that revolve around the advancement of technology. Is technology crippling our society? Are we becoming more reliant on technology? Is this advancement detrimental to society? All these questions will be addressed in this edition of Teen Café where teenagers are encouraged to come out and discuss their ideas.
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The Foreigner
Award-winning comedy The Foreigner hits Vancouver theatre.
Feb. 18–March 14
Multiple Venues
www.artsclub.com/shows/on-tour
604-687-1644
The Arts Club on Tour series presents The Foreigner, a comedy that has won awards for its hilarious and satirical dialogue. All Charlie wants is peace and quiet, so when he moves to a fishing lodge in Georgia, he finds it easy to masquerade his ability to speak English. For more information on ticket pricing and scheduling, please visit the website.
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Made in China
Feb. 18–21
Firehall Arts Centre
280 E. Cordova St., Vancouver
604-689-0926
Wen Wei Dance explores Chinese heritage through a stunning performance of dance. A combination of dance, music and storytelling, this on-stage production is vibrant and exciting. The memories of the artistic directors are integrated to create an intrinsic dialogue between the performers and the audience. For more information on ticket pricing, please visit the website.
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Celebrating the Year of the Goat
Feb. 19–22
International Village Mall
88 W. Pender St., Vancouver
www.internationalvillagemall.ca
604-646-1089
The Year of the Goat at the International Village Mall will be as big as last year’s event! With fun festivities such as Lion dancing, red envelopes, event draws and other performances, this is an event the kids will have fun at. Learn more about Chinese New Year at this family-friendly event. Attend the annual Chinese New Year Parade on Feb. 22.
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2015 Chutzpah! Festival
Feb. 19–March 15
Norman Rothstein Theatre
950 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver
The Chutzpah! Festival is back with more performances and productions from artists from all over the world! The festival includes dance performances, band performances and other artistic expressions. The Chutzpah! Festival is a platform in which established and upcoming artists can display their works of art. For more information on ticket pricing and packages, please visit the website.
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Winterruption 2015
Feb. 19–22
Granville Island
1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver
www.granvilleisland.com/winterruption
Winterruption is an annual festival that has been going on at Granville Island for years! This weekend is dedicated to art, music and dance. Bring the children down for some fun performances including Celso Machado, a guitarist-singer-percussionist. Other activities include Yarn-aments & Yarn-imals crafting, the Sustainable Seafood Market Dinner and much more. For more information on scheduling, please visit the website.
