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Jeni’s Picks for the week aheadDear Picks People… the first week of a new month jam-packed with a huge variety of events. A reminder that Coastal Jazz most events for the 2018 Vancouver International Jazz Festival (June 22-July 1) are posted already. As usual some of these will sell out very early so get your tickets before they are gone! More info here As usual, before you venture out, please check with venues for any last minute changes/cancellations. Enjoy!!  Studio 1398 – Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric PlayThis event runs from April 3, 2018 until April 6, 2018.
Presented by Little Mountain Lion Productions Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play What happens to pop culture after the fall of human civilization? What about 7 years after? Or even 75 years after? Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play endeavors to find out. After nuclear power plants across the country experience meltdowns, a small group of survivors gather in the woods and attempt to remember an episode of The Simpsons. Over the course of the play’s three acts and three-quarters of a century timespan, casual storytelling evolves into theater, pop music evolves into ritual, and one particular Simpsons episode evolves into a myth and legend for a post-apocalyptic, post-electric world. Tickets $17  Vancity Theatre – C’est La VieApril 3, 2018 8:10 pm
The latest comedy from the directors of The Intouchables, C’est la vie! tracks a wedding day from the point of view of the caterer, Max (Jean-Pierre Bacri). This is to be a grand affair, at an ancient chateau. But Max’s team is falling apart. Jealousy, laziness, incompetence, food poisoning and an insufferably arrogant bridegroom all contribute to what will be a night to remember… Tickets $13 *Also showing on April 4, 5 & & at different times  Libra Room – Big Top By DonationThis event runs from January 9, 2018 until June 12, 2018.
Guitarist/composer Scott McLeod brings his band Big Top to the Libra Room most Tuesdays.A musical dedication to the life and times, both past and present, of the roustabouts, carnies, rubes, misfits and performers of the circus. A Roots Americana soundscape.  Provence Marinaside – Hip Pocket presents The Sounds of New Orleans Free eventApril 4, 2018 6:00 pm
Hip Pocket presents The Sounds of New Orleans featuring Gary Comeau (Voodoo All-Stars) & Chris Nordquist (Cannery Row). Laissez les bon temps roulez! Adam Rohrlick: electric guitar & tenor saxophone Gary Comeau: keyboards and vocals Chris Nordquist: drums, washboard and vocals  Rio Theatre- Phantom ThreadApril 4, 2018 6:15 pm
With his latest film, Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) paints an illuminating portrait both of an artist on a creative journey, and the women who keep his world running. Set in the glamour of 1950’s post-war London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) are at the center of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutantes and dames with the distinct style of The House of Woodcock. Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love. Tickets Advance $10 At the door $12 **Also showing on other dates/times  Tangent Cafe – Rubber Band featuring Chad Makela By DonationApril 4, 2018 8:00 pm
Guest sax player Chad Makela is one of the most significant musicians in the Vancouver Traditional Jazz scene. It will be a lively and swingy evening! Chad Makela – Sax Josh Roberts – Banjo/Guitar Wynston Minckler – Bass NIck James – Drums/Vocals  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Kevin Elaschuk Quartet By DonationApril 4, 2018 8:30 pm
Trumpet guru Kevin Elaschuk is one of Vancouver’s favourite players. A mainstay of the jazz and improvised community, Kevin has been heard with the groups of Peggy Lee, Dan Gaucher, Bill Coon and many more. His warm thoughtful sound navigates his beautiful compositions. With Bill Coon – guitar, Steve Holy – bass and Brad Turner – drums  China Cloud – Invisible Taste presents Individual Statements Pay-what-you-canApril 4, 2018 9:00 pm
Invisible Taste Wednesdays. This week…. Solo sets from Nic Bragg // Meredith Bates // Colin Cowan // Dan Gaucher + Elisa Thorn & Jeneen Frei Njootli Jeneen Frei Njootli is a Gwich’in artist and a founding member of the ReMatriate collective currently based on unceded Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver. Her practice concerns itself with Indigeneity-in-politics, community engagement and productive disruptions. In her current performance practice, she processes sounds made from her voice and a beaded hairpin. Joining her is harpist Elisa Thorn, who is known for her use of extended techniques, electronic effects, and unconventional uses of her instrument. Together, they create space, breath, and landscape.  Pacific Cinematheque – Young French Cinema April 5-8, 13-15This event runs from April 5, 2018 until April 8, 2018.
All Films Vancouver Premieres! Contemporary French directors have consistently been singled out for praise by the international press in the last few years. The Young French Cinema program is one of the most convenient entry points to their works. It offers a selection of today’s best new films and new filmmakers. Most of the films selected premiered in 2017 in top international festivals. The program focuses on rising talents, and includes high-profile independent works, quirky comedies, and powerful documentaries on the world we live in today. The current selection also highlights two specificities of French cinema today: its openness to gender diversity, with half of the films directed by female filmmakers; and its openness to the world, with films depicting realities from Europe to Asia to Africa. The selections demonstrate that this young generation shares, more than ever, a global vision and an amazing capacity to combine cultural influences, which lead it to tackle an incredibly wide range of subject matters. Includes Montparnasse Bienvenue, Paris Prestige, Wulu, Heaven Will Wait & more. Tickets $13  Vancity Theatre – FoxtrotApril 5, 2018 4:15 pm
Rated 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, but less popular in Israeli government circles (Israel’s Minister of Culture condemned the film when it won the Grand Jury Prize at Venice last fall), Foxtrot is a truly extraordinary work from Samuel Maoz, the director of Lebanon. It is a film about grief. Michael and Dafna are stunned when army officials show up at their door – the movie’s very first shot – to inform them their son Jonathan is dead. What follows falls into three main parts: the immediate aftermath of the news, with all its horror and rage, is succeeded by a very different and weirdly compelling flashback to Jonathan’s military posting at a remote, isolated checkpoint… And the final section, about which the less you know in advance, the better! Tickets $13 ** Also showing on Friday April 6 at 2.15p.m.  Contemporary Art Gallery – Capture Photography Feature Exhibition Opening “The Blue Hour” Free eventApril 5, 2018 7:00 pm
Writing in 1857, only a few short decades after the “invention” of photography, the art historian and critic Elizabeth Eastlake describes the photographic image as one that approaches us from the future and arrives in the present. While referring to the new technologies in chemical photography at the time, Eastlake’s comment might also be interpreted more portentously, as critical theorist Kaja Silverman suggests in The Miracle of Analogy (2015): as an invitation to upend canonical readings of photographs, which emphasize their simultaneous demonstration of “this-has-been” and “this-is-no-more.” The Blue Hour extends from this radical premise to rethink our assumptions about the photograph’s relationship to time. The exhibition presents work by five Canadian and international artists – Joi T. Arcand, Kapwani Kiwanga, Colin Miner, Grace Ndiritu, and Kara Uzelman. Cash bar.  China Cloud – The Sumner Brothers: The Songs We Sing (vinyl release)April 5, 2018 8:00 pm
The Sumner Brothers (Bob & Brian) will be performing solo acoustic performances of cover songs from their latest release, ‘To Elliot’. In between sets they will be spinning the brand new Vinyl for your listening pleasure. Elliot C. Way (to whom the record is dedicated and named after) will be performing a short acoustic set to start off the eve. $20 (w/ vinyl) $10 (ticket only)  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Steve Lloyd Smith QuartetApril 5, 2018 8:00 pm
Bassist/Composer/Leader Steve Lloyd Smith has a long track record as a respected musician who has been performing, writing and recording now for over three decades. Smith has recorded with many significant jazz artists including Richie Beirach, Billy Hart, Adam Rogers, Clarence Penn, Taylor Eigsti, and Eric Harland. Smith is performing his original compositions with a stellar quartet: Dave Sikula guitar, Jillian Lebeck piano, Steve Smith bass, and Dave Robbins drums. $15 cover  Aberthau Mansion – Wild with BluenessApril 6, 2018 7:00 pm
As a part of their Vancouver Parks Board Fieldhouse residency, Elisa Thorn & Dayna Szyndrowski are putting together an evening of art at the Aberthau Mansion near Jericho Beach. They decided to pull in the power of many by inviting some of their favorite artist women to create a wee bit of magic – from veteran to mid-career to one just getting started. Music and dance duets with musicians Peggy Lee, Marin Patenaude, Emma Postl, Roisin Adams, and Elisa Thorn and with dancers Vanessa Goodman, Renee Sigouin, Andrea Williams, Kylie Miller, and Dayna Szyndrowski. Tickets $10. Cash bar.  Pyatt Hall – Gary Smulyan with StringsApril 6, 2018 7:30 pm
Multiple Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan’s impressive resume includes work with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Joe Henderson to Joe Lovano and the Mingus Big Band. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, and an intelligent and creative harmonic approach. In 1996 Smulyan teamed up with the late arranger/composer extraordinaire Bob Belden for the first of two large ensemble projects. The first album entitled Gary Smulyan with Strings features Smulyan playing alongside lush string arrangements, a format that was all the rage in the 1950’s. Belden and Smulyan revived the style with phenomenal results. His big, dark Pepper Adams-like tone contrasts attractively with the tasteful string charts Belden provides. Tickets $34 With Tilden Webb piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Jesse Cahill drums, and a lush 10-piece string section.  Jazz @ The Pat – Westcoast Big BandApril 6, 2018 8:00 pm
A 16-piece ensemble, featuring many of the Vancouver’s top young jazz musicians, under the direction of Michael Kim. Tickets $10 at the door  Jazz @ The Pat – Tony Wilson Trio w/special guests Daniel Miles Kane & Raphael Geronimo Free eventApril 7, 2018 3:00 pm
Tony Wilson Trio w/special guests Daniel Miles Kane & Raphael Geronimo Sparks will fly! Be prepared for an exciting and lively afternoon! With tunes by Lee Morgan, Pharaoh Saunders and Blood Ulmer to name a few Tony Wilson- Guitar/ Russell Sholberg- bass & Kai Basanta – drums joined by very special guests Daniel Miles Kane- tenor saxophone & Raphael Geronimo – percussion  Gold Saucer – Moondle CD ReleaseApril 7, 2018 9:00 pm
Self-Help presents Moondle CD Release with special guests Nothingness Moondle is Emma Postl – lyrics, voice Cary Campbell – guitar Thomas Hoeller -guitar Eli Davidovici – bass Mili Hong – drums Cover $10  St.Andrew’s Wesley Jazz Vespers – Don Stewart Quartet with guest Nick Apivor By DonationApril 8, 2018 4:00 pm
Don Stewart brings his smooth vocals and stellar band to Jazz Vespers Vocals – Don, piano – Ron Johnston, bass – Cameron Hood, drums – Buff Allen with guest Nick Apivor on vibes and percussion  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Geoff Claridge Trio By DonationApril 8, 2018 6:00 pm
Woodwind expert Geoff Claridge’s brilliant improvising and soaring tone is at home on any reed instrument he can get his hands on! Tonight he’ll likely be playing a bit of tenor saxophone and a bit of clarinet while exploring the music of Jimmy Giuffre as well as his own originals and arraignments of standards. With David Blake – guitar and Conrad Good – bass  WISE Hall – Swingin’ Sundays with Company B By DonationThis event runs from April 8, 2018 until April 15, 2018.
The Ladies of Company B bring their swingin’ brand of harmony to the Wise Lounge for three weeks of April. (April 8, 15, & 29th) Guest appearances by local talents each week.  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Christie Grace BandApril 8, 2018 8:00 pm
Known for moving audiences with her sweet honey voice and smooth phrasing, Christie Grace performs jazz standards, Joni Mitchell classics and original compositions that infuse modern jazz with pop, folk, and R&B influences. A natural entertainer Christie has released three albums including her most recently acclaimed Golden Thread with Juno Award-winning producer Chris Gestrin. $15 cover. With Chris Gestrin piano, Laurence Mollerup bass, Daryl Jahnke guitar, and Buff Allen drums  Libra Room – Jesse Waldman & friends By DonationThis event runs from January 7, 2018 until June 10, 2018.
Every Sunday guitarist/singer/songwriter Jesse Waldman and special guests…. (expect great musicians like Marc L’Esperance, Noah Walker and Paul Pigat)  WISE Hall – Petunia & The Vipers Monday Residency By DonationThis event runs from January 29, 2018 until April 30, 2018.
Petunia & The Vipers every Monday in the Lounge all winter long! A man rooted in as much talent as mystery, Petunia is a Canadian country treasure. His began with busking his way through Canada and the NYC subways, playing over 150 shows a year to enthralled audiences. Since then, he has racked up the achievements with several celebrated solo releases and frequent tours spanning continents. Together with his Vancouver-based backing band, The Vipers, he is a fireball ripping and roaring with eclectic instrumentation and an energy only attainable through big band camaraderie. Suggested donation $10  Libra Room – John Korsrud Latin Jazz Band By DonationThis event runs from January 8, 2018 until June 11, 2018.
Monday Latin Night returns to Libra Room… trumpet player/composer/band leader John Korsrud (Goma Dura/Hard Rubber) will bring some of Vancouver’s finest players to the Drive most Mondays. See here for more info on weekly line-up  Guilt & Company – Adam Robert Thomas CD Release Pay-what-you-canApril 10, 2018 8:00 pm
The evening will feature two halves, so go for either or both! Both sets will feature Adam Thomas on vocals and guitar. 8-10pm Brad Turner – keys and trumpet, Cory Curtis – electric bass, Adam Cormier – drums. 10:30pm-12:30am Tristan Paxton – guitar, Cory Curtis – electric bass, Julian MacDonough – drums Also featuring guests Steve Kaldestad (sax) and Rod Murray (trombone). Sliding scale cover.  The Heatley – Adventures in Steel Guitar #12: Greg Leisz By DonationApril 10, 2018 8:30 pm
The 12th instalment of Adventures in Steel Guitar pays tribute to one of the busiest and most accomplished musicians on the planet, Greg Leisz. Whether playing lap steel, dobro, guitar or pedal steel, Greg’s playing is always perfect for the song and his tone is to die for. In addition to his long association with Bill Frissell, he has appeared on hundreds of albums by artists such as Ray Lamontagne, k.d. lang, Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, Dave Alvin, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, Gillian Welch, Jackson Browne, The Blue Shadows and Wilco. There will be a number of instrumentals featuring the band (and special guest Gord Grdina), as well as tunes with some fantastic guest singers including Marin Patenaude, Christie Rose, Ashley Grant, Tom Hammel and Barb Wilkins. Scott Smith – pedal steel Paul Pigat – guitar Jeremy Holmes – bass Liam MacDonald – drums |
"Jeni's Picks" is a curated list of eclectic events that I feel are of particular interest to my readership. If you know of an event of interest, let me know and I'll consider it for inclusion.
Jeni Mastin, JenisPicks.com
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