CBC Musical Nooners 2018

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Free lunchtime concerts return to CBC Vancouver this summer for the 9th annual CBC Musical Nooners! Join the fun all summer long.

CBC Musical Nooners

CBC Musical Nooners

Where: CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage and Plaza (700 Hamilton St)
When: July 10 – August 17 weekdays, 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Admission: FREE!

Opening day, July 10th, will be a celebration of Indigenous culture. Lift your spirits with the passionate and soulful music of Mob Bounce, a northwest coast Native hip-hop duo comprised of The Northwest Kid (Gitxsan) and EarthChild (Cree/ Metis). Mr. Bannock, an Indigenous food truck will also be on hand to feed hungry concert attendees.

Here’s what else is in store this year:

Tuesday, July 10, Mob Bounce
Wednesday, July 11, Son de Madera
Thursday, July 12, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes
Friday, July 13, Little Miss Higgins

Monday, July 16, Winsome Kind
Tuesday, July 17, Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron
Wednesday, July 18, Haley Blais
Thursday, July 19, Dawn Pemberton
Friday, July 20, Rumba Calzada

Monday, July 23, Adam Robert Thomas
Tuesday, July 24, Portraits of Us
Wednesday, July 25, Fallbrigade
Thursday, July 26, The Long War
Friday, July 27, Jen Hodge All Stars

Monday, July 30, Old Soul Rebel
Tuesday, July 31, Sinclair & Bennett
Wednesday,August 1, Will Stroet
Thursday, August 2, Lonesome Town Painters
Friday, August 3, Tanga

Monday, August 6, BC Day No Concert
Tuesday, August 7, Petunia and the Vipers
Wednesday, August 8, David Ward
Thursday, August 9, Roy Forbes
Friday, August 10, Schwey
Monday, August 13, Desirée Dawson

Tuesday, August 14, Caleb Hart
Wednesday, August 15, Sister Speak
Thursday, August 16, Wooden Horsemen
Friday, August 17, Coco Jafro

View the full lineup here »

For more information on the Musical Nooners series and CBC in British Columbia follow along on Twitter or with the tag #musicalnooners.

Dancing on the Edge Festival

Comments 9 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 30th annual Dancing on the Edge Festival, Canada’s longest running festival of contemporary dance, is taking over Vancouver July 5-14, 2018. Artists from across Canada, from Belgium and South Korea will dance on stages and in the streets during the ten-day festival, in full length and mixed bill programs, as well as site-specific works.

Dancing on the Edge Festival

Where: Firehall Arts Centre & various venues
When: July 5 to 14, 2018
Tickets: Individual tickets and festival passes, including 4 or 6 show Edge Packs, are available now online or by calling the Firehall Arts Centre Box Office at (604) 689-0926.

Dancing on the Edge 2018
Co.ERASGA. Alvin Erasga Tolentino and Kasandra Lea. Photo credit: Yasuhiro Okada.

This year’s lineup includes: Montreal’s Paul-André Fortier/Fortier Danse-Création performs his final solo creation; Liz Kinoshita‘s Belgium-based company shares her work Volcano; South Korea’s Dab Dance Project makes their first appearance at DOTE with support from Suddenly Dance Theatre in Victoria and the Korean Government; Montreal’s Lara Kramer Danse returns; and Toronto’s Valerie Calam’s (Company Vice Versa) Dora Award winning Gotta Go Church set on Kate Franklin. BC choreographers performing a mix of new works and audience favourites include; Wen Wei Dance, Company 605, Lesley Telford/Inverso Productions, Co.ERASGA/Kasandra Lea in a collaboration where contemporary and Flamenco dance collide, MascallDance, Noam Gagnon/Vision Impure, Amber Funk Barton’s the response., Kinesis Dance somatheatro, O.Dela Arts/Olivia C. Davies, Yves Candau/Rob Kitsos/Martin Gotfrit, Hilary Maxwell, Mahaila Patterson-O’Brien, Alexandra Eliiott Dance, Crimson Coast Dance, All Bodies Dance Project, Jennifer Aoki, Holly Bright, and more – with over 30 performances. Outdoor site-specific work includes; Gail Lotenberg of LINK Dance Foundation’s choreography Crosswalk Hustle, a new installation in “The Intersections Series” where pedestrians and vehicle traffic meet in a choreographed routine (performances at Davie & Bute and Commercial Drive & 1st Ave); From tap to hip hop, from contemporary to flamenco, Dancing on the Edge brings four short works to Granville Island as part of Dances for a Small Stage Summer Series; and Kokoro Dance’s Wreck Beach Butoh, a unique site-specific dance performance that has been performed annually since 1996 with lighting, sound, and setting by Mother Nature.

30 Years of Dance in Canada

The Festival has a lot to celebrate. Not only does this anniversary serve as a platform to generate greater awareness of our festival’s values, but it will serve as a powerful reminder of the contributions of dance, as an art-form and demonstrates how 30 years of artistic pursuit can continue to pave the way for the future. The festival has accumulated 30 stories of the past 30 years of artists who have been presented by Dancing on the Edge Festival.

Win Tickets

I have a pair of tickets to give away to EDGE SIX at the Firehall Arts Centre on July 12, 2018 at 7:00pm.

  • Passages and Rhythms (excerpt of a work-in-progress)
    Co.ERASGA | Vancouver
    Flamenco and Contemporary dance collide in this transcultural amalgamation of movement and tradition.
    Choreographers: Alvin Erasga Tolentino & Kasandra Lea

  • For as long as I can remember
    Meredith Kalaman | Vancouver
    A heartwarming and eloquent duet providing a window into what it’s like to meet your younger/older self in the now.
    Choreographer: Meredith Kalaman
    Performers: Ellie Bishop, Meredith Kalaman
  • Here and Now
    Alexandra Elliott Dance | Winnipeg | Western Canadian Premiere

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to EDGE SIX at @DOTEFestival #DOTE18 http://ow.ly/HW4330kMn1n” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow the Dancing on the Edge Festival on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, July 6, 2018.

Update The winner is Ray!

Cool Off During Hot July Nights in 100 Mile House

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with FestivalSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Thousands of lakes, the Fishing Highway, and the world’s largest cross-country skis are all attractions in 100 Mile House, where many Vancouverites also have waterfront cabins that makes for perfect long weekend getaways with the family. Did you know it also has bird watching, kayaking, some awesome festivals, and even a waterfall in the middle of the city?

Last year I experienced two kinds of horsepower in 100 Mile, and this year I took to the water and discovered what makes this lake-filled region such a fun destination.

Kayaking 100 Mile House

First things first: The festival! Hot July Nights is a road-rocking show n’ shine like you’ve never seen before with more than 200 cars and motorcycles from the Pacific Northwest.

Hot July Nights

Where: Centennial Park (105 Evergreen Cres, 100 Mile House)
When: Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15, 2018
Admission: FREE for spectators! To enter your prized cruiser, there is a $10 registration fee.

A weekend of cruisers, classics, choppers and hot rods!

Jackson's Social Club

Cool Off

1) Walk around the 100 Mile Marsh
Where: South Cariboo Visitor Centre (Airport Rd, 100 Mile House)
Bird watchers rejoice! The 100 Mile Marsh is a Nature Trust and Ducks Unlimited protected wetland that is filled with migratory and native bird species. Park the car at the Visitor Centre and walk the accessible trail around the lake to spot Flickers, Sandpipers, Redwinged Blackbirds, Yellow Headed Blackbirds, Loons, and more — I even spotted a family of beavers! Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Canucks Autism Network Birthday Festival

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — In partnership with the Canucks Autism Network Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Canucks Autism Network (“CAN”) is turning 10 and they’re celebrating with the first-ever CAN Birthday Festival, presented by Coast Capital Savings, happening July 7th at Surrey Civic Plaza.

Hosted by the City of Surrey, the CAN Birthday Festival will feature traditional birthday activities as well as carnival inflatables, food trucks, vendors, a dunk tank, and a host of live entertainment for the whole family, including performances by Bobs & Lolo and the Famous Players Band.

Canucks Autism Network Birthday Festival

Canucks Autism Network Birthday Festival

Where: Surrey Civic Plaza (Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave)
Steps away from Surrey Central Expo Line SkyTrain station. Parking is also available underground parkade via 104 Avenue and University Drive.
When: Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 12:00am to 6:00pm with
sensory-friendly hours 10:00am to 12:00pm
Admission: FREE and open to the public.

“The CAN Birthday Festival will be an unprecedented celebration of the incredible successes that our thousands of members have accomplished throughout CAN’s 10-year history,” Katy Harandi, President and CEO

Founded by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini in 2008, CAN provides year-round sports and recreation programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.

The inspiration behind the event came from the countless stories of children with autism who are excluded from birthday parties. In anticipation of the event, CAN mailed out handcrafted birthday invitations personally inviting more than 1,700 children and youth with autism to attend the celebration; marking the first-ever birthday invite for many of the recipients.

In an effort to make to make the environment welcoming and accessible to individuals with autism and their families, the event will include sensory-friendly hours in the morning. The sensory-friendly hours will boast shorter lineups, smaller crowds, and reduced volume. Noise-cancelling headphones will also be available for rental.

Schedule of Events

10:00am to 12:00pm Sensory-friendly hours

Event Entertainment, presented by YVR- Vancouver International Airport
10:00am to 11:00am Rod Boss, Comedy Magician
10:15am to 10:45am CAN Band, Musical Performance by Young Adults with Autism
11:00am to 11:30am
& 12:00pm to 12:30pm Bobs & Lolo, Duo Musical Performance
12:30pm to 1:15pm Axe Capoeira, Martial Arts & Dance Performance
1:15pm to 2:30pm
& 3:00pm to 4:15pm Famous Players Band, Vancouver’s Best Cover Band
4:30pm to 4:40pm Royal Academy of Bhangra, Dance Performance

Bobs and LoLo

Win a Trip Anywhere WestJet Flies

Enter the CAN Birthday Festival Raffle for your chance at WestJet’s “Gift of Flight”! Win a roundtrip flight for two to any worldwide destination that WestJet flies! Tickets are 1 for $20 or 3 for $50.

CAN Fundraising

Want to support CAN? Sign up and fundraise for the CAN Birthday Festival here. With an estimated 1 in 66 individuals diagnosed, there are over 16,000 children and youth living with autism in BC alone. With your support, we can help thousands of children, youth and young adults with autism make friends, gain confidence and realize limitless possibilities.

The CAN Birthday Festival also highlights the deeply rooted impact that the organization has had in the Surrey community. With over 4,000 families within CAN’s province-wide membership, approximately 15% are from the City of Surrey. According to the Ministry of Child and Family Development, Surrey has the highest number of children and youth with autism of any city within BC.

For more information, follow CAN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and be sure to stop by the CAN Birthday Festival.

Get to Know The Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

You might already know you like folk, bluegrass, Americana or blues music – but have you heard marrabenta music? Or Cajun, Moravian melody, or son jarocho? From the well known and familiar to new and exciting discoveries, there’s a world full of music awaiting you at this year’s Vancouver Folk Music Festival happening July 13-15, 2018 at Jericho Beach Park.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Over the past 4 decades the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (consistently voted “Best Local Music Festival” in the Georgia Straight) has presented a high-quality and diverse roster of performers. This year is no exception! With over 50 acts coming from Europe, Africa, North, Latin and South America and Australia – including from numerous Canadian provinces and territories, and US states – it’s a stunning slice of global music and culture.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

When: July 13-15, 2018
Where: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online now or by phone (604) 602-9798. Kids 12 and under are free and can enjoy the the whole festival too, and a Little Folks Village.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

The Lineup

Art Bergmann (AB)
Wallis Bird (Ireland)
Mariel Buckley (AB)
Steph Cameron (BC)
Neko Case (VT)
Joachim Cooder (CA)
Ry Cooder featuring The Hamiltones (CA)
Rodney Crowell (TN)
Alex Cuba (BC |Cuba)
DakhaBrakha (Ukraine)
Dálava (BC)
Darlingside (MA)
Guy Davis (NY)
The Dead South (SK)
Las Estrellas de Vancouver (BC | Mexico)
Mick Flannery (Ireland)
Dori Freeman (BC)
Gamelan Bike Bike (BC)
Ilaria Graziano & Francesco Forni (Italy)
Gordon Grdina’s Haram (BC)
Jimmy “Duck” Holmes (MS)
Iskwé (MB)
Kacy & Clayton (SK)
Martin Kerr (AB)
Ezra Kwizera (BC | Rwanda)
Grant Lawrence & Friends (BC+)
Little Miss Higgins (MB)
John Lowell Band (MT)
A Familia Machado (BC & Brazil)
James McMurtry (TX)
Mike Munson (MN)
Murfitt & Main (BC)
Dawn Pemberton (BC)
Petunia & the Vipers (BC)
Carole Pope (ON)
Les Poules à Colin (QC)
Professor Banjo & Estro Jennies (BC)
Quantum Tangle (NU)
Ranky Tanky (SC)
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys (LA)
Archie Roach (Australia)
The Small Glories (AB)
Son de Madera (Mexico)
Jayme Stone’s Folklife (ON)
Leonard Sumner (MB)
Three Women and the Truth (TX)
Viper Central (BC)
Skye Wallace (BC)
Wazimbo & Banda Kakana (Mozambique)
Donovan Woods (ON)

Full roster of artists »
Full weekend schedule »

Music and More

In addition to the great music, there is a wide range of tastes and flavours to enjoy in the Food Area and the the Big Rock Beer Garden, crafts and art shopping in the Artisan Market on-site, as well as the Folk Bazaar along the beach front. The Little Folks Village is full of activities and entertainments for the whole family, and the Community Village, where local non-profit organizations share fascinating info about their mission and work. There is a CD and festival merchandise tent, and other things to see and do at the festival as well.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival3

The festival prides itself on its environmental and sustainability initiatives, and on making the festival accessible – and lots of fun. Around 1,400 volunteers help to make the festival a success. There is ample bike parking on site, and visitors are encouraged to bike, walk, or take transit rather than drive to the festival. No bottled water is sold on site – audience members are asked to bring their own bottles – and water refill stations are located around the site.

I’ve heard there is a magical feeling of friendliness and community between musical adventurers at the Festival, and you can’t beat the sound of great music, by the sea, with a stunning Vancouver summer sunset. It’s an inspiring and entertaining weekend that generations have enjoyed, and once you experience it, you’ll be back!

Follow the Vancouver Folk Music Festival on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram tag #VFMF2018 for more information and get your tickets today.