We are almost at the weekend, and ready to get up from our desks and turn our eyes away from the radiant glare of the computer screen.
Here are a few upcoming multicultural events that may be of interest:
For those of you that love to travel, but can’t afford the airfare or the time at the moment:
Chilean Evening
Fundraiser for the Firehall Arts Centre features Chilean wine, appetizers, desserts, and a performance of Tarragon Theatre’s Léo. More information at www.firehallartscentre.ca/
Feb. 28, 2008, 6:30 pm
Tix $49.95
Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova)
Nordic Art And Photography Show And Sale
More than 150 works of art by artists of Nordic descent or of a Nordic theme. More information at www.scandinaviancentre.org/
March 1, 2008, 11 am-4 pm
Free admission
Scandinavian Centre (6540 Thomas St., Burnaby)
Or, maybe you are more interested in the nuances of culture…
Heavy Metal Islam
Rock musician and University of California historian Mark LeVine discusses his new book, which explores the relationship between heavy-metal, hip-hop, rock, and punk musicians and their more conservative and religious peers across the Muslim world.
Feb. 29, 2008, 7 pm
Free admission, reservations required
SFU Harbour Centre (515 W. Hastings)
8th Annual Chutzpah! Festival
The Lisa Nemetz International Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts features more than 25 performances and workshops with over 100 international, Canadian, and local artists creating a multicultural celebration of music, theatre, dance, and comedy. Highlights include The J.A.P. Show: The Princesses of Comedy, Balkan Beat Box, Aszure & Artists, Amber Funk Barton, the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, Tracey Erin Smith, Socalled, and the world premiere of Kaeja d’Dance’s Abattoir. More information at www.chutzpahfestival.com/
To March 2, 2008
Events also take place at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (UBC) Jewish Community Centre (950 W. 41st)
And, here are some events to engage your activism:
Struggles Against Racism Are Not Over
Several antiracist groups and unions present an afternoon and evening of film, food, and speakers, including Lee Maracle, Sadhu Binning, Rita Wong, and Raul Gatica. More information at noii-van@resist.ca/
March 1, 2008, 4:30 pm
Free admission
Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor, Burnaby)
Youth Conference On Darfur
Amnesty International, Canadian Students for Darfur, Oxfam Canada, and UNICEF Canada host a moden-UN–style discussion of the Darfur conflict, plus a number of guest speakers. More information at www.darfur2008.com/
March 2, 2008, 9 am-5 pm
Tour D’afrique
Fundraiser featuring musical performances by John Mann and others for Vancouver writer and cyclist Miranda Huron to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in a race that rasies money to purchase bicycle ambulances in Africa. More information at mhuron78@gmail.com
March 2, 2008, 1-4 pm
Chapel Arts (304 Dunlevy)
Bridging The Gap
The UBC chapter of Engineers Without Borders presents a conference on addressing global poverty and highlighting international development, featuring a keynote address by Senator Roméo Dallaire. More information at www.vancouver.ewb.ca/bridgingthegap/
March 15, 2008, 9 am-5 pm
$60 general $25 students
Empire Landmark Hotel (1400 Robson Street)
And finally, something for the poet in you, no matter the language you choose to express your soul in:
Poetry Around The World
Open-mike multilingual readings hosted by Lucia Gorea, with writing exercises given at the end of each event.
Second Wed of each month, 6:30 pm
Free admission
Indigo Books and Music (900 Park Royal South, West Van.)
