Think of it as a Lipizzaner horse spectacle for the Cirque de Soleil generation as told by Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin in a romantic mood. There will plenty of grand themes unfolding under the white-top tents in False Creek when Odysseos 67 horses and international cast of acrobats and performers take a dream voyage to a land of beauty and harmony. December 7 to January 5. Tickets range from $29.50 for children to $219 for the VIP package and are available at Cavalia.net, by calling 1-866-999-8111 or by going to the white big top box office between 10am and 8pm.
Its time for some retail therapy for the local economy. Naomi Yamamoto, minister of state for tourism and small business, officially kicked off Buy Local Week on Monday. (Given how many fabulous stores there are here in Vancouver, we wonder why it should be a special week. Shouldnt it be a way of life every day?) Everyone is encouraged to make a little extra effort to give a boost to our favourite retailers from December 2 to 8. And if you dont think shopping is fun, then its time to Mob the Drive. On December 7 from noon to 4pm, the Commercial Drive BIA has partnered with Vancity and LOCO BC for the Good Money Mob, an afternoon of festivities to invite shoppers to keep their dollars in the city. Here are some compelling arguments from LOCO BC:
for every $100 worth of spending, $46 is re-circulated in the local economy, compared to $18 for chains
a one per cent shift in consumer spending to local businesses would create 3,100 jobs and $94 million in wages for BC workers
BC retailers have the third lowest (34.7 per cent) market share in Canada
For radio listeners, its always fun to put faces to voices. For tv fans, its always neat to meet the people you love to watch. And for those who want to support the Vancouver Food Bank, theres no better way to score a hattrick than by dropping by the CBC studios (700 Hamilton) on Dec. 6 from 5:30am to 6pm. Free tours from 8am to 6pm. New is Canada Lives Here movie experience.
One of the quiet hits of 2013 was the film Quartet, starring a venerable foursome of British film and stage. From December 5 to 15, a quartet of some of Vancouvers most well-known actors Yvonne Adalian, Sean Allan, Wendy Morrow Donaldson and David Petersen bring the original stage play to PAL Studio Theatre (581 Cardero). The play is set in a retirement home where four former opera stars are invited to perform Verdis masterpiece. Can they overcome their own personal histories, and fears, to recreate their youthful success? Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets.com, 1-800-838-3006, Scotiabank Coal Harbour, or one hour before performance Tuesday Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm.
