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Jeni’s Picks for the week aheadDear Picks People… an overview of what is upcoming this week. Who said Vancouver is dull in January? Endless options. As usual, please check with venues for any last minute changes/cancellations. Enjoy!  Dine Out Vancouver Festival January 19- February 4This event runs from January 19, 2018 until February 4, 2018.
A full 17-day schedule of delicious events that provide you with unique culinary experiences to please your palate. These include guided dining adventures, spirited cocktail masterclasses, BC VQA wine brunches, neighbourhood food tours and global guest-chef collaboration dinners.  2018 PuSh Festival January 16- February 4This event runs from January 16, 2018 until February 4, 2018.
International Performing Arts Festival – Theatre, Dance, Multimedia, Music & Film. 64 events. Artists from 11 countries. The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is one of Vancouver’s signature events. Produced over three weeks each January, the PuSh Festival presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts. The PuSh Festival expands the horizons of Vancouver artists and audiences with work that is visionary, genre-bending, multi-disciplined, startling and original. The Festival showcases acclaimed international, Canadian and local artists and mixes them together with an alchemy that inspires audiences, rejuvenates artists, stimulates the industry and forges productive relationships around the globe. More info here  2018 Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival January 20-February 14This event runs from January 20, 2018 until February 14, 2018.
Spanning a total of 26 days, this popular event will feature 35 participating cafés, bakeries, chocolatiers, ice-cream shops, and pastry joints offering 75 mouth-watering flavours. More info in this article  Street Food City V11 – January 22- 28This event runs from January 22, 2018 until January 28, 2018.
Celebrating its seventh anniversary, Street Food City is your opportunity to sample from a collection of Vancouver’s Street Food carts all in one convenient location….the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza. The event will feature more than 20 popular food trucks, which will rotate throughout the week. Admission to Street Food City is free, open on weekdays (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and weekends (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  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  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 Free eventThis event runs from January 10, 2018 until March 28, 2018.
Every Wednesday Hip Pocket Trio…. led by Adam Rohrlick on guitar/sax with rotating guest musicians This week… with Brent Gubbels: acoustic bass, Michael Creber: keyboards  VPL Central – Incite Reading Series:Adèle Barclay, Aislinn Hunter, Richard Harrison, Cecily Nicholson Free eventJanuary 24, 2018 7:30 pm
For the first event of Incite’s 2018 season, four award-winning poets, each reading from and discussing critically-acclaimed collections. Adèle Barclay’s If I Were In A Cage I’d Reach Out For You received the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize in 2016. An evocative, radically intimate collection, a strong desire to ‘reach out’ runs palpably through these poems. Aislinn Hunter’s Linger, Still ranges across ecological, philosophical, domestic, and literary subjects. Richard Harrison‘s On Not Losing My Father’s Ashes in the Flood reflects on his father’s death, the Alberta Flood, and what poetry offers a life lived around it. Lastly, Vancouver poet Cecily Nicholson will read from Wayside Sang , a collection that explores transportation and migration through various landscapes. Alice McKay Room.  Gold Saucer – Self Help Presents: Yep/Moondle/Evil Pay-what-you-canJanuary 24, 2018 8:30 pm
Three bands of the heavier variety.. Yep \\ Moondle \\ Evil Three Cover: $5-10 Doors: 8 Show: 830  China Cloud – Drummer Some Pay-what-you-canJanuary 24, 2018 9:30 pm
Introducing “Drummer Some”, a new semi regular series within our Invisible Taste Presents Wednesday Nights: 4 drummers, 3 kits, all combinations! With Ben Brown, Kenton Loewen, Skye Brooks & Dan Gaucher  Blue Martini – Ray Ayotte’s Impromptu Free eventJanuary 25, 2018 7:00 pm
Drummer Ray Ayotte was born in Maillardville where as a youngster he began playing drums for rock bands he formed with schoolmates. Throughout his early playing days, Ray made little adjustments to his kit and learned that other players enjoyed the changes and sounds he could make. He dreamed of one day making his own drum set. After working in the music retail business, Ray finally had his chance when he created the Ayotte Drum Company. With Cameron Hood – bass, Nick Apivor – vibes & percussion  SFU Woodwards -Luk’Luk’I: Stories of the Downtown EastsideJanuary 25, 2018 7:30 pm
Reel Causes is thrilled to present an encore film screening of the Vancouver International Film Festival and TIFF favourite Luk’Luk’I. A portrait of five Vancouverites living on society’s fringes during the 2010 Winter Olympics, Luk’Luk’I takes us into uncharted territory, falling somewhere between a fiction we need to see and a documentary we wish didn’t have to exist. Don’t miss this chance to see stories of the Downtown Eastside told from within. Tickets $5-$10 This film screening is in support of the Portland Hotel Society. There will be a post-film Q&A.  Frankie’s Jazz Club- Natasha D’Agostino QuartetJanuary 25, 2018 8:00 pm
A creative composer and improviser, Natasha draws influence from a wide canon of musicians, notably the music of Norma Winstone, Fred Hersch, and Wayne Shorter. Natasha’s original music combines her love and appreciation for the jazz tradition and the art of free improvised music. She is currently working on her first album set to be released in early 2018. This evening features a combination of familiar standards and arrangements, as well as some of Natasha’s original music. With Sharon Minemoto piano, Conrad Good bass, and Bernie Arai drums. $15 cover  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Saul Berson Trio By DonationJanuary 25, 2018 8:30 pm
Robbie Burns Day with the Saul Berson trio… With his bright playful sound, alto saxophonist Saul Berson is a Vancouver mainstay in the bebop styles of Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley. His inventive improvising explores jazz standards and original material. With Nick Peck – piano and Steve Holy – bass. Sadly no kilts I hear, but maybe a Scottish tune or two?  Vancity Theatre – Ramen HeadsJanuary 26, 2018 1:00 pm
Considered an edible embrace, comforting ephemera and an art form by master chefs and legions of fans, ramen—the perfectly slurpable combination of broth and noodles—inspires umami poetry. Japan’s reigning king of ramen, Osamu Tomita, takes us into his kitchen, where he shares recipes, trade secrets and flavour philosophies. A mouthwatering survey of culinary history, famous restaurants and specialty ingredients, Ramen Heads makes a compelling case for finding Japan’s heart through its stomach. Chef Tomita takes the viewer on a tasting tour that includes visits to his favourite shops (some are even kept anonymous for fear of discovery), long waits in even longer lines and behind-the-scenes access to his restaurant’s 10th anniversary. Together with two other ramen masters, he creates a once-in-a-lifetime batch of ramen he hopes will inspire the next generation. For this event, foodies wait overnight for limited meal tickets. Ramen is a rock star. Tickets $11. ** Also on Jan 29/31, Feb 1/2/4/6 & 7th. Various times**  St. Paul’s Labyrinth – Ron Johnston/Cameron Hood Free eventJanuary 26, 2018 7:00 pm
Walk the labyrinth to the lyrical bass line of Cameron Hood and the soft, melodic piano of Ron Johnston. Musical collaborators for many years now, Ron and Cameron blend their deep love of jazz into a magical world of gentle, peaceful, deep and thoughtful improvisation. Walk and reflect to live music or sit and contemplate in an atmosphere of soothing serenity. What better way to mark the end of January. 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.  Rogue Folk Club – Beppe Gambetta w/Liz StringerJanuary 26, 2018 8:00 pm
Beppe Gambetta is a virtuosic guitar player and an emotional singer who manages to effortlessly bridge bluegrass, Eastern European folk music, Celtic rhythms and the music of his native Italy. He is a remarkable musician who has almost singlehandedly popularized flatpicking throughout Europe, while forging his own unique approach to the guitar along the way. Liz Stringer is a singer, songwriter and musician based in Melbourne, Australia. With a reputation for utterly captivating live shows and a string of albums already behind her, Liz Stringer has established herself as one of Australia’s most exciting and talented musicians. Tickets $28 at Highlife and Tapestry or online  MERGE – Burn Down The Cornfield & Omianan By DonationJanuary 26, 2018 9:30 pm
Burn Down The Cornfield The music that will be performed will be small sampling from the 2000 compositions in their repertoire. There will be a door charge but bartering is acceptable. The band will joined by singer Patsy Klein. She will sing a couple tunes with the the band, which consists of Meredith Bates, Josh Zubot – Violins, John Kastelic – viola, Peggy Lee-cello, Tony Wilson – guitar, James Meger – bass, and Dylan van der Schyff – drums Omianan is a Vancouver based band that plays a collaboration of original and creative music. Their sound is a culmination of jazz and dreamy soft rock with melodic guitar, complex bass figures, and expressive percussion, the perfect compliment to Sara Kim’s hypnotic vocals. Sara Kim – vocals, Thomas Hoeller – guitar, Nikko Whitworth – bass, Jesus Caballero – drums MERGE is an off the grid artspace on the NE Corner of Clark & Powell (upstairs) designed to be kind, cozy, and creative. Cover is $10, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Come enjoy a wonderful night of music and beverages in an intimate, friendly, comfortable, great-sounding setting.  East Van Brewing Company – Grand Opening Night Free eventJanuary 27, 2018 12:30 pm
East Van Brewing Co.’s grand opening party. Food trucks, $5 beer and flights, free samples, brewery tour, meet the head brewer!  Alpen Club – Impressions Big BandJanuary 27, 2018 8:00 pm
The Impressions Big Band and the Alpen Club are partnering for a unique night of live swing music on a big room-to-move dance floor. Impressions will be pulling out its most dance worthy tunes for this occasion, with many featuring vocals by guest crooner Peter Juric. Selections from Swing Era dance band greats like Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman, plus Latin favorites and contemporary pop tunes to mix things up. $15 at the door.  Merge – Solo Strings with Itamar Erez/Tom Wherrett/Jeff YoungerJanuary 27, 2018 10:30 pm
Another installment of the Solo Strings series at Merge! This round features 3 wildly different approaches to solo guitar from 3 of Vancouver’s most creative and individual players. It’ll be a special night of music and guitarrrrrrrry things!! Itamar Erez – nylon string acoustic guitar Tom Wherret – electric guitar and electronics Jeff Younger – electric guitar and electronics $10 cash at door  Dunbar United Church – Fascinating’ Fusion with High Spirits ChoirJanuary 28, 2018 3:00 pm
Traditional Irish rhythms collide with African counter-rhythms… the Beatles morph into Renaissance courtiers… a 20th century composer tackles Shakespeare… and the Wizard of Oz goes to Motown! Join High Spirits for these enchanting encounters as well as gems of world music, jazz by Cole Porter and Duke Ellington, and much more. High Spirits Community Choir with special guests: Todd Biffard percussion, Brent Gubbels bass, Carla Zimmerman violin and Cameron Stewart banjo Advance tickets $15 / $12 at eventbrite: $20 at the door  Jazz Vespers at St. Andrews Wesley – Henry Young Quartet By DonationJanuary 28, 2018 4:00 pm
Guitarist Henry Young with Jaye Krebs on piano, Paul Blaney on bass, and John Nolan on drums  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Parker Woods Group By DonationJanuary 28, 2018 6:00 pm
Guitarist/composer Parker Woods leads a group of young collaborators through his moody and introspective compositions. With Natasha D’Agostino – voice, Thad Bailey-Mai – trumpet, Stephen Edwards – bass and Miles Wong – drums  Libra Room – Jesse Waldman & friendsThis 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) |
"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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