It’s the beginning of 2014 – and what better way to start the New Year than immersing yourself in the best events the city has to offer? Try a new restaurant at a discounted price, or discover the music of a talented mandolin virtuoso. If you want to have a rad time, go see Studio 58’s production of Grease.
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Uncle Vanya
Now until Jan. 18
The Cultch (Vancouver
East Cultural Centre)
1895 Venables St., Vancouver
thecultch.com
604-251-1363
Vancouver’s finest presenter of classical theatre is back with Anton Chekhov’s heart-wrenching Uncle Vanya, a timeless 19th century masterwork rich in improbable love, yearning and folly. The play will acquaint audiences with Vanya, whose monotonous country estate existence is thrust into chaos when his pedantic, aging brother-in-law returns with a new young wife – the beautiful and irresistible Yelena. Tickets are $18 each.
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Vancouver Shogi Club
Jan. 11
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (2nd Floor)
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
shogivancouver.wordpress.com
604-777-7000
Join the Vancouver Shogi Club for its debut event! The club meets to play shogi (Japanese chess) on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. There is a cost of $5 to cover room rental fees.
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Vancouver Recital Society: Avi Avital
Jan. 12
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
www.vanrecital.com
604-602-0363
Recognized by The New York Times for his “exquisitely sensitive playing,” Grammy Award-nominated mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital has emerged as one of today’s most exciting and entrepreneurial young musicians. Come hear him perform music by composers as varied as J. S. Bach, Yasuo Kuwahara, Maurice Ravel and Béla Bartók. Tickets from $25.
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PuSh: International Performing Arts Festival
Jan. 14–Feb. 2
Various venues in Vancouver
www.pushfestival.ca
604-605-8284
The PuSh International Performing Arts festival is Vancouver’s mid-winter festival representing acclaimed local, national and international artists. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival features adventurous programs of theatre, dance, music and multimedia at venues in and around Vancouver.
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Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice Show
Now until March 30
Skier’s Plaza
(in Whistler Village)
4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
www.whistler.com/events/
fire-and-ice
1-800-944-7853
Every Sunday night during winter, see a spectacular display of ski and snowboard skill at the legendary Fire and Ice Show in Skier’s Plaza. Whistler’s best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire accompanied by fire spinners, a DJ and a fireworks display. An electrifying evening of free live entertainment to watch with family and friends.
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Dine Out Vancouver
Jan. 17–Feb. 2
Various restaurants in Vancouver
www.dineoutvancouver.com
604-683-2000
The Dine Out Vancouver Festival is Canada’s largest celebration of eating out, attracting tens of thousands of local and visiting food enthusiasts annually to experience the city’s exceptionally diverse collection of restaurants. Diners can select from more than 230 restaurants each offering unique three-course meals at a fixed and reasonable price. Other exciting culinary experiences offered include wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.
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A Celebration of Robbie Burns
Jan. 18
Place des Arts
1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
www.placedesarts.ca
604-664-1636
Come for the concert or come early and enjoy a Scottish dinner with all the trimmings – including haggis! This special musical celebration of Scotland’s national bard features singer Rosie Carver with Celtic band Blackthorn and guest piper Jim McWilliams. From lively jigs and reels to heart-wrenching airs and ballads, you will savour their fun and sparkling renditions of Scottish melodies. Tickets $35 for the dinner and concert or $15 for the concert alone.
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Grease
Jan. 30–Feb. 23
Studio 58
100 49th Ave W, Vancouver
www.langara.bc.ca/studio-58
604-323-5227
Studio 58 proudly presents one of the most popular musicals of all time, the original Grease! Be transported back to 1950’s Rydell High, and sing along with the characters as greaser Danny and wholesome Sandy sort out their mutual attraction. This is a show you won’t want to miss. Tickets $12.25–$27.75.