All posts tagged with: Vancouver

After two months of an extensive renovation including lighting, sound and aesthetics, Vancouver’s landmark, Celebrities Night Club (1022 Davie Street), will re-open its doors on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

The re-launch has generated a lot of conversation amongst Vancouver’s gay community. The nightclub has consistently been ranked as one of the largest gay night clubs in western Canada; however, the announcement of the renovations was vague in clarifying if the club would remain focused on the LGBT community, or if it would shift gears to attract a broader audience.

The reveal of the renovations have been closely guarded secret. Tuesday nights will remain open to all demographics, but most of the other nights are still under wraps.

Part of the mystery has been answered with the announcement of ICON. Produced by TFD Presents, ICON was launched last fall with much fanfare and enthusiasm from the Vancouver gay community. The event brought big name talent to the city including Manila Luzon, JuJuBee and Dominic Pacifico.

Throughout the month of March, Celebrities Nightclub and TFD Presents will host LIBERACE Thursday’s. Starting March 7, the doors will open at 10pm to a new night of fun and excitement to the remodeled nightclub.

The Thursday March 7 event will feature music by DJ Del Stamp and performances by local gay singer, dancer, and actor, Tyrell Witherspoon. Cover is $5 and highballs will be on spcial for $4.50.

Contest:

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the opening night of TFD Presents LIBERACE Thursday’s at Celebrities Night Club. To enter, tweet:

I want to win two tickets to the opening of@TFDPresents #ICON #LIBERACE at @Celebrities_Van from @br_webb. http://ow.ly/ihqWn #WinLIBERACE

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post of your best memory at Celebrities Night Club.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Thursday, March 7, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

Every 9 ½  minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV. There are an estimated 220,000 people living with HIV that do not even know they are infected. While over the years research has substantially improved the treatment for HIV, awareness of safer sex and education for people to get tested to know their status has become incredibly important to reduce the spread of infection. People living with HIV rely on community support programs.

This is where Dine Out for Life steps in. Each year, Dine Out for Life raises over $3 million to support the 60 service organizations. Across the United States and Canada over 3,000 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds on this special day to help HIV/AIDS resource organizations so they can fulfill their mandate.

Funds that are raised locally, stay locally. Vancouver’s Dine Out for Life will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Restaurants in Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock and the Fraser Valley contribute 25% of food sales to the program. The Vancouver beneficiaries benefit A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life.

This Thursday, March 7, visit a participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and be a part of an amazing social movement to help people living with HIV/AIDS.

Contest

Wild Rice is delighted to participate in Dine Out for Life. The socially conscious establishment prides itself for their farm-to-table menu. Their focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable menu, along with owner Andrew Wong’s Chinese heritage, has influenced the East-meets-West and traditional-meets-modern Asian-fusion fare. Both Gastown and New Westminster locations are favourites of Vancouver foodies.

Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Wild Rice. To enter tweet:

I want to win a $50 gc to @WildRiceBC from @br_webb to support @VanDOFL, @alovingspoonful & @VanFFL: http://ow.ly/ih8d2  #WinWildRice

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post if you’ll be going to support Dine Out For Life Vancouver this Thursday, March 7, 2013.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Thursday, March 7, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

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This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Dilara, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Wild Rice! 

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

Jay Leno will be performing at the Red Robinson Show Theatre; two shows – Saturday, May 25, 2013

Emmy-Award winning talk show host, Jay Leno, is coming to the Red Robinson Show Theatre at the Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam, B.C., for two shows on Saturday, May 25, 2013. Jay Leno has been the host of the Emmy-Award winning show since 1992. His unique style, humour and entertainment has made his show one of the most popular late-night shows across North America.

Throughout the span of his career, Jay Leno has performed hundreds of stand-up shows. He has a star on the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, was the first person to drive the pace car at all major NASCAR events, and has set several land-speed records.

Passionate about performing in front of live audiences, Jay Leno is a regular in Las Vegas, at college campuses, and at venues across North America.

Tickets for the two shows go on sale on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:00am. Show times are 7:30pm and 10:00pm, on Saturday, May 25, 2013, at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam.

• Mezzanine $69.50
• Orchestra $99.50
• Golden Circle $129.50 (+ Service Charges)

Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.

The question on monogamy comes up in almost every relationship at one time or another. For some, it’s a sensitive topic, for others, it’s not a big deal. For Matt and Tim, a gay-couple that have been together for 10 years, it turns their cozy home into a battlefield. Their story is told in the live-theatre performance, Unstuck, coming to Vancouver March 16-23, 2013.

The show is based upon the characters, Tim and Matt, who have enjoyed a wonderful monogamous relationship. Like most gay-couples, the question of an open relationship has come up, through the proverbial knock at the door. The unexpected guest for the couple to quickly re-evaluate their relationship and explore their options.

“The impetus for the play was a conversation I had with my boyfriend many years back about monogamy,” explained the Toronto playwrite, Evan Tsitsias. “I feel that at every one of us at some point in our lives and relationships have to discuss or contemplate this decision and what it means inside our relationship.”

Evan hopes this performance will provoke people to take a hard look at their own perspective of the themes from the show, and to see if they can separate sex from love, and what it means to them, and their relationship.

Produced by Screaming Weenie Productions, the show is directed by Michael Dobbin. The performance is guaranteed to bring the conversation of open relationships to the forefront of conversation. The cast for the Vancouver performance includes local actors, Sean Harris Oliver, Ari Solomon, and Kevin Kraussier.

Catch Unstuck at the PAL Vancouver Studio Theatre (581 Cardero Street), March 16-23, 2013. Tickets are $20 (plus HST), and are available online and at the door.

Contest

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to see the live theatre performance of Unstuck in Vancouver. To enter, tweet the following:

I want to win 2 tix from @br_webb to see Unstuck by @screamingweenie March 16-23 in #Vancouver. http://ow.ly/i33Di #WinUnstuck Pls RT

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win, by doing the following:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post on your thought on open relationships.
2. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Monday, March 4, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Wednesday, March 5, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

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This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Erik, you are the lucky winner of two tickets to see the live theatre performance of Unstuck in Vancouver. 

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

While we may be tired of what feels like non-stop rain in Vancouver, in a few more weeks it’ll be spring. Many people believe gardens are only beautiful from late spring through the summer, but at VanDusen Botanical Gardens, the plants and foliage thrive year-round, and there are surprises around every corner.

Photos used with permission from VanDusen Botanical Garden

The west coast receives an intense amount of rain during the winter months, but despite the heavy precipitation, life continues to thrive at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Broadleaf evergreen shrubs are full of life, and an assortment of winter berries provide bursts of vibrant colours against the cool, grey skies. The park is also home to a variety of birds during the winter months.

Photos used with permission from VanDusen Botanical Garden

Don’t be fooled thinking the garden isn’t very exciting right now. If you take a closer look, you’ll see the classic telltale signs of spring beginning to make their appearance. During the transition from winter to spring, pastel coloured crocuses and snowdrops appear under the trees and shrubs. As the days get longer and the warmer, sunnier days return, daffodils, tulips and narcissus come out.

Photo provided by: VanDusen Botanical Garden

Just as the seasonal plants return, so do the seasonal events. Over the next few months there will be a number of sales of a variety of the gardens unique and special plants, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and exhibitions of works by local artists. If that wasn’t enough, Truffles Cafe, located in the newly expanded Visitors Centre, is now has a fantastic charcuterie platter and BC wines – perfect for a romantic day at the garden!

Instead of staying inside on a rainy weekend, get out and watch spring unfold before your eyes at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. It’ll help make the dreary wet days less miserable and remind you that spring is just around the corner.

Contest

Enter for a chance to win an annual membership ($67 value), for two adults to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, one of the top ten public gardens in North America. To enter tweet:

I want to win an annual membership to @VanDusenGdn from @br_webb. http://ow.ly/i0lyI #WinVanDusen

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post describing how you get through the long, cold, dark, and wet winter months in Vancouver.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, March 1, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Saturday, March 2, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Darcy, you are the lucky winner of two adult season passes to VanDusen Botanical Gardens! Now you can enjoy the gardens year-round! 

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

Going out to your favourite restaurant can get boring after a while, even if they serve fantastic food. It’s fun when the menu is fresh, seasonal, and features something unique. Welcome to Salt Tasting Room.

Tucked away in Blood Alley, part of downtown Vancouver’s Gastown district, Salt Tasting Room is a paradise of small plate tasting experiences. Every night on the chalkboard menu are a variety of 10 cheeses, 10 meats and 10 condiments. The menu is always changing, meaning every time you go, you’re going to have a fresh new dining experience.

If you can’t decide what to have, choose the daily plate. There are three options: cheese, meat, or best of BC. The friendly staff will choose your selection for you, so it’s a complete surprise (yes, it’ll be good no matter what they choose).

Wines are paired based on your small plate selection. You can order a regular full glass of wine, or mix it up by having a flight of up to three different two-ounce wine selections.

In the lower level is a giant 30-foot long, wood plank table, perfect for a close group to get together in an intimate location. The basement is also home to the wine cellar.

The use of wood and soft lighting make for a pleasant ambiance. If you like a quiet, romantic place, Salt Tasting Room probably isn’t for you. It can get very loud and the tables are close together, so be ready to introduce yourself to the table immediately next to you.

Salt Tasting Room is located at 45 Blood Alley. Reservations can be made by calling (604)633-1912.

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

It’s been almost 20 years since the British electronic rock band, MUSE, was first introduced to the music scene. High school buddies, Matthew Bellamy, Christopher Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard, joined forces and their passion for progressive, alternative rock.

MUSE performed at Rogers Arena on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, as the final show on their 2^ND LAW North American Tour, western tour. They are on a quick trip back to the UK for one show, before returning back to North America for the second leg of their tour along the east coast and southern states.

Well known for outstanding concerts, the 2^ND LAW tour is a lighting, video, and audio spectacle. From a spaceship looking stage with screens all the way down to the floor, to a giant four-tier, multi-dynamic pyramid video and graphic projected screen system overhead; the show is full of colour and motion.

Throughout the almost two-hour set, the trio belted out a range of music from their six albums spanning from 1991-2012, including Survival, the official song of the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

As the days slowly start getting a bit longer Vancouver’s seawall starts to see more visitors from runners as thousands of people begin training for Canada’s biggest 10k road race, The Vancouver Sun Run.

If you haven’t already registered to participate, it’s important to do it right away. There is a limit of 50,000 participants for the 2013 race, including individuals and corporate teams.

The Sun Run InTraining clinics kicked off on January 19 at over 65 centres across the lower mainland. Training leaders are providing expert advice, coaching tips, and motivational support to walkers, novices, and experienced runners.

The clinics are $139 and include a New Balance long sleeve technical training shirt, PowerBar performance training package, training log book, 2013 race entry, and souvenir event t-shirt.

Virtual training programs are also available through Sport Med BC.

Volunteers are also needed to help put on the massive event. Volunteer registration is now open. Volunteers are required for a minimum of six hours and will receive a commemorative crew t-shirt.

The Vancouver Sun Run will take place on Sunday, April 21, at 9:00am. The annual race started in 1985 with just 3,900 participants. 2011 was a record year with over 60,000 participants, becoming the largest 10km road race in the world that year. The race is primary targeted to promote health, fitness, community spirit and to support amateur athletics. Over $1.1 million has been raised for charities to date.

Inspired by the past and infused with todays latest culinary trends, Rain City Grill, overlooking Vancouver’s English Bay, has been serving up its locally sourced menu and welcoming diners since 1992.

The fine dining restaurant believes in preparing unique and creative West Coast inspired dishes that are from ethical and sustainable sources. They work with local farmers, fishermen and producers to create a menu that is bursting with fresh flavours and personality.

The results are fantastic. From beetroot salad and oven roasted Cornish game hen, to smoked salmon pate and Salt Spring Island honey muscles, the menu is full of rustic comfort foods, with an urban twist.

The beverage selection is equally diverse. From the classic Manhattan to their own creations like the English Bay Breeze. Rain City Grill also boasts one of the largest wine selections of any restaurant in Vancouver.

If the stunning views, mouth-watering entrées, and a wine book the size of a bible aren’t impressive enough, wait until you meet the staff. They are authentic West Coast servers with a passion for trade, making every guest experience unique and memorable.

Yes, Rain City Grill is a highlight for a fantastic evening out on the town. Give them a try, you’ll be glad you did!

Rating:

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

At the entrance to Vancouver’s Chinatown is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first full-size Chinese scholar garden’s built outside of China. Since it opened on April 24, 1986, just in time for Expo ’86, it has welcomed thousands of visitors every year and has become an important part of the local community.

The outer park, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, is free to the public and is build with North American materials in the traditional Chinese style. It is connected to the inner garden, the Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, through an artificial pond. The inner garden park does have an admission fee to help cover operating and maintenance costs. Together, the two park areas bridge the understanding between the Chinese and Western cultures.

The Classical Chinese Garden was designed by Wang Zu-Xin. Funding for the garden came from the Canadian and Chinese government, private donations, and public sources.

Many of the plants selected for the garden were chosen because of their blossom schedule and because of their native location in the Suzhou region in China, where the climate is very similar to Vancouver. In true Chinese Classical Garden style, plants are used sparingly, invoking their historic and symbolic meaning. The garden also takes into consideration the principles of Feng Shui and Taoism.

The large pond is home to fish, turtles, and birds. The water unifies the park elements, including large, strategically placed rocks representing mountains, and the large pagoda.

Other noteworthy gardens in Vancouver to visit include the Bloedel Conservatory and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.

Wine enthusiasts rejoice! You no longer have to spend $500 to try a bottle of fine French wine in Vancouver. The Wine Bar (TWB), is now open and ready to  start serving guests fantastic wines by the bottle, by the glass, and by the ounce.

A wine preservation system allows TWB to offer a special wine selection to guests. Guests can choose anything off the reserve list and order it by the glass for 20 percent of the bottle price. Once the bottle is opened, the selection is available to everyone in quantities as little as one ounce. Wine connoisseurs can try amazing wines from around the world and have a different wine flight experience every visit to TWB, without having to invest in a full bottle of expensive wine. A special wine system keeps the wine preserves the precious liquid over a short period of time.

“The wine program is meant to be approachable while offering guests a range of products and prices to suit every taste and budget,” said TWB’s Sommelier, Rachelle Goudreau. “By-the-glass offerings start at $7 and bottles start at $30. To accommodate guests looking for something special and to utilize current inventory, a reserve list is available featuring a selection of wines, many of which are hard to find labels and rare vintages.”

In addition to the wine preservation system, wine is poured from the bottle and through a tap system. The on-tap wine is stored in special wine cannisters. Wine is carefully placed into the canister, sealed, and then pumped through to the tap, similar to a beer keg system.

“I am very excited to offer Montelvini Prosecco on tap,” says Ms. Goudreau. “Two of my local favourites, also on tap, are Joie’s Noble Blend and Road 13’s Honest John Red. For French there’s Louis Latour Chardonnay (Coteaux de lÀrdeche) and Les Brottiers Cotes du Rhone Rouge.”

While wine is the primary focus at the 30 seat TWB, they have also rolled out a complementary food menu to compliment the entire experience. Chef Quaglia’s Mediterranean and French inspired dishes pair well with the selection of over 50 wines.

“The Wine Bar is meant to be very casual,” says Chef Quaglia. “I have created a wine-friendly Bites Menu especially for The Wine Bar.”

Menu options range from $5 small bites to $18 big bites that can be shared. Specials will also be posted daily on their Facebook and Twitter feeds.

The interior is beautifully decorated with aqua blue glass tiles behind the wine bar, has comfortable bar and table seating, wonderful wine-glass inspired chandeliers, and picture-perfect views of False Creek.

TWB, next door to Provence Marinaside, is located at 1167 Marinaside Crescent along the False Creek Seawall and is open daily from 3:00pm to midnight.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

From April 2-7, 2013, Broadway Across Canada presents Billy Elliot, the Musical at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver. The show runs 2 hours, 50 minutes, including intermission. It’s suitable for families, ages 8 and up.

From 10:00am on Friday, January 18 until 10:00pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013, readers of myWebbSite.ca have the special opportunity for pre sales:

• http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/139293/1106208?brand=bac
• Presale passcode: FAMILY

General tickets go on sale on Monday, January 21, 2013.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the celebration of a boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, Billy stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion inspiring his both family and community. The Tony award winning musical comes to Vancouver from April 2-7, 2013.

Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 singers, dancers and actors. Director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall, along with music legend Elton John, has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”.

Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production has been awarded 81 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”

The show is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, associate direction by Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.  Touring production direction is by Justin Martin and choreography is by Kathryn Dunn.

The performance runs April 2-7, 2013 in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Billy Elliot plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm; Saturday matinee at 2:00pm; Sunday matinee at 1:00pm and Sunday evening at 7:30pm.

Tickets for Billy Elliot vary in range depending on performance, seat location, and date of purchase and start at $35.00. Tickets go on-sale 10:00am, January 21, 2013, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000.

Billy Elliot in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of a five city tour in Canada including dates in Ottawa January 1 – 6, 2013, Montreal January 8 – 13, 2013, Edmonton March 19 – 24, 2013 and  Calgary March 26 – 31, 2013.

It’s bursting with energy, excitement and flare! This week, Vancouver dance/pop singer, songwriter and dancer, Tyrell Witherspoon is set to launch is sophomore EP, Scorpio.

“I am a Scorpio myself through and through,” Tyrell said as he explained how the EP was named after a reflection of what the album meant to him. “We’re a passionate and driven bunch and I think that this album reflects that not only in its creation process but in the lyrics as well.”

The eight brand-new tracks are inspired by hook-ups, break-ups, long distance relationships, and staying true to who you are regardless of the obstacles.

“When you pursue something really hard, you’re going to have more than a few people who are going to try and knock you down,” explained Tyrell. “The track ‘One’ is all about that personal struggle and I wrote it as a chance to vent a little about how I was feeling.”

The EP was a collaboration with up-and-coming Vancouver producer, Nick Bertossi. Funding for the new EP was made possible with the help of the crowd funding website, Pledge Music.

“I am so thankful for everyone who pledged to help make this a reality for me,” Tyrell said expressing his appreciation for the support. “It was amazing to have friends, family and fans involved in the process. I got to share with them the progress along the way which a lot of people may not know.”

To celebrate the release of the new EP, Tyrell will perform six of the tracks from the new album at the Electric Owl Social Club on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10.

“I can’t wait for people to hear this album,” says Tyrell. “I am so proud of the result.”

As an openly gay artist, Tyrell hopes his success will help inspire other LGBT artists.

“Yes I am openly gay but that doesn’t mean my music shouldn’t have a universal appeal,” explained Tyrell. “We all love, we all hurt. It’s all the same. I really want to make sure this album leaps over that sometimes harsh line LGBT artists can fall behind. I want to break down doors like Adam Lambert, Frank Ocean and Jake Shears did.

Scorpio is Tyrell’s second album; his first album, Just Dance With Me, debuted in 2011.

Scorpio can be heard on SoundCloud or downloaded on iTunes.

The Vancouver running community is incredibly active, especially the people of West Vancouver – they take running very seriously. On Sunday, March 3, 2013, both professional and recreational runners are invited to participate in the annual West Van Run 5k and 10km race.

Registration is now open for the race, which starts and finishes at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Race starts at 8:30am.

Currently, kids under 15 years and seniors over 60 years can register for $10, and teams of five or more people for $20 per team member.

Race packages pick-up is Saturday, March 2 from 11am-4pm at the North Vancouver Running Room at 2601 Westview Drive North.

This is more than just a race. West Van Run is committed to supporting the community, with 50% of net proceeds being donated to the Special Olympics North Shore, a not-for-profit organization helping athletes with special needs to stay active.

The State of California is making a big deal for the 2013 Vancouver International Wine Festival, held February 25 – March 3, 2013, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The California wine regions will have a full-showing of their award-winning wines ranging from white and reds, to blushes and bruts.

The week long events include wine masters dinners at some of Vancouver’s top restaurants, vertical tastings, and panel discussions. Many of the wine makers will be on hand at the events teaching, answering questions and explaining how the wines have been crafted.

Every wine region in California will be represented. Attendees can learn  everything about the heritage of the varietals to how the types of soil the grapes are grown in can impact the flavor of the finished product.

Some events include limited edition, library releases, and award-winning tastings. Tickets start from $50 per person, per event.

For a full line-up of the California Wine events, dates, times, locations and prices, visit the Vancouver International Wine Festival website.

Tickets for all events are on sale now:

• www.vanwinefest.ca
• 604-873-3311 or toll free 1-877-321-3121, Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm
• VIWF office at 305-456 West Broadway (Cambie), Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm

This past summer Joe Jonas came to Vancouver to perform at the Summer Playland Festival at Playland / PNE. The 45 minute set was a shot stopper for many Jonas Brother fans who were able to get within just a few feet of the outdoor stage.

Photo contributed.

One of Vancouver’s largest and popular night clubs is about to undergo a massive renovation starting January 2, 2013. When complete, the transformed night club will be able to compete with other international clubs, attracting a whole new line-up of DJs and performers.

Since 1980, Celebrities has been part of the social fabric in Vancouver’s Davie Village. The club has primarily focused on the LGBT community, however, in recent years the club has started to evolve into a more diverse crowd and become less focused on attracting the gay dance crowd.

“We’ve seen Celebrities go through a lot of exciting changes over the years, but it’s been imperative to us that the heart and soul of Celebrities always remains the same,” explained Bill Kerasiotis, one of the owners that holds the license to the club, “With the core untouched, we’ve been able to ensure this cherished club experiences continued, ageless success.”

The announcement of the renovations is very vague when it comes to how the club will be positioned post-renovation. While the owners still want to appeal to the LGBT community, they also express that they want to open up the venue to attract a straight audience; something that has not been popular with the Vancouver gay community for many years.

“The goal of this revamp is to make Celebrities better than ever and to enhance what it’s come to be known for, and that’s namely amazing dance music within a superior club setting,” said Alvaro Prol, co-owner of Celebrities Nightclub. “It’s important that those who have supported us over the years know these improvements will only reflect and heighten that sentiment. We pride ourselves on being one of the best dance clubs on the West Coast, and want to ensure Celebrities continues to evolve over the years in order to live up to its name and legacy”.

Celebrities hopes to attract a higher caliber of DJs and performers after the renovation is complete, including Tiesto, David Guetta, Skrillex, Boy George and Ru Paul.

The club will outfitted with the latest technology, lighting, sound and aesthetics, and will unveil a new feature, which will remain under wraps until the club’s grand re-opening party in early February 2013. Celebrities will be announcing a brand new Saturday club-night that will launch with the club’s reopening.

Before Celebrities closes for renovations, there are a number of holiday parties lined up including Boy George and the annual New Years Eve celebration. Tickets are available for these events online.

What do you think of this announcement by Celebrities Nightclub? Sound off by leaving your comments below.

It might be early in the ski season, but it’s definitely mid-winter ski conditions at Big White Ski Resort, located in the Thompson Okanagan. The resort has been blessed with over 150cm of snow and the base just keeps building!

It’s the snow! Not kidding you. In the winter the coastal precipitation cools as it comes inland, which falls as dry, powder snow. The abundance of snow is incredible. Over 750cm each year!

Variety is a good way to describe the 105 marked runs. From glades and powder filled bowls, to perfectly groomed cruisers and black-diamond chutes, there’s every kind of skiing and snowboarding your heart desires. The longest run stretches over 7km (4.5 mi)!

You won’t be waiting in line either like you do at other large ski resorts. There are 16 lifts including a six-person chairlift, five quad chairs and seven other types of ski lifts. The 60 acre TELUS Park has terrain features for beginners, all the way up to professional.

If you don’t ski – don’t panic! You have options. There are snow limo’s that can take you on a tour of the mountain so you can experience the entire resort. Or spend your day relaxing at the spa, having coffee overlooking the spectacular Monashee mountains, skate on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink, or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Once you’re off the slopes, the fun continues in the ski-in/ski-out village. There are almost 30 restaurants and bars on mountain for après-ski entertainment. From grab-and-go and casual dining, to small plates and thick steak dinners, chances are you won’t go hungry.

After dinner relax with a glass of Okanagan wine at the Kettle Valley Steak House or get a group of friends together at the Bull Wheel for drinks. As the night goes on, you’ll find a lot of the locals and younger crowd partying at Snowshoe Sam’s.

If you’re travelling as a couple, or a small group, there are 17,000 beds on mountain. While hotel rooms are obvious choice, there are plenty of other options including townhomes and luxury log cabins.

Big White Ski Resort is located 56km (23 mi) from Kelowna, BC. If you’re traveling from Vancouver there are a few options. Driving is pretty easy – take the Coquihalla (Highway #5) to Merritt and then the Connector to Kelowna (Highway 97C). It’s about a 4.5 hour drive in the winter. Just remember to drive slow. Another option is to jump aboard a charter bus line, like Destination Snow, where you can just relax and enjoy the time hanging out with friends and not have to worry about the driving part. Finally, the fastest option is aboard WestJet, offering multiple non-stop daily flights to Kelowna International Airport.

For more information and travel packages visit the Big White Ski Resort website.

Twinkle, twinkle, little Christmas lights! Around Vancouver Christmas lights are popping up everywhere as the holiday season gets into full swing. If you’re looking for some festive cheer to get you into the mood, here are the top four places to see this year for the best Christmas light displays in Vancouver:

Festival of Lights – VanDusen Botanical Gardens

A must-do annual tradition. Thousands of twinkle lights are delicately placed on the prized and rare botanicals throughout the acres of gardens. Light and sound show on Livingstone Lake every half-hour. Most romantic place for a Christmas holiday date night!

• December 7 – January 1(closed Dec 25)
• 4:30pm – 9:00pm
• Oak Street at 37 Avenue
• Adults: $14.25

Bloedel Jewel Box of Lights – Queen Elizabeth Park

Experience Christmas in the tropics! Stay warm and dry inside the conservatory, filled with thousands of Christmas lights and holiday music.

• December 6 – January 1 (closed Dec 25)
• 4:30pm – 9:00pm
• 4600 Cambie Street
• Adults: $7

Bright Nights – Stanley Park

Two-million lights shine bright and light up the park. Miniature Christmas, animated displays, hot cocoa, carols and roasted nuts. Proceeds to BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

• November 29 – January 1 (closed Dec 25)
• 3:00pm – 11:00pm
• Stanley Park Pavilion
• Adults $10