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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for January 30 to February 5

This week: get your fill of short films, enjoy an Italian aperitivo, catch some live music + more

By Heather Cameron /

Credit: Sanjay's Super Team, Pixar

The Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts – January 29 to February 27

You may be all caught up on your Best Picture Academy Awards nominations, but it’s not always quite so easy to follow the Animated Shorts category. This month, the Vancouver International Film Festival is playing all five nominees in the Best Short Film in Live Action and Animation categories: Sanjay’s Super Team (pictured), World of Tomorrow, Bear Story, We Can’t Live Without Cosmos and Prologue. Check them out throughout February so that you’re fully prepared for the Oscars on February 28.

Tickets starting at $9, various showtimes
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street



Credit: Vancouver Spring Show

7th Annual Vancouver Spring Show – January 30

The seventh annual Vancouver Spring Show will bring together dancers, musicians and performers of all types for an incredible one-night celebration of the city’s multiculturalism. Fourteen-year-old hip-hop world champion, Travis Lim; national class A composer and erhu player, Liunian Bian; and L.A. session guitarist, Rod Castro are among this year’s countless international talents that celebrate Vancouver’s rich cultural history.

7:30 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton Street



Credit: The Blue Jet, Reel West

Vancouver Short Film Festival – January 29 to 30

For more of a local emphasis on short films, check out the Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF). This year’s lineup includes nine female directors, nine student films and even a nine-year-old filmmaker, Maia Costea, director of Behind The Rocks. A total of 23 short films are competing for over $15,000 in prizes in four distinct categories: B.C. and the World, Dark Deeds, Child’s Play and Pursuit of Identity. The awards, which range from Best Actor to the Raindance Vancouver Underdog title, will be determined by industry professionals Aaron Bushkowsky, Nicholas Humphries and Kat Montagu.  

January 29: Opening reception 7 p.m.; Screenings at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
January 30: Screenings at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Closing party 10 p.m.
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street



Credit: Facebook/Arkells

Arkells – February 1 to 2

Hamilton, Ontario’s Arkells are stopping in Vancouver this week while touring their gold-selling album, High Noon. The four-time Juno award winners hit No. 1 on the Canadian iTunes chart, No. 2 on the Digital Albums chart and No. 3 on the Canadian Neilsen Soundscan Chart with their 2014 album. With singles like “Come To Light” and “11:11”, their back-to-back local shows promise to impress their loyal Canadian fanbase.

$30.50 in advance, 7 p.m.
Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street



Credit: Salt Tasting Room

The Italian Gas Station Experiment – February 1 to 29

Following the success of their San Sebastian Experience, Salt Tasting Room is now inviting locals to indulge in the tastes of Italy. For the month of February, guests will enjoy free Italian tapas when they order wine by the glass, flight or bottle. The complimentary cichetti menu includes tramessini, arancini (risotto balls, pictured above), cheese, salami, sausages and olive tapenade, all provided by Port Moody’s family-run Urbani Foods. Urbani products will also be available for sale at Salt, at up to 50 per cent off. 

Mondays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 45 Blood Alley, Gastown



Credit: VSO

Tea & Trumpets – February 4

The latest event in Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s popular Tea & Trumpets series transports orchestra lovers to Europe for an Evening in Roma. The matinee show, hosted by Vancouver’s very own Bard, Christopher Gaze, begins with complimentary tea and cookies, which sets the scene for an afternoon of accessible orchestra music. This week’s impressive repertoire features Italian greats like Rossini, Puccini and Verdi under the direction of reputed conductor Gordon Gerrard.

2 p.m.,The Orpheum, 601 Smithe Street



Credit: Science World

The Science of Cocktails – February 4

Sip on experiments at the hottest cocktail event of the year. Telus World of Science brings you The Science of Cocktails, a celebration of the art of mixology and the science behind it. Tickets to the black-tie affair include complimentary cocktails from 25 stations run by award-winning bartendars, paired with delicious appetizers. Ticket proceeds support Science World’s Class Field Trip Program, which helps kids from underfunded schools visit the educational site.

$145, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street



Credit: Arts Club

The (Post) Mistress – February 4 to 28

Travel to the fictional Northern Ontario town of Lovely for a quirky one-woman cabaret-style show. Postal worker Marie-Louise seems to know—and want to share—all of the gossip from her small town, until her own story is revealed in a surprising twist. The Canadian musical, written by renowned playwright Tomson Highway, features catchy original music throughout the charming story. 

Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, 162 West 1st Avenue
Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays 8 p.m.; Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m.



Credit: David Cooper

Closer Than Ever – February 4 to 20

Off-Broadway hit Closer Than Ever is bringing a satirical perspective on “adulting” to Vancouver audiences. With music and lyrics by the renowned David Shire and Richard Maltby, Jr., Closer Than Ever has been credited as one of the finest scores of its year. Confronting topics like one-way love affairs, mid-life crises and parent-child role reversal, the 1989 Best Off-Broadway Musical is a hilariously relatable account of real life. 

February 4 to 6, 9 to 13, 16 to 20: 8 p.m.
Matinees February 6: 2 p.m., February 9: 1 p.m.



Credit: Shannyn Higgins

A Showcase of Contemporary Harp Music – February 5

Elisa Thorn’s harp music is unconventional to say the least. Following a year-long mentorship with composer Dr. Lisa Cay Miller, Thorn is presenting a range of original music ranging from jazz to indie to avant-garde. The showcase event, in partnership with McBride Park Fieldhouse Studio Artist in Residence, includes special guests Meredith Bates, Shanto Acharia, Jessica Ylirussi, Justin Devries, James Meger, Roisin Adams and Dayna Szyndrowski, and will be followed up by a Q&A session for your chance to learn more about the talented local artist.

$10, 7:30 p.m., Roundhouse Performance Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews