Hello Picks People… here is a short list for this week with a few seasonal samplings thrown in. It’s getting busy already! There may be an addendum…
As usual, please check with venues for any late minute changes and apologies to any events not included.
Lessons from jazz for a flourishing life
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/blogs/spiritually-speaking/innovating-yourself-lessons-from-jazz-for-a-flourishing-life-1.3235860#undefined.uxfs
19th Annual European Union Film Festival Nov 18-30
EUROPE WITHOUT THE JETLAG | The Cinematheque’s annual celebration of new cinema from the European Union is proudly presented with the Vancouver consulates and the Ottawa embassies of the member states of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. This year’s festival showcases entries from 23 EU members celebrating the diversity, dynamism, and accomplishment of contemporary European filmmaking while experiencing the work of Europe’s most provocative and entertaining filmmakers.
http://www.thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival
Vancouver Opera Nov 24-Dec 7
Hansel & Gretel
https://www.vancouveropera.ca/Hansel-and-Gretel?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hanselgretel_brand
East Van Panto: Little Red Riding Hood now until Dec 31
RECOMMENDED (opening night was a hoot!)
Here she comes! Little Red Riding Hood is bombing down the Adanac bike trail to deliver a basket of goodies to her sweet little granny. Easy, right? Not in the East Van Panto where everything gets real wacky, real fast! Cheer Little Red along as she battles everything from bike thieves to distracted drivers to The Big Bad Wolf. And what the heck are Three Little Pigs doing here?!
http://thecultch.com/events/an-east-van-panto-little-red-riding-hood/
http://www.straight.com/arts/836071/east-van-panto-little-red-riding-hood-fresh-fun-and-full-west-coast-hilarity
Happy Hour At Frankie’s (this week)
Nov 30 Mike Allen Trio
Dec 1/2 Jennifer Scott
Kino in December
Wednesday November 30
Provence Restaurant 1177 Marinaside Crescent at Davie 6- 9pm no cover
Hip Pocket Quartet
Hip Pocket Quartet plays a mix of swinging Jazz, Latin Jazz, contemporary instrumentals and Jump Blues
Adam Rohrlick: electric guitar and tenor saxophone, Diane Lines: keyboards & vocals, Brent Gubbels: acoustic bass & Joel Fountain: drums.
Blue Martini 1516 Yew St 7p.m. No cover
Stephanie Pedraza Duo
Thursday December 1
Gastown Water St 6p.m. Free event
Yule Duel… Carolling for a Cause
Water Street will be filled with the sounds of the season as the second annual ‘Yule Duel’ draws choirs from across Metro Vancouver to join together for a magical night of music and merriment benefiting a Downtown Eastside hospice, May’s Place. More than 20 choirs, ranging from barbershop to gospel. Each group will be competing for a chance at a trophy. Expect costumes, choreographed routines and creative lyrics to play a part in this inaugural event as teams strive to hit a high note with celebrity judges and spectators.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1594042280899547/
Tangent Café 2095 Commercial Drive 8.30p.m. No cover
Chad Makela Quartet
Saxophonist Chad Makela has an unmistakable sound on his instrument. His playing is always dynamic and virtuosic. Often found exploring the tradition of chordless quartets, tonight is no exception! His music is rhythmically charged and harmonically adventurous.
With Ben Henriques – saxophones, Darren Radtke – bass and Dave Robbins – drum
Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St 8p.m. $12
Aquarius
Brazilian screen legend Sonia Braga gives one of the performances of the year in this topical and inspiring drama about the last hold-out in a Recife beachfront apartment building earmarked for redevelopment. Her obdurate refusal to negotiate with the developers leaves some to question her sanity. If money and persuasion won’t do the trick, perhaps there are other methods to make her move…?
https://www.viff.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=fc9049-aquarius
Friday December 2
Pat’s Pub 403 E.Hastings St 8p.m. $10
South Van Big Band
The 17-piece South Van Big Band returns to Pat’s Pub & Brewhouse for a night of eclectic big band jazz as we roll into winter holidays! Warm up indoors on a December night with some great food and brews and two sets of live big band!
https://www.facebook.com/events/550788431778930/
Fairview Pub 898 W.Broadway 8p.m. $10 plus non-perishable food item
The Modelos 10th Annual Foodbank Fundraiser
The Modelos, Rodney DeCroo, Buckman Coe, Steve Kozak, Sandy Bone, Ana Bon-Bon and many more
Frankie’s 765 Beatty St 8p.m. $20 (and on Sat Dec 3)
Smalls Live Presents: Spike Wilner Trio
Pianist Spike Wilner contemplates with passionate reverence and goes all zen on his latest release “Koan.” With a captivating musical program investigating the paradoxical nature of the mind and exploring the hidden nature of romance, Wilner leads his trio steadily beyond the landmarks of the past while carrying tradition forward into fresh realms of modern melodic improvisation.
http://www.coastaljazz.ca/smalls_live_presents_spike_wilner_trio
Saturday December 3
Pat’s Pub 403 E.Hastings St 3-7p.m. No cover
Paul’s Big Surprise
It was intended to have Paul Rushka’s sextet but there were problems rounding everyone up. Late in the game Rod realized he hadn’t booked a replacement… but Paul came through with some amazing musical pals who will provide all manner of surprises. And isn’t that what jazz music is all about?
Tom Keenlyside – saxophone & flute
Chris Sigerson – piano
Paul Rushka – bass
Bernie Arai – drums
Michael J Fox Theatre 7373 MacPherson Ave Burnaby 7.30p.m. $30/25
City Soul Choir presents Hold On… Change is Comin’
An evening of songs designed to move and inspire you, kindle hope and lift your heart. You’ll hear music that will help you navigate the hard times and celebrate the good times. Come and get your joy on with the 100-voice City Soul Choir led by Brian Tate, and accompanied by a fabulous band: Michael Creber on piano, Bill Sample on keyboards, Brent Gubbels on bass, and Craig Scott on drums.
http://www.citysoulchoir.com
Brentwood Church 1600 Delta Ave Burnaby 7p.m. $25
5th Annual Jazz Concert in the Sanctuary
Proceeds to support women and children fleeing violence and seeking transitional housing at Dixon Transition House.
Sunday Dec 4
13th Annual Santa Claus Parade W.Georgia St 12p.m.
Featuring marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups, which entertain over 300,000 spectators.
A very special part of the Santa Claus Parade is celebrating the “Spirit of Giving.” Each year, on parade day, volunteers collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can purchase $3 worth of food – so remember those loonies on Parade Day!
http://allevents.in/vancouver/13th-annual-rogers-santa-claus-parade/1380177465360730
Orpheum Theatre 601 Smithe St 2p.m. $29 up
Christmas with the Bach Choir
Showcasing the 400 glorious voices of the entire Bach Choir family – from the tiny Piccolos (ages 5 years) to the internationally renowned symphonic adult choir.
http://www.vancouverbachchoir.com/events/christmas-with-the-bach-choir/
Cottage Bistro 4470 Main St 4-7pm. No cover Angela Clancy Verbrugge & Bruno Hubert Happy Hour
Bruno has been helping Angela fine tune her new repertoire. Think Julie London meets the Ella songbook albums.
Tangent Café 2095 Commercial Drive 6p.m. Donation
Sara Kim Quartet
Vocalist Sara Kim’s new group explores her unique compositions that weave together Korean folk music and jazz rhythms and improvising. Her introspective sound is original and compelling.
With Eli Davidovici – bass, Dan Reynolds – piano and Mili Hong – drums
Frankie’s 765 Beatty St 8p.m. $15
Saul Berson Quartet
Saul Berson -saxes, Nick Peck-piano, Steve Holy-bass, Bernai Arai-drums
UPCOMING
Dec 6
Karin Plato’s Joy of Jazz: Baby It’s Cold
Dec 9 & Sat Dec 10
Universal Gospel Choir Sing Joy
Dec 8-11
Ballet BC presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Nutcracker
http://balletbc.com/performance/nutcracker-2016/
Thank you so much for putting this together, Jeni! What a fantastic summary, and I really appreciate you including my gig.