Thank you to Daniel Reisdorf for guesting with me on this story podcast!
Picture credit:
https://unsplash.com/photos/qegSxvH9U9Y @ Ben Hershey
Song credits:
https://youtu.be/LdKJ6acaG3o @ koreanpopinst
https://youtu.be/d1vXNDHYpvM @ koreanpopinst
Thank you to Hon-Loen Sinn for guesting with me on this story podcast!
Picture credit:
unsplash.com/photos/DRZcbiXINwg @ Raphael Nast
Song credits:
youtu.be/7zJAB0Rv_nA @ koreanpopinst
youtu.be/Xoy6yl7eRk4 @ koreanpopinst
youtu.be/VIp4joyvZ60 @ 트레저 YOSHIOLOGY
This Coquitlam hub for live events, exhibitions, and theatre has been operating since 1996. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, they’re bringing in a new roster of talented performers.
But first off, what is the Evergreen Cultural Centre? Well, it’s actually a collection of many different exhibits that vary from outdoor to indoor to a fascinating showcase of emerging creators known as (Re)Visions: Emerging Creators Incubator. One of its most famous is the art gallery, where you can walk through beautiful halls of artistry made by five accomplished BC-based artists.
However, during these times you may want to pay a visit to the Evergreen Cultural Centre’s outdoor art exhibits, which have been modified to include safety and distancing measures. One of the most well-known is a piece named PLACE, created by Romane Bladou. It captures a breathtaking landscape, translucent water surface, and a perspective of a ferry passenger. The theme centers around having a peaceful and quiet time to yourself while waiting for arrival.
(Re)Visions: Emerging Creators Incubator, was a 10-day artists exhibition back during August 2021 showcasing up-and-coming artists and their craft. The art pieces reflect on the global problem of systemic racism as well as many other social issues during this pandemic. The artists all came together to learn from each other as well as educate the viewer in a unique and visual language. All artists received mentorship from staff at the Evergreen, who taught them curation and performing arts skills, in a sense it was “learning on the job.”
In a series of cabaret-style events the 25th anniversary performance lineup is packed with an enticing roster. Going all the way to the end of this year, they will be selling tables from as low of a price as $18 per person. I don’t want to spoil the upcoming talents, but if you are interested, here’s a link to their page. Personally I will be attending the performance on October 16th as that fits exactly into my taste of music.
Thank you to Hayden Peeling for giving me permission to use all of Thank You Driver’s music in this podcast, including:
An Aggressive Display of Screaming and Acceptance
Blackened Upholstery in Mom’s ’93 Sedan
Heartbreaks and Openers, Pt. 1
Heartbreaks and Openers, Pt. 2
Thank you to James Acton for giving me permission to use all of Pleasant Trees’ music in this podcast, including:
Little Astronaut
House of Oberon
King and Country
Marigold
Sand
Album art credit: Daniel Giesbrecht, bass player of Pleasant Trees
If you’ve never been to Richmond’s pacific seaside areas, you’re missing out. Throughout the entire city their moto “pacific, authentic” is demonstrated with art. Dictating the quality art scattered throughout, the Public Art Trail focuses on three neighborhoods: Steveston Village, Richmond-Brighouse, and Richmond Oval.
With its beautiful scenery right at the harbour known has Fisherman’s Wharf, the picturesque Steveston Village is one of the most popular destinations in Richmond. If I had to recommend one that is a must-see, it has to be the Japanese-Canadian Fisherman’s Memorial “Wind”. Signifying an important event in the history and diverse culture of Canada, this is perhaps the most awe-inspiring piece of art here.
Marks, Richard. 2013. JPG file. / Pixabay
I used to pass by the Richmond-Brighouse art trails every Sunday on my way to tutoring. Without a doubt, the one art piece that is practically burned into my mind is the Minoru Horse near the Richmond Library. It honours the legacy of Richmond’s racing industry, and depicts an award-winning horse. When the statue was revealed in 2009, it drew descendants of the Brighouse family and celebrated the city’s cultural spirit.
Most of you probably have memory of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Although it mostly took place in Vancouver, there is no less commemoration in the Richmond Olympic Oval. Fitting the theme of the Olympics, it shows off dreamy art pieces such as Star Arc, Ice Blade, and Speed Skater. However, the main attraction is a huge red expertly crafted piece known as the Water Sky Garden. This is without a doubt my personal favorite in this area. Sort of like an illusion, this is actually made from hundreds of sky lanterns netted together, which reflects into the pond directly below it.
Richmond is often overlooked in terms of its artistic capabilities. With neighboring cities like Vancouver and Burnaby who both have famed art pieces, Richmond is no stranger to some of their own. The thriving public art scene in Richmond is sure to astonish any tourist or native.
At this point, everyone in Greater Vancouver should know about the famed Vancouver Sun Run. The 10 kilometre running event is widely known as a tradition for Vancouverites of all ages, from grade schoolers to seniors. Although most marathons are 42 kilometres which is four times the length of the Sun Run, its shorter distance makes it more widely accessible to finish and therefore attracts broader participants.
When the Sun Run first began its annual event in 1985, it attracted 3700 runners to take on the 10 kilometre challenge. It might not seem like much compared to the recent 60,000 numbers, but at the time it was indication of the potential success the Sun Run could have.
Of course, even if the word “sun” is in the name of the event, it cannot escape the infamous Vancouver rain. However, despite heavy rain hitting the pavement in some years, it did not deter runners from carrying out this annual tradition. The mandate of the Sun Run is to promote health and fitness, which I feel it has successfully done.
G, Th. “Running.” 2016. JPG file. / Pixabay
I remember my first time partaking in this run was in eighth grade, right at the start of high school. Although I had no idea why people would pay to run 10 kilometeres. I then realized that the Vancouver Sun Run was a lot more than just a simple mini marathon. Right from the starting line, I could feel the spirit and energy from the live bands. There’s something about doing an activity in a big group that really boosts your morale. Something I would normally not do, such as running for 10 kilometres, suddenly seemed very appealing to me. Along the race, there are so many people on the sides cheering for you to go on, with volunteers providing water stations and banana stations. At the final stretch, you can see the finish line in your eyes, and you cross it. When all is done, there is always a celebration inside BC Place that provides free drinks and snacks to replenish and restore your energy.
If you’ve ever been to Stanley Park, chances are you’ve passed by the Malkin Bowl outdoors theatre before. Unfortunately, in 2020 they had to cancel all shows due to the pandemic, but that won’t stop me from talking about the amazing venue and shows they’ve had since their inception in 1934.
When it was first built in 1934, funding was led by former Mayor W.H. Malkin and therefore it took on his namesake. At first, it was only used for afternoon concerts but then it gradually took on a more distinct identity. A summer tradition was created by the production company Theatre Under the Stars to have iconic performances under the sun. Some of the famous ones include but are not limited to:
Fortunately, they have announced plans to return the summer tradition for the 2021 year with full refunds to anyone who bought tickets for the 2020 year. Being run by volunteers from the community, the costs of ushers and crew are run by donations and memberships. Starting at $25 a year, being a member helps keep the Malkin Bowl running. That’s only $2 a month!
Wheeler, James. “BC Night.” 2013. JPG file. / Pixabay
What I love most about this is their fostering of young talented stage performers who deliver quality shows. You might not even realize that most of them are amateurs executing these popular genres of musical theatre. Theatre Under the Stars also promotes inclusion and a comfortable atmosphere to go along with their signature nighttime setting.
Getting to Malkin Bowl is very convenient. Simply get to Stanley Park using the #19 downtown bus then a short walk past the Dining Pavilion to arrive at Malkin Bowl. Being able to seat over 550 people, its outdoors setting is its greatest strength. Enjoying quality theatre whilst seeing the nighttime stars paired with a mellow ambience, all while snacking on your favorite snack of choice – now that’s a perfect summer night.
Fostering the development of a healthy lifestyle in children is so important, and it seems like many Burnaby parents can agree with me. Growing up, two of the most popular sports programs that parents were enrolling their children in were swimming and skating. Almost all of my classmates in school have experienced classes in at least one of the two.
The reason for the popularity of these two programs is definitely the convenience for signing up. Since they are both linked to the Burnaby Leisure Guide, anyone can pick up the free monthly book and read about the classes. Word of mouth and the clear views through transparent windows in each of the recreation centres also help to advertise the sessions.
Reese, Greg. “Ice Skating.” 2017. JPG file. / Pixabay
From what I remember as a child, skating has eight different levels which evaluate your ability to be proficient on the ice. Ranging from basic standing to doing jumps on ice, it’s surely not at figure skating levels but it will still make you sweat with the knee paddings and thick jackets for the cold arena. You don’t even need to own a pair of skates, as each of the recreation centres that offer this program have free helmet and skate rentals for every lesson. These lessons are surely a recommended prerequisite to anyone who wishes to pursue ice hockey as well. The beginner-friendly environment starting from level one is a major attraction for eager parents that wish to give their kids a healthy lifestyle.
For swimming, it is divided up into more tiers for evaluation, and even goes into first aid towards the last few levels. But the core swimming lessons that many Burnaby children enjoy are the Swim Kids series. Ranging from pre-school levels all the way up to Swim Kids 10, the value of knowing how to swim is well worth the price for lessons. Since all the instructors and lifeguards at the recreation centre pools are employed by the city, they are all extremely well trained for any situation.
ID 12019. “Swimmer.” 2012. JPG file. / Pixabay
I’ve personally gone all the way to the highest level of the swimming program, the National Lifeguard class. I can say for certain that this has not only improved my physical lifestyle, but has taught me essential skills for saving lives on both land and water.
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen a movie or television property that was filmed in the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia. This city has been the site of many high-budget blockbuster movies and is the home of talented animators. Vancouver’s “backlot” appearance is sought after by many directors and filmmakers.
I remember watching the CW superhero series The Flash back when it premiered in 2014, and thinking that the background structures looked a tad familiar. That’s when I realized the home base of the Team Flash is actually the exterior of BC Place. However, not only The Flash is filmed in Vancouver. In fact, the entire CW DC television universe, known as the Arrowverse, is mostly filmed in Vancouver. This includes Superman and Lois, Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman.
Not only are the locations in Vancouver versatile for its visually stunning neighborhoods, almost all the animation artists who worked on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took part in the visual effects for the Academy-Award winning film.
Triay, George. “Vancouver Landscape.” 2015. JPG file. / Pixabay
Vancouver even attracts many overseas producers as well. South Korean girl group TWICE filmed the music video for their 2017 smash hit LIKEY in Vancouver schools and alleyways. During the chorus of the song, they can be seen dancing in the Alley-Oop on 450 Granville Street. Because of the immense popularity of the song, this place has become a must-visit for K-pop fans to take pictures of.
BCIT’s very own Aerospace Technology Campus is also used to depict a futuristic or technological hub for scientists in many movie properties. One of the most well-known depictions of the aerospace campus is the control room bunker in the 2012 horror flick Cabin in the Woods. In fact, the space in the aerospace campus lobby was too big for what the director of the movie wanted, so he had to fill it with CG monsters.
Although Vancouver has been depicted in so many different cities and places around the world, it never really plays itself. But that’s not a problem, because I always take pride in being able to recognize Vancouver in mainstream movies and TV.