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Hot Entertainment

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: City and Colour

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Heins

January 25 – 26
Juno Award winner Dallas Green, best known under the moniker City and Colour, mesmerizes audiences with his soothing falsetto voice, lyrical storylines, and folklike sounds—a stunning departure from his former gig with post-hardcore group Alexisonfire. City and Colour’s latest album Little Hell—which explores the little “hells” and “heavens” that inevitably comprise our relationships—promises to elevate Green’s status as a top-tier Canadian musician. Jubilee Auditorium, $38.50–$44.50; call 780-451-8000 for tickets

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 Entertainment: La La La Human Steps

Photo courtesy of Édouard Lock

January 18
In its 33rd season, the Brian Webb Dance Company welcomes celebrated choreographer Édouard Lock and his acrobatic, ever-energetic troupe of talented dancers, La La La Human Steps. For this performance, the group showcases a masterpiece of emotion entitled New Work in which Lock weaves together a magnificent story about the ending of a love—a shadow—presenting two pieces separated by era and composer. The result is a sensational display of electrifying movement and explosive passion. Jubilee Auditorium, $36–$55; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.

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.

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 Entertainment: The Amazing Kreskin

Image courtesy of The Arden Theatre

December 15
A legendary name in pop culture, this mentalist has been mesmerizing audiences for over six decades with his knack for unexplainable mentalist powers and demonstrations. He has had his own television series, is the author of 16 books and has made hundreds of TV appearances over the years. Meet him at The Arden for an unforgettable show. The Arden Theatre, $35; call 780-459-1542.

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.

Hot Entertainment: Cross-Country Skiing in Whistler

Photo by Steve Rogers courtesy Tourism Whistler

Nordic Nirvana

Downhill skiers and snowboarders tend to receive most of the attention in Whistler, but the cross-country skiers don’t mind. It just means less-crowded terrain for them. Fans of Nordic skiing head to the 56 km (35 mi) of pristine cross-country trails in Whistler Olympic Park, or the 32 km (20 mi) of trails in Lost Lake Park, to work up a sweat—and enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.—Sheri Radford

More information:

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK 5 Callaghan Valley Rd. 604-964-0060 or toll-free 1-877-764-2455. www.whistlerolympicpark.com

Hot Entertainment: Stuart McLean & the Vinyl Café Christmas

Image courtesy of Ilia Horsburgh

December 4
One of Canada’s most cherished storytellers lights up the stage and our imaginations with his annual Vinyl Café Christmas tour, which includes both a matinee and evening show this year. Featuring music by The Vinyl Cafe Orchestra and Canadian singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman, as well as the best-selling author’s signature storytelling about record-shop owner Dave and his endearing family, this special holiday event is one not to be missed. Jubilee Auditorium, $40-$65; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.

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 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

Hot Entertainment: Yo Gabba Gabba!

Visit Gabba Land and dance your heart out with DJ Lance Rock and the rest of the gang. Just say the magic words and characters come to life to captivate kids—and young-at-heart adults—with upbeat music and singing. Catch this lively crew at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Nov. 11).—Jessie Colgan

More information:

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! 2 and 5pm. $24.50-$36.50. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. www.yogabbagabbalive.com

Hot Entertainment: Gigantic Success

They Might Be Giants photo by Joshua Kessler

It’s been a busy 30 years for alt-rockers They Might Be Giants. The inventors of 1990s-phenomenon Dial-A-Song—an answering machine that played back recorded songs to the caller—have released 15 albums. The band’s foray into children’s music earned them a second Grammy following the award they took home for “Boss of Me,” the theme song to TV’s Malcolm in the Middle. See the Brooklyn-based band at an adults-only show at Venue (Nov. 8).—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

VENUE They Might Be Giants (Nov 8). 8 pm. $28. 881 Granville St. 604-646-0064. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. www.venuelive.ca