All posts tagged with: Vancouver

One of the worlds best-selling recording artists, selling over 200 million records, Nana Mouskouri, is coming to the River Rock Casino Resort in Vancouver on March 28, 2014, part of her year-long Happy Birthday Tour.

Mouskouri was born in Greece and studied at Athens Academy of Music. She released her first album 55 years ago, in 1958. In 1961 she was invited to sing in the German soundtrack, Weisse Rosen aus Athen, which would become a hit song, selling over one million copies in Germany and translated into several songs and become one of her best-known songs.

A year later, in 1962, Quincy Jones, a major record producer, flew Mouskouri to New York to record a jazz album. Her second English album was recorded and released in 1965 after teaming up with legend, Harry Belafonte.

Throughout the 1970’s Mouskouri toured and her popularity soared. In 1975, Book of Songs, sold millions worldwide. Her biggest hit with Canadians was in 1979 when she released, Roses and Sunshine. She released five more albums throughout the 1980’s.

Mouskouri was a member of the European Parliament from 1994-1999and has served as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador since 1993. In May 2013, Mouskouri received an honourary degree from the McGill University in Montreal.

Tickets for Nana Mouskouri are on sale now through Ticketmaster online or by charging by phone, 1-855-985-5000. Tickets start at $69.50 (plus service charges). Doors open at 7:00pm; show starts at 8:00pm.

Vancouver, like most cities, has more than it’s fair share of pizza places. But Vancouver has a hidden treasure that most people, outside of savvy foodies, aren’t aware of. It’s called Nicli Antica Pizzeria, and they are serving up a very special margherita pizza.

What makes their pizza so special? Well, it’s certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). Their mission is to promote and protect in Italy and worldwide the “true Neapolitan pizza”. This means that the pizza made and served at Nicli Pizzeria uses authentic ingredients and the process to make the prized pies follow the strictest practices of authentic Neapolitan pizza making. Nicli is required to follow these rules or the VPN has the authority to revoke their license in their quest to protect the pizza making traditions.

The secret is in the ingredients and the way the pizza is made. The dough is made from flour, water and salt – pretty basic stuff. But it’s made by hand. The process of turning out the crust pushes the air to the edges, which makes the dough rise. When formed, the centre of the pizza will be precisely 0.4cm thick and 27-30cm in diameter. After baking, the crust will be 1-2cm, even, puffed up, and have a few blacken blisters / burns around the edges.

The Margherita pizza is the original pizza. It was created in 1889 for Pricess Margherita by tavern owner, Raffaele Esposito. He wanted to create a pizza that represented the colours of the Italian flag. The pizza is very simple – tomato pizza sauce, made with hand-crushed Italian tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. The Princess loved the creation. By VPN rules, the pizza is cooked in a 900’c wood-burning oven (preferred method), and will be cooked in as fast as 90 seconds.

The Margherita pizza was the very first pizza, and has become the basis for the pizza we know today. Nicli Pizzeria is located at 62 E. Cordova Street in Vancouver’s Gastown district. They are open daily for lunch, dinner, and late night.

For over 40 years, the Temptations have been dazzling fans with this smash-hits at sold-out performances around the world. The group began in the early 1960’s in Detroit, thanks for Berry Gordy. The original group included Otis Williams, Melvin Franlink, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin.

1964 started the groups chart-topping success with songs including My Girl, Get Ready, Beauty is Only Skin Deep, I Wish it Would Rain, Cloud Nine, and I Can’t Get Next to You. Through out the 1970’s their hit success continued. Dennis Edwards replaced Ruffin and Richard Street and Ali Ollie-Woodson would also join the group.

No matter the changes to the members, the group remained true to their core. The groups success continued throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, and in 1999, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In February 2013 The Temptations received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Temptations will be on tour this summer and will be stopping in Vancouver on Friday, June 7 for a one-night performance at the River Rock Casino Resort. Tickets are on-sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $49.50 per person, plus service charges.

Don’t be surprised if you’re out-and-about on the seawall along Vancouver’s False Creek on Sunday, July 6 and you see hundreds of people running by in their underwear. They are part of the 2013 Underwear Affair. Runners will be stripping down to their underwear and raising funds and awareness for cancers below the belt for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Participants of the 10km run have pledged to raise a minimum of $300 for the charity race. Funds raised will go to help with research of prostate, ovarian and colon cancers. This is a race where everyone wins!

As a marathon runner, and an advocate for healthy living and sport, I not going to be shy about stripping down to my underwear to support this important cause. I also wouldn’t expect you to be shy about making a donation for my fundraising efforts.

Please make a donation today and help make cancer history! Thank you for your support and generous donation.

Vancouver’s Yaletown district is well known for trendy boutique shops and restaurants ranging from casual pub fare to fine dining. One of the newest restaurants to open in the lively neighbourhood is The Parlour.

Located on Hamilton Street, just off Nelson, The Parlour is a full service casual dining restaurant specializing in fire-baked pizzas. Each day a different handmade pizza is featured, along with a range of standard choices on the menu – from a standard margarita to a lively roasted garlic and chicken with basil. Stop by on Sunday’s for the pizza special – under $15, and champagne mimosas.

The front of the restaurant has garage-style doors, allowing the restaurant to open up to the large brick walk-way and letting in fresh air and sunshine. If you like to watch sports, it’s a good option because there are large LCD TV’s located throughout the restaurant. There is a large bar area for ordering drinks or a quick meal for one person.

Food Quality: ★★★★☆

Originality: ★★★☆☆

Customer Service: ★★★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★★☆

Beverage Selection: ★★★☆☆

Price / Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

Owners of Provence Restaurants in Vancouver will be going all-out on May 29 to see who is the better chef – Chef Alessandra or Jean-Francis. They aren’t just chefs and business partners, but they are also husband and wife.

The competition will be held at Provence Mediterranean Grill in Point Grey, to determine who makes a better halibut, Chef Alessandra or Chef Jean-Francis. The public is welcome to attend the event and help judge who is the best chef in the friendly rivalry competition.

The evening will also include an special $50 three course set dinner menu (includes tax and gratuity, but not beverages). The first course is a choice from the restaurant’s antipasti case and dessert is Cherry Chocolate Clafoutis. It’s the main course where the halibut throw down happens. Two very different versions of halibut will be offered – one by the wife, the other by the husband. Guests won’t know who has created which to keep the competition unbiased. At the end of the evening Provence will tally up which main course sold the most and will announce the winner via social media and in its newsletter.

Tickets for the event are available at www.provencevancouver.com.

Photo Credit: Corey Ouellet

While the half marathon got off to a bit of a late start, the full marathon gun went off right at 8:00am. The field of elite runners took off and lead the charge, the police motorcade and bike patrol just in front ensuring their safety. The usually warm sun took a toll on the elite runners and no new course records were set.

Thomas Omwenga, of Hamilton, Ontario, was the first place finisher overall with a time of 2:24:08, followed by Calgary, Alberta’s, Benard Onsare, just fractions of a moment behind at 2:24:10.

It wasn’t just the elite competitors that found the course difficult to race in because of the heat, all the marathon runners felt the impact of the soaring temperatures as they struggled to complete the journey along the 42.2km course.

Water stations proved to be popular walk-break spots as runners grabbed multiple cups of water at each station, both to drink and to douse themselves with. Runners were also treated to cold, water-logged sponges, Mr. Freezies, and sprinklers, all in an attempt to keep them cool. Medical crews did an outstanding job to quickly identify and treat participants who appeared to be suffering from dehydration.

The marathon event brings thousands to the streets to cheer on the runners. The course was lined with hand-made motivational signs for friends, family members, and strangers alike, people cheering and shouting words of encouragement, and most importantly, thousands of volunteers ensuring a safe and secure course for participants.

This was the second year for the new course, and vetrans of the inaugural run in 2012 proved to provide great resource for first-timers. From Camosun Hill at kilometer 9, to the Burrard Bridge peaking at the 30km mark, to the sneaky hill at 41k coming off the seawall up to West Georgia, it is a fun, scenic and energy-driving course. The long, flat sections through Spanish Banks and along Vancouver’s famous seawall are anything but boring. The biggest mental challenge of the course is passing the 32km mark; not only are you fighting metal breakdown and emotions, but the seawall is closed to the public and there are only a handful of people to cheer you on, perhaps a blessing while you feel your worst, striving to do your best at the hardest part of the course. But the last kilometer makes it all worth it as you dash down West Georgia and onto Pender Street, into the heart of Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, with a street filled with thousands of spectators cheering you on and a giant RUN | VAN finish banner hanging proudly overhead.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

There is little doubt why the BMO Vancouver Marathon has been rated as one of the top 10 marathons by Forbes magazine. The course is spectacular, the energy is amazing, and the organizers and volunteers have done a hell of a great job in putting together such a fine event!

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 3:46:21
• Chip Time: 3:45:54
• Overall: 773/4,959 (top 14%)
• Gender: 586/2813 (top 21%)
• Male 30-34: 118/426 (top 28%)
• Average Pace: 5:22
• 13.3km: 1:06:41
• 21.1km: 1:45:15
• 30.5km: 2:39:03

After 17 weeks of training, it all comes down to one day. Sunday, May 5, 2013. It’s the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon!

The 42.2km race course has many challenges, from the long hill early on the race at the 10km mark, the steep decent from UBC to Spanish Banks at the 18km mark, to the grueling flat run around Stanley Park after ‘hitting the wall’ at km 32. This is a course that takes training, skill, determination, and a whole lot of motivation!

For the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon, I have prepared a detailed race plan. My plan details each kilometer of the course, corresponding to the kilometre marker on the official BMO Vancouver Marathon course map. My plan is to run an average pace of 5 minutes per kilometre, with a 1-minute walk break every 20 minutes. This averages out to approximately 5 minutes and 13 seconds per kilometre. My expected finish time is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes.

Here’s where you come in! This year I’m asking all of my followers to come to the BMO Vancouver Marathon to cheer me on. As a runner, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing my friends along the race route. It provides a burst of energy, especially when fighting the physical and emotional challenges a marathon run can bring.

I have identified key locations along the marathon route I know are exceptionally challenging. The locations are where I really need to see familiar faces to help get me through the race by cheering me on. No, you don’t have to be at the start line for 8:00am, actually, I prefer that you’re not because I’ll be in my pre-race mental preparation mode. The detailed race plan outlines when I expect to pass. As with any race day, plans can change and it’s unpredictable. I would encourage you to be in location 5-10 minutes in advance of the time I’ve indicated (in case I’m having a good run day), and potentially expect to wait up to 15 minutes for me to pass by if I’m behind scheduled (having a bad race day).

As some of my followers know from last year, I finished my run 20 minutes later than expected, which goes to show that no matter how much training that goes in to a race, you cannot predict anything like running a full marathon.

Here are some suggestions to help you be an amazing cheer person along the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon race route:

1. Use twitter! Send a tweet mentioning that you’ve seen me pass by. Please mark where you saw me and what time. Even better, tweet / instagram a photo, along with the time you saw me, and tag me, @br_webb, so others along the course can find out where I am. Please also use the hashtag: #RunVanBrian
2. Make a sign. Runners love funny and real signs. Need some ideas? “Run Like You Stole Something”, “Don’t stop because we’re all watching you”, “Stay positive. Stay focused.”, “You Can Do This!”, “Remember Your Race Mantra”, “Worst Parade Ever”, “I heard there’s beer at the finish line. Can you run and find out for me?”, “The Pain is Temporary”, and “Smile at the finish line”.
3. Make some noise. Runners love the encouragement and enthusiasm on race day. It’s what fuels us with positive energy, excitement, and drive to keep going. Bring cowbells, horns, whistlers and other noise makers.
4. Shout encouragements. Some areas of the course are just plain hard. It’s not easy running up Burrary Street Bridge with 30km behind you, knowing you still have another 12.2km to go. Runners appreciate hearing words of encouragement all along the course. If you see someone taking their walk break, give them a “congratulations”, it goes a long way, especially towards the end of the race.
5. See you at the finish line. The most fun for specators is the finish line. Seeing friends and family cross the finish line is often an emotional moment. It’s even more special for the marathon runner. Join in the celebration and run after the marathon is over and enjoy time to celebrate the achievements of the day for the thousands of runners.

Post race will be slightly different for the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon. Participants will cross the finish line, entering into a corralled finishers zone. This is a corralled area where finishers receive their medals, water, nutrition and even medical attention if required. Let’s face it, after running 42.2km, runners need a moment to catch their breath, collect their thoughts, and to decompress before meeting up with friends and family. This being said, there are opportunities to talk through the barricades for a quick moment, but be patient until they exit through the designated zones.

This year I would like to thank the 2013 Denman Marathon Runners for making this years training so much fun. It’s been a pleasure sharing tips, advice, and spending many days and nights together over the past 17 weeks. I would also like to thank the Running Room and John Stanton for having me as their official Vancouver Marathon blogger, and BMO Vancouver Marathon for having me part of such an exciting race. Just as important are a special thank you to my friends for their patience as I disappear every winter for four months, giving up birthday parties, social events, and meeting up for coffee or drinks – the 3^rd Annual Spring Fling is coming – we will see each other soon! And to my followers, thank you all for your wonderful RT’s, comments, shares, and words of encouragement along my journey. I hope that I have been able to inspire you on your own personal journey to achieve your own goals and ambitions.

Looking forward to seeing many of you on race day!

With less than a week away until the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon, both half and full marathoners are making final preparations for race day on Sunday, May 5. Here are the 13 most important things all participants and spectators need to know:

1. Power of Blue. Show your BMO debit or credit card at the race expo and get blue carpet treatment for race package pick-up. Race Package pick-up is located in Canada Place at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, Hall C
   1. Thursday: May 2, 2013 4:00pm – 8:00pm
   2. Friday: May 3, 2013 11:00am – 8:00pm
   3. Saturday: May 4, 2013 10:00am – 6:00pm
2. Register for live race results. New for 2013, runners can have their results tracked in live time using Sportstats. Sign up starting Thursday, May 2, 2013.
3. Have your friends go to one of the 13 participating Starbucks locations along / near the race course to pick up an official cheer sign, write a message, and cheer on the marathon partipants on race morning.
4. Wear blue and yellow. Participants are encouraged to wear blue and yellow, the official colours of the Boston Marathon, to show their support for the recent tragedy.
5. Take transit. Inside your race package you will find a complimentary Translink pass to get you to the start line at QE Park. Transit will  have increased frequency to get participants and spectators to the start-line on time.
6. Start line corrals. There are five corrals at the start line. There are 5 corrals for the marathon (8am start), with 5 distinct colours, and 5 corrals for the half marathon (7am start), with 5 distinct colours. Enter your designated corral, based upon your expected finish time. Corrals will be released in waves, timed for natural breaks at Oak Street where race organizers are required to allow traffic to pass through at specific intervals. Timing mats at Oak Street will adjust your chip time should you be stopped at Oak Street.
7. Nutrition on course. This year PowerBar will be the nutrition on course with two gel stations and two power blast stations. Gatorade will also be available at most hydration stations, located at most mile markers.
8. Pace Bunnies: Pace Bunnies will be offered for the following finish times: 3:30, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:00, 4:15, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, and 5:00. The Running Room pace bunnies will be running 10:1’s (run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute).
9. Spectator hot spots. There are a number of locations outlined on the new course map suggesting the best location for spectators. Ask your friends and family to head to one of those locations to cheer you on and tell them to bring encouraging signs and noisemakers.
10. Out-and-back on Blanca. In 2013, the marathon route has a new out-and-back located on Blanca Street, replacing the out-and-back that was in the Spanish Banks parking lot in 2012. The almost 1km add-on allows the finish line to be adjusted and the marathon to be at the official 42.2km length.
11. Finish line moved. The finish line will now be at Bute and Pender. The change was made so participants can see the finish line when they veer on to Pender Street at the end of the race, bringing more energy and excitement to the finish zone.
12. Whole Foods for finishers. All half and full marathon finishers will receive a special lunch from Whole Foods after they collect their medal at the finish line. Bagged lunches will include a Powerbar Protein bar, Kettle Chips, banana, Sunrype juice box, Sunrype fruit to go fruit leather, Kind bar, Mary’s crackers, and almond butter spread.
13. Street Festival. After the marathon, meet up with friends and family and enjoy the afternoon at the Street Festival.

From Vancouver, across Canada, and around the world; 74 screenings of documentaries appearing at five venues in Vancouver make up the 12 annual DOXA Documentary Film Festival. Held May 3 – 12, 2013, the 10-day celebration of films, panel discussions, education programs, and other events, becomes the medium of expression to look at the world through the lens.

The documentaries cover a wide variety of theme ranging including surrealism, science fiction, and narrative. Screenings will take place at the Vancouver Playhouse, VIFFʼs Vancity Theatre, The Cinematheque, Rio Theatre, and Collingwood Cinema.

Here are a few examples of the shows for 2013:

Interior. Leather Bar. — James Franco’s new documentary hybrid.

I Am Divine — About the wonderful drag queen, Divine, by filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz who’s film, Vito, screened at DOXA last year.

Fire in the Blood – A film that looks into the battle between pharmaceutical companies and access to HIV medication around the world.

Straight with You – A short film, Rated Y for Youth shorts program, Empathy: Pass It On. The film is about an 11-year-old boy as he navigates adolescence and sexuality.

God Loves Uganda – Christian missionaries. Africa. Homosexuality. It’s a powerful film.

General admission tickets are $12. Tickets can be purchased in bundles and for the numerous special events.

For complete ticket information, the full line-up of films and other events, and more information, visit the DOXA Documentary Film Festival website.

As participants of Canada’s largest 10km road running race lined up this morning at the start line for the Vancouver Sun Run, the skies may have been blue and grey, but most participants wore blue and yellow in honour of the Boston Marathon. The 29^th annual run, celebrating community spirit, health, and fitness saw 48,196 registered participants, slightly below the previous year.

Finishing first place was Paul Kimugul of Kenya, winning the Men’s Overall division with a time of 29:04. Second place finisher, Ian Burrell of Tuscon, Arizona, finished in 29:17, and third place finisher, Edwin Kaitany of Kenya crossed the finish line at 29:36. The first Canadian male to cross the finish line was Victoria’s Clifford Childs at 30:09.

For the second year in a row, Natasha Fraser from Port Moody, BC, finished first place in the Women’s Overall division and the Canadian Female, with a time of 32:42. The second place finisher was Lindsey Scherf at 33:01, and Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Toronto finished third overall female at 33:25.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2013 Vancouver Sun Run!

Personal Results:

• Overall: 1545
• Chip Time: 44:59
• Pace: 4:30
• Male 30-34: 232/2,777 (top 8%)
• Male Overall: 1,307/20,377 (top 6%)

It’s been 75 years since the Glenn Miller Orchestra was founded, and for one special night, they will make a stop in Vancouver, BC, at the Orpheum Theatre to perform the unforgettable classics. The world tour will include the timeless favourites including In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pennsylvania 6-5000, String of Pearls and Tuxedo Junction.

The two-hour performance of the greatest hits will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013. The show will be performed by 20 musicians and singers, that will bring to life memories from the swing era of the 1930’s and 40’s. The show has been produced by Didier Morissonneau and is lead by Nick Hilsher.

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 1-855-985-5000.

Peter Noone started his life in entertainment as a child star named ‘Stanley Fairclough’ on the hit British soap opera, Coronation Street. By the time he reached the age of 15, in 1963, he reached international fame as ‘Herman’, as the lead singer of the now legendary pop band, Herman’s Hermits.

Over the years the group released several hits including, Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am, and Danny. The group released 14 singles, and seven of their albums hit Gold.

Not a stranger to the entertainment industry, Noone went on to perform in three movies, including, When The Boys Meet the Girls, and appeared on Broadway in The Pirates of Penzance. Over the years Noone was regularily featured on the covers of well-regarded publications including TIME Magazine, and made appearances on popular television showing such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dean Martin Show.

Today, Noone and his bad, Herman’s Hermits, perform over 200 concerns each year. On Saturday, October 5, they will be performing at the Red Robinson Show Theatre at Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam. Tickets for the show go on sale on Thursday, April 11 at 10:00am. Tickets start at $29.50 for mezzanine, $34.50 for orchestra, and $44.50 for the golden circle (plus applicable service charges).

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, online, or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.

International elite athletes, recreational runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchair races, corporate teams, schools and kids are all getting ready for one of the largest 10km road races in Canada, The Vancouver Sun Run.

The Vancouver Sun Run has become one of the biggest spring traditions in Vancouver. Close to 50,000 participants will come together to celebrate healthy living, fitness, and community spirit.

The 2013 Sun Run is Sunday, April 21, getting underway at 9 a.m. in downtown Vancouver.  Individual registrations are being accepted until the final registration deadline, Saturday, April 20. Participants can save by registering online by midnight, Tuesday, April 16 ($48.37), or register at the Sun Run Fair ($60.00). There are currently over 43,000 registered participants.

Race package pick-up and the Sun Run Fair will be held a BC Place. Race packages include race bib, timing chip, and a souvenir 100% cotton t-shirt featuring artwork by Vancouver artist, Tiko Kerr.

• Thursday, April 18: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Friday, April 19: 10:00am – 7:00pm
• Saturday, April 20: 10:00am – 5:00pm

In 2012, the first place finisher was Kelly Weibe of Regina, Saskatchewan, with a time of 29:12, winning the Men’s Overall Division and Top Male Canadian. Second place finisher was Kip Kangogo of Kenya, in at 29:14.

The Vancouver Sun Run starts at 9:00am on Sunday, April 21 on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. It is the third largest 10km race in North America.

Who will be more excited to see the most successful ABBA tribute show to tour internationally, performing at the River Rock Casino Resort on Sunday, May 12, the mom’s celebrating Mothers Day, or the gay’s who love classic disco music from Sweden’s biggest music group?

Although ABBA disbanded over 30 years ago, the group continues to lure fans from around the world, young and old, straight and gay. Everyone loves their fun-loving, sing-along songs.

The Music of ABBA features Arrival From Sweden. Founded in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the 12-piece band has toured over 35 countries, and is the only tribute group in the world to be granted exclusive rights to the ABBA name, costumes, and original music.

It’s sure to be an evening of fun and song, with performances of the classic hits including “Dancing Queen”, “Waterloo”, Mamma Mia”, “Fernando”, and “Knowing Me, Knowing You”.

Tickets are on sale now and start at just $29.50 (plus service charges). Charge by phone 1-855-985-5000 or buy online.

Photo credit: © Deen van Meer

June 12-23, 2013, Broadway Across Canada presents, Les Miserables, in Vancouver BC at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For one day only, Friday, April 5, 2013, from 10:00am – 10:00pm, pre sale is available to myWebbSite.ca readers for the Vancouver, BC performance.

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Miserables, with new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

Don’t miss Les Miserables – get in on the pre sale on Friday, April 5*, and use passcode: HOME. Show description: Dream the Dream

*The link will only be active on Friday, April 5 from 10:00am – 10:00pm.

Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. On October 8, 1985, Les Miserables opened in London at the Barbican Theatre. Three short months later it moved to Palace Theatre, and since April 3, 2004, the show has been selling out at the Queen’s Theatre. On October 8, 2006, Les Miserables celebrated its 21^st birthday in London, becoming the worlds longest running musical!

The Broadway musical of Les Miserables opened at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987. The US tour began in the same year, visiting over 150 cities. It returned to Broadway in November 2006, and remains the 3^rd longest-running Broadway production of all time.

The show has been seen by nearly 60 million people across the world in 42 countries and in 21 languages. It’s one of the world’s most popular musicals ever written.

Cameron Mackintosh’s 25^th anniversary production of the world’s longest running musical will be coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre June 12 – 23, 2013. Tickets for the show will go on sale on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10:00am.

“I’m delighted that 25 years after Les Miz originally opened in London the audience for this marvelous show is bigger and younger than ever before,” said producer Cameron Mackintosh.

The all-new production will feature new staging and scenery inspired by the paintings in Victor Hugo’s classic novel.

“Over the years I have seen many successful but visually different productions, so it has been exciting to draw inspiration from the brilliant drawings and paintings of Victor Hugo himself, integrated with spectacular projections.  The new Les Miz is a magnificent mix of dazzling images and epic staging, driving one of the greatest musical stories ever told.”

Songs will include “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, and “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, and many more. The music is by Claude-Michel Schoenberg, and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.

In Vancouver, Les Misérables, week runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm; Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2:00pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00pm. and Sunday evening at 6:30pm.  Second week runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00pm and Sunday evening at 6:30pm.

Tickets for the Vancouver performances start at $35 plus applicable service charges. To order call 1-855-985-5000, or order from Ticketmaster.

Les Misérables, in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of a five city tour in Western Canada including Calgary (June 25 – July 7), Edmonton (July 9 – 14, 2013), Regina (July 16 – 21, 2013), and Winnipeg (July 23 – 28, 2013).

A staycation in metro Vancouver doesn’t instantly mean getting a hotel room in downtown Vancouver. Hotels in the downtown core can be expensive, especially for the value / budget conscious person who wants to enjoy the local area.

In nearby New Westminter, the original capital city of British Columbia, the Inn at the Quay offers great value and is a good option for a staycation. It’s convieniently located just a few minutes walk from SkyTrain, so there’s no need to drive if you already live near public transit.

Recently renovated, the Inn at the Quay has a variety of room choices, most of which overlook the Fraser River. Rooms are comfortably decorated in vibrant colours. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are outfitted with 32” LCD TV’s, workstations, and complimentary WiFi.

Located inside the hotel is the Boathouse Restaurant. The menu options include lobster ravioli, prime rib, muscles, and salmon. There are fresh dinner features every night of locally sourced seafood.

Next door there is the New Westminster Quay, with shops and dining options. Saturday’s there is a farmers market with all kinds of local baked goods, vegetables, fruit, and hand-crafted products.

If you’re looking for a fun evenings of cocktails, consider checking out Drink Urban. They have a full menu of hand-crafted cocktails, martinis and seasonal drink features.

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just want an escape from your every day, consider a getaway to the Inn at the Quay.

Guest Room: ★★★★
Bedding: ★★★
Towels and Toiletries: ★★★
Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★★
Customer Service: ★★★★
Overall Experience: ★★★★

Photo contributed

Yes, the rumours are true. The two Provence French bistro restaurants are celebrating Vancouver’s love of seafood during the month of April with their Poisson d’Avril menu.

For $45, meal choices range from seared albacore tuna, wild Pacific salmon, grilled halibut, or poached ruby red trout, to name just a few of the selections. Each entre also includes dessert.

“As an inaugural member of Ocean Wise, we serve only fish that has been harvested in a sustainable and responsible manner. That still gives us plenty of choice,” states Provence’s Executive Chef and Owner, Jean-Francis Quaglia. “Poisson d’Avril is an opportunity to welcome spring with a bit of fun. This is our fifth year doing it and everyone gets in on the fun – including some of the staff and their children who have created the whimsical fish that adorn the restaurant and menus.”

The French restaurant is also enjoying a bit of old-work practical jokes during the month of April. In France, friends or family carefully place paper cut-out fish on the backs of unsuspecting people, until someone shouts ‘Poisson d’Avril!’.

During the month of April, both Provence locations will be randomly placing paper fish under plates or even on patron’s backs. Lucky winners will find prizes ranging from complimentary appetizers, meal discounts, gift certificates, or a copy of Chef Jean-Francis and Alessandra Quaglia book, New World Provence.

Contest

Enter now for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Provence to experience the Poisson d’Avril menu.

There are five ways you can enter. Each entry counts for one vote.

1. Tweet: Wow! There’s something fishy is going on at @ProvenceVanCity! I just read it on @br_webb’s blog: http://ow.ly/jgRrF #WinProvence
2. Leave a comment on this blog post on the best April Fool’s day prank you’ve experienced.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed.
5. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Friday, March 29, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

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This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Ariane, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Provence! 

Thank you to everyone who entered by sharing on Facebook, twitter, and subscribing to myWebbSite.ca. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

After five days of heavy rainfall warnings for metro Vancouver, participants in the 2^nd annual WestVanRun 5K  and 10K run/walk woke up to clear, blue sunny skies for the Sunday, March 3, 2013 event held in West Vancouver, BC. The sold-out event had 98 participants in the 10k race and 198 in the 5k race.

The community run, targeted to both professional and recreational runners saw members of the UBC run team front and centre in both race categories. The majority of the participants were recreational runners of all ability levels.

The race started in Ambleside Park and worked its way 2.5km up the West Vancouver seawall, to the turn-around point. The 5k participants did one lap of the course, while the 10k runners completed two laps.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Along the fast, flat course, many on-lookers and spectators watched as participants dodging the waves that crashed against the seawall, spilling over onto the course. Runners were spoiled with stunning views of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.

If you live in metro Vancouver and are looking for a good, early season 10k to test your time, WestVanRun is your run!

Personal Finish Results: While not a personal best, it was a solid 43m 33s finish time, coming in 13^th place overall (4^th place male 30-39 / 11 male overall), wit a 4:22/km average pace.