Our carefully considered first rate list of super sweet things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week…

MONDAY

Slap Shot
“To cultivate the Olympic spirit a year in advance of Vancouver 2010, the Vancity Theatre presents a fortnight devoted to the games’ signature sport. Focused on our proud tradition of sports filmmaking-Canada takes the lead in not only hockey, but hockey films-this series runs the gamut from beloved national classics, Hollywood joyrides, and cinéma vérité documentaries. A game of men with sticks on skates, hockey is often used as a vehicle to explore masculinity, whether in portraying those who are attracted by the violent aspects of the sport (in the fisticuffs of a Slap Shot or the true-life exploits of Brian “Spinner” Spencer) or drawing laughs from the quite natural confusion that results when hockey clashes with subjects less than macho (such as in Perfectly Normal or last year’s hit Breakfast with Scot). If you can’t get Canucks tickets, we’ll see you at the movies!”
March 9 | 7pm | Vancity Theatre | $10

Book Arts
Tonight at the Vancouver Public Library you will find an informal gathering of bookbinders and book artists showing off their creative wares – members of the public can drop in to talk about their own works in progress and get feedback or just poke around to find inspiration for a new project. If you’re in the neighbourhood and looking for a free way to broaden your cultural experience for the evening – consider checking this out. I guarantee that you leave pleasantly rethinking your concept of ‘the book’.
March 9 | 7-9pm | Vancouver Public Library | FREE

TUESDAY

Brian Mix
Music on Main presents an evening of great music at the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club. This week’s performance comes from cellist Brian Mix. From the Music on Main site: “When Brian Mix made his Music on Main debut in February of 2007, he presented three of J.S. Bach’s inimitable Suites for Solo Cello in an engaging and beautiful performance. He returns to the cellar this season to perform two more of these brilliant works on baroque cello. ” Tonight’s Programme: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Suite No. 4 for Solo Cello, BWV 1010 & Suite No. 5 for Solo Cello, BWV 1011 (whatever that means).
March 10 | 8pm | Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club | $15 Tickets tonight

WEDNESDAY

Sleeping with a Vampyre – Exotic Archaeology on a Greek Island
“Discover the hidden archaeological treasures buried in the Mediterranean with Professor Hector Williams, Department of Classical, Near Eastern & Religious Studies at UBC and Trustee of the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Canadian Archaeological Institute at Athens.”
March 11 | 6-8 pm | UBC Robson Square | FREE

Sistahood Celebration with Ndidi Onukwulu
Ndidi Onukwulu (recently profiled on Scout) brings her smooth voice to the Biltmore Cabaret tonight, swing by for a drink and a listen. Ndidi will play with guests Red Cedar and Petunia in this Sistahood Celebration event.
March 11 | 8pm | Biltmore | $15 at Zulu, Red Cat or at the door

THURSDAY

China and the Urbanism of Ambition
“China is in the throes of the greatest building boom the world has ever seen. Its population is urbanizing faster than any in history, and its cities are expanding like supernovae across the landscape. In this lecture, urbanist and author Thomas J. Campanella will explore multiple dimensions of this urban revolution; probe its extraordinary physical and societal impacts; and speculate on what 30 years of wholesale urbanization might mean for both China and the world.” This promises to fascinate.
March 12 | 7pm | SFU Harbour Centre | Email [email protected] or call 778.782.5100. | FREE

FRIDAY

Pines and Streets
Vancouver Indie/folk/alternative band the Weathered Pines hook up with The City Streets (from Edmonton) to play a free gig at the Main. Grab a sleeve of Strongbow and mellow out. Although the City Streets are a bit more on the “rock” end of the musical spectrum, the Weathered Pines are influenced by Neil Young and Elvis Costello – perfect kick-back-with-a-beer music for a Spring evening.
March 13 | 9pm | The Main (Main & 26th) | FREE

SATURDAY

Eat Local
Head to the Winter Farmers’ Market at WISE Hall to pick up some hearty root vegetables, home-baked bread, crafts, and plenty of other cool bits. Visit EatLocal.org to see the full list of vendors or click here for a Complete Seasonal Availability Chart.
March 14 | 10am – 2pm | WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street at Victoria Drive | FREE

Food Security
Robin Wheeler of Sustainable Living Arts School will discuss issues surrounding food security, including: stockpiling, gleaning, cooking with few resources, triage for a thawing freezer, and more. Not the cheeriest way to spend a Saturday afternoon – but very practical in times such as these. For more information, visit www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com or call 604-682-5960.
March 14 | Light House Sustainable Building Centre | FREE (a donation of $2 – $5 is suggested)

A Saturday of Aussie Shorts
Does the two grand for an airline ticket to Oz seem a bit steep at the moment? Satisfy your longing for Australian soil with a triple feature at Pacific Cinematheque. Catch Bad Boys (7 short films) at 5:00, move on to In Her Skin (An electrifying tale of vigilante justice in s brand-new crime thriller starring Guy Pearce and Sam Neill) at 7:00 and finish the evening with All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane (If you’re in your 20s, single and hate your job, you’ve got to get out of this Brisbane) at 9pm. Slip a vegemite sandy in your pocket and a Fosters in your purse and your golden.
March 14 | 5,7,9pm | Pacific Cinematheque | 11.50 double bill (I’m sure there is some kind of triple bill price not published on the web site.

Norooz
Iranian New Year Celebration, or Norooz marks the beginning of Spring. “Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts – the End and the Rebirth; or Good and Evil. A few weeks before the New Year, Iranians clean and rearrange their homes. They make new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as sign of renewal.” Norooz (or Noruz) festivities presented by the Iranian Information Centre Society at the Plaza of Nations will include art exhibits, traditional Persian music and dance performances, a Persian Bazaar, as well as delicious food.
March 14 | 10am – 10 pm | Plaza of Nations | FREE

Don’t forget the FREE Saturday Matinee at the Biltmore, this week: Heathers

SUNDAY

Retro Design and Antiques Fair
From the website: 175 different vendors offering everything from shabby chic to 50’s kitsch, collectibles and memorabilia to vintage kitchenalia, this popular European-style collectors market is a must-see…185 tables jam-packed full of bargains on deluxe 20th century junque makes each date an absolutely-do-not-miss treasure-hunting adventure!” Definitely worth the four bucks – check it out.
March 15 | 10-3 | Croatian Cultural Centre | $4

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives by the beach in Vancouver and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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