Sudanda was formed in 2004 around the vocals and oud playing of Alaaeldin Abdalla, whose repertoire comprises both ancient traditional songs from Darfour and new compositions for small and funky ensembles. The combination of voice, oud, guitars, accordion, bass, horns, and drums adds a modern timbre to the traditional sound of Sudanese music sensibilities.
Alaaeldin's compositions reflect his strong personal and political commitment to his Sudanese heritage and peace for Sudan. Rooted in basic North East African rhythms like the "mardoum", the music combines the variety of influences its players draw from.
Sudanda also features Jane Kalmakoff on accordion and vocals, Earle Peach on acoustic guitar, Tommy Babin on bass, Todd Biffard on drums and Colin Burke on electric guitar. They will be playing the End Cafe on Tuesday December 4th starting at 7pm.
Marj Kidd of My Crafty Heart is a professional portrait artist working from live models and photos - painting in oils, sketching in charcoal.She also make cards in water colour and pen & ink, and dolls which may be portraits themselves, set with clocks, etc.To heighten the excitement and energy of her paintings and cards, she has lately incorporated:fabrics, jewelry, flourishes, and mementos personal to the client.These elements of realism extend like meaningful sculpture out of the work.
News: Police Dog Nabs Pair After High Speed Pursuit.
The Province
Published: Monday, November 26, 2007
VANCOUVER - Two men well known to police are in custody, one suffering from dog bites, after they crashed a Dodge Caravan into a bank at about 2 a.m. yesterday.
Earlier, police had noticed the men behaving strangely in the 700-block Carroll Street, ducking behind bushes when vehicles approached. The pair then jumped into the Caravan and took off at high speed with police in pursuit.
After police abandoned the chase a few blocks later, the men crashed the Caravan into a bank at East Broadway and Commercial Drive. The men were corralled with the help of a police dog. Police are trying to determine if the vehicle was stolen.
Thanks to a pilot program partly funded by EMBERS (Eastside Movement For Business and Economic Renewal Society), seven BC-grown micro-businesses are teaming up to optimize potential Christmas season profits this year.The Downtown Eastside-based non-profit was in the news recently with the announcement that they had received a federal grant to the tune of $190,000 to cover operating expenses over the next two years.
The plan for crafters is a simple one: pool resources to keep cost down.The vendors share table rental fees and have someone else handle sales. The project lowers the financial risk for crafters by drastically reducing their overhead and it means their product can be sold at more than one craft fair, potentially doubling their revenue.
Brainchild of Steve Duncan from Steven R. Duncan & Associates (who will be running the first table this weekend at Britannia Community Centre’s three-day annual fair), the collective is a revenue-generator for him - since he takes a percentage of sales. More importantly, its a proving-ground for one of Duncan's future schemes - a full-on craft fair in an upscale downtown location featuring East Vancouver artists.
"I get to see how a craft fair works from the perspective of the vendor, not just the producer.I also get to meet the other vendors, talk to them and build my database for when the time comes to recruit vendors for my event."
Duncan, an EMBERS client since 2005, sees this also as a chance to give back to the organization - while helping other small businesses like his own.
"EMBERS has been really supportive of me and my start-up endeavors.They help in real, practical ways.They provide a great service. I really want to use this as an opportunity to tell other people about them and steer more clients their way - if I can."
“I know that EMBERS has a lot of experience working with small artisan businesses and can really make a difference.
“Personally, I need more first-hand experience going through what crafters do, to help them as a teacher and as a promoter when the time comes for me to put on my big event."
For more information and profiles on the artists, check out "The Spirit of East Vancouver” Craft Collective blog at http://eastvanvendors.blogspot.com/
The Britannia Craft Fair takes place on Friday from and Saturday & Sunday . For more information about EMBERS and their services, contact them at:
Walking down the Drive I came across a neat little craft fair held at The Grandview Calvary Baptist Church. Did you know that the basement of the church is home to The Potter's House, a pottery collective. They are having an in-studio sale on December 12, 13, 14th, from 2-8pm. 1803 East 1st. Ave. For more call 604-255-4790 or email thepottershouse@justwork.ca. Pottery by Laura L. Harrison.
We caught the Artistic Director of Commercial Drive's notorious Theatre In the Raw in a rare reflective moment.
Those who know the vibrant, passionate theatre maker, also know you don't often see him sitting still for long. With their first ever Fringe production over, the little theatre company that could is setting it's sights on even bigger, better things next year. Keep following Commercial Drive - Live! for all the latest updates. By the way, people may not realize that Jay was a contributer to the words and music in the original Godspell when he was atCarnegie Mellon University.
A year in, and the Vegetarian Resource Centre (2250 Commercial Drive) is changing things up with reduced hours and a 50 percent closeout sale–cookbooks, vegan edibles, vegan pet food, and more–until month's end. The resource library will continue on Fridays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Stargate Atlantis star Paul McGillion will star in the stage comedy called 'Reservations for Four', a follow up to the award winning 'Reservations for Two' (which Paul also produced and directed). The play also stars 'See Grace Fly' co-star Gina Chiarelli (Grace), as well as Brendan Beiser (the prince regent from SGA's 'The Tower') and Nicola Rollett.
Dates have been confirmed as:
December 12th - 16th
The show runs 1 hour and performance times are as follows:
8 PM Wednesday Dec 12 8 PM Thursday Dec 13 8 PM & 10 PM Friday Dec 14 8 PM & 10 PM Saturday Dec 15 5 PM & 8 PM Sunday Dec 16
Showing at: The Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
Tickets are available from: $17.50 at www.ticketstonight.ca $20 at 604 231-753 or $15 at the door (cash only)
...facilitated by Vancouver artist & musician, carol weaver
Let us gather together in community to
celebrate & honour the Winter Solstice during the cycle of Samhain...
Greeting to the Winter Solstice...
Brightener of Darkness, hail! Keeper of Clearness, Opener of the Depths... Gifts of plenty are arising, Winter wonders, white snows' fall... Joyful be the heart within us, Open wide the guesting door, Wisdom waken in abundance, Warm our beings to the core... -- Caitlín Matthews
• Wednesday, December 19, 2007 @ The Lions Den (in basement) 770 Commercial Drive Vancouver (@ Adanac) 7:30 - 9 pm • doors open @ 7 pm cost: $10 - $20 sliding scale More info at http://www.carolweaver.com
• note: we will begin smudging & opening sacred space @ 7:30 sharp! ... we appreciate it for you to please arrive for 7:15 pm to sign-in & get set up... bring your drums (any type) & rattles, water to drink & something to place on the central altar if you wish... this circle drums in the free & open style... we welcome ALL skill levels... beginner to advanced!
• Pre-registration is requested so we know how many to expect & set up for...
...please email Heathir at hrhyasen@agentofchange.ca or by phone at 604-420-5845 to reserve your place as space is limited...
Emergency crews were quick to respond to this two-car collision at 3rd Ave. & Commercial outside of Waves Coffee at approximately 3pm today. Both drivers only suffered minor injuries.
In March 2008, the Ministry of the Attorney General will open a downtown Vancouver Community Court that takes a problem solving approach to crimes committed in our community.
The Government outlines its vision and approach at www.ag.gov.bc.ca/community-court: Vision for the Downtown Community Court The justice, health and social welfare systems will work as an integrated case management team. They will link community social services and health resources with the justice system to address crime in Vancouver's downtown core. A Problem-Solving Approach The court will bring together justice, health and social services to improve responses to crime. NEVCO invites you to a dialogue on the Community Court. We will be joined by:
His Honour Judge Tom Gove Allan Shoom, Community Court Coordinator Andrew Cochrane, Crown Counsel Norm Ellis, Community Corrections
Experience in other jurisdictions shows that active involvement by Community-based organizations is critical for chronic offenders to be successfully re-integrated into the community. This session will help community organizations understand the Court and begin to think of how they can support a problem-solving approach. It will provide an opportunity for Community Court officials to continue a dialogue with community-based programs and services and to enhance mutual understanding of the challenges and potential for community participation in the Court. November 22 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ray-Cam Cooperative Community Centre 920 East Hastings Space is limited. RSVP by November 20th: fernjeffries@novuscom.net
A gang of ruthless global corporate yakuza fronted by the evil Falcon are out to DESTROY DEMOCRACY! Can the Deadly Viper Highway Assassination Squad, in league with hundreds of thousands of angry citizens and one raging granny, save the day?!
I'll be at this too, manning a table for EMBERS and selling a bunch of great items from local crafters, including the Constant Art Society, Hinda's Finest and My Crafty Heart. Stay tuned for vendor bios as the date approaches.
Was passed on this request from the grand poobah of Slam himself, RC Weslowski
This locally shot American major feature is starring Jennifer Anniston and is set to begin filming in January. Auditions are next week (Nov19) with the day and time TBD. We are located at North Shore Studios in North Vancouver. Auditions will be free style (whatever the artist has prepared) We are looking for original slam poets with skill and experience. We would like to have at least 20 people come out to audition. I will be attending the Slam Poetry night this Monday at Cafe Du Soleiel (on the Drive) If you have anyone who is interested in coming out next week, please have them call me. My cell # is 604 340 1979. Also, this will be a paid gig (if they get the part)
Event: Friday, November 30th, 2007 - 9pm Wise Hall 1882 Adanac Street Vancouver, B.C.
Hipsters in need of a lusty revival at the onset of this year's winter blahs will find themselves presented with a welcome diversion at Vancouver's infamous Wise Hall this month - Malaika Millions and the Pink Flamingo Burlesque present "Some Make It Hot - A Mid-Winter Concert Cabaret of Hot Song, Dance and Comedy!" Be amazed by the painstakingly-crafted costumes and choreography of Shaboobie Boobarella's Pink Flamingo Burlesque, and their vehicles of va-va-voom, the live swingin' Ginteels Sextet, led by Blue Morris and fronted by local vocalista Red. Boasting the hosting of local shimmy guru Malaika Millions and comedy cad Seth Little, who will add song to their repertoire while presenting new comedy and burlesque, this night is a shoo-in for setting off the fire alarms at the Wise. This svelte lineup also features the sultry import Vienna La Rouge. Musical guest Andrew R. Smith {of Sweet Pea Swing Band} will warm the cockles of the crowd and those familiar with the local DJ scene will enjoy the furry-handcuff-effect of DJ Steamboat Fattie linking the whole evening together with his subtle sonorific guidance.
Tittilating, no?
Be sure to pre-buy tickets ($15) and snap up the table reservations ($10) on offer to get the best seats on the house for a one of a kind sextravabonanza...remaining tickets will also be sold at the door.
* Many thanks to photographers Jamie Murphy, Greg McKinnon, Ann Marie Slater, Frank Roberts, Michelle Brayton, Thomas Park for the use of promotional photos.
For more information, or to book tickets or table reservations, contact:
Local folk phenoms, the Creaking Planks have lent their talents to a Very Vancouver Christmas - Volume 2
The album will have a ton of great original holiday tunes benefitting, the BC-SPCA and the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.
Other artists include Adrienne Pearce, Larissa Garth, and T Nile.
Know any retailers who would be interested this year, or if you would like one, (or 10!~10$ each, all to charity!), or if you know any musicians who would be interested in participating next year.
...come one come all, to our 3rd handmade craft sale at the big yellow house...featuring crafts by us and you: handspun yarn, felt, clothing, jewellery, books, prints, paintings, photographs, baking...n more contact us if you are interested in vending.
Commercial Drive - Live! makes it easy-peasy to know what's happening on "The Drive" day and night! Simply subscribe to the blog with the handy subscription box up at the top right corner of the blog, or consider making http"//thedriveisalive.blogspot.com your home page and be on "The Drive" everytime you open your browser.
A Vancouver group is trying to get city council permission to shut down one block on a street east of Commercial Drive every second Saturday during the winter for a farmers' market.
In a report going to council next Thursday, city staff are recommending the closure because the event would support the city's food action plan and its policy of trying to promote neighbourhood events.
In response to what he says is a "lack of good concert venues on Vancouver's Eastside," Kevin Mooney has come up with the brilliant Neighborhood Fire Hall Concert Series. The first presentation will be November 17th at Fire Hall # 9 on Victoria Drive and East 2nd Avenue featuring the triple global threat of Celso Machado, John Reischman and Salvador Ferreras (seen here). The concert will be recorded for national broadcast. www.ticketstonight.ca
Sun. Nov. 18th 7:30pm Budde/Belford/Transken Honeymoon Tour. Join Prince George poets Rob Budde, Ken Belford and Si Transken as they read from their engaging work. Wed. Nov. 21st 7:30 pm Local writer William Neil Scott reads from his new novel Wonderfull. Free event. Refreshments served. 1391 Commercial Dr. Vancouver, BC V5L 3X5 Tel/Fax 604-253-6442 Toll Free 1-888-511-5556 www.peoplescoopbookstore.com
Urban Native Youth Association Are you a Native teen who is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT), or Identify as Native Two-Spirit? We have a new program for you! Native GLBT, TWO-SPIRIT DROP-IN PROGRAM For TEENS, ages 13 to 18 Every Saturday, starting November 10, 2007, from 1:00 to 4:00PM Location: 1630 East Hastings Street Vancouver (Across the street from Aboriginal Friendship Centre)
What is this GLBTTS Drop-In Program all about? This is a Drop-In style program, hosted by UNYA for teens only at this time, but older youth should stand by for future programming.
What can we offer onsite at our Native GLBT Two-Spirit Drop-In Program? Pool table, telephone use, 4 computers, a foosball table, video games, movies at times, access to a variety of services in the community at the youth’s request, information about what the term ‘Two-Spirit’ means, and two UNYA staff to socialize or talk to one-to-one with on site at all times.
Youth will also help us choose field trips, movies, cultural activities, sweats if required, workshops on health or other issues related to youth. Come on out and join us and others and have fun, or just hang out in our big safe space with couches, board games, or just chat with other like you. J
Contact Monday to Friday, UNYA main office, 604-254-7732, from to , except at lunch
On Saturday’s, contact, Gil Lerat cell 604-868-1676, or Chuck Lafferty cell 604-861-8117
Mayor Sam Sullivan invites residents, businesses and community organizations to provide their views about plans to complete the Millennium Rapid Transit Line from VCC Station to Central Broadway - and ultimately UBC.
Survey supports three phase public involvement process: Sullivan
Mayor Sam Sullivan and Vancouver Councillors Peter Ladner and Suzanne Anton today invited residents, businesses and community organizations to provide their views about plans to complete the Millennium Rapid Transit Line to Central Broadway - and ultimately UBC.
An on-line survey at www.mayorsamsullivan.ca is part of a three phase public involvement process for the Millennium Line completion announced in July.
“In addition to promoting sustainable development, completion of the Millennium Line will create economic opportunities, support EcoDensity and increase access to the Broadway corridor, health services and the University of British Columbia,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Making Vancouver one of the world’s most sustainable communities is one of the five goals we have established for our government. Completing the Millennium Line is Vancouver’s top transit infrastructure priority.”
Older, roughed-up hybrid 18 speed with an odd-looking uni-pole bottom bracket and cage-type rear wheel bracket, uncommon. Color: Lime green 26 inch frame (i think) Has a broken drink holder and a black carrying rack on the back. Not a valuable bike, but essential to the owner for commuting. Stolen on Friday, Nov. 2 between 5pm and 10pm from the bike rack outside Shoppers Drug Mart.
If you have seen it or someone attempts to sell it to you, please contact the owner at 604-788-8340 or srduncan@shaw.ca
It’s almost time for the 11th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl, and we’re participating once again. It’s so great to be part of such a huge studio open house event, which stretches from Vancouver’s waterfront and Main Street to Commercial Drive and First Avenue.
If you’ve never come out to the Crawl, it’s a great chance to meet artists in their own studios, and take in the huge amounts of creativity going on in Vancouver. This year’s dates are:
Vancouver police are looking for two teenage girls after a TransLink driver was assaulted and a trolley bus was lit on fire Wednesday night.
TransLink says this bus was torched Wednesday night following an assault on the female driver. (CBC)
Police said at about 10:30 p.m. the female driver stopped on Commercial Drive at Napier Street in East Vancouver and offered a group of young people Halloween candy.
"She opens up the door and she asks if they want some candy, " said Const. Howard Chow, a spokesman for Vancouver police.
"They say they do. She throws it out and for some unknown reason there's a bit of an argument or some yelling at the bus driver … Two teenaged girls then grabbed the bus driver, dragged her out and start beating on her," he said.
Investigators said two teenaged girls, reported to be wearing Santa hats, repeatedly "punched her multiple times in the head."
Marj's work will be for sale at the EMBERS "Spirit of East Vancouver" Travelling Artisan Market table at the Britannia Craft Fair on Nov. 30, Dec, 1st. and 2nd. For more info on the fair check out the flyer here:
MapQuest
TransLink says this bus was torched Wednesday night following an assault on the female driver. 