If February is starting to feel like a warm yet waterlogged marathon, Granville Island has your back.
Every year, the arts hub under the bridge halts winter’s demoralizing onslaught with Winterruption, a multi-venue festival of theatre, dance, film, fashion and food.
Returning from Feb. 19-21, this year Winterruption has more than 40 events up its fleecy sleeve.
In theatre, highlights include the One-Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody (Feb. 18-21, 8pm at Waterfront Theatre, $25) and Granville Island’s improv comedy giant, TheatreSports.
Classical and contemporary dance is also popping up all festival long in unexpected places. Presented by Newworks, you can catch free performances by the likes of Julie Lebel, Heather Laura Gray, Lorita Leung Dance Company, Tango Lab and Bloco Energia! at various locations from 1-4pm on the Saturday and Sunday.
And, if you haven’t been following her meteoric career, one of the must-see films of the fest is the single screening of A Ballerina’s Tale (Feb. 21, 2pm at the Revue Stage, free) – the celebrated documentary following the rise of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. (You might be familiar with her highly motivational, calf-rippling ad for Under Armour).
Winterruption is also taking part in Black History Month programming with Afro Hair Savoir Faire, an inclusive event showcasing “the natural hair movement sweeping the African diaspora” (Feb. 20, 1:30pm at the Revue Stage). The free community event features live tutorials on hair care, styles and culture as well as short films.
Meanwhile Granville Island’s longstanding relationship with Coastal Jazz (organizers of the annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival) manifests itself with a musical lineup featuring West Coast world fusion group Tanga (Feb. 19, 9pm, $20), jazz pop singer Alejandra Ribera (Feb. 20, 9pm, $23) and free shows by Elkhorn, Grdina/Houle/Loewen, The End Tree and SICK BOSS. All concerts at Performance Works.
And lastly, donuts and distilleries are up for the tasting with special creations by Lee’s Donuts inside the Market, and “spirited” Meet your Makers tours exploring the craft booze movement (Feb. 20-21, 2-3:40pm, $15, must be 19+).
Tickets and additional scheduling at Winterruption.com
