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Jeni’s Picks for the week aheadDear Picks People, Enrich yourselves. Lots to help you through to the almost end of January. Please visit my website for additions as the week progresses. This is a free compilation so, as usual, make sure to check with venues for changes to schedule.  15th Annual PuSh International Festival January 17 – February 3, 2019This event runs from January 17, 2019 until February 2, 2019.
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival brings groundbreaking work in theatre, dance, multimedia, music + film. This year’s festival from January 17 to February 3, 2019, at various venues across the city, will showcase 26 works from 24 companies from 13 countries – including Canadian premieres from half-way across the world: sound-based works from Japan by ASUNA, Marginal Consort, and Tetsuya Umeda; Dancenorth Australia with music by Indonesian band Senyawa; and a piece from Taiwanese choreographer Liu Kuan-Hsiang. Read more here  Vancity Theatre – Nothing Like a DameJanuary 22, 2019 6:30 pm
If you haven’t seen this, please do! Brilliant. Four grand dames of the English theatre (and films too) get together over a cup of tea and reminisce about their long friendship, their illustrious careers, acting for the stage and the camera, and life in general. It’s uproariously funny, candid, and utterly irresistible. It is nothing more nor less than an acerbic round-table chat between four of British theatre’s most famed dames: Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, Eileen Atkins and Maggie Smith, which takes place at the country home Plowright shared with her late husband, Laurence Olivier. Tickets $11 *Also showing on 23, 27 & 29 January at different times*  The Rio – The WifeJanuary 22, 2019 7:00 pm
After nearly forty years of marriage, Joan and Joe Castleman (Golden Globe winner Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce) are complements. Where Joe is casual, Joan is elegant. Where Joe is vain, Joan is self-effacing. And where Joe enjoys his very public role as Great American Novelist, Joan pours her considerable intellect, grace, charm, and diplomacy into the private role of Great Man’s Wife. Joe is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his acclaimed and prolific body of work. Joe’s literary star has blazed since he and Joan first met in the late 1950. THE WIFE interweaves the story of the couple’s youthful passion and ambition with a portrait of a marriage, thirty-plus years later–a lifetime’s shared compromises, secrets, betrayals, and mutual love. Also starring Christian Slater, Max Irons, Elizabeth McGovern. Tickets $10.50/$12.50  Havana Theatre – The Open HouseThis event runs from January 17, 2019 until January 26, 2019.
Sticks & Stones Theatre present The Open House by Will Eno People have been born into families since people started getting born at all. Playwrights have been trying to write “Family plays” for a long time, too. And typically these plays try to answer endlessly complicated questions of blood, duty, inheritance and responsibility. They try to answer the question, “Can things really change?” People have been trying nobly for years and years to have plays solve in two hours what hasn’t been solved in many lifetimes. This has to stop. In Eno’s signature, inimitable style, The Open House offers a wildly subversive and darkly hilarious take on the archetypal family drama. Tickets $25/17  Libra Room – Eli Davidovici Trio By DonationJanuary 22, 2019 9:30 pm
Bassist Eli Davidovici leads this trio… with Mili Hong (drums) and Jimi Fraser (piano).  Provence Marinaside – Hip Pocket with Tilden Webb Free eventJanuary 23, 2019 6:00 pm
Hip Pocket Trio featuring Tilden Webb Adam Rohrlick: tenor saxophone and electric guitar Tilden Webb: keyboards Brent Gubbels: acoustic bass  VPL Central Branch – Incite:Aislinn Hunter and the Poets Free eventJanuary 23, 2019 7:30 pm
Illuminate your January with an evening of poetry by local talents, hosted by award-winning writer and teacher Aislinn Hunter. There’s no better way to enter the new year than by soaking up some beautiful, true, euphoric, revelatory words as written by these celebrated poets. The first instalment of Incite 2019. In the Alice MacKay Room. Lower level. Mercedes Eng is the author of Prison Industrial Complex Explodes, winner of the 2018 Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize, and Mercenary English, a long poem about violence and resistance in the Downtown Eastside Elee Kraljii Gardiner is the author of Trauma Head and serpentine loop, and the co-editor with John Asfour of V6A: Writing from Vancouver’s Downtown. She is the founder and creative mentor of Thursdays Writing Collective. Jules Koostachin is Cree from Attawapiskat. Known as a storyteller and digital media maker, she works to honour cultural protocols and build relationship within Indigenous community mitcholos touchie, a nuucan?u? poet living on Coast Salish Territory, is a spoken word artist, videographer, and writer.  China Cloud – Invisible Taste Presents an Improv Mixer! By DonationJanuary 23, 2019 9:30 pm
Invisible Taste and Star System presentation society presents an evening of Improvised music in variable combinations. DICE and a HAT! Dice to decide ensemble size, hat to decide who plays. drawing on the talents of local performers: Colin Edward Cowan Cole Schmidt Jeremy Page Daniel Gaucher + more to be confirmed and special guest visiting saxophonist Martin Küchen all the way from Sweden!  Blue Martini – Bill RungeJanuary 24, 2019 7:00 pm
Bill has been a successful performer, composer, arranger, and orchestrator for over 30 years. A multi-instrumentalist, he has performed and recorded on saxophones, flutes, clarinets, electric and string bass, piano and other keyboards, guitar, pennywhistle, and accordion. Composers influencing his writing style include Astor Piazolla, Chick Corea, Frederick Delius, Arvo Part, Egberto Gismonti, Bela Bartok, and Josef Zawinul. Bill is an in demand studio musician has recorded with such acts as K-OS, INXS, Powder Blues, Traci Ullman, The Hard Rubber Orchestra, Swollen Members, Tower of Power horns, Long John Baldry, Shari Ulrich, The Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation (VEJI), Amos Garrett, The Paperboys, Lowell Fulson, Jackyll, and many more. A cover may be in effect.  Rogue Folk Club – Louden Wainwright IIIJanuary 24, 2019 8:00 pm
Born in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1946, Loudon Wainwright III came to fame when “Dead Skunk” became a Top 20 hit in 1972. His songs have since been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, his son Rufus Wainwright, and Mose Allison, among others. Wainwright has recorded 27 albums including his 2010 Grammy Award-winning ‘High, Wide & Handsome.’ In Fall 2018 Loudon released ‘Years In The Making’ (StorySound Records), a 42-song treasury of rare and unreleased Loudoniana. This 2-disc, 60-page hardbound audio-biography of his 40-year career includes orphaned album cuts, lovingly lo-fi home recordings, radio appearances, demos, live performances and beyond. It features appearances by Kate McGarrigle, Suzzy Roche, Bill Frisell, Van Dyke Parks, Chaim Tannenbaum, David Mansfield, and the Wainwright children Rufus, Martha, Lucy and Lexie. Tickets $40 at Highlife and Tapestry plus online  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Dawn Pemberton with the Sharon Minemoto Trio (CD release)January 24, 2019 8:00 pm
Reel to Real Recordings is proud to announce the label’s co-inaugural release, A Soulful Sunday: Live at the Left Bank, a previously unissued live recording of the under-appreciated songstress Etta Jones featuring the Cedar Walton Trio with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Billy Higgins recorded on February 27, 1972 at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland. There has been no recorded documentation of Etta Jones during this stretch between 1971 and 1974, so this never-before-heard recording fills in an important gap in Jones’s discography and showcases her in fine form. With Dawn Pemberton vocals, Sharon Minemoto piano, John Lee bass, and Joe Poole drums. Tickets $16  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Strange Weather By DonationJanuary 24, 2019 8:30 pm
This group of Vancouver’s finest plays original modern jazz, influenced by composers such as Chick Corea and Pat Metheny. Their collective sound is at once powerful and introspective. With Paul Blaney – bass, George McFetrdige – keyboards, Dave Say – saxophones, Bernie Arai and Buff Allen – drums  Libra Room – Jimi James Trio featuring John Gross By DonationJanuary 25, 2019 6:30 pm
The Jimi James Fraser trio was started 2 years ago in Vancouver B.C when several students of music decided to move in together and create Jazz House. Brad Pearson is a student of VCC, a great luthier and an even greater musician. Max Huberdeau studied jazz at Capilano and constantly brings fresh concepts to the group. The trio has been very fortunate to work with John Gross, the great L.A tenor player who is a constant source of inspiration to the band and many others.  Red Lion – Ron Johnston/Cameron Hood and friends By DonationThis event runs from January 11, 2019 until February 8, 2019.
Ron on piano and Cameron on bass bring eclectic jazz to West Vancouver every Friday (and Saturday). Often with well-known guests from the local music community dropping by to sit in. Most Fridays with vocalist Don Stewart… and perhaps more!  St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Johanna Hauser Solo Clarinet By DonationJanuary 25, 2019 7:00 pm
Walk the labyrinth to the beautiful, rich tones of clarinet player Johanna Hauser. Be transported by tender, classic melodies played with heartfelt grace. Walk and reflect or sit and contemplate in an atmosphere of soothing tranquility. The labyrinth at St. Paul’s is a walking meditation space. On the last Friday of the month, it hosts some of the best contemplative musicians in Vancouver, drawing from many spiritual and musical traditions.  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Black Art Jazz CollectiveThis event runs from January 25, 2019 until January 26, 2019.
Founded by some of contemporary jazz’s leading lights, the Black Art Jazz Collective’s original compositions both highlight the impressive chops each member possesses and reveal the deeply entwined history of jazz and the African-American civil rights movement. At its core is a modernism that conjures up the classic bands of Art Blakey and acoustic Miles Davis. But, with contemporary soul-fuelled solos and locked-in rhythm, the band is more likely to launch into a counterpoint riff or the spacious funk of hip-hop than the svelte lines of classic walking bass. The Black Art Jazz Collective delivers strong original tunes and purposeful, form-hugging improvisation that keeps things looking forward rather than back With Jeremy Pelt trumpet, Wayne Escoffery saxophone, James Burton III trombone, Xavier Davis piano, Corcoran Holt bass, and Johnathan Blake drums. Cover $32.50 Will sell out!  Jazz @ the Pat – South Van Big Band with vocalist IkukoJanuary 25, 2019 8:00 pm
Friday night Big Band … Repertoire ranges across swing, latin jazz, rock/funk, fusion and contemporary styles. $10 cover. Saxophones: Will Goede John Gross Dave Davies Steve Potter Kevin Vern Trombones: Mike Schaufele Olivia Law Andrew S Clark Erik Hougaard Trumpets: Gerry Deagle David Esler Peter Juric Gordon Deyell Rhythm: Bryan Phenix (Keys) Jerry Silver (Guitar) Lisa Rae Simons (Bass) James Kempton (Drums) Vocals: Ikuko May  Tyrant Studios – Dave Sikula QuartetJanuary 25, 2019 9:30 pm
Progressive Guitar Jazz This trio evolved out of casual jam sessions formed around the desire to explore some common ground around their collective musical tastes. With a constant emphasis on groove, melodic and rhythmic interplay, and chance-taking, this trio continues to explore an ever-growing repertoire of both tunes from the American Songbook and original compositions with a forward thinking view, yet always with a deep sense of swing, warmth, and reverence for the history of the music. Featuring Joe Poole (drums), Jeff Gammon (bass) and David Sikula (guitar). Cover $10 at the door  Toast Collective – Fake Jazz Pay-what-you-canJanuary 25, 2019 9:30 pm
Fake Jazz is running up n down the walls again. Featuring: Céline Twin crystals Waters Zen escalator With DJs Aisha Davidson and Noel Graves  Merge -Wilson/Houle/Sorbara + Wilson/Wherrett DuoJanuary 25, 2019 10:00 pm
A night of thought provoking music. .. Wilson/Houle/Sorbara Tony Wilson Francois Houle Joe Sorbara Wilson/Wherrett Duo: Tony Wilson Tom Wherrett $10 cash at the door  VSO 100th Birthday Celebration – Day of Music Free eventJanuary 26, 2019
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating its 100th birthday with 12 hours of free music for all! 12 hours of music. 100 musical acts. 1000 musicians. TAKING PLACE AT The Orpheum Theatre, the Annex Theatre, Tom Lee Music Granville, and the VSO School of Music. PERFORMANCES ranging from large ensembles and renowned soloists to intimate chamber music, world music, and Vancouver’s best and brightest emerging talent. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Trial lessons, workshops, instrument petting zoos, food trucks, activities for kids and families, and opportunities to interact with incredible musicians. This once in a lifetime event will culminate in a concert with the VSO and the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra in a joint performance that celebrates past, present and future generations of music-makers on the very same date, January 26th, that it all started, 100 years ago. It will be a day you won’t want to miss! Check the schedule here  Jazz @ The Pat – Paul Keeling Trio Free eventJanuary 26, 2019 3:00 pm
A rare Vancouver appearance, this time in a trio format. James Meger – bass Bernie Arai – drums Paul Keeling – piano http://www.paulkeeling.net/  Vancity Theatre – The Day Don DiedJanuary 26, 2019 7:00 pm
A feel good documentary about gossip, misinformation, and the untimely death of a beloved jazz singer… THE DAY DON DIED is closing the Vancouver Short Film Festival in Program 4 Watch trailer here Tickets $16.93  The Heatley – Las Estrellas de Vancouver By DonationJanuary 26, 2019 9:00 pm
Mariachi Las Estrellas de Vancouver will be presenting a four-piece version of the group for an evening of traditional mariachi, melancholic rancheras and romantic boleros.  Jazz Vespers – Kristian Braathen Trio By DonationJanuary 27, 2019 4:00 pm
Kristian received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Capilano University in 2004. While at universit. After graduation, Kristian travelled to Los Angeles for a study intensive with world renowned jazz drummer, Jeff Hamilton (drummer with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Diana Krall). Kristian later received a B.C. Arts Council Grant to travel to New York City to study with jazz drummer Kenny Washington (Tony Bennett, Bill Charlap). During a hiatus from his studies at Capilano University, Kristian performed in exotic places such as Tahiti, Grand Cayman and New Orleans from 1998 to 1999. In addition, Kristian toured extensively in Canada and the United States with the Russell Jackson Band (former bassist with BB King) from 2000 to 2003, where he performed with such names as renowned jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison (Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Terence Blanchard,) and Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy (The Blues Brothers.) As a jazz musician in Vancouver, Kristian regularly performs with musicians such as Miles Black, Jodi Proznick ,Tony Foster, Russ Botten, Sharon Minemoto, and David Sikula. From 2008 to present, Kristian has led his own jazz trio, Kristian Braathen Trio.  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Mili Hong Quartet By DonationJanuary 27, 2019 6:00 pm
*From Montreal* Mili Hong Quartet Drummer Mili Hong returns to Vancouver from her new home in Montreal. Her explosive drumming has made her one of the country’s favorites. With Eli Davidovici – bass, John Gross – saxophone and David Blake – guitar Photo: Vincent Lim  LanaLou’s – Vintage Variety Night 2.0January 27, 2019 7:00 pm
The Vintage Variety Night gets an overhaul – Same cozy feel, brand new format 6:30 – doors open (arrive early to sign up for a two-song open-mic slot!) 7pm to 8pm – open mic 8:15 to 8:45 – Paul Silveria 9 to 9:30 – Emily Rose 9:45 to 10:15 – The Stardust Stringband $10 at the door. All ages. Food and booze available  Vancity Theatre – V6AJanuary 27, 2019 7:00 pm
Italian filmmaker Ruggero Romano has called Vancouver home since 2016 and witnessing the struggle of homelessness, poverty and addiction in his adopted city, was moved to make a film about the inhabitants of postal code V6A: the area commonly known as the Downtown Eastside. Designed to challenge expectations and inspire locals to think about their fellow citizens in a new light, V6A is also an unexpected celebration of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit. In the search for truth and authenticity, the film explores human nature in its fight against the toughest, often man-made odds by questioning the definition of “Home”.– Q&A with the director of the film and special guests– Exhibition of portrait photography by “2 Paycheques Away” and paintings by “Alex Sandvoss” Tickets $13/11 *Also showing on Feb 4, 5 6 & 7 at different times*  Guilt & Co – Dutch Robinson Quartet Pay-what-you-canJanuary 27, 2019 9:00 pm
Legendary R&B singer and Guilt & Co regular brings his spectacular jazz quartet comprised of himself as well as local legends Lorne Kellett, Cameron Hood, and Buff Allen. Most known at Guilt & Co for bringing his unique and powerful R&B/Soul flavourings to our GroundUp Thursdays, Dutch takes a completely different approach with this quartet. |
"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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