2nd Story: Blood Alley

Thursday October 30, 5:30pm – 8pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings
2nd Story maps personal stories onto local places
2nd Story fb eventusing various media, including video and mobile technology. For this edition, personal stories from the area known as ‘Blood Alley’ in the Downtown Eastside have been gathered and documented. The area has been chosen for its long history and as a microcosmic example of a neighborhood in transition: a Single Room Occupancy hotel and shelter stands across the alley from a new condo development with boutiques and restaurants. Over sixty stories were documented, and nine of those were crafted into short videos by a team of film and theatre artists. For this screening a selection of stories and adapted videos will be shown, with storytellers and artists in attendance. More stories are sure to be exchanged! Presented by The Only Animal, in development with PHS Community Services and SFU Office of Community Engagement.

Everyone welcome. Free.

A Story to Tell

Thursday October 30, 5pm – 8pm
UBC Learning Exchange, 612 Main
Following up on the Portraits of Strength  exhibition, community members are invited to talk about a challenging experience beyond their own control and how they got through it. Portraits of Strength photographer Tony Hoare shares stories from his work overseas, and helps participants share their stories in photos and video. Participants can choose to have their story filmed. Free.

The Raymur Mothers

THE RAYMUR MOTHERS They Wouldn’t Take No For An Answer
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell
Wednesday October 29, 8pm – Preview, pay-what-you-can
October 30 to November 8, 8pm
November 9 – 2pm, Closing Matinee
Adults $22, Students $17
Wed Oct 29 – Pay what you can Preview
Wed Nov 5 – 2 for 1

sketch by Atty Gell

In 1971, forty-three years ago, a group of single mothers in the Raymur Place Social Housing Project (now Stamps Place) on Campbell Avenue carried out one of the most iconic and successful feats of direct action in Vancouver history: they blockaded and shut down all rail traffic to the Port of Vancouver in a desperate measure to ensure their children’s safety. The Raymur Mothers musical play tells the story of this extraordinary group of mothers and their successful effort to have a pedestrian overpass built over railroad tracks to enable their children to safely walk to Admiral Seymour School on the other side of the tracks.

The production features thirteen rousing original songs and brings to life the experiences of the women as they defend their personal dignity; stand up to the railway company; and become active participants and non-violent demonstrators in an action that results in a positive resolution and strengthens the community.

The Heart of the City Festival is honoured to present this Theatre in the Raw production of The Raymur Mothers, written by former Downtown Eastside resident Bob Sarti, with music by Bill Sample, and directed by Jay Hamburger, Artistic Director of Theatre in the Raw; the same artistic team who created Bruce: The Musical and Yippies in Love.

For tickets or more information call 604-708-5448, or go to www.theatreintheraw.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Hot Jazz at the Carnegie

Wednesday October 29, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
We kick off Festival opening night with a Downtown Eastside community favourite, the Carnegie Jazz Band and their finger snappin’, toe tappin’, head boppin’ hot music. The band is comprised of enthusiastic amateur jazz musicians under the wonderful tutelage of multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead. Join the band for an evening of jazz standards, original songs by Brad Muirhead and new jazz tunes by band members Mark Boreen, Gil Mattila, Gerry Teahan and Festival producer Terry Hunter. Expect something different, as each composition, just like our DTES community, is as unique as the composer! The band is also thrilled to welcome special guest, local pro jazz-man Brian Harding on trombone.

Festival 14, Carnegie Jazz Band, long trombone, cleaned up - photo David Cooper - 479