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Leszek Apouchtine

Hot Entertainment: Legendary Library

Photo by Joseph S. King, courtesy Tourism BC

Reminiscent of the Roman Coliseum, Vancouver Library Square may not have as much history but it still celebrates an important milestone as it turns 15 this year. This branch of the Vancouver Public Library owns more than 1.3 million items—about 6,000 of which get checked out every day. This landmark is also a film and TV star and can be seen in The Sixth Day, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Battlestar Galactica, among others. Atop the library is a not-so-secret rooftop garden. Most Vancouverites know about it, but it was never included in the original budget and is not accessible to the public.—Leszek Apouchtine

Hot Entertainment: Music Mecca

Photo by Caroline Toth

Since 1929, the Commodore Ballroom has been delighting concertgoers with its huge sprung hardwood dance floor and great musical acts. In the early days as the Commodore Cabaret, this art deco landmark featured big band music, dinner and dancing every Saturday night and celebrity performers including Sammy Davis Jr., Count Basie and Cab Calloway. More recently it has played host to some of the biggest names in rock, hip-hop and pop music, including U2, David Bowie, Nirvana, Tina Turner, The Police, The Tragically Hip, Beastie Boys and KISS. So put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the best bounce the city has to offer.—Leszek Apouchtine

Hot Entertainment: Vancouver VIPs

Sarah McLachlan photo by Jennifer Tzar

Sarah McLachlan photo by Jennifer Tzar

Bryan Adams Raspy-voiced rocker.
Pamela Anderson Baywatch star.
Michael Bublé Jazz and swing crooner.
Raymond Burr Perry Mason himself.
Hayden Christensen Young Anakin Skywalker.
Yvonne DeCarlo The Munsters’ Lily Munster.
James Doohan Star Trek’s Scotty.
Arthur Erickson Architect and urban planner.
Michael J. Fox TV and film star.
Joshua Jackson Dawson’s Creek’s Pacey Witter and Fringe’s Peter Bishop.
Sarah McLachlan Singer/songwriter (pictured).
Jason Priestley Beverly Hills, 90210’s Brandon Walsh.
Ryan Reynolds Film star.
Seth Rogen Funnyman and actor.
Joe Sakic Former NHLer, “Burnaby” Joe.
Eckhart Tolle Spiritual guru and author.
Loverboy Last but not least, the classic ’80s pop band.—Leszek Apouchtine

Hot Entertainment: Cultural Olympiad 2010

The Talking Stick Festival celebrates aboriginal performance and art

While some of the world’s best athletes compete for top spot on the podium, some of the world’s best artists are flexing their creative muscles at the Cultural Olympiad 2010 (to Mar. 21). This festival features both home-grown and international talent that ranges from traditional theatre and dance to cutting-edge digital media experiences. An opera about Richard Nixon, the Talking Stick Festival (pictured), pop-star concerts and a searchlight show above English Bay are just a few of the diverse performances taking place at various venues from Vancouver to Whistler.—Leszek Apouchtine