1600 Pandas+ World Tour at Metropolis at Metrotown

Comments 266 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Metropolis at Metrotown Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

After being showcased around the world in over 100 exhibits, the world-class art installation of 888 papier-mâché pandas by French artist Paulo Grangeon is making its first North American appearance at Metropolis at Metrotown as part of the 1600 Pandas+ World Tour.

1600 Pandas+ World Tour
at Metropolis at Metrotown

When: July 10 to August 8, 2018
Where: Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown
Admission: Free!

1600 Pandas

Metropolis at Metrotown, consulting curator AllRightsReserved Ltd., and World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”) Canada proudly present the exhibit 1600 Pandas+ World Tour in Canada to raise awareness of wildlife conservation, pandas and sustainability with all proceeds from the exhibit going to WWF Canada to fund wildlife conservation research and education.

About the Exhibit

The 1600 Pandas World Tour was first launched in 2008 by the WWF and acclaimed French artist Paulo Grangeon, who handcrafted 1,600 papier-mâché pandas— the number of living pandas left in the wild at that time — with recycled materials. The updated exhibit title “1600 Pandas+” refers not only to the 17% increase in the population of wild giant pandas to over 1,800 in the past decade, but also to increased public awareness of panda conservation, as an always symbolic reminder of wildlife sustainability.

1600 Pandas+ World Tour opened in Canada on July 10th in the Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown, with artist Paulo Grangeon in attendance.

Adopt-A-Panda

During the exhibit, visitors have the chance to reserve and adopt one of the papier-mâché pandas on display. Visit the Adoption Kiosk in Grand Court for details on how to make your donation to reserve your panda. All adoptions will be available for pick up from August 10-12, 2018 in Grand Court during mall hours.

Pandas Takeover Vancouver

Prior to the exhibit opening, there were a number of Panda Flash Mobs during the week of July 2nd for locals and visitors to enjoy. The Panda Flash Mobs took place around Vancouver and were covered on Metropolis at Metrotown’s social media accounts.

1600 Pandas

Spread the Word + Win

Come visit the exhibit, take photos in the selfie zone, and share your photos online using #1600PandasPlusCA for a chance to win a weekly prize of a panda gift pack and a $50 Metropolis gift card.

Visit the contest kiosks at the exhibit and enter for your chance to win a family trip for 4 to visit the pandas at the Calgary Zoo and a $500 Metropolis gift card.

Win a Metropolis at Metrotown Gift Card

I have a $250 Metropolis at Metrotown gift card to give away so you can shop while you visit the pandas! Here’s how you can enter to win:

[clickToTweet tweet=”1600 Pandas+ World Tour has come to @MetropolisatMet! RT to enter to win a $250 gift card #1600PandasPlusCA http://ow.ly/xzql30kU8VN” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Follow Metropolis at Metrotown on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about their shops, services, and special events.

Update The winner is @pgan27!

Review of Les Miserables in Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Miserables is on stage now in Vancouver! I sent Fran Martin to opening night and she texted me at intermission offering a rave review already. Here are her thoughts on the show:

Review of Les Miserables in Vancouver

Review of Les Miserables in Vancouver
Photo by Matthew Murphy

Although I had seen Les Miserables before, there was something about last night’s performance that outshone all others. It really blew me away.

Thenardier and his wife were hilarious (J. Anthony Crane & Allison Guinn) and the backdrops were even more amazing.

I was impressed by the special effects, such as the moving sewers as Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) carried/pulled Marius (Joshua Grosso) and how the fall of Javert (Josh Davis) was executed – so well in fact that it actually gave the impression of depth.

By the end of the Finale, there was not a dry eye in the entire theatre. The singing was so powerful, it drew out all emotion. Can you tell I loved it? We didn’t want it to end!

Fran wasn’t alone, with City TV’s Thor Diakow taking to Twitter to say: “‘Look down! Look down!’ Les Misérables will be stuck in my head all day. Incredible show last night and @nickcartell’s Jean Valjean is astounding. Never seen such a quick standing ovation. A MUST SEE!’

Les Miserables Emily Bautista as Eponine

Seen by more than 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year. Catch it in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St, Vancouver) until July 15, 2018.

Purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster or call 1-855-985-5000. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 1-800-889-8457. Broadway Across Canada Subscribers can visit BroadwayAcrossCanada.ca or call 1-866-542-7469. Ticket prices start at $30.50.

Follow Broadway Across Canada on Twitter and Facebook for more information about their shows coming to Vancouver in 2018-2019.

The Renaissance Town of Wells, BC

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Disclosure: Sponsored Post — In partnership with FestivalSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Whenever I tell people I have been to the Cariboo they ask: “Did you go to Wells?” and up until earlier this summer, the answer was no – and they would look so disappointed. After my visit in early June, I can now proudly say I have been to Wells – thanks to FestivalSeekers – and now I know what all the fuss is about!

Wells, BC

I arrived in town during the Wells Classic Show & Shine and Pooley Street was hopping. The brightly painted buildings – galleries, studio spaces, shops, theatres – popped as did the show & shine classics that were on display.

East Van meet Wells! see who I met on my trip to this artsy Cariboo town »

Wells, BC Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Summer Beer-B-Qs at Four Seasons Whistler

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Review — This is not a paid post, views are my own. My media stay was compliments of Four Seasons Whistler. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

While it’s a world-class, and renown winter playground, Whistler sure is fun in the summer! From alpine hikes and the Sunday farmers market, to mountain biking, live music and zipline adventures. Of course you’ll want a solid home base for all of your adventures (whether they take place on the peak or poolside) and I recently got to experience the hospitality at Four Seasons Whistler.

Foodie Weekend at Four Seasons Whistler

Summer Beer-B-Qs at Four Seasons Whistler

You have your luxurious stay at the Four Seasons (with spa, fitness room, gorgeous mountain views, poolside Moet Cabanas) and then you have the biggest, best, most delicious Beer-B-Q you can imagine!

Foodie Weekend at Four Seasons Whistler

SIDECUT at the Four Seasons Whistler has partnered with local craft breweries to present the Beer-B-Q in the courtyard every Thursday this summer from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. $39 gets you in for all-you-can-eat deliciousness! ($19 for kids 5-12, kids 5 and under are free). Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Bard-B-Q Fireworks: A Classic Vancouver Experience

Comments 193 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Take two of the best parts of summer in Vancouver and combine them for one spectacular evening! Bard on the Beach is once again offering its Bard-B-Q & Fireworks nights where you can enjoy a Bard mainstage show, dinner, and a private view of the Honda Celebration of Light from their grounds at Vanier Park.

Bard on the Beach

Bard-B-Q Fireworks at Bard on the Beach

July 28, August 1 & 4, 2018 at 5:30pm & 6:00pm

See As You Like It or Timon of Athens followed by an exquisite salmon barbecue* from Emelle’s Catering with all the fixings, delicious desserts and an entire evening of entertainment! Visit the PIXSTAR photobooth, take in the award-winning Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band and more before enjoying a private view of the spectacular Celebration of Light fireworks.

Bard on the Beach 2018 Season

As You Like It
June 12 – September 22 on the BMO Mainstage

Macbeth
June 6 – September 13 on the BMO Mainstage

Timon of Athens
June 26 – September 9 on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre

Lysistrata
July 6 – September 13 on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre

Special Events

Notable returning special events also include Family Nights, Talkback Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays and the Exploring Shakespeare Talks (one for each of the four plays).

On August 27, 2018 Bard hosts Forum: Gender and Shakespeare in 2018. Musical performances return to the BMO Mainstage, including Chor Leoni: Mane Event as well as Opera & Arias: Bold and Beautiful with the UBC Opera Ensemble and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Bard will also present two VocalEye performances and one Relaxed Performance, increasing the Festival’s accessibility.

View the full schedule online here »

Tickets for Bard on the Beach’s 29th season are now on sale beginning at $24. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection as many performances sell out in advance. Order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.

Enter to Win Bard-B-Q Tickets

I have a pair of tickets to see As You Like It on the BMO Mainstage followed by Bard-B-Q dinner and then the private viewing of the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks from the Bard grounds (August 1, 2018).

Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to @BardOnTheBeach Bard-B-Q & Fireworks http://ow.ly/4GiL30kSSPQ #Bard2018″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow Bard on the Beach on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Prize is for the August 1, 2018 event and cannot be exchanged for another night.

* Alternate food options are available. Please call the Box Office if you have an allergies or food concerns. Dinner will be served outdoors.

Update The winner is Sheila Knowles!