Open Studio
FIRST NATIONS ARTIST STUDIO
October 23 – 25 & October 28 – November 1, 12pm – 4pm
Raven’s Eye Studio, 458 E. Hastings
On weekday afternoons during the Festival, the artists of the Raven’s Eye Studio will open the doors to host an ongoing First Nations artist studio. A group of artists work in the studio on a regular basis and they are happy to talk with you. See the artwork, talk to the artists. Artists include studio coordinator Jerry Whitehead, painter and muralist, and sculptor Gary Oliver. Make sure you take the opportunity to talk with Jerry about the spectacular mural, Through the Eye of the Raven, on the side of the Orwell Hotel where the studio is based on the ground floor. Free
Special Event
FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
Wednesday October 23, 2pm – 3pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
Join friends from the neighbourhood, dignitaries, Gena Thompson (President, Carnegie Community Centre Association) and special guests for the grand opening of our tenth annual festival! Today we also draw strength from our roots and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of In the Heart of a City: The Downtown Eastside Community Play. Sam George (Tse-at-sul-tuxch) of the Squamish Nation will open with a Welcome Song; Mike Dangeli of the Git Hayetsk Dancers will share celebratory songs; Leith Harris and Stephen Lytton will read poems written to commemorate their experiences in the community play; and the Downtown Eastside’s own blues queen Dalannah Gail Bowen will sing one of the songs from the community play. There is more! The community’s favourite jazz band The Carnegie Jazz Band, led by trombonist Brad Muirhead, will play a short selection of new songs written by members of the community, including a new arrangement of Sandstone Lady, Patrick Foley’s moving tribute to the Carnegie. Also promised: a surprise guest will be raised from its lair! Please join us for refreshments! Everyone welcome. Free
Community
WE REMEMBER JIM GREEN – A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE
Wednesday October 23, 5pm – 6:30pm
Dodson Conference Centre, 25 E. Hastings
The Vancouver Urban Core Community Workers’ Association invites you to a special reception to celebrate the work and life of Jim Green and his commitment to the Downtown Eastside. Join community members and guest performers from the Vancouver Opera to honour Jim’s passion for both social justice and opera in this night to remember. This reception precedes “Night before the Opera” at the Carnegie Community Centre at 7pm. Special thanks to the Vancouver Opera for providing free tickets to DTES community members to attend the invite-only dress rehearsals for every opera they produce. And for ensuring Jim’s passion for opera continues to be shared with the community he loved. Everyone welcome! Free
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Community
NIGHT BEFORE THE OPERA
Wednesday October 23, 7pm – 8pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Night Before the Opera is a program offered by Vancouver Opera to low income residents of the Downtown Eastside. The night before the dress rehearsal of each opera they produce, the company presents related music and video in an educational and entertaining hour at the Carnegie Community Centre. Tonight they will share insight into Puccini’s Tosca and then offer one hundred free tickets to attending community members for the dress rehearsal at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This event has been offered in the community for many years and the late Jim Green was instrumental in bringing an interest in opera to the Downtown Eastside. Vancouver Opera will rename this ongoing evening as the Jim Green Night Before the Opera in recognition of Jim’s connection to the community and his love of opera. Free
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Showcase
MUSIC IMPROV AT PAT’S PUB
Wednesday October 23, 8pm – midnight
Pat’s Pub & Brewhouse, 403 E. Hastings
The regular Wednesday music program of Pints & Piano at Pat’s Pub is pleased to welcome invited guest musicians from the Carnegie Music Improv workshops led by Randy Doherty. An accomplished pianist, Randy will host the evening of musical play. In the spring Pat’s Pub welcomed a grand piano for the special tinkling of the ivories and we look forward to sharing the evening together. No cover charge
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Showcase
MAGIC, MUSIC & MAYHEM
Wednesday October 23, 9pm – 10pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
We close the first day of the Festival with a refreshing evening of magic and music from a medley of Downtown Eastside involved artists. Tonight our guests include the charming songstress Michelle Richard; a visit from “Birdie Stewart” as performed by theatre clown Debbie Blair; a little bit of latinjazzy- folk-rock with Michael Edward Nardachioni in his first Festival appearance; and original gentle song stylings performed by singer-songwriter Andy Kostyniuk, accompanied by cellist Scott Soucy who comes from a long line of musicians. Our host for the evening is Merlin, who will amaze you, wow you, and leave you in awe with magic. Don’t miss this medley of magic, music and mayhem. Free
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