Cultural Calendar

Fire and ice come together at Whistler Blackcomb.

Fire and ice come together at Whistler Blackcomb.

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.

 

See Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at  the Cultch. | Illustration courtesy of The Cultch

See Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at the Cultch. | Illustration courtesy of The Cultch

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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.

 

Avi Avital and his mandolin play the Vancouver Playhouse Jan. 12.

Avi Avital and his mandolin play the Vancouver Playhouse Jan. 12.

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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.