MARK YOUR CALENDAR
/Here’s What’s Happening
In Your West End In …
August 2023
(Click any image to enlarge)
The following are highlights from the many programs available at the West End and Coal Harbour community hubs. Check the websites listed at the end of this section for complete listings of events and activities.
Community Calendar / Arts & Entertainment / Families, Kids, & Teens / Senior Moments / Venue Directory
Community Calendar
The 2023 Pride Parade route map. Click to enlarge.
2023 PRIDE PARADE
A New Route To Follow
When: Sun. Aug. 6 from 12 noon until it’s over.
Where: From Denman and Davie to Concord Pacific Place.
Cost: Free
Details: The 2023 Vancouver Pride Parade will take a new route, mustering at Denman and Davie and proceeding east along Beach and Pacific to Concord Pacific Place.
There will be street closures on part of Denman Street, part of Davie Street, Beach Avenue from Denman to Jervis, and Pacific Avenue from Jervis to Carral Street. The earliest roads will be closing at 5 a.m. Streets will be closed on a rolling basis starting in the staging area. Streets will all be reopened by 4 p.m. or earlier. Details here.
King George Dragons team member Jaden promoting their car wash on Denman.
KG DRAGONS CAR WASH
When: Fridays & Saturdays through Aug. 26. Times noted below.
Where: 1755 Barclay / Behind King George School
Cost: By donation.
Details: The King George Dragons basketball team is hosting a car wash fundraiser that has been extended to late August. Have your car sparkle in the sunlight and support the West End’s high school basketball team.
The car wash will take place Fridays through August 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays through August 26 from 1 to 7 p.m.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
When: Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House (GNH)
Cost: $7 with a GNH membership, $8 without. Children 1 and up are half-price.
Details: Join other members of our community for a delicious home-cooked lunch. This is one of GNH’s many “Food Justice” programs that you can learn more about here. To reserve a spot call 604.683.2554 or email welcome@gordonhouse.org.
HANDMADE MUG WORKSHOP
When: Thur. Aug. 3 & 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Pottery Studio
Cost: $50
Details: In this one-evening workshop you’ll make a mug from start to finish - no experience necessary. Instructor Lisa Warren will demonstrate how to construct a mug using various techniques, including slab rolling, pinching, and extruding. You’ll be able to add your own style with texture and colour. Your finished piece will be fired and glazed in the colour of your choice. A great introduction to pottery, and beginners are welcome.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID
When: Sat. Aug. 5 from 9:15 to 1:45 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room
Admission: $99.75
Details: This basic course teaches lifesaving first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for workplace or home. The course meets the legal requirements for provincial worker safety and insurance boards and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.
WEST END URBAN GARDEN CLUB
Topic: Mason Jar Salads & Meal Planning
When: Thur. Aug. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room
Cost: $22 / 50+ Seniors $8
Details: Learn how to plan healthier options for meals throughout the week, and prepare a personal menu plan for yourself. Make and take home a mason jar salad. There will be a community seed library present for you to pick up some free seeds for your garden, swap or donate seeds.
“ALL TALK” PODCAST
An In-Person Recording Session
When: Sat. Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre Arts & Crafts Room
Cost: Free
Details: A monthly open discussion for West End community members to address issues and calls to action facilitated by Artist in Community residents Sophia and Josh. The discussions are facilitated in the form of a talk show and all sessions will be recorded and live streamed as a podcast for those who are not able to attend in person.
INVESTMENT COFFEE CLUB
When: Sunday, Aug 20 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: West End Community Centre English Bay Room
Admission: Free
Details: An informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy, and investing.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
TOASTMASTERS: Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the West End Community Centre Bidwell Room. Free. Learn and practice public speaking, impromptu speeches, and leadership skills at this weekly meeting.
WEST END WRITERS: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Free. Writers Club of all ages and experience are invited to join in reading works-in-progress and receiving feedback. Visit here for more information.
Arts & Entertainment
“Queen Charlotte Harbour” is among the pieces in Gary Sim’s current exhibition at the West End Community Centre.
ART AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
When: Daily through Sat. Aug. 15, during regular Community Centre hours.
Where: The West End Community Centre lobby display case.
Cost: Free
Details: West End artist Gary Sim presents a collection of artworks that show some of the places he has visited over the years: a day at Sombrio Point in 1975, climbing Mt. Waddington in 1978, working on B.C. Rail heavy salvage projects at Seton Lake in 1983 and Cheakamus Canyon in 1985, visiting Savary Island in 2003, a trip to Masset in 2012, and images from various other trips and hikes up to the current day. He has also included a number of the linoleum blocks used for relief printing and the tools that he used to make them, a copper etching plate, and a variety of basswood kumiko assemblies and photography. The artist will be present from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays Aug. 5 and 12.
Van Django plays at Jazz in Coal Harbour Park Wednesday, August 16.
JAZZ IN COAL HARBOUR PARK
When: Wednesdays through Aug. 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Park / Broughton & West Hastings
Cost: Free
Details: Presented by the Coal Harbour Residents Association in collaboration with Part of The Tribe Collective, four evenings of live music will include: Aug. 2 - Los Duendos, Vancouver’s Psych Latin Fusion group will share infectious tropical rhythms and spicy Latin melodies; Aug. 9 - The Sweet Pea Swing Band with their unique brand of traditional jazz, dating back as far as 1916; Aug 16 - Rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930s Paris, Van Django plays original compositions and arrangements, including humorous mash-ups wearing their eclectic influences in full regalia; Aug. 23 - The traditional flamenco group (or “cuadro”) Calle Verde presents a spontaneous improv performance between guitarist, singer, dancer, and palmero (hand-clapper).
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Where: Stanley Park’s Ceperley Meadow
When: Tuesdays at sunset (see times below) through August 22
Cost: Lawn seating is free. Purchase $20 reserved seats here
Details: Tuesdays are movie nights at sunset in Stanley Park as Summer Cinema presents a series of popular films. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and snacks. Food trucks are usually on site with popcorn and other treats. This is a family event so no alcohol or smoking allowed. Free seating is on a first-come-first-seated basis, so arrive early if you want a seat near the 40-foot screen.
The August lineup includes: Aug. 1 (8:55 p.m.) The Wedding Singer; Aug. 8 (8:40 p.m.) The Birdcage; Aug. 15 (8:25 p.m.) Shrek; Aug. 22 (8:15 p.m.) Pirates of the Caribbean.
Eddy Kenzo will be among the entertainers at The African Descent Festival.
AFRICAN DESCENT FESTIVAL
When: Sat. Aug. 12 and Sun. Aug. 13 from 10 a.m to 9 p.m.
Where: English Bay Beach
Cost: Free
Details: This is Vancouver’s ninth annual celebration of culture of Canadians of African descent. The two days of celebration will include live music performances, cultural showcases, food vendors, and more.
The music lineup will include 2023 Grammy Award nominee Eddy Kenzo, Ghetto Kidz of Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer fame, The Boom Boom Band, Ache Brasil Drum Circle, B-Kenyan Raggae, and Karata Kata Afrobeat. Find more festival information here.
ART SHOW AT MOLE HILL
Works by Alex Finlayson
When: Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mole Gallery at Mole Hill
Cost: Free
Details: Mole Gallery — Mole Hill’s pop-up art space — features work by Mole Hill residents with changing exhibitions every month. The August show features works by Alex Finlayson, who has been painting Mole Hill and the West End for thirty years. This show is an opportunity to view some of his best canvases, including some which have never been publicly exhibited.
An image from the 1950 original production of Out Of This World, with George Gaynes as Jupiter and Charlotte Greenwood as Juno.
OUT OF THIS WORLD
An Applause Musicals In Concert Show
When: Fri. Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. and Sat. Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sun. Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.
Where: PAL Studio Theatre
Cost: $22.63 and $27.96. Tickets here.
Details: One of Cole Porter’s lesser known works from 1950, Out Of This World is a comical adaptation of the Greek comedy Amphitryon by Plautus. The story revolves around the god Jupiter who descends from Olympus to wed a mortal woman in modern Greece. He sends his son Mercury as messenger, which alerts his wife Juno, who follows him, hoping to catch him in the act. A madcap plot ensues, a story that mixes nicely with Porters witty lyrics and singable melodies.
From left: Brianna Clark and Anna Pontin in “The Prom” and Siggi Kaldestad and Jyla Robinson in “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical”
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
Two Shows On Alternate Nights
When: Through Sat. August 26.
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park
Cost: From $30. Tickets here.
Details: Vancouver’s beloved Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) presents two musical comedies on alternating nights through the summer, The Prom, a relatively new musical that debuted on Broadway in 2018, and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Both shows are full of whimsy and charm, featuring large casts of lovable and zany characters, eye-popping set designs, and outstanding musical numbers. Information and show details here.
PRIDE, POSIES & DRAG PIONEERS
When: Wed. Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Roedde House Museum
Cost: By donation
Details: Roedde House celebrates “Aging with Pride” with their neighbours at Barclay Manor, home of the West End Seniors’ Network, with a new exhibit “Pride, Posies and Drag Pioneers” in the museum parlour. Curated by the new museum manager, Rachel Lige, the exhibit will showcase queer icons in the Victorian and Edwardian eras and how the queer community signalled to each other through the Victorian language of flowers. There will be a posey making station for you to make a posie that you can wear.
The “Pride, Posies & Drag Pioneers” exhibit will be on display throughout the month of August, at regular museum admission prices.
the Hot Mammas will be at the Bandstand August 20.
MUSIC AT THE BANDSTAND
When: Sundays, Aug. 13 and 20
Where: Haywood Bandstand in Alexandra Park (Beach at Bidwell)
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrating 109 years of community performances at the bandstand! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free performances by popular Vancouver entertainers. Aug. 13 features The Real Jeff Bryant and Aug. 20 brings you The Hot Mammas.
LIVE AT THE SYLVIA
When: Every Wed., Thurs., and Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Sylvia Hotel Restaurant & Lounge
Admission: Free
Details: Three evenings a week enjoy live music at the lounge with a great view of English Bay. The May lineup includes: Wed. Aug. 2 - Indo-Canadian Folk with Ranj Singh; Thur. Aug 3 - Rockin’ Roots with Chapter 11; Sun. Aug 6 - Roots & Jazz with The Kasuals; Wed. Aug 9 - Roots & Blues with Dave Paterson; Thur. Aug 10 - Jazz with the Lesley Branton Trio; Sunday, Aug 13 - Jazz with Peter Tam; Wed. Aug 16 - Jazz & Blues with Arsenic & Old Lace; Thur. Aug 17 - Original Roots & Americana with Gravel-Aires; Sun. Aug 20 - Jazz with the Caryn Slade Trio; Wed. Aug 23 - Singer-Songwriter Little Fox; Thur. Aug 24 - Indo-Canadian Folk with Ranj Singh; Sun. Aug 27 - Roots & Jazz with Soda Crackers; Wed. Aug. 30 - Jazz with the Rio Trio; Thurs. Aug. 31 - Roots & Blues with Harris & DeBray.
JENNY PLUCK PEARS
Live at Roedde House Museum
Where: Roedde House Museum
When: Sun. Aug. 13 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 General, $5 Youth (18 and under), free for Children 5 and under.
Details: In the Roedde House Museum parlour, the Jenny Pluck Pears ensemble will share their folksy and whimsical tunes. Penny Pluck Pears is a women folk ensemble playing a mix of traditional, ancient and modern tunes and songs, featuring vocals, mandolin, guitar and recorders. Admission includes a tour of the museum.
Patty Verner and Miles black are on the porch at Roedde House August 29.
JAZZ ON THE PORCH
Where: Roedde House Museum / Side Porch / Seating on the lawn.
When: Tuesday, August 29 at 7 p.m.
Admission: Free / By donation.
Details: The final concert of this summer’s Jazz on the Porch series features jazz singer Patty Verner and pianist Miles Black. To learn more about West Ender Verner and her career in music see The West End Journal’s “Artists Among Us” column from December of 2020 here.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
HOT MIX BINGO: Mondays at 8 p.m. at The Shamrock Pub at 1184 Denman. Fun and games = music and bingo at this popular West End Irish pub.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: At the Fountainhead Pub at 7 p.m. No cover. An evening of trivia and fun hosted by Richard Romano-Carlsen.
KARAOKE TUESDAYS: At The Park Pub from 9 p.m. to late.
THE WEST END SINGERS: Wednesdays in the Salons at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church from 7 to 9 p.m. No auditions, it’s just for fun! Currently they're learning tunes by/from Styx, Cold Play, John Lennon, Les Miserables, La La Land, and others.
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church. By donation. Bring your bagged lunch and treat yourself to some of Vancouver’s best musical offerings featuring classical, gospel, jazz, folk and more with Dawn Pemberton, Corey Hamm, and Katherine Evans.
COMEDY TONIGHT! Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Park Pub (1755 Davie). Admission $25. Hosts TheatreSports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard hold an improv comedy night featuring a rotating cast of up to eight of Vancouver’s top improv artists plus special guests.
IMPROV THURSDAYS: From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Park Pub. Admission $25. Award-winning actors, improv veterans, and Theatre Sports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard bring their new improv comedy troupe to the West End.
JAZZ VESPERS: Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley United Church. By donation. An afternoon featuring some of Vancouver’s finest musicians and meditations on faith and life. The August lineup includes: Aug. 6 - Jalem Bhate; Aug. 13 - Diane Lines; Aug. 20 - The Ragtime Ramblers; Aug. 27 - Saul Berson presents the Jewish-American Songbook.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: From 8:30 p.m. to late at The Park Pub enjoy great live music. The August lineup includes: Aug. 4 - Cici and the Dicks; Aug. 11 - (TBA); Aug. 18 - Raincity 4; and Aug. 25 - Lee Nichols.
Families, Kids, & Teens
RED CROSS BABYSITTING
When: Sun. Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room
Cost: $75
Details: A nationally recognized program designed to help youth develop self-assurance, knowledge, and skills required for babysitting duties and when caring for themselves alone.
PLAYTIME!
When: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. except Wednesdays which are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 22.
Where: The West End Community Centre Auditorium
Admission: $3.50 drop-in per child. Registration required.
Details: Your child will love running, tumbling, riding bikes and cars, and making new friends. Parents are requested to help with set-up and take-down of play equipment.
YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT
When: Tues. Aug. 15 from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium
Admission: Free.
Details: Open to all ages 13 to 18, with popcorn and movie snacks provided. Pre-registration is encouraged but youth are welcome to register the day of at the front desk.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Thursdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library. Free. This program for parents and caregivers with young children shares songs, rhymes and stories. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn together.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT AT WECC: Fridays at the West End Community Centre auditorium from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. Free. Youngsters participate in a variety of games, crafts, and activities including dodgeball, button and bracelet making, movie nights, and more. No program on Aug. 4. Maximum participation is 34 kids and registration is required.
TEEN NIGHT AT COAL HARBOUR: Fridays from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at Coal Harbour Community Centre. A free program for youths in Grades 8 to 12 (ages 13 to 18). Shoot hoops in the gymnasium, play board games upstairs, or get creative with some art supplies. Snacks provided. Teen Night has in-out privileges.
SINGLE MOTHERS CONNECTION GROUP: Fridays at Gordon Neighbourhood House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free to GNH members — annual membership is $5 and can be purchased at the front counter upon arrival. This program is dedicated to expanding a support system for single mothers in the West End through peer support and building meaningful relationships. As a part of the group, toddler playtimes are aimed at promoting healthy socialization and development of kids ages 0-5. The group also holds monthly workshops, employment support sessions, and community events. To register email familyplace@gordonhouse.org.
Senior Moments
SENIORS FIRST B.C. LAW CLINIC
Where: Kay’s Place in Denman Mall
When: The first Wednesday of every month.
Details: As part of its Satellite Elder Law Clinic program, Seniors First B.C. partners with the West End Seniors’ Network to offer pro bono legal consultations to eligible older adults.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
FITNESS WITH LAUREN: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. Free. A weekly fitness class that incorporates resistance band exercises to improve muscle tone and strength. All seniors welcome.
BALLROOM DANCING & SOCIAL: Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the West End Community Centre Auditorium. Join a friendly group of ballroom dances and learn, practice, and meet new friends. Singles and those with partners both welcome. Drop-in $1.50 / Eight sessions for $7.60.
YOGA FOR SENIORS: Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Dance Studio. A class for older men and women at all fitness levels, including those with some physical challenges. Each class provides a balanced full body workout, adapted to safely meet your needs. $11 drop-in.
CREATIVE QUEST: Thursdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Barclay Manor. The Barclay Manor Artists’ Collective meets for open studio time. Bring your project and supplies to paint with others in a studio setting. No teaching or supplies are given. For information contact Graham at creativequest2022@gmail.com.
VANCOUVER PRIME TIMERS: Sundays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Denman Room. Free. Since 1990 this group has been providing mature gay and bisexual men with opportunities to come together for social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs and activities. Contact primetimersvancouvercanada@gmail.com for more information.
BINGO FOR LIFE: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Junction Pub at 11:38 Davie. Free. Drag diva the Unstoppable Conni Smudge presides over a weekly fundraiser for The Vancouver Friends for Life Society.
Venue Directory
WHERE THEY’RE AT AND HOW TO CONNECT …
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
Art@Bentall Gallery / 595 Burrard St - Concourse #305 / 604.682.3701 / Website
Barclay Manor / 1447 Barclay / 604.669.5051 / Website (West End Seniors’ Network)
Bonta Italian Ristorante / 1047 Davie / 604.687.0055 / Website
Chef Ron Restaurant / 1037 Denman / 604.336.9994 / Website
Coal Harbour Community Centre / 480 Broughton / 604.718.8222 / Website
Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website
Gordon Neighbourhood House / 1019 Broughton / 604.683.2554 / Website
Joe Fortes Library / 870 Denman / 604.665.3972 / Website
Kay’s Place / 118 - 1030 Denman (Denman Mall) / 604.669.5051 / Website
PAL Studio Theatre / 581 Cardero / 604.255.4313 / Website
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church / 1022 Nelson / 604.683.4574 / Website
St. Paul’s Anglican Church / 1130 Jervis / 604.685.6832 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
West End Community Centre / 870 Denman / 604.257.8333 / Website
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Thank you!
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
editor@thewestendjournal.ca
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
