Here’s What’s Happening In Your West End In …

December, 2023

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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.

HOLIDAY SEASON NOTE! Many clubs and events pause their monthly or weekly activities for the month of December. Contact the venues listed below for up-to-date information.

Community Calendar / Arts & Entertainment / Families, Kids, & Teens / Senior Moments / LGBT+ / Venue Directory

Community Calendar

SPENCER’S HOLIDAY SOCIAL

When: Monday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Junction
Cost: Free
Details: Join West End - Coal Harbour MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert to celebrate and kick off the holiday season with him and his team.

Everyone welcome!

MAJONG

When: Saturdays through Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Nov. 18 is moved to the English Bay Room from 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Where: West End Community Centre — Bidwell Room.
Cost: Free.
Details: A friendly Mahjong group based on Hong Kong style play. Everyone is welcome. Games accommodate tables from two to eight players with a score system based on points, with or without walls. Instruction available. Beginners and all skill levels welcome.

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.

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. until Dec. 12, in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. Learn and practice public speaking, impromptu speeches, and leadership skills at this weekly meeting.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Tuesdays, until Dec. 12, in the West End Community Centre’s Meeting Room 2. Free. Join a weekly conversation and drop in when you can to practice English in a relaxed circle of friendly people. Conversations are guided by experienced facilitators who strive to talk about things that interest you.
WEST END WRITERS: Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m until Dec. 13. 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.
CRIBBAGE: Fridays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. until Dec. 15, in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. A friendly social card group sharing a fun game. Beginners and newcomers welcome. The Dec. 1 class will be in the English Bay Room.
LABYRINTH - A WALKING MEDITATION: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Free. The Labyrinth is a full 13-metre replica of the medieval labyrinth laid in the stone floor of the 13th-century Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres. The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s is open for silent walking, prayer and meditation to people of all faiths and spiritual disciplines as a resource for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
WATERFRONT WALKERS: Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m until Dec. 16. Free. A casual group of walking enthusiasts who meet weekly to enjoy a variety of scenic walks. Routes are regularly around 6km and last about three hours, with a stop along the way for coffee. Meet up at Coal Harbour Community Centre.
THE DARK SECRETS OF STANLEY PARK: Saturdays from 4 to 5:30/6 p.m. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here. Discover the jaw-dropping beauty – and sinister stories – of Stanley Park. Behind those majestic forests, picturesque gardens, and stunning beaches lies a history of forced evictions, buried treasure, shocking crime scenes, and the macabre tale of Deadman’s Island. When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two per cent of the ticket cost goes to support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

Arts & Entertainment

Jenaya Barker stars in *Do I Hear a Waltz?*

DO I HEAR A WALTZ?
A Sondheim/Rogers/Laurents Musical

When: Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.
Where: PAL Studio Theatre.
Cost: $30 to $35. Tickets here.
Details: APPLAUSE Musicals In Concert presents itw 50th production, a musical featuring the music of Richard Rogers, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. Do I Hear A Waltz? is a touching, bittersweet musical set in 1960s Venice, where a young tourist’s romantic journey leads to love, but also reveals its cost. This is a special opportunity to experience a seldom seen and nearly forgotten musical, the only cllaboration between these three giants of the musical theatre genre. Information here.

LIVEN UP COAL HARBOUR

When: Fridays & Saturdays, December 1 to 30 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Canada Place Plaza, Komagata Maru Memorial, Harbour Green Park, and Cardero Park.
Cost: Free
Details: A new month-long series of events will bring lighting installations, artists, musicians, and storytellers to Canada Place Plaza and three West End - Coal Harbour locations. And yes, the event marks the return of the illuminated Luna the Whale, at Cardero Park. Information and schedule here.

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET

When: Through Sunday, December 24. Various days and times (see link below).
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: Tickets from $19. Tickets and information here.
Details: Coal Harbour is transformed into a magical European Christmas village again as the annual Christmas market returns to Jack Poole Plaza (at the Olympic Cauldron). Now in its 13th year, the German-inspired event is Vancouver’s largest Christmas Market, with many vendors coming all the way from Germany and other European countries. Food, beverages, artisans, holiday shopping and live entertainment for the whole family.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

When: Sunday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Cost: $27.96. Tickets here.
Details: United Voices Choir presents an evening of one of the most traditional holiday season musical celebrations. The choir of 60+ voices, directed by Dr. Greg Caisley, will be joined by a professional orchestra and soloists Melanie Krueger (soprano), Leah Giselle Field (contralto), Martin Renner Wallace (tenor), and Andrew Greenwood (baritone).

LIVE AT THE SYLVIA

When: Every Wed., Thurs., and Sun. 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 November lineup includes: Sun. Dec. 3 - Acoustic duets, pop & jazz with Louise & Greg Weir; Wed. Dec. 6 - Singer-songwriter Little Fox; Thurs. Dec. 7 - Singer-songwriter Stephen Spender; Sun. Dec. 10 - Jazz with the Caryn Slade Trio; Wed. Dec. 13 - Jazz with the Lesley Branton Trio; Thurs. Dec. 14 - Roots & blues with Harris & Debray; Sun. Dec. 17 - Classic harmonies with The Hot Mammas; Wed. Dec. 20 - Singer-songwriter Jacob Dryden; Thurs. Dec. 21 - Rockin’ roots with Chapter 11; Sun. Dec. 24 - No live music on Christmas Eve; Wed. Dec. 27 - Jazz & blues with the Weaver & Werth Band; Thurs. Dec. 28 - Jazz with The Kasuials; Sun. Dec. 31 - Ring in the New Year with the roots & jazz stylings of Soda Crackers (9 pm. to 1 a.m).

LIVE AT THE SHAMROCK

When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday / Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. / Tues., Thurs. & Sun. at 7 p.m.
Where: The Shamrock Pub.
Cost: No cover charge.
Details: What’s an Irish pub (especially one with a great food and beverage menu) without live music? We wouldn’t know, ‘cause the West End’s Irish pub features live music four nights a week. The December lineup includes: Dec. 1 - Niamh O’Gorman; Dec. 2 - Aoife & Lola; Dec. 3 - Éamonn MacHale; Dec. 5 - David Capper; Dec. 7 - Joe Murphy; Dec. 8 - Matty Miller & Hamish; Dec. 9 - Éamonn MacHale; Dec. 10 - Jada McKenzie Moore; Dec. 12 - David Capper; Dec. 14 - Niamh O’Gorman; Dec. 15 - Mossy MC; Dec. 16 - Aoife & Loala; Dec. 17 - Éamonn MacHale; Dec. 19 - David Capper; Dec. 21 - Niamh O’Gorman; Dec. 22 - Aoife & Lola; Dec. 23 - Colm Donelly; Dec. 24 - Steve Marriot; Dec. 26 - David Capper; Dec. 27 - Dean Smith; Dec. 28 - Steve Marriot; Dec. 29 - Aoife & Lola; Dec. 30 - Eoghain Reynolds.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

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.
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. TheatreSports alumni hosts 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. Theatre Sports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard bring their new improv comedy troupe of award-winning actors and improv veterans to the West End.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: From 8:30 p.m. to late at The Park Pub enjoy great live music. The November lineup includes: Nov. 3 - Cici & The Dicks; Nov. 10 - The New Shackletons; Nov. 17 - TBA; Nov. 24 - Lee Nichols.
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 December lineup includes: Dec. 3 - Bill Costin; Dec. 10 - the Grand Slam Jazz Band; Dec. 17 - the Michael Kim Big Band; Dec. 24 - We Three Queens; Dec. 31 - Salsa Divina.
SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGHS From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by MAKIN’ JOKES at 10 p.m. at The Show Cellar. $25.89 for Saturday Night Laughs and $25.29 for Makin’ Jokes. Tickets and other show information here. Enjoy non-stop hilarity, from stand-up to improv to musical comedy to harmonica comedy (yes, that’s a thing). Full food and drink service during both shows.

Families, Kids, & Teens

COMMUNITY TREE DECORATING

When: Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Lobby.
Cost: Free.
Details: Join your community to decorate a holiday tree. Make an ornament to put on the tree and take one home with you. There will be hot chocolate, treats, and a holiday movie. Please bring a donation to the Vancouver Food Bank

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: West End Community Centre Gymnasium.
Cost: $7 per child in advance / $9 at the door, space permitting. Register here.
Details: Santa is in the ‘hood! Journey with your children to meet Santa through a magical winter wonderland where holiday games and crafts await you at each stop along the way. Parent participation required and pre-registration is recommended

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

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.
JR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 14 through June 13. West End Community Centre — Meeting Room 1. Free. Youth in grades 10 to 12 gain leadership and mentoring experience while learning how to organize, plan, and implement programs at the Community Centre. They also learn valuable skills such as interview preparation, applying to college and university, and how to apply for scholarships and bursaries. For more information contact Jessica at jessica.mccalum@vancouver.ca.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT AT WECC: Fridays at the West End Community Centre Auditorium from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. through Dec. 15. No sessions Oct 27 and Dec. 1. Free. Youngsters (ages 9-12) participate in a variety of games, crafts, and activities including dodgeball, button and bracelet making, movie nights, and more. Maximum participation is 30 kids and registration is required.
TEEN NIGHT AT COAL HARBOUR: Fridays from 6:15 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 15 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

TED TALKS & DISCUSSION

When: Thursdays, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free.
Details: On December 14 the topic is Elon Musk, Twitter, Tesla, and how his brain works. The December 21 topics are the first-ever cargo ship powered by green fuel, the AI-powered tools supercharging your imagination, the future of machines that move like animals, and how to hack your brain when you’re in pain.

*The Gracias Choir Christmas Concert* will screen December 15 at Barclay Manor.

MOVIE FRIDAYS

When: Fridays Dec. 15 and 22 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free.
Details: On December 15 enjoy “The Gracias Choir Christmas Concert” a film featuring a South Korean group delivering a special Christmas sonata. December 22 features “The Beegees One Night Only”, a 1997 film featuring some of the group’s greatest hits performed at the MGM Las Vegas.

DECEMBER DISCO DANCE

When: Monday, Dec. 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free.
Details: Get ready to boogie down! Sparkling lights and nostalgic fun await you as you show your best dance moves in your funky 1970s outfits.

COMPANY FOR CHRISTMAS

When: Monday, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free. RSVP to 604.669.5051.
Details: Three West End Seniors’ Network board members, Serena Chu and partner Rosh, Theo Madeley, and David Harvey and wife Thalia, will be at Barclay Manor on Christmas Day to share some holiday cheer with anyone who would like to join them. There will be light snacks and refreshments, and Christmas music. Come and share this special time with friends and neighbours.

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

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.
TED TALKS & DISCUSSION: Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Barclay Manor. A lively gathering for informative talks and ensuing discussions. November topics include: Nov. 2 - How to be a leader for climate justice, the tree-growing movement restoring Africa’s vital landscape, and why change is so scary and how to unlock its potential; Nov. 9 - How to make sure materials get reused again and again, what a living whale is worth, why the economy should protect nature, and the magic of a creative career; Nov. 16 - Why women should tell the stories of humanity, why theatre is essential to democracy, and is the US headed towards another civil war?; Nov. 23 - Can global food companies make the shift to regenerative agriculture, the sustainable brilliance of Indigenous design, and how targeted ads might just save your life; and Nov. 30 - A mysterious design that appears across millennia, the “adjacent possible” and how it explains human innovation, start at the edge of what is known when looking for a new idea, and the puzzle of motivation.
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.

LGBT+

DINNER & A DRAG SHOW!

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Bonta Italian Restaurant
Admission: Free.
Details: On Tuesdays it’s Carlotta Gurl and Thursdays it’s the unstoppable Conni Smudge entertaining at this popular Davie Street restaurant while diners enjoy a generous portion of Italian specialties.

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 for all venues and organizations is at the end of this calendar.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB: Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at HIM on Davie’s Lounge Space. Join a conversation night for GBQ men and gender diverse people whose first language is not English, to practice speaking in a safe, non-judgmental and fun space. The program is fully inclusive for all folks regardless of refugee, visa, or citizenship status.
RAINBOW MEN’S GROUP: Mondays from 3 to 4:30 at Barclay Manor —Multipurpose Room. A group open to older gay, bi, and trans men to share experiences of life in the West End. Join for fun, socializing, and serious conversation. Facilitated by Bil Coleman and Jeff Darcy, counsellors in private practice and at WESN.
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.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: At the Fountainhead Pub at 7 p.m. No cover. An evening of trivia and fun hosted by Richard Romano-Carlsen.
QUEERPROV: Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Junction. Pay What You Can. A weekly celebration of improv comedy. The November lineup includes: Nov. 1 - Halloween Hangover; Nov. 8 - Queerprov Challenge; Nov. 15 - Coming Out Stories; Nov. 22 - Perfect Catch; Nov. 29 - Fruitbowl …. followed by —
DRAG ME TO HELL! Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. An evening of killer drag hosted by Miss Understood and featuring a revolving cast of special guest performers and music by Dj Amy Grindhouse. Admission $12 in advance (here) and $15 at the door.
UNITY FRIDAY: At The Junction. Showtime 11 p.m. Service until 4 a.m. Hosted each week by a variety of Queer community members. $15 cover. Music by DJ Dennis Kindel.
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.
THE REALLY GAY HISTORY TOUR: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It’s time for Vancouver’s secrets to come out of the closet. Tour guide Glenn Tkach tells the stories of drag kings and two spirit warriors, queer church ministers ,and transgender crime fighters. This two-hour walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here.

Venue Directory

WHERE THEY’RE AT AND HOW TO CONNECT …

If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca

1181 Lounge / 1181 Davie / 236.513.1181 / Website
Art@Bentall Gallery / 595 Burrard St - Concourse #05 / 604.682.3701 / Website
Barclay Manor / 1447 Barclay / 60.-669.5051 / Website /wesn.ca/ (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
Health Initiative For Men (HIM) / 300 - 1033 Davie / 604 488 1001 / Website
HI Hostel Vancouver / 1114 Burnaby / 604.684.4565 / Website
Joe Fortes Library / 870 Denman / 604-665-3972 / Website
Kay’s Place / 118 - 1030 Denman (Denman Mall) / 604.669.5051 / Website
Mole Gallery / 1157 Pendrell Street, access from Jepson-Young Lane. / Website
PAL Studio Theatre / 581 Cardero / 604.255.4313 / Website
Shamrock Pub / 1184 Denman / 604.428.4414 / 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 Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website
The Loft Lounge / 1184 Denman / 604.602.1000 / Website
The Park Pub / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
The Show Cellar (at the Park Pub) / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / 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

The Blog

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Here’s What’s Happening In Your West End In …

December, 2023