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Hot Entertainment: The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver

This coffee-table tome by renowned historian Chuck Davis is nearly 600 pages

“Fun, Fat & Full of Facts.” That’s how author Chuck Davis described The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver (Harbour Publishing, $49.95), which the beloved journalist and broadcaster spent more than two decades writing, right up until his death in 2010. Other writers, historians and friends then came together to finish the mammoth, almost-600-page volume, which is bursting with 125 years of history and countless archival photos. Arranged chronologically, the book covers everything from the great fire of 1886—which wiped out almost the entire city—to the Vancouver Canucks’ ill-fated Stanley Cup run of 2011. Find this one-of-a-kind souvenir at local bookstores.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Almighty Voice and His Wife photo by Nadya Kwandibens

By Caitlin Dawson

Cure those winter blues with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. The 19-day fest mounts more than 100 groundbreaking performances in theatre, dance, music and the visual arts showcasing local and international talent to more than 2,000 theatre-goers.

There is something on the billing to suit most tastes, whether you’re interested in global issues or seeking out the unconventional. The acts are varied, but always genre-busting, stimulating and intent on pushing boundaries. After all, in what other setting could you watch Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece The Idiot one night, and a performance of Craigslist personal ads set to music the next?

Our top picks from the festival include: Looking For A Missing Employee, a provocative performance puzzle by Lebanese artist Rabih Mroué; quirky duo Bill Richardson and Veda Hille’s Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata, featuring ditties such as “Slugs for lease” and “Dead moose, free for the taking;” Almighty Voice and His Wife, exploring a tragic intersection of white and native cultures by First Nations playwright Daniel David Moses; and Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot, by Vancouver’s Neworld Theatre.

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival runs Jan. 17-Feb. 4. Venues and show times at pushfestival.ca.

Hot Entertainment: The Sporting Life

Soccer ball photo copyright Mikdam/Dreamstime

Tennis Canada takes on France in the Davis Cup, at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (Feb. 10 to 12).

Soccer Goooaaalll! That’s what the eight teams are shooting for in CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Soccer, at BC Place Stadium (Jan. 19 to 29).

Basketball An evening watching the Harlem Globetrotters perform? It’s a slam dunk, at Rogers Arena (Feb. 24).

Hockey Luongo, Kesler, the Sedins and the rest of the Vancouver Canucks have the home-ice advantage for several games, at Rogers Arena.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dates: Get Lucky at the Casino

The gaming floor is a hot spot at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Revel in the energy and excitement at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, where there’s more to do than gamble (although there’s plenty of that, too!). In February, take in one of the shows that are on the bill (ABBA Memories, Dance into the Light, or The British Invasion: Beatles Story). Enjoy dinner at the gourmet Le Baccara or one of the other restaurants, have drinks at one of four bars (including a lounge for cigar aficionados), and then hit the large collection of slots and try your luck on the gaming floor, where someone won $1.86 million in November.

Hot Entertainment: Mythbusters

Adam Savage (left) and Jamie Hyneman, of Mythbusters

Could duct tape fix a plane that has been mauled by a bear? If a car is dangling precariously over a cliff’s edge, could the force of a pigeon landing on its roof send it plunging down the cliff? These are the types of questions that Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage have tackled in nine years of Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel, busting more than 400 myths in the process. See the duo in two shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Jan. 22).—Sheri Radford

4 and 7:30 pm. $52.50-$98. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Fests & the City

Sub-zero spectacles, chic food and fashion, and architecturally wondrous spaces—the city’s winter festivals promise something cool for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Ice on Whyte

By Leanne Stone

Winter in Edmonton… It can be an unforgiving season, easily evoking images of holing up indoors, safely tucked away from short frostbitten days, long dark nights, relentless snowfall, and freezing wind chills that can wipe the smile off the face of even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. To some folks, then, it may seem counterintuitive as to why we Edmontonians happily celebrate our crazy winter conditions rather than cower from them. Well, simply put, it’s because celebrating is what we do best. After all, we are named Canada’s Festival City for a reason. So, make like a real Edmontonian and throw on some long johns and a toque; then head outdoors to take in some of the city’s most stellar winter festivities. From works of art carved in snow and ice to chic urban food and fashion to fire-throwing spectacles, our sub-zero climate is just another exciting element to enjoy. (more…)

Staff Picks: Our Next Stage Theatre Festival 2012 Primer

Tomasso's Party is but one of the lauded independent productions at this year's Next Stage Theatre Festival

Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Next Stage Theatre Festival rounds up the best that the North American fringe circuit has to offer—all at one venue, the venerable Factory Theatre. New this year is the Ante-Chamber Stage, a forum for debuting short works and showcasing old favourites. Take in the finest edgy, indie productions, and even enjoy a fine brew at the heated McAuslan beer tent. Performances take place from January 4 to 15. Click here for further details and showtimes.

Hypnogogic Logic
Four-man comedy troupe Uncalled For returns to the stage with its award-winning Hypnogogic Logic, which explores the wide, wild world of dreams. Sporting life jackets to better navigate the rapids of the unconscious, the performers encounter Freddie Mercury, wordy street preachers and other absurd figments of their collective imagination, all while offering their signature wit, clever writing and the unpredictable hilarity of sketch comedy.

Living with Henry
Part of 2011’s “Best of Fringe,” Living with Henry is the story of Michael—recently diagnosed with HIV and envisioning the illness as a jealous man who haunts him throughout his relationships. Sometimes comic, always thought provoking, this musical drama reframes AIDS as a chronic disease rather than a death sentence, without diminishing its personal, physical and societal complications.

Love is a Poverty You Can Sell
Soup Can Theatre presents this decadent cabaret-style creation featuring show-stopping numbers from Sweeney Todd and Threepenny Opera. Hosted by two emcees, the production is a tribute to the works of legendary composer Kurt Weill and channels 1920’s Berlin in a night that’s brought critics to their feet since its 2009 opening.

LoveSexMoney
Inspired by a true story, LoveSexMoney takes a look at intimacy—or the lack thereof—in the digital age. A young woman sells her virginity online, and is poised to consummate when her scorned ex-boyfriend arrives on the scene. Hilarity ensues. This naughty production by Theatre Brouhaha openly exposes the world of Japanese erotic toys, custom-made dolls and love thwarted by the Internet.

Loving the Stranger or How to Recognize an Invert
Ecce Homo Theatre is known for its genre-bending socio-political commentary; this production is exemplary of the company’s ethos. A co-production with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and the SummerWorks Theatre Festival, Loving the Stranger describes— through Brechtian cabaret, political theatre and camp—the life of a man who is arrested for homosexuality by the Nazi regime.

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Hot Entertainment: 92nd Annual Polar Bear Swim Vancouver

Polar Bear Swim photo copyright Vancouver Park Board

Vancouverites know the cure for a New Year’s Eve hangover is an icy dip in English Bay on New Year’s Day. A handful of hardy locals first took the plunge in 1920, and that number keeps growing, now topping 2,200 despite ocean temperatures as low as 3°C (38°F). Most of the swimmers show up in costume, undaunted by the cold. Join the insanity Jan. 1.—Sheri Radford

More information:

POLAR BEAR SWIM Registration 12:30 pm, swim 2:30 pm. In Vancouver 311, outside Vancouver 604-873-7000. www.vancouverparks.ca

Hot Entertainment: Jay-Z and Kanye West

Jay-Z. Photo by Chris Baldwin

Kanye West

Rap Royalty

With over 65 million albums sold worldwide and 27 Grammy Awards between them, there’s no doubt hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West are successful solo artists. So you can imagine that when these two rappers collaborated for their album Watch The Throne, it was a sure bet. The duo’s smart rhymes, unconventional samples and experiments with sound have translated into a marathon concert with 30-plus tracks on the set list. Rogers Arena is the last stop on their tour, and it will be a show you won’t want to miss (Dec. 17 and 18).—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

7:30 pm. Rogers Arena, Pacific Blvd. at Abbott St. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Hot Dates: The Amazing Kreskin

Dec 13 Using showmanship, zany predictions and comedy, Kreskin wows the crowd. West End Cultural Centre.

Hot Entertainment: Marionette Magic in Penny Plain

Photo by Ian Jackson

Ronnie Burkett, a professional puppeteer for four decades, launched his Theatre of Marionettes 25 years ago. That’s a quarter of a century spent satirizing everything from Punch and Judy to repressive societies to—in his current production, Penny Plain—the apocalypse. Penny sits at home, waiting for the world to end, as strangers burst in with stories from the hostile world outside, including a serial killer, a cross-dressing banker and talking dogs. Burkett brings 35 marionettes to life in a spellbinding performance that makes you forget you’re watching puppets at all. See the darkly humourous show at The Cultch (to Dec. 17).—Jessie Colgan

More information:

PENNY PLAIN 8 pm. $45+. The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. at Victoria. Tickets 604-251-1363. www.thecultch.com

Hot Entertainment: Sting

Singing sensation Sting

How better to celebrate a 25-year solo career than a North American tour? Catch Sting’s Back to Bass Tour, filled with stripped-down versions of all his hit songs, Dec. 8 to 10 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.—Sheri Radford

More information:

8 pm. $51-$151.50. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Weekend Picks: Get Into the Holiday Spirit

With the big day only 22 sleeps away, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is now upon us and Edmonton is bursting at the seams with holiday fun and frivolity this weekend. Many of the events run up until Christmas, so if you can’t make it out this weekend you’ll still have plenty of time to check out all the festivities going on in celebration of the holiday season. So get into the festive spirit and spread the Christmas cheer with some of the city’s best seasonal events!

Image courtesy of Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees
Dec 1-4 — Take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season at Festival of Trees, the city’s annual festive holiday extravaganza. Delight in the over 100 dazzling and extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, a spectacular gingerbread house village, exciting live entertainment, an array of kids’ activities, a Christmas gift shop filled to the brim with holiday goodies, Santa’s breakfast and gala evening. At the Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult), $3 (senior/youth), $2 (child), under 2 free.

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Merry Pops Christmas
Dec 2-3 — The ESO celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with an all-time favourite: A Merry Pops Christmas. Join the symphony as they share a little traditional Christmas spirit with the help of the Greenwood Singers, Cantilon Chamber Choir, the University of Alberta Handbell Ringers and special guests from Victoria School of the Arts. At the Winspear, tickets $24-$85.

Image courtesy of Citadel Theatre

A Christmas Carol
Dec 2-23 — A holiday tradition, Tom Woods’ adaptation of the Dickens’ classic is favoured among young and old alike. Its rich cast of characters, enchanting set design and heartwarming story are sure to have the whole family charmed and biting at the bit for next years’ rendition. At the Citadel Theatre, tickets $84-$99 (adult), $74-$99 (senior/student).

24^th Annual Jingle on Indoor Santa Claus Parade
Dec 4 — Santa is coming to town! Stake your spot somewhere along the over one kilometer of pedway systems that link downtown’s major shopping centres and watch as Jolly Old St. Nicholas makes his way to Edmonton. Kids will delight in the mascots, dancing groups, marching bands floats and, of course, Santa Claus. Various downtown locations, free.

A Christmas Past
Dec 4 — A traditional Rutherford House Christmas awaits . Relish in seasonal music, baking, hot cider and crafts all under the roof the former Premiere of Alberta’s charming historic house. Rutherford House, $4 (adult), $3 (senior/youth).

Image courtesy of Alberta Legislative Building

Celebrate the Season
Dec 1-23 — The Baux Arts style Alberta Legislature transforms into a winter wonderland with outdoor skating, hot chocolate, choir performances in the rotunda, seasonal gifts and crafts in the gift shop and a massive lights display. At Alberta Legislative Building, free.

The city boasts a number of other festivities lined up for the next couple weeks including the 42^nd annual singing Christmas Tree, Handel’s Messiah, Candy Cane Lane and Christmas Reflections.

Hot Date: Festival of Trees

Image courtesy of Festival of Trees

December 1-4
This annual festive city staple features a warm and cosy atmosphere brimming with over 100 dazzling decorated Christmas trees, a gingerbread house village, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Christmas gift shop, Santa’s breakfast and a gala evening. Proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult) $3 (senior/youth) $2 (child) under 2 free; tickets at the door.

Hot Entertainment: Vancouver Christmas Events

Dress Like Santa Day at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo by Emmanual Mendes Dos Santos courtesy www.coastphoto.com

Christmas Spirit

Don your best gear—your best Old Saint Nick gear, that is—and head to Whistler Blackcomb for the annual Dress Like Santa Day, when the first 50 folks outfitted like Mr. or Mrs. Claus can ski for free (Dec. 17). The jolly old elf always makes a grand West Coast entrance for Christmas in Steveston, arriving in a whale watching boat (Dec. 3 to 23). Winter Harp celebrates the season with a concert of harps and rare medieval instruments in St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (Dec. 17). Goh Ballet brings to life Clara, the Mouse King and the rest of the beloved characters in Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker at The Centre (Dec. 15 to 18).—Sheri Radford

More information:

DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY Whistler Blackcomb. Toll-free 1-800-766-0449. www.whistler blackcomb.com

CHRISTMAS IN STEVESTON Toll-free 1-877-247-0777. www.tourismrichmond.com

WINTER HARP 7:30 pm. $37.25. St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1022 Nelson St. at Burrard. Tickets 604-684-2787. www.winterharp.com

THE NUTCRACKER BY GOH BALLET 7:30 pm. Matinees Sa-Su 2 pm. $28+. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St. Tickets 1-855-985-2787. www.goh ballet.com

Hot Date: Festival of Trees

Image courtesy of Festival of Trees

December 1-4

This annual festive city staple features a warm and cosy atmosphere brimming with over 100 dazzling decorated Christmas trees, a gingerbread house village, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Christmas gift shop, Santa’s breakfast and a gala evening. Proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult) $3 (senior/youth) $2 (child) under 2 free; tickets at the door.

Hot Entertainment: Roméo et Juliette Opera

Simone Osborne

Have ever two families feuded as much as the Capulets and Montagues? Canadian soprano Simone Osborne (pictured) stars as Juliette and Canadian tenor Gordon Gietz plays her star-crossed lover Roméo in this romantic French opera, Charles Gounod’s version of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy (Nov. 26 and 29, Dec. 1 and 3; Queen Elizabeth Theatre).—Sheri Radford

More information:

ROMEO ET JULIETTE (Nov 26, 29; Dec 1, 3). 7:30 pm. $35+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 604-683-0222. www.vancouveropera.ca

Hot Entertainment: Vancouver Maritime Museum

Vancouver Maritime Museum photo by KK Law

All Hands on Deck

There’s no need to walk the plank: landlubbers and sailors alike set sail for the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Vanier Park. The museum’s Chátwilh—Craft and Culture of the Squamish Canoe exhibit, opening Nov. 24, celebrates the canoe culture of the Squamish people.—Sheri Radford

More information:

VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM Discover the world of shipwrecks and explorers, visit Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre and see historic vessels in Heritage Harbour (year-round). Tu-Sa 10 am-5 pm, Su 12-5 pm. $11, s/s $8.50, under 6 free, family $30. Exhibition: Chátwilh—Craft and Culture of the Squamish Canoe Learn about the rich culture of the Aboriginal people who first occupied this area, their removal from the land they called home, and the resilience of the culture that survives today (opens Nov 24). In Vanier Park, 1905 Ogden Ave. 604-257-8300. www.vancouvermaritime museum.com

Hot Entertainment: Pius Cheung

Pius Cheung

Chinese-Canadian virtuoso Pius Cheung makes marimba magic during Wednesday Noon Hours at the UBC School of Music (Nov. 23).—Sheri Radford

More information:

UBC SCHOOL OF MUSIC Barnett Wednesday Noon Hours (Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). 12 pm. $5. Jazz Ensemble II (Nov 3). 12 pm. Free. UBC Guitar Ensembles (Nov 18). 12 pm. Free. Scholarship Winners Concert (Nov 20). 3 pm. Free. UBC Composers’ Concerts (Nov 21). 12 pm. Free. Early Music Ensembles (Nov 23-24). W 8 pm, Th 12 pm. Free. Contemporary Players (Nov 25). 12 pm. Free. Soundings: Music of David Crumb (Nov 27). 2 pm. Free. UBC Percussion Ensemble (Nov 28). 12 pm. Free. Electro Acoustic Music (Nov 29). 8 pm. Free. Barnett Hall, 6361 Memorial Rd. 604-822-0182. www.music.ubc .ca

Hot Entertainment: Wen Wei Dance and Dance in Vancouver

Wen Wei Dance photo by Emily Cooper

Put on Your Dancing Shoes

Wen Wei Dance (pictured), the 605 Collective, the plastic orchid factory, MACHiNENOiSY and four other local companies take centre stage at Dance in Vancouver (Nov. 23 to 26; Scotiabank Dance Centre), a biennial event that shines a spotlight on contemporary dance in BC. Other types of dance featured this month: ballet, in 3Fold (Nov. 17 to 19; Queen Elizabeth Theatre), and flamenco, in Discover Dance! (Nov. 17; Scotiabank Dance Centre).—Sheri Radford

More information:

3 FOLD Ballet BC presents three works: Doppeling, choreographed by Simone Orlando; New Work, choreographed by Robert Glumbek; and Parole Sospese (Words Suspended), choreographed by Walter Matteini (Nov 17-19). 8 pm. $22.50-$70. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-2787.

DANCE IN VANCOUVER Experience the energy and innovation of contemporary dance as eight West Coast companies perform excerpts of new works and recent hits in four mixed programs (Nov 23-26). 7 and 9 pm. $28, s/s $20, double bill $44. Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St. 604-606-6400. Tickets 604-684-2787. www.thedancecentre.ca
DISCOVER DANCE! This noon-hour series showcases BC-based companies. Flamenco dance with Spanish Passion Productions (Nov 17). 12 pm. $10, s/s $8. Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St. 604-606-6400. Tickets 604-684-2787. www.the dancecentre.ca