MARK YOUR CALENDAR
/Here’s What’s Happening In Your West End In …
APRIL, 2024
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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.
Community Calendar / Arts & Entertainment / Families, Kids, & Teens / Senior Moments / LGBT+ / Venue Directory
Community Calendar
ZUMBA GOLD
A Free Introductory Session
When: Monday, April 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Where: The West End Community Centre Auditorium.
Cost: Free. An introductory session to a series of paid sessions
Details: A low-impact dance-fitness class for beginners and seniors that uses the zesty Latin music with easy to follow moves to create a dynamic and fun fitness class. The classes strive to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and most importantly, the heart.
Bellydancing is a great and fun way to exercise.
BELLYDANCING
A Free Introductory Session
When: Monday, April 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Dance Studio.
Cost: Free. An introductory session to a nine-session program for $144.
Details: Enjoy moving to the sensuous melodies and dynamic rhythms of the Middle East. Bellydancing is an excellent way to get fit, have fun, and connect with your body in a very positive way. For beginners and intermediate level. Wear exercise clothes, bare feet or dance shoes, and bring a shawl or scarf to tie around you hips. Finger cymbals needed and can be purchased or borrowed from the instructor.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS IN ONE DAY
When: Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room.
Cost: $69.
Details: Learn the basic and most important settings on your digital or film camera, including: exposure modes, aperture, shutter speed, depth-of-field, white balance, flash, and ISO. This one-day class includes a comprehensive set of class notes and a field trip in the neighbourhood. Bring a camera with instruction manual. Note that this course is best suited for digital or film cameras with manual exposure control.
BARCLAY YARN ARTISANS SALE
When: Wednesday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor
Cost: Free
Details: Spring means bright colours, light layers, and sunny smiles! Pop into Barclay Manor for the West End Seniors’ Network sponsored sale of seasonal essentials and gifts for Mom. Payments can be made with cash or card.
INTER-GENERATIONAL ART WORKSHOP
When: Friday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: Lord Roberts Elementary School.
Cost: Free. Please RSVP to info@wesn.ca or call 604.669.5051.
Details: The students of Mr. Sam’s class are inviting everyone to a special event where seniors and youth can creatively collaborate. Popular West End Artist Serena Chu will be hosting a card decorating workshop, and there will be a fun Q&A and an interactive game for all to enjoy.
Make the most of your balcony and small space garden.
BALCONY, CONTAINER, & SMALL SPACE GARDENING
When: Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre Meeting Room.
Cost: $20.
Details: Want to grow food, but don’t have much room? This joint Village Vancouver - West End Neighbourhood Food Network Urban Garden club workshop
HARM REDUCTION & NALOXONE TRAINING
When: Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House Room 1.
Cost: Free. Capacity limited to 23. Reserve your spot here.
Details: Naloxone is a life-saving medication used in response to an opioid overdose. Learning how to use it can be a valuable way to contribute to your neighbourhood's safety. In this workshop, facilitated by Health Initiative for Men (HIM) you will learn about Vancouver's history of drugs and harm reduction and acquire essential skills to care for the people in our community. All participants will receive a free Naloxone kit.
A walk in the park to enjoy Cherry Blossom season.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS OF STANLEY PARK
A Walking Tour
When: Saturday, April 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: Stanley Park. Meet at the grove of Akebono cherry trees at the intersection of Alberni and Chilco. Walk route map here.
Cost: $12 to $30. Tickets and information here.
Details: Spring is here and the blossoms are beautiful! For a few weeks each year, over 40,000 individual cherry trees brighten the city’s neighbourhoods with stunning bursts of pastel pink petals. While some try to catch the early blooms, there are many trees that show off a little later in the blossom season. Nina Shoroplova, author and photographer of Legacy of Trees: Purposeful Wandering in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, is a Cherry Scout for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Join Nina as she shares what she has learned about cherry trees, as well as where you can go to enjoy cherry blossoms in Stanley Park in the later spring season. Find more Stanley Park Ecology Society events here.
NATIVE EDIBLES TALK & WALK
When: Monday, April 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room.
Cost: $20
Details: It can be easy to forget the wealth of food that grows all around us. In this joint Village Vancouver and West End Neighbourhood Food Network Urban Garden Club event you’ll learn about edible plants that call our region home. Lori Snyder from the Métis Nation will discuss how to identify and harvest wild, edible, and medicinal plants in an ethical way. The community seed library will be present, for you you to pick up, swap, or donate free seeds.
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.
Mediate in the labyrinth at St. Paul’s Angican church (see listing below).
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 June 25 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 through June 8, 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
MOVIE AT THE MUSEUM
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
When: Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.
Where: Roedde House Museum
Cost: $17 - $19. Tickets here.
Details: Journey back in time to the grandeur of 15th century Paris with a screening of this 1923 classic starting Lon Chaney as Quasimodo, the tortured hunchback bell-ringer. Chaney's masterful portrayal brings to life the complex character, a feared and misunderstood figure, as he navigates the intricacies of love, loyalty, and betrayal amidst the backdrop of Note Dame Cathedral. Seating Is limited for this exclusive screening.
SING FEVER!!
When: Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7).
Where: St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church Salon.
Cost: $25 adults / $20 ages 4 to 12. Tickets at singcity@live.ca.
Details: A unique community choir, Fat Chants sings R&B, Funk & upbeat Swing Jazz Standards with front line singer/dancers adding to their exciting performances.
SPRING CONCERT SERIES
The Itamar Erez Trio
When: Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
Cost: $20 at the door or online here.
Details: Composer, guitarist and pianist Itamar Erez brings his trio to St. Andrew's-Wesley for a concert blending the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz, and the passion of flamenco in new and unexpected ways. He'll be joined by drummer and composer Kevin Romain and bassist/arranger/composer Dan Howard.
Ulia farry on bass at Roedde House Museum’s Jazz In The Parlour.
JAZZ IN THE PARLOUR
When: Thursday, April 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Roedde House Museum.
Cost: $$25.69 general admission, $$22.54 for students, seniors, and RHM members. Tickets here.
Details: An evening of great jazz with a 30 minute intermission when tea a cookies will be served. This month’s featured entertainers are Ulia Farry on bass with Winston Matsushita on keyboard and Max Haberdeau on drums.
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 April lineup includes: Wed. April 3 - Singer-songwriter Ted Kim; Thurs. April 4 - Jazz with Lesley Branton; Sun. April 7 - The Caryn Slade Trio; Wed. April 10 - R&B and jazz with Anna Navarro; Thurs. April 11 - Jazz, swing, and blues with 5 Dog Ears; Sun. April 14 - Folk and pop with Jana Seale; Wed. April 17 - Folk acoustic with Neveah Dyson; Thurs. April 18 - Jazz with The Weaver Werth Band; Sun. April 21 - Singer-songwriter Stephen Spender; Wed. April 24 - Singer-songwriter Sean from the Yukon; Thurs. April 25 - Jazz and roots with The Kasuals; Sun. April 28 - Folk and pop with Little Fox.
LIVE AT THE SHAMROCK
When: Every Thursday and Sunday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 8 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. April lineup TBA.
Pedro Reyes’ pace in space is the current Vancouver Art Gallery Off Site exhbition on West Georgia, between Thurlow and Bute.
WHERE THE ART IS
Art Exhibitions In The ‘Hood
OFF SITE (1100 West Georgia) … The Vancouver Art Gallery’s open-air space presents Mexican artist Pedro Reyes’ PACE IN SPACE!, bringing us face to face with a set of creatures that resemble cars with legs. Are they machines or animals or animatronic hybrids? Cars belong on the street, but these creatures inhabit the sidewalk, existing alongside other two and four-legged beings. What is happening? Is one lifting its leg to the wall? Reyes has assembled a group of oversized, colourful and playful anthropomorphic critters. Transformers or perhaps frolicking dog- or frog-like creatures engage with the public intellectually and physically, illustrating the complex and rapidly increasing influence of artificial intelligence and machine-learning on our contemporary social fabric. Today, we’re experiencing a worldwide Turing Test in which machines are making art . . . but do they understand it?
WEST END COMMUNITY CENTRE: The lobby of the Denman centre features two exhibition spaces. The main display this month features an informational display about plans for the new West End Community Hub through April 23 . Around the corner, across from the ice-rink, the West End Photographic society shows some of its members latest work. Through April will be works by four of Kwan Law’s Darkroom Basics students, Fred Chevalier, Sara Dickhout, Hooman Esfandiari, and Irene Hernandez.
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.
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 AT THE PARK PUB: From 8:30 p.m. to late enjoy great live music. The April lineup includes: April 5 - The Magic Rats; April 12 - The New Shakletons; April 19 - Nicholls & Dimes; April 26 - Rain City 6..
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. February lineup includes: April 7 - Big Shoulders; April 14 - Impressions Big Band; April 21 - Linda Szentes & Jazzlinks; April 28- TBA.
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
EASTER CARNIVAL
When: Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre / Multipurpose Room.
Cost: $7 per child.
Details: Hippety-hop into spring and join the Easter Bunny for an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, and play time. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon making, and a photo booth. Parental participation is required.Pre-registration at the community centre is recommended.
PRE-TEEN YOGA
A Free Introductory Class
When: Wednesday, April 10 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre English Bay Room.
Cost: Free. An introduction to a ten-session program for $120 or $14 per drop-in.
Details: An introduction to yoga where your child will learn meditation, breathing techniques, mindfulness, and asanas sequences. More information here.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
5 to 12 year-olds
When: Wednesdays, April 10 and 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre.
Cost: $25 per child.
Details: Drop your kids off at the community centre and enjoy a night out to yourself. The children will enjoy games, arts and crafts, and much more. Please bring a dinner for your child.
ZUMBA KIDS
Free Introductory Classes
When: Friday, April 12. 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. for ages 4 to 7 and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. fr ages 7 to 12.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium.
Cost: Free introductory class for paid sessions that begin April 19.
Details: Kids explore a fun fusion of world and Latin styles of dance with a hip hop edge in this fun, dance-fitness program. Stuyles include Cumbia, Merengue, Bollywood, Salsa, and more. No experience needed. More information here.
PRO-DAY CAMP
(5 to 12 yrs)
When: Monday, April 22. See times below.
Where: W.est End Community Centre Barclay Room
Cost: Before Care (8 to 9:30 a.m.) $8 / Camp (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) $35 / After Care (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) $10.
Details: An action-packed day of exciting activities, crafts and games while teachers are off on professional development day. Parents must complete a waiver.
RED CROSS BABYSITTING
When: Sunday, April. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: West End C28ommunity Centre Barclay Room.
Cost: $75.
Details: This babysitting course is 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: Daily through June 30. Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wed. 3:30 to 5 p.m. No Playtime April 1 and May 20.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium.
Cost: $3.50 drop-in fee.
Details: Your child will love running, tumbling, and riding on bikes and cars. Parent participation is required, and parents are asked to assist with set-up and take-down of play equipment. A child that can crawl must pay the fee. Registration is necessary.
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.
JR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. through June 12. West End Community Centre Denman Room. Free. Youth in grades 8 and 9 build skills, plan fundraisers and events, and get some volunteer hours. Weekly meetings after school focus on investing in yourself through team building and workshops and investing in your community by giving back through volunteerism. For more information contact Jessica at jessica.mccalum@vancouver.ca.
SR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 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 SPORTS & GAMES NIGHT: Thursdays at the West End Community Centre Auditorium from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. through June 20. . 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 to 8:45 p.m. through June 28 at Coal Harbour Community Centre Gymnasium. 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.
STEAM BUDDIES: Fridays through May 3 at Joe Fortes Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free. The program pairs a child in Grades 2 to 4 with a teen “big buddy” for fun and informal STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning.
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
COV LEISURE ACCESS PROGRAM INFO
When: Monday, April 8 from 3 to 4:40 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor
Cost: Free / Please RSVP to info@wesn.ca or 604.669.5051
Details: A representative from the City of Vancouver’s Accessibility Department will share information on how you can can get free or subsidized access to the city-run gyms, pools, programs and attractions.
APRIL BIRTHDAY TEA
When: Thursday, April 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free.
Details: West End Seniors Network members
TAX CLINIC
Drop-In Only
When: Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 25.
Where: Barclay Manor Multipurpose Room / Back basement entrance.
Cost: Free. For details visit here.
Details: A free tax clinic for seniors who make $35,000 a year or less, or senior-led households making $45,000 a year or less. Participants must have a simple tax situation: Employment, pension, support payments; RRSPs, scholarships, fellowshis, bursaries, grants; CPP, disability/employment insurance, social assistance; Interest under $1,000. Please bring, if possible, a 2022 Notice of Assessment or 2022 Tax return summary, 2023 tax slips (T4, T5, etc.), and any relevant income tax slips and receipts. Please note that this service cannot be offered to anyone who is self-employed or has any international income sources outside Canada and the USA.
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.
BE WELL: Wednesdays through June 19 at the West End Community Centre Bidwell Room from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Free. A weekly drop-in for West End seniors where, in a comfortable social atmosphere, blood pressure checks, fitness breaks, and seminars on a variety of wellness topics are offered. Monthly schedules are available at the WECC front desk.
TED TALKS & DISCUSSION: Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Barclay Manor. A lively gathering for informative talks and ensuing discussions. February topics include: April 4 - How to make learning as addictive as social media. My quest to end the horror of gun violence in the US. Why gun violence can’t be our new normal. The powerful possibilities of recycling the world’s batteries; April 11 - The power of unconventional thinking. the powerful possibilities of recycling the world’s batteries. Artificial skin? We made it, here’s why; April 18 - The dark side of competition in AI. The unexpected way spirituality connects to climate change. Are you really as good at something as you think?; April 25 - The secret perks of driving electric. Meet methane, the invisible climate villain. What almost dying taught me about living.
CREATIVE QUEST: Tuesdays 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+
PRIDE ON THE PAGE
A Reading By Eddy Boudel Tan
When: Tuesday, April 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium.
Cost: Free. Registration and information here.
Details: An evening with Eddy Boudel Tan, Edmund White Award finalist and acclaimed author of the novels After Elias and The Rebellious Tide. Eddy will read from his work and share his journey as a writer committed to representing the LGBTQ+ community. A Q&A will follow, and light refreshments will be served. This reading is presented in partnership by Joe Fortes Library and QMUNITY, BC’s LGBTQ+ resource centre. Read more about Eddy in The West End Journal’s Artists Among Us profile in October, 2020 here.
Th Queer Book Club’s choice for the April 18 meeting.
QUEER BOOK CLUB
When: Thursdays, April 18, May 16, and June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Joe Fortes Library
Cost: Free. Register here.
Details: A three-month book club for discussion and social connection. The books will be: April 18 - The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr; May 16 - We Have Always Been Here: a Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib; and June 20 - Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead. Once you have registered for the club you can pick up a copy of each book at the Joe Fortes branch.
There’s nothing hotta than dinner with carlotta - at bonta italian restaurant.
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
Robert Lee YMCA / 955 Burrard / 604.939.9622 / 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
Stanley Park Ecology Society / 610 Pipeline Road / 604.257.6908 / Website
Stanley Park Nature House / 712 Lost Lagoon Path / 604.257.8544 / 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
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
SUPPORT YOUR WEST END - COAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY MEDIA
The West End Journal, including “Mark Your Calendar”, is made possible by local advertising and monthly contributions from our Faithful Readers Circle. If you would like to support your community media, please visit our fundraising site here to contribute any amount from $5 a month up.
If you have a business in the West End / Coal Harbour neighbourhood, check out our advertising rates and information page here.
Thank you!
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
editor@thewestendjournal.ca
