Hot Dates

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Hot Dates: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

February 8 to 12

Beauty and the Beast photo by Joan Marcus

The beloved Broadway musical rolls into town this winter, filling the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with tunes such as the toe-tapping “Be Our Guest,” the heart-wrenching “If I Can’t Love Her” and the unforgettable title song. Catch Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth and all your other favourite characters in this tale as old as time.—Sheri Radford

W-F 7:30 pm; Sa 11 am, 3:30 and 8 pm; Su 2 and 7:30 pm. $25+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Hot Dates: Valentine’s Day

February 14

OMEGA's Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono watch for men

Cupid takes flight—heart-shaped bow and arrow in tow—to celebrate all things lovey-dovey this February. Woo your sweetie with chocolate treats and fragrant blooms, or head to the newly renovated OMEGA boutique and give the gift of time. For her: the Planet Ocean steel watch encrusted with diamonds; for him: the Planet Ocean Chrono (pictured) with a clear sapphire back case. Both of these timepieces are water-resistant to 600 m (2,000 ft) and come from the new Seamaster range, a classic line dedicated to producing watches for divers.—Jennifer Patterson

OMEGA Boutique, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. 604-681-8266. www.omegawatches.com

Hot Dates: The NHL All-Star Game Comes to Ottawa

Scotiabank Place. Photo credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images.

After months of waiting, the stars are finally coming to town…the NHL All-Stars, that is! Just in time to celebrate the Ottawa Senators‘ 20th season, Scotiabank Place will be the battleground for the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 29, which sees some of the best players in the league face off (and our Captain, Daniel Alfredsson, lead one of the teams). But the game itself is not the only event taking place. On Jan. 28, check out the NHL Skills Competition, and from Jan. 26 to 28 the NHL Fan Fair will offer interactive games and attractions, plus special appearances, entertainment, and more. It will definitely be a weekend to celebrate Ottawa, hockey, and the National Hockey League.

Hot Dates: Dine Out Vancouver 2012

January 20 to February 5

Seared weathervane scallops at Hawksworth Restaurant. Photo by KK Law

Foodies, this one is for you. The largest restaurant festival in Canada celebrates its 10th year with culinary tours, cooking lessons, dinner-theatre evenings, contests and—the pièce de résistance—prix fixe menus with optional wine or beer pairings at 225 eateries, from humble bistros to casual favourites to Vancouver’s most elegant dining establishments. Choose your price category ($18, $28 or $38) then make a reservation, because tables always fill up quickly. This year’s line-up of tasty choices includes Hawksworth Restaurant, The Boathouse Restaurant, Yew Restaurant + Bar, Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine, Diva at the Met and Market by Jean-Georges. Get ready to make your taste buds very happy.—Sheri Radford
Reservations and menus at www.tourismvancouver.com/dine/dine-out-vancouver-2012

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 Dates: The Distance Between You and Me at Vancouver Art Gallery

To January 22

"The Distance Between You and Me 15" by Gonzalo Lebrija courtesy the artist and Gallerie Laurent Godin, Paris

What do Vancouver, Los Angeles and Guadalajara have in common? Just ask Isabelle Pauwels, Kerry Tribe and Gonzalo Lebrija, a trio of photo and video artists who share similar ideas about physical and psychological location and dislocation despite living in different cities. See their work in The Distance Between You and Me at Vancouver Art Gallery.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Date: The Music of Woodstock

Relive the era with Classic Albums Live: Woodstock.

Dec. 14. Peace, love, and Woodstock. It was an event that brought people together to enjoy great music. If you experience a pang of nostalgia when you hear melodies by Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, or Janis Joplin, then this show is for you. Classic Albums Live: Woodstock is a tribute event showcasing hand-picked artists who perform the classics. This concert will give people the opportunity to relive a moment that defined a generation and enjoy the timeless tracks that only get better with age.

Hot Dates: A Taste of Germany at the Vancouver Christmas Market

The busy and festive Vancouver Christmas Market

November 24 to December 24

The holidays are just around the corner, and to help kick off the season the Vancouver Christmas Market sets up shop in bustling downtown. Peruse the Bavarian-style wooden booths for everything from hand-knit sweaters to German tinker toys to elaborate glass ornaments. Afterwards chow down on a bratwurst or schnitzel, then warm up with a cup of glühwein—warm, spiced wine—or imported beer.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET (Nov 24-Dec 24). 11 am-9 pm. $5, 7-12 $2, under 7 free. Early-bird admission $2, 11 am-4 pm M-F. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 600 Hamilton St. 604-924-4506. www.vancouverchristmas
market.com

Hot Dates: Eastside Culture Crawl

"River" by artist Afuwa

November 18 to 20

If your boots are made for walking, step out for this weekend festival as it kicks off its 15th year. Download a map from the Crawl’s website and get set to visit over 300 artists in their studios on this free, self-guided tour. You’ll see tons of local talent, including printmaker and painter Afuwa, whose work explores myth and identity (“River,” pictured). Better yet, you’ll have the chance to talk to these sculptors, jewellers, photographers and other visual artists to see what makes them tick.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL (Nov 18-20). F 5 pm-10 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Printable map online. Free. 604-817-9130. www.eastsideculturecrawl.com

Hot Dates: Cornucopia

Cornucopia photo by Mike Crane courtesy Tourism Whistler

November 10 to 13

Foodies and oenophiles alike follow their taste buds to Whistler for Cornucopia, the annual food and wine extravaganza in the town best known for skiing and snowboarding. In addition to palate-pleasing tastings, luncheons and winemakers’ dinners, the deliciously long weekend offers hands-on seminars, extravagant galas and over-the-top parties. But be warned: you may have to loosen your belt a couple of notches in order to fully indulge.—Sheri Radford
More information:

CORNUCOPIA: WHISTLER’S CELEBRATION OF WINE AND FOOD Various venues in Whistler. Toll-free 1-800-WHISTLER. www.whistlercornucopia.com

Hot Dates: Michael Jackson Lives On

Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to Michael Jackson with its new show

November 4 to 6

The King of Pop plus Cirque du Soleil equals Michael Jackson—The Immortal World Tour, a powerfully riveting show that combines Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque’s mind-bending circus arts, offering a unique glimpse inside the late singer’s creative world and artistic genius. Don’t miss this electrifying show at Rogers Arena.—Sheri Radford

More information:

Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson—The Immortal World Tour 8 pm. $50-$175. Rogers Arena, Pacific Blvd. at Abbott St. Tickets 1-855-985-5000.

Hot Date: Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour

Image courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

November 1-2

The estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil present this greatly anticipated world tour, written and directed by leading concert director Jamie King, known for his high profile work with the likes of Prince, Madonna and Michael Jackson to name a few. Audiences can expect a melding of Cirque du Soleil’s fantasy style show with astounding visuals, music and dance that will relive the King of Pop’s creative world. Rexall Place, $59.50-$262.25; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.

Hot Dates: An Illuminating Meal

Photo by Prill/istockphoto.com

October 27
Dining by candlelight isn’t just romantic—it’s good for the environment, too. On Oct. 27, dozens of local restaurants are turning down the lights and turning up the ambience for BC Hydro Power Smart’s annual Candlelight Conservation Dinner, a delicious event that shines a spotlight on electricity conservation. More than 100 participating restaurants offer enticements such as special menus, live music, discounts, two-for-one entrées or a free appie with each entrée. Visit www.bchydro.com for all the mouth-watering details.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dates: Happy Halloween

Halloween charms from Thomas Sabo

October 31
Celebrate Oct. 31—grown-up style—with autumn-inspired charms from Thomas Sabo. Sure, you’re no longer getting decked out in your ghoulish best, trick-or-treating from house to house, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating All Hallows’ Eve altogether. Pop by Thomas Sabo’s new Oakridge Centre store to choose charms of your own, or model your bracelet or necklace after the acorn and pumpkin combo shown above. Other options for ringing in this scary holiday: pints of pumpkin ale and creepy, festive decorations at HomeSense.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Thomas Sabo, Oakridge Centre, 650 West 41st Ave. 604-263-7226.

www.thomassabo.com

Homesense, 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406.

www.homesense.ca

Hot Dates: Christmas Market Preview

"Toboggan Table" by Kino Guérin

October 7 to November 1

It’s never too early to sort out your naughty and nice holiday gift lists. For those who have been good all year, check out Circle Craft Shop and Gallery’s Christmas Market Preview. This in-gallery exhibit, a precursor to next month’s big show at the Vancouver Convention Centre, highlights some promising artists, including Kino Guérin. Ward off the winter blues with his cheeky “Toboggan Table” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT SHOP AND GALLERY This colourful showcase, an artist’s cooperative, is packed with handcrafted jewellery, home accessories, wearable art, gifts and toys in fibre, clay, metal, glass and wood, of traditional and contemporary design.

1-1666 Johnston St. 604-669-8021. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Dates: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 16, 22, 24, 29, 31

Since 1919, the VSO has been making beautiful music for aficionados and newcomers alike. The musicians travel all around Metro Vancouver to perform, but downtown’s stunning Orpheum Theatre has been home base since 1977. Sitting in the grand old theatre, with its soaring ceiling and exquisite chandelier, while listening to the VSO is an experience never to be forgotten.—Sheri Radford

More information:

VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Musically Speaking series: Berlioz, Lalo, Liszt, Enesco and Ravel with Bramwell Tovey, conductor; and Chad Hoopes, violin (Oct 1). 8 pm. Symphony Sundays series: Berlioz, Lalo, Liszt, Enesco and Ravel with Bramwell Tovey, conductor; and Chad Hoopes, violin (Oct 2). 2 pm. Tea & Trumpets series: Overtures & Intermezzi With Hannah Han, piano (Oct 6). 2 pm. VSO Pops series: California Dreamin’—Pops Classics of the Boomer Era With Jeff Tyzik, conductor; and Kaleidoscope, vocalists (Oct 7-8). 8 pm. Kids’ Koncerts series: Inspector Tovey Investigates Rhythm With Bramwell Tovey, conductor; and Granville Street Irregulars (Oct 16). 2 pm. Masterworks Diamond series: Chatman, Beethoven and Mozart with Bramwell Tovey, conductor; Till Fellner, piano; and Vancouver Bach Choir (Oct 22, 24). 8 pm. Masterworks Silver series: Dvorák and Shostakovich with Douglas Boyd, conductor; and Daniel Müller-Schott, cello (Oct 29, 31). 8 pm.

Orpheum Theatre, Seymour St. at Smithe. Tickets 604-876-3434. www.vancouversymphony.ca

Hot Dates: Top Talent

Hollow Chair by Straight Line Designs

September 29 to October 2

Searching for artistic inspiration? Head to the stunning Vancouver Convention Centre for the best in design, art and architecture during IDSwest. Sculptures by Brent Comber and furniture by Straight Line Designs (including the Hollow Chair, pictured) line the aisles alongside booths by popular shops such as Parliament, Provide and Örling & Wu.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Date: Tea and Chocolate Outing

Tea and Chocolate Pairings take place throughout the fall.

Thursday, Sept. 29. If wine and food pairings aren’t your cup of tea, then how about a tea and chocolate pairing? Spend an evening learning about the drink that is both traditional and trendy with Kimiko Uriu, one of the top 50 accredited tea specialists in the world. (She’s also the founder of the business Kimicha Tea, which is the force behind the city’s first annual Ottawa Tea Festival, taking place on Nov. 5 and 6). For this event, Uriu joins forces with Colette West from Maison Chaloin, a chocolaterie in Gatineau that’s popular with local foodies. The event offers three teas alongside complementary treats, which include the mouthwatering flavours fleur de sel, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. Can’t make it out this Thursday night? No problem! The tea and chocolate pairing event will be offered throughout the fall, see schedule for details.

Hot Dates: Keith Urban

Country singer Keith Urban. Copyright Keith Urban

September 26

With more than a dozen hit singles, two beautiful daughters, and the gorgeous, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman as his wife, Keith Urban has a pretty good life right now. He’s left his days as a studio musician—and his later struggles with addiction—far behind. Catch the country superstar at Rogers Arena, and get ready to sing along to “Better Life.”—Sheri Radford