Community Events

There’s certainly no excuse for thumb-twiddling this Long Weekend, given the myriad events that have been organized to celebrate Canada 150+ in style.

The Canada Day Parade is extra-special this year, and will kick off with a Lions Pancake Breakfast in Grand Boulevard Park starting at 7:30 a.m. The parade will start at 10am, marching from the park along 13th Street, turning right on Lonsdale and left on West 17th Street, terminating at Jones (a route map is right here.) Don’t forget your hats, glasses and sunblock!

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It must be something in the water – this little corner of the world has spawned pretty amazing musicians from of all genres.  On Friday, May 5, you’re invited to celebrate Lynn Valley’s rock legend with a performance by The Authentics.

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If you’ve always loved the character of Lynn Valley, you’ll love watching Lynn Valley as a character.

More properly, Lynn Valley is the setting of a play opening up at Hendry Hall – but given the theme of 2000, it’s almost a character itself.

Playwright Joan MacLeod, who now teachers writing at the University of Victoria, was intrigued by life lived on the border between natural and human habitat. Producer and director Stephen Torrence says “The play examines how the natural and urban worlds are interwoven and how they each impact on the other; a topic  [so] germane to Lynn Valley, which exists in the midst of the rainforest.” He says that Joan MacLeod is delighted the play is finally being performed in North Vancouver.

As you’ll see in this good North Shore News overview, those who enjoy good laughs along with thought-provoking theatre entertainment will not be disappointed. Nor will those who love a bit of local history – there are still Lynn Valley residents among us who  remember the real-life “Nature Boy,” an interesting man of the woods who is immortalized in the play as one of the characters.

“We have a truly innovative and creative set that strives to illustrate the overlap between the natural and urban worlds, created by local artists and set designers,” says Stephen.

Tickets are only $10 on the preview night on Thursday, April 6; opening night is Friday, April 7 which features an opening night reception and goodies to boot.  The show runs Wednesdays through Saturdays after that, closing on on April 22. To learn more about the production and get your tickets, just go here. Why not call up a Lynn Valley friend and make a night of it?

2000 is North Van Community Player’s festival entry in the the Theatre BC North Shore Zone Festival of Plays, which runs at Presentation House from May 7 to 13. 2000 will be performed on May 11.  All shows in this year’s festival are by Canadian playwrights, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday.  The show which is chosen as Best Production will go on to to Vernon in July to compete in the provincial festival.

(Photos: Actors Laura Burke and Karen Golden in the top photo; Kathryn Ferguson and Ryan Johnson are in the bottom.)

There are two musical fundraisers coming to our neighbourhood to promote two excellent causes!

On Saturday, March 11, acoustic guitarist Stephen King will be hosting an evening of good music and good company to raise funds for those affected by the recent Upper Lonsdale apartment fire. Non-perishable food donations to the Harvest Project are also welcome at the door, as the Harvest Project has been helping those rendered homeless with some immediate needs.

The concert will take place at St. Clement’s Anglican Church, 3400 Institute Road, starting at 7 p.m. Details are here.

And over at Lynn Valley United, a great evening of world music is being planned for Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. According to their post:

This concert is a fundraiser for North Shore United Refugee Response, a cooperative effort by the seven United Churches on the North Shore to sponsor two Syrian families fleeing their homeland and currently waiting in a refugee camp for entry into Canada. More than sponsorship, this endeavour will re-unify the refugees with families that have already settled in the Lower Mainland.

In celebration of diversity, fascination with all cultures, and building harmony through the language of music, you are invited to join us at Lynn Valley United Church on Sunday, April 2 at 3:00pm for an auditory and visual feast of music and song.   From Indian tanbur to a children’s choir and Syrian guitar, from didgeridoo to string quartet, come hear the many colors of instruments in our world.

So if you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy a new musical experience without having to travel out of your neighbourhood – and like to know that you’re supporting a good cause at the same time – these concerts might be what the doctor ordered!