The Rize development in Mount Pleasant has committed to providing space for the community, local retailers, and showcasing area artists. Throughout the months of January and February 2012, they are hosting an exhibit called 5 that will showcase the works of Linda Suffidy, Emmanuel Buenviaje, Thibault Sendra, Salvador Nunez, and Raven Sto.

Photo credit: Emmanuel Buenviaje on Flickr

On now until February 11th, you can stop by to check out the photography of Emmanuel Buenviaje Emmanuel focused, fittingly, on the Mount Pleasant area for this exhibit. “I wanted to push and explore the practice of photo documentary towards a personal visual language. With a graphic design background, I rely on sound design principles where colour, composition and play become one.”

It’s free to visit the 5 exhibit which is open Tuesday to Saturdays from 11:00am to 5:00pm at 196 Kingsway at East 10th.

It’s been four years since I met up with Matt Layzell of The Matinée at Roxy Burger to interview him for my E!Online column. The six folk/southern/roots band members (Matt Layzell, Matt Rose, Pete Lemon, Mike Young, Geoff Petrie, and Dave Young) had only been together for a year but their future looked promising.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Since that fateful night, The Matinée released a self-titled EP, have done a Canada-wide tour, released a full studio album, were featured in Shore 104FM‘s Sounds of Summer contest, and recently placed third in The Peak Performance Project.

Their top-tapping music is real and approachable and their energetic live shows have earned them quite the following. You can catch them January 30th at The Yard Cafe for an acoustic set, at VENUE February 18th, in Whistler at the GLC on February 25th, during CelticFest Vancouver March 15th, and in Toronto for Canadian Music Week March 22nd to 25th.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Matt has offered up 2 tickets for their February 18th show at VENUE to a Miss604 reader. If you would like to check out The Matinée in action with guests The Washboard Union and Good for Grapes, here’s how you can enter to win your way in:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw a winner at 10:00am next Friday, February 3, 2012. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win.

Already recognized in Canada and the United States, the City of Vancouver has also officially declared February as Black History Month. Last year I touched on Vancouver’s Black history by doing up a small profile on East Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley, but there is a much greater story to be told and celebrated.

Governor Douglas ca. 1860 Royal BC Museum
BC Archives# 193501-001. Call#: A-01229

Although often overlooked, there’s a rich tapestry of Black history going back to the early colonial origins of Canada.

In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. Governor James Douglas had invited them to settle in British Columbia. Though still faced with intense discrimination, these pioneers enriched the political, religious and economic life of the colony.

Unknown to many, Douglas was himself the product of a mixed marriage — his father was Scottish and his mother Guyanese. Douglas strove to be known as Caucasian; however, he quickly agreed to the appeal from the San Francisco delegation. In turn, the Black pioneers pledged their support to Douglas and to the cause of British sovereignty.

Many from that initial group have contributed notably to BC life: Mifflin Gibbs became a prominent politician; Charles and Nancy Alexander initiated the Shady Creek Methodist Church; and John Deas established a salmon cannery. The group also formed one of the earliest colonial militia units, the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps. A ceremony took place on February 20, 2000, in Saanichton, BC to honour the original arrival of Black pioneers in British Columbia. [City of Vancouver]

Vancouverites like Harry Jerome, Emery Barnes, and Dr Rosemary Brown were pioneers in their fields, and the legendary Joe Fortes was named Vancouver’s “Citizen of the Century”.

1910s – Joe Fortes in front of his cottage at the foot of Bidwell Street. Archives item# CVA 371-1977.

Local Black History Month Events

What: Women of Our Times, Here & Now. Join The National Congress of Black Women Foundation as they honour: Barbara Howard, Eleanor Collins, Eve Smith, Marcella King, Thelma Gibson, and Jeni LeGon. A reception, a silent auction and live entertainment to follow.
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Time: Doors open 5:30pm, 6:00pm start
Where: James Cowan Theatre, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Event Link

What: 5th Annual Pan Afrikan Slam. Poetry and music, presented by Black Dot Roots and Culture Collective. Admission by donation.
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Time: 8:00pm
Where: Calabasha Bistro, 428 Carrall St
Event Link

What: Movie – The Godmother of Rock & Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Time: Doors at 6:30pm, 7:00pm start
Where: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St
Event Link

What: Free movie – The Mighty Jerome
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia

What: Theatre: Intimate Apparel. The story of 35-year-old Esther who is an independent African-American woman who makes a good living sewing exquisite undergarments and corsets for brides-to-be. Set in 1905 New York.
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: The Arts Club Theatre, Granville Island Stage
Event Link

What: Honouring Black History Month Though Oral Tradition: “Family Celebrations: How Does your Family Honour Heritage?”. Admission by donation.
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: Intercultural Hub, Matsqui Recreation Centre, 3106 Clearbook Road, Abbotsford
Event Link

A full list of events is available on the City of Vancouver’s Black History Month homepage.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada will be live from Prince Edward Island on the CBC February 11, 2012. Starting at 11:00am, the Edmonton Oilers will face the Ottawa Senators, the Jets will play the Penguins, the Habs will fight the Leafs, and the Vancouver Canucks will face-off with the Calgary Flames at 7:00pm.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Last year I sent John Biehler up to cover Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Whitehorse and between the banquet, concerts, alumni, and outdoor activities, I think he had a pretty great time. Aside from the Canadian match-ups, there will be satellite events across the country to celebrate hockey. These include festivities in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; Windsor, Nova Scotia; Montreal, Quebec; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Richmond, BC. Each event is hosted by a CBC personality and will focus on community hockey, organizations, and initiatives.

Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Around here, the Richmond Olympic Oval will be the place to be. They’ll have free admission, an NHL Hall of Fame exhibit, NHL trophies, games, live entertainment, and a chance to meet the Canucks’ mascot Fin along with Trevor Linden. There will also be giants screens to watch the CBC games, a day-long hockey jamboree on twin Olympic-sized ice sheets, a public road hockey tournament, hockey skills zone, and prize giveaways including a trip to Japan.

Mark this down in your calendar as a fun, free day in Richmond with the hockey lovers in your family. Catch all the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada action at the oval from 10:30am to 10:00pm on February 11th.

Move over Red and Yellow, M&Ms have a new spokescandy. Ms. Brown, to be revealed to Canadians this month, is the “Chief Chocolate Officer” at Mars Inc. with a distinct personality and unmatched knowledge of milk chocolate.

Ms. Brown will make her first appearance, after working behind the scenes for the last seventy years, at The Grove in LA and M&M’s World in New York. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook Monday, January 30, at 12:00pm PT.

M&Ms have partnered with blogs across Canada to spread the word about Ms. Brown and I’m their exclusive Vancouver partner for the launch. As such, they have offered up an M&Ms prize pack valued at $90 for one lucky Miss604 reader. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at 1:00pm January 30, 2012. Follow M&Ms Canada on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

This winter the City and Slope festival will tie in adventures on our local mountains with interactive events downtown. From February 9 to 12, 2012, you can enjoy live concerts, attractions, and snow-filled action on the hills.

City

Illuminate Yaletown: Light displays, music, and more in this heritage district.

Science World Light Show: Nightly on the dome.

Museum of Vancouver: Check out the Neon Vancouver / Ugly Vancouver exhibit.

Slope

Mount Seymour: Enjoy “80s Day” on Sunday, February 12th. Dress up and enter to win some great prizes.

Grouse Mountain: Enjoy 24 hours of winter at Grouse as it stays open February 11th straight through to February 12th. Sunset and sunrise snowshoe tours, live DJ’s, nighttime ziplining, and hitting the slopes at 3:00am, if you like.

Cypress Mountain: It was 2 years ago that Cypress welcomed the world and was home to Canada’s first Olympic gold medal. They’re bringing the excitement back in a Vancouver 2010 anniversary celebration Friday, February 10th.

Visitors can build a weekend package (hotel stay and activities) from $218. A full schedule is posted online including information about the Hey Ocean, Benny Benassi, Alesso, Ko, Kevin Scott, and Dave Aude performances.

To promote City and Slope, I’ve been offered 2 passes for Grouse Mountain to give away. The winner can use these anytime this season and even during City and Slope’s “24 Hours of Grouse”. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post naming a City and Slope event (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw one winner at random from all entries next Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:00am. Follow City and Slope on Twitter and Facebook for more information and event listings.

Today is Robbie Burns Day, celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns. Burns Suppers are usually held January 25th (the anniversary of the Scot’s birthday) and involve whisky, haggis, and reading of Burns’ poetry.

Photo credit: rfduck on Flickr

This year Simon Fraser University is taking the notion of the Burns Supper one step further by attempting to set a world record for the logest recitation of Robert Burns’ poetry and songs.

What SFU Marathon Burns Reading.
When January 25, 2012 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
Where SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings St
Notes This is a free event but you are to “bring your own Burns” for reading.

It’s probably too late to RSVP online and book a 5-minute time slot for your reading but the public is welcome to attend. There will be refreshments and entertainment all morning.

Update They did it! According to News1130, SFU set a new world record with their Robbie Burns Day readings. Over 100 people spent 4 hours, 9 minutes, and 24 seconds reciting the poet’s words.

Illuminate Yaletown returns next month as the historic streets of Yaletown host a winter festival complete with dazzling installations. Light art exhibits will be glowing between Drake and Nelson, on Mainland and Hamilton Streets once the sun sets on February 10th and 11th.

Photo credit: [travelfox] on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Illuminate Yaletown utilizes advanced video and lighting technology that is both cutting edge and power smart. Showcasing the latest technological and environmental advancements in the lighting and power generation, this light show has the ability to awe the audience with its brilliance. Illuminate Yaletown is an event that can speak to the use of renewable power sources, cleaner generation technologies as well as more efficient light technologies.

Photo credit: Matzuda on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Photo credit: Adam Nowek & mountainhiker on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

The event is free to attend and explore and will host a photo competition on Flickr. Add your photos to the Illuminate Yaletown group and tag them with “Vancouver” and “Yaletown”.

Illuminate Yaletown is a part of City and Slope that will take place around Vancouver February 9 to 11, 2012, tying in events on the local mountains with festivities in town.

BC Travel Tuesday, with a Whistler spin, continues this week as I partner with backyardbc.com to help British Columbians get out and explore their home province.

backyardbc is a new travel website designed specifically for residents of British Columbia. Essentially a “be a tourist in your own backyard” program, participating hotels & resorts offer residents of BC exclusive rates and specials, designed to motivate BCers to travel more within the Province. Each offer has its own unique reservation code, and all bookings are done directly with our hotel and resort partners. Visit backyardbc online, on Twitter, or Facebook and see more of BC!

The winner of last week’s getaway to the Coast Whistler is Natalie (Comment January 17 at 11:09pm). We have 3 weeks left of Whistler accommodation giveaways and today’s prize is located in Creekside. Close to restaurants, the slopes, and the famous Southside Diner, there’s no shortage of things to do. Staying in and enjoying the snow-flanked hot tubs at your hotel is also a fine way to spend a chilly evening.

Photo credit: LodgingOvations on Flickr

Evolution Whistler Creekside
Website, Twitter, Facebook, backyardbc listing
Location: 2020 London Lane, Whistler, BC
About: “Just a 2 minute walk from the Whistler Creekside Gondola, this modern mountain lodge offers trendy suites with chic design, as well as a full kitchen with high end appliances, dining area, living area with a cozy fireplace, private balconies and an in suite washer and dryer. The amenities are endless with an outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fitness centre, a games room and a media room.”

Prize: 2 Nights accommodation in a 1 bedroom suite.
Value: $600

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post (1 entry) and/or post the following on Twitter (1 entry):

Gift certificates for hotel and resort stays will be sent directly to each weekly winner so they can arrange their visit personally with the property. Based on availability. Blackout dates for Evolution are February 17 to 25, March 9 to 17, May 18 to 20, December 21 to January 1, and all stat holiday weekends. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. This week’s winner will be announced next Tuesday.

View all posts in the series by following or subscribing to my BCTravelTuesday tag. Open to residents of BC.

It was on this day, January 23, 1939 that the two lions on the South end of the Lions Gate Bridge were installed. The two regal figures were created by Charles Marega and were the last commissioned work for this prominent yet struggling Vancouver sculptor.

1939 – VPL Accession Number: 3036. Photographer: Leonard Frank

A letter from Charles Marega about the pieces:

“Thank God I have work now. I am modeling a Lion for Vancouver’s suspension bridge. I had much trouble to get the work. The engineer is from Montreal, and wanted the Lion to modeled in Montreal. But the president of the bridge committee, who is a long-standing friend of mine, and his wife a good friend of mamas, finally assigned the work to me. I would have preferred the Lions to be in bronze or stone – but it has to be cheap – so they will be done in concrete which annoys me, as I could otherwise have made both Lions from one model. However I have to content myself to get work at all.” – letter from Charles Marega dated August 1938 found under the Public Art Registry & in the posession of Marega researcher Peggy Imready.

Looking at some older photos of the lions (like the two directly below) it almost looks as though there are horns or hats on top of the lions’ heads. I haven’t been able to find any record of these and they don’t appear in the 1939 photo at the top of this post. Since both of the following photos were taken on the same day, perhaps decorating the lions is a tradition that is decades old.

1950′s – VPL Accession Number: 41405 & VPL Accession Number: 41406A by The Province Newspaper

Over the years the lions have been a sign of ‘quitting time’ for North Shore commuters, the focus of tourist photos, brought awareness to causes and campaigns through their mysterious get-ups, and provided support for our home teams.

Photo credit: Larissa & Susan Gittins on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Photo credit: kennymatic – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

The Lions Gate Bridge was completed in 1938 and was orinally just 2 lanes. It was tolled until the 1960′s although the toll revenue covered the bridge expenses by 1952.

Phineas & Ferb have taught me two things lately. The first is that the Disney cartoon featuring two inventive step-brothers, their friends, and their pet platypus (turned secret agent spy) is a huge hit with my nephews. The second is that I now know, Everything’s Better with Perry. This hit show is on the road and coming to Vancouver for just one weekend.

Disney’s Phineas & Ferb Best Live Tour Ever
Where Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver
Dates January 27 to January 29, 2012
Showtimes 7:00pm Friday, 12:00pm & 3:00pm Saturday, 1:00pm & 4:00pm Sunday
Tickets Available now for $20-75 from Ticketmaster

I spent the afternoon at the show in Everett yesterday on a press junket with writers and their children. I borrowed my nephew Cameron since, as he told me enthusiastically, he watches the Phineas & Ferb EVERY DAY! Having never seen the show myself, I was quickly brought up to speed thanks to watching the motion picture Phinaes & Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension on the bus and going over a trivia booklet with 104 questions. I can now tell you why they went to Mount Rushmore, which one of them can communicate with dolphins, and why Dr. Doofenshmirtz wants to destroy all lawn gnomes in the Tri State area.

The plot of the live show revolves around the characters trying to put on a live show. As a result, the “show within a show” is lighthearted and entertaining. There is a lot of singing and dancing along with audience participation. My nephew, who is often too shy to speak, was engaged the entire time and shouting out responses when prompted. Kids who are already fans of the cartoon will enjoy hearing familiar tunes from the characters they love.

The show is funny for kids and adults alike, and it’s always interesting to see how Disney translates cartoon characters to live-action. The sets, as to be expected, were colourful and imaginative, and the lighting was dazzling. The cast was incredibly friendly (we were fortunate enough to meet them before the show) and they had an unimaginable amount of energy both on and off stage.

If you would like to see Disney’s Phineas & Ferb The Best Live Tour Ever when it comes to Vancouver, I have a 4-pack of tickets available to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment here naming a favourite character or song from the show (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

I will draw 1 winner on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 3:00pm. The winner will receive tickets to the 7:00pm performance on Friday, January 27, 2012.

Update The winner is Tanya!

The Bachelor is coming to Canada and not just on an extravagant date. The Bachelor Canada, from Force Four Entertainment and Citytv, was announced this morning.

The Bachelor Canada will have 9 episodes, with pre-production starting in the spring. Starting today, they are kicking off a nation-wide casting call for single ladies who would like to find love on reality television.

From this morning’s press release: “The Bachelor has long been a fan favourite on Citytv and we look forward to putting a Canadian spin on this thriving franchise,” said Claire Freeland, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media, and Executive Producer of The Bachelor Canada. “Canada is brimming with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to embark on their own quest for love through this entertaining series.”

While the bachelor himself hasn’t yet been announced, ladies can fill out a form online in the meantime to throw their hat in the ring. The show is slated to start filming in the fall.

Follow The Bachelor Canada Twitter or Facebook for news and updates.

Related: Read my interview with The Bachelorette: Jillian Harris.