Please confirm dates, locations, and other particulars by calling the phone number listed.
 

Does your organization, club, or business have a family friendly event planned?  For your free listing, send particulars to Kelmar.

January 1, 2005
Polar Bear Swim. Dive into the ice cold waters of English Bay and start the New Year with a crisp outlook. 604-665-3424.

January 1, 2005
New Year's Day

January 1, 2005
New Year's Day Disco Skate at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, Burnaby; 604-291-1261.

January 1, 2005
New Years Skate, Minoru Arena, Richmond; 604-718-8465

January 1, 2005
Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point boat launch & pier, Port Moody; 604-469-2000

January 1, 2005
Teddy Bear Swim at the Minoru Aquatics Centre, Richmond; 604-718-8020

January 2, 2005
 White Rock Firefighters Tree Chipping (10 am - 4 pm) at the Centennial Arena, White Rock; 604-541-2121

January 2 - 3, 2005
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents VSO Pops: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, with John Pizzarelli.  Orpheum Theatre, 604-876-3434, www.vancouversymphony.ca

January 2, 6, 2005
Magic 'n Miracles Benefit Magic Show. Features Murray Hatfield returning as the producer with a world-renowned cast. Proceeds support Firefighters worthy causes.  January 2nd - Bell Centre for the Performing Arts, January 6 at the Centre;  604-681-2761.

January 3, 2005
Open Mic Night for Teens. Teens are invited to come on stage -- anything goes: from stories to poetry to songs. Prizes each night for audience favourite. First Monday of the month until June.  Vancouver Public Library, 604-331-3691.

January 4 - 5, 2005
United Players of Vancouver present Regency Revels: Come ot the Jericho Arts Centre (temporary home of hte Austen family in this United Players production) and be entertained by selections from the contemporary regency theatre, songs, poetry and dance, all served up with Austenian wit for your delectation.  Jericho Arts Centre, 604-224-8007, www.unitedplayers.com

January 6, 2005
Armenian Christmas

January 6, 2005
Beyond the Ivories: A Beginner's Guide to the Piano. Informative introduction to the piano and performances by local musicians.  7:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library, 604-331-3603.

January 7 - 29, 2005
Firehall Arts Centre and Gateway Theatre present Einstein's Gift.  Chance, pride, ego and passion collide in Vern Thiessen's Governor General Award winning drama based on the life and work of Dr. Fritz Haber, who discovered too late that knowledge in the wrong hands brings death. The ideal of science serving humanity contrasts against the reality of political will, nationalism and war. Directed by Donna Spencer and featuring David Adams and Andrew Wheeler.  Firehall Arts Centre, 604.689.0926, www.firehallartscentre.ca

January 7, 2005
Orthodox Christian Christmas Day

January 7, 2005
Rogue Folk Club presents Tim O'Brien.  merican multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Tim O'Brien made his name in the powerful bluegrass band Hot Rize.  St. James Hall, www.roguefolk.bc.ca

January 8 - 29, 2005
Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival and Count.  Festival line-up includes a slide presentation with Roy Hamaguchi, Jan. 8; a concert by Paul Hann, Jan. 9; a slide presentation by Keith Thirkell, Jan. 15; a concert by West Coast Music Brackendale Style and Farm House, Jan. 16; a talk by Michael Allen, Jan. 22; a presentation by David Lassman, Jan. 23; and wraps up with the Wing Ding Dinner and Dance featuring Valdy on Jan. 29.  Brackendale Art Gallery, 604-898-3333, https://www.brackendaleartgallery.com

January 8 - 9, 2005
Christmas tree chipping event.  Sunset Beach upper parking lot (Pacific & Broughton);

January 8, 2005
Betrayed: The Story of Canadian Merchant Seamen. Screening of Elaine Briere's documentary, followed by panel discussion. 7:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library, 604-331-4044.

January 8, 2005
Buddhist Psychology as a Foundation for Interfaith Dialogue. Lecture by David Brazier Ph.D, leader of the Amida order of the Pure Land tradition of Buddhism and registered psychotherapist.  Shambhala Meditation Centre, https://www.multifaithaction.org

January 8, 2005
Rogue Folk Club presents Country Dance with Sybarites.  We welcome back the Sybaritic String Band for another called country dance. Dress is casual, wear comfy shoes. No partner required. Beginners and expert dancers welcome.  St. James Hall, www.roguefolk.bc.ca

January 9, 2005
Cape Breton Music. Featuring Wendy MacIsaac, Buddy MacDonald and Patrick Gillis.  Harrison Memorial Hall, Harrison Hot Springs, 604-796-3664.

January 9, 2005
Elvis Gold, The Story of Elvis II. After the success of last year's production, "The Story of Elvis", this year's second show proves to be even better. "The Story of Elvis" is a high-energy, Vegas style spectacular tribute show that takes you on a nostalgic tour of Elvis' life with live performances by Elvis tribute artists, an orchestra and an outstanding gospel choir. The show is narrated by local legend Red Robinson and accompanied by photographs of Elvis Presley's life. Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver;  604-984-4484, www.elvisgold.com

January 11, 2005
National Acrobats of Taiwan R.O.C. Renowned 30 member troupe from China takes to the stage with incredible display of acrobatics and death defying moves. Maple Ridge Art Centre & Theatre, 604 476-2787, https://www.artcentretheatre.org

January 11, 2005
Robert Davidson: The Abstract Edge - Curator's Tour.  Join Karen Duffek, Curator of Robert Davidson: The Abstract Edge, for a 30-minute tour of the exhibit.  Museum of Anthropology, https://www.moa.ubc.ca

January 11 - 14, 2005
Music in the Morning presents Anagnoson & Kinton,  Agagnoson and Kinton play the beautiful Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, Kv. 448. They are joined by Vancouver's leading percussionists Sal Ferreras and Vern Griffiths for the exciting Sonata for two pianos and percussion by Bela Bartok.  Vancouver Academy of Music, 604-873-4612, www.musicinthemorning.org

January 11 - 15, 2005
Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets | PuSh Fest. Based on an 18th century German ghost story, this raucous operetta by Tom Waits, Robert Wilson and William S. Burroughs offers a searing allegory of addiction and loss.  Waterfront Theatre, 604-257-0366, https://www.pushfestival.ca

January 12, 2005
VSS presents National Acrobats of Taiwan, Republic of China.  Known worldwide for their breathtaking skills and astonishing live performances, the immensely popular National Acrobats of Taiwan troupe appears on the Orpheum stage in a very special presentation.  Orpheum Theatre, 604-876-3434, www.vancouversymphony.ca

January 13, 2005
Civitas: Monthly discussions of contemporary political issues. 4-6 pm, SFU Harbour Centre, 604-687-8695.

January 14 - 15, 2005
Rain - The Beatles Experience.  The Beatles Experience boasts a song list of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from beloved balladslike Let It Be and Hey Jude to classic hits including Revolution, Come Together and Can't Buy Me Love.   The Beatles Experience is a multi-media, multi-dimensional production show featuring three different set andcostume changes, video screens and live camera projection, combining television commercials and historic video footage from the '60s.  Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver, 604-280-4444, www.centreinvancouver.com

January 14 - 16, 2005
Bridal Trends in the City.  Come check out Bridal Trends for 2005 at the West Coast Bridals Show.  Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, 604-538-9110, www.bridaltrends.com

January 14 - 29, 2005
Pacific Theatre presents: Beggars at the Waters of Immortality.  A son discovers his father's bitter past, two irreverent beggars search for a miracle, and the siren call of immortality beckons from an enchanted spring. Three unconventional stories from the father of Irish theatre blend myth, music and dance: At the Hawk's Well, The Cat and the Moon, Purgatory.  Pacific Theatre, 604-731-5518, www.pacifictheatre.org

January 15, 2005
Computer Swap Meet at 361 South Howard Ave, Burnaby; 604·521·6304.

January 15, 2005
Harrison Bay - Kilby Museum Trip sponsored by the Richmond Nature Park, 604-718-6188

January 15, 2005
Magnetic Motor Workshops. Learn how to build your own magnetic motor. Remember to register for a workshop. 11 am , 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm in Contraption Corner, Science World, Vancouver; 604-443-7443, www.scienceworld.bc.ca

January 15, 2005
Movie-Making Workshop: The City of the Arts will ?Go Hollywood? when Tripod Film Co-op hosts a day of story producing and editing workshops led by Canadian TV veterans. The day-long event will be held January 15th in preparation for the Quick Flick Challenge in late January. Anyone interested in filmmaking is encouraged to attend. Parkview Room and Web Broadcast Studio at Port Moody City Hall, 604-763-3293.

January 16, 2005
21st Century Flea Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre; https://www.21cpromotions.com/

January 16, 2005
Free Community Skate (2:30 - 3:45 pm) at the Centennial Arena, White Rock; 604-541-2171

January 17, 2005
Birding in Richmond sponsored by the Richmond Nature Park, 604-718-6188

January 17, 2005
Gung Haggis Fat Choy World Poetry Night.  Celebrating Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year. Featuring poets and performers: Fred Wah, Dugald Christie, Joe McDonald, Shirley Sue-A-Quan (Xiaoli Cao), and a special group poem for Gung Haggis Fat Choy World Poetry with Chinese and Scottish poets: Billy Yizhong, Jacinda Oldale and others. (Free admission. Co-sponsored by Asian Canadian Writer's Group and World Poetry). 7:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library, (604) 331-4044.

January 17, 2005
Martin Luther King Day

January 18, 2005
Gu Xiong: Identity and Displacement - A Story to Tell and a Place for the Telling series.  Artist Gu Xiong's interpretation of the refugee experience. Also featuring Dr. Jan Walls (Professor of Chinese language and culture at SFU): he illustrates ways to deal with the loneliness of separation. (Free admission. Co-sponsored by the Canadian Red Cross with other partners).  7:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library, (604) 331-4044.

January 18, 2005
Seniors Philosphers' Café. Moderator: Jim McArthur.  Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier, Coquitlam;

January 19, 2005
Douglas Coupland, the author discusses his new book Eleanor Rigby.  HR MacMillan Space Centre, 604-649-4797.

January 19, 2005
The Dalai Lama and Mind Science: Talk by Victor Chan.  Victor Chan speaks on the twenty-year collaboration between the Dalai Lama and top neuro-scientists and implications for our mental and physical well-being.  7:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library, (604) 331-4044.

January 20, 2005
Richmond's Agricultural Heritage with Graham Turnbull.  Local historian shares stories and slides on farming in Richmond over the past century.  Richmond Museum, 604-231-6457.

January 21 - 23, 2005
Dog Star Sports: Dog Star Sports will be hosting dog agility trials in the Cloverdale Agriplex, for more information please contact Wesley at 604-841-2341.

January 21 - 23, 2005
Under The Kilt: Contemporary Scottish Playwrighting Exposed | PuSh Fest. A series of public readings will showcase some of the standouts in contemporary Scottish dramatic writing.  Festival House, 604-257-0366, https://www.pushfestival.ca

January 21 to February 3, 2005
Visa Presents Dine Out Vancouver 2005, A Tourism Vancouver Event.  Tourism Vancouver invites you to experience our city's outstanding food and wine scene during Dine Out Vancouver 2005 presented by Visa. For 14 delicious days beginning Friday January 21, 2005, enjoy a three-course dinner at Vancouver's hottest restaurants at special rates complemented by fabulous BC VQA wine pairings. www.tourismvancouver.com

January 22, 2005
3rd Annual Robbie Burns Celebration featuring Blackthorn.  Back by popular demand, this exciting evening devoted to all things Scottish features traditional music from the British Isles, a sprinkling of Burns poetry, highland dancing, bag pipes, a haggis ceremony and more. Kilts optional.  Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam; www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca, 604-927-6550.

January 22, 2005
Antique Identification Clinic. Al Bowen, appraiser, historian and curator, will help you unlock the value of your objects.  Richmond Museum, 604-276-4300.

January 22, 2005
Pet Sounds! All-ages benefit show for the B.C. SPCA features Evaporators, Vancougar, Doers, Nasty On and Black Rice.  7 pm, Seylynn Hall (605 Mountain Hwy), North Vancouver.

January 22, 2005
Vancouver International Bhangra Competition. Punjabi folk dance competition. Top prize is $5,000. Special performances by Sukshinder Shinda, Signia, and other acts.  The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, https://www.vibc.org

January 22 - 23, 2005
A LEGO® Odyssey. Create amazing 3 dimensional models with LEGO Master Builders in the Feature Gallery.  Science World, Vancouver; 604-443-7443, www.scienceworld.bc.ca

January 23, 2005
Giant Sports Card & Memorabilia Show at the Bonsor Recreation Complex, Burnaby; 604-521-6304.

January 23, 2005
Jack and the Beanstalk, Alberta Opera has been presenting fast-paced musical theatre adaptations of fairy tale favourites to young audiences for 20 years.  They debut at Evergreen Cultural Centre with Jack and the Beanstalk...a new production with a fabulous mix of humour and spectacle complete with an eight-foot giant and a magical castle. Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam; www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca, 604-927-6550.

January 23, 2005
THE FVS presents "For the Young at Heart" Orchestral on January 23rd (3:00) pm. The FVS presents an afternoon of great orchestral music, geared to introduce our younger friends and family to the orchestra, but fun for everyone!. We'll have your toe tapping, and maybe even your feet dancing.  Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 604 854-2024.

January 23, 2005
University Women's Club of Vancouver presents Robbie Burns Scottish Heritage Concert.  A salute to the music and poetry of Scotlands bard, Robbie Burns, featuring the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra, Royal Scottish Dane Demonstration Team, vocalist Derek Mowatt, pianist Alastair Taylor, step dancer Gail Urquhart and speaker Jim Murray.  Hycroft Mansion, Vancouver. www.uwcvancouver.ca

January 26 - 30, 2005
Canadian Freestyle Series: he Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (CFSA) and the Vancouver Freestyle Ski Club, is excited to present the Cypress Mountain Canadian Freestyle Series Event on January 26-30th, 2005. Canadian Series are National level events with athletes from across Canada competing to fulfill their dreams of joining our National Team and competing at the Olympic level. Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver; www.vancouverfreestyle.com/canadianseries2005.htm

January 26 to March 2, 2005
North Vancouver Community Arts Council presents Life Drawing.   Life Drawing is non-instructional. Please bring your own art supplies. Space is limited.  $50 for 6 sessions/$10 drop-in.  Christie House Arts and Heritage Centre, 604-988-6844.

January 27, 2005
The Dance Centre presents The Holy Body Tattoo: The Holy Body Tattoo's internationally acclaimed work has a thrilling intensity tempered by a deep humanity and tenderness. Don't miss this special opportunity to meet these outstanding artists and view an excerpt from their forthcoming new work, "monumental".  The Dance Centre, Vancouver; www.thedancecentre.ca

January 27 to February 5, 2005
 Les contes vancouverois (Urban Tales).  Five local authors have each concocted a tale, their common link being the beautiful city of Vancouver. In cabaret-style, you will discover plenty of new characters and their stories right from your own backyard! By Stephan Cloutier, Craig Holzschuh, Alain Jean, Kathleen Oliver and Christiane Raymond, Studio 16 at 1551 West 7th Ave Vancouver, 604-736-2616.

January 28, 2005
Cap Jazz Series presents Jane Bunnett with "A" Band and  NiteCap.  Grammy Award nominated and Juno Award-winning soprano saxophonist/flutist, Jane Bunnett is one of our country's most celebrated jazz artists. Capilano Performing Arts Theatre, North Vancouver, 604-990-7810, www.capcollege.bc.ca/theatre

January 29 - 30, 2005
Robotic Invasion:  See troops of robots from SFU, UBC and the Vancouver Robotics club. 11 am to 3 pm, Science World, Vancouver; 604-443-7443, www.scienceworld.bc.ca

January 29, 2005
Sinfonia: Orchestra of the North Shore -- The Great Mozart Hunt  Featuring guest artists George Zukerman, bassoon, and actor Rod Hadley. 7:30 pm, Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver;  604-984-4484.

January 30, 2005
Gung Hei Fat Choy!  Come celebrate the Year of the Rooster! Experience Chinese New Year celebrations at various locations on Granville Island. The annual Island Chinese New Year festivities include a vibrant Lion Dance in the Public Market Courtyard and much more family fun? For more information call (604) 666-5784.

Ongoing until August 30, 2005
 Vancouver Museum presents Skateboarding in Vancouver: a look at the colourful and controversial history of skateboarding in this city and beyond. See skateboards and equipment from all eras of the sport from the surf-inspired sixties to the electric eighties to the fine-arts inspired nineties. Learn how skateboarding has been shaped by this city and how skateboarding has shaped it. 604-734-7368.

Ongoing until January 2, 2005
Winter Magic:  Come face to face with roving magicians, wizards, mentalists and well-known characters such as the Mad Hatter and Flim Flam Man in a celebration of Winter Magic.  Science World, https://www.scienceworld.ca

Ongoing until January 3, 2005
Massive Change: The Future of Global Design. We live in a world where design affects all aspects of our lives and holds the possibility of changing the very nature of human life itself. Massive Change: The Future of Global Design is an exhibition that examines how design is changing the world. Curated by internationally renowned designer Bruce Mau, the exhibition invites viewers to consider the dynamic future of design culture and the choices we must make. By presenting the new capacity, power and promise of design, Massive Change poses the question: Now that we can do anything, what will we do? Organized by the Vancouver Art Gallery, Massive Change will tour internationally to six venues in North America, Europe and Asia.  Vancouver Art Gallery, 604-662-4719, www.vanartgallery.bc.ca

Ongoing until January 8, 2005
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Metro Theatre, 604-266-7191.

Ongoing until January 8, 2005
Funny Girl: It has been said that people who see Funny Girl are the luckiest people in the world! The story of fabulous Fanny Brice, and her meteoric rise to stardom as a member of the Ziegfeld Follies, will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. No other dame has ever been as loved, or loved so much.  Stanley Theatre, (604) 687-1644.

Ongoing until January 8, 2005
Arts Club Theatre presents THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged).  An irreverent, fast paced romp through the Bard's plays; his sonnets are reduced to eight lines, his comedies condensed to a single short sketch, and his tragedies are unmercifully spoofed. Titus Andronicus as a cooking show? Why not? Life is too short, and the complete works of Shakespeare are too long!  Arts Club Granville Island Stage, 604-687-1644, www.artsclub.com.

Ongoing until January 8, 2005
Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Traditional British pantomime, written and directed by Ellie King.  Burr Hall, New Westminster; 604-523-2877.

Ongoing until January 9, 2005
Evergreen Cultural Centre presents Nostalgia for Symbolism: Expressive abstract works based in the painting tradition, but expanding to assemblage, 3-D, and heavily worked surfaces make up this exhibition. The vast array of processes and materials combine to reflect images from landscape and nature.  Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam; www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca, 604-927-6550.

Ongoing until January 9, 2005
Seymour Art Gallery presents Tinted and Turned: ROBERT KEILLOR, local glass artist creates unique, figurative and functional glass items. MARTIN THORNE, Squamish wood turner creates Beautiful functional wood pieces out of burls and laminated woods. Seymour Art Gallery, 4360 Gallant Ave., Deep Cove, BC.

Ongoing until January 10, 2005
Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver presents Gilles Bordy: Contemplations: By contemplating Vancouver and the ocean, Gilles met again with a feeling of simplicity he so much cherishes in his paintings.  Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver,  604-736-9806.

Ongoing until January 12, 2005
Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery presents Threads of Jewish Life: Fabric Art by Sima Elizabeth Shefrin; Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery, 950 West 41 Avenue, Vancouver.

Ongoing until January 12, 2005
Threads of Jewish Life: Fabric art by Sima Elizabeth.  Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, 604 257 5111 ext 244.

Ongoing until January 27, 2005
Richmond Art Gallery presents Keith Langergrber: Impact Zone.   Impact Zone explores the effects of tourism on the indigenous people in the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island; 604-231-6454.

Ongoing until January 29, 2005
The Helen Pitt Gallery ARC presents Transfigurations: This exhibition of works by Leah Rosenberg, James Lindsay and Kevin Greisch triggers, responds to, and plays with current anxieties and dilemmas concerning the control, ownership and determination of life.  Works include sculpture, paintings and installation; Helen Pitt Gallery, 882 Homer Street, Vancouver, 604-681-6740, www.helenpittgallery.org

Ongoing until February 1, 2005
SASQUATCH!  Follow in the footsteps of local journalist, John Green as he embarks on a 50-year quest to find the truth behind the legend of Sasquatch. Footprint casts, original artifacts and first-hand accounts will bring the legend to life this summer at the Vancouver Museum.  Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut Street, 604-736-4431.