The Chutzpah! Festival, a celebration of Jewish culture, returns this fall with its Canadian and international programming of comedy, theatre, dance, music, and more. Taking place October 24-November 24 at multiple venues across Vancouver, the 2019 Festival features Sandra Bernhard, Iris Bahr, Daniel Cainer, Gary Lucas, AvevA, Yemen Blues, Guy Mintus Trio, Rami Kleinstein, The Rescue: A Live Film-Concerto, Geoff Berner and TJ Dawe & Friends, The Diary of Anne Frank LatinX, Tamara Micner’s Holocaust Brunch, ProArteDanza, MM Contemporary Dance, UNA Projects, and more. Details and tickets at www.chutzpahfestival.com

Ho-Ho-Ho! Capture your holiday memories and get a festive photo taken with Santa at Central City. Photos with Santa are offered during select shopping centre hours from November 15 to December 24 at Santa Land, on the south side of the centre near Tim Hortons. All kids that visit Santa will receive free treats (while quantities last). Santa’s FastPass payment option is available at www.centralcity.ca to reduce photo line-up wait time and offer convenient online ordering. Be sure to get your favourite furry friends’ photos taken with Santa too-exclusive pet photo sessions are available on select evenings. Visit www.centralcity.ca for full details including Santa’s visiting hours and package prices.

The Cultch is thrilled to present Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Pinocchio at the York Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020. East Van Panto returns for a seventh year, welcoming back the creative team behind last year’s hit Wizard of Oz: playwright Marcus Youssef, composer Veda Hille, and director Stephen Drover. When a lonely old ice cream vendor named ‘Gelatto’ is given a puppet by the mysterious ‘Beckwoman’ of Commercial Drive, his dreams of having a child suddenly come true. Join a locally famous cricket, an angry orca, and a dastardly fox as poor Pinocchio does his best to tell everyone the truth and become a real boy. But why are Pinocchio’s limbs always growing? Will there be a Cappuccino War between the ‘Abruzzos’ and the ‘Calabrias’? And why are all those kids ditching class to go to Hastings Racecourse? Don’t worry, Pinocchio – just follow your nose! “We had a wonderful time in Oz last year, and we are thrilled to be returning with the same creative team,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director, Maiko Yamamoto. “This year, we are headed straight to the heart of East Van: Commercial Drive! Marcus has taken inspiration from the neighbourhood’s Italian heritage to give Pinocchio a brand new, hyper-local spin. As always, we are trying to walk the line between respecting tradition and upending convention. We feel so lucky to be able to take these kinds of risks each year alongside thousands of families from across the Lower Mainland.” Heather Redfern, The Cultch’s Executive Director adds, “It means so much to us that the Panto has become such a wonderful holiday tradition for so many people. Last year’s Panto was so successful that we’ve extended the run dates this year to seven weeks. We are so excited to sing along with everybody. Go Panto, Go!” East Van Panto: Pinocchio is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, The Cultch recommends East Van Panto: Pinocchio for ages 5 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. TICKETS: Tickets from $26; On sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604.251.1363, or online at www.thecultch.com *Child tickets just $26 for any seat in the house *(must be 16 and under) **Family Packs from $160 **(Family Pack includes 2 adult 2 child tickets)

Newly formed theatre company The Search Party presents its debut production, The Father, from Wednesday, November 20 to Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch. Founded by Mindy Parfitt, The Search Party exists to bring emotionally powerful and aesthetically rigorous productions to Vancouver stages. The Father is a multi-award-winning play written by one of the most exciting playwrights of our time, Florian Zeller. This production marks the Western Canadian premiere of Zeller’s work. “I was fortunate to see Florian Zeller’s work in London,” says Parfitt. “I was so taken by the writing, I knew I wanted to direct one of his pieces. They pose the perfect challenge – how to clearly depict reality, when reality is unreliable. The Father is an exquisitely written play that allows the audience to experience the disorienting nature of dementia.” The Father is a deeply moving and unsentimental portrayal of the realities of living with dementia. Winner of the 2014 Moliére Award (France’s most prestigious theatre prize) for best new play, The Father took Paris, London and New York by storm, garnering a plethora of awards and accolades along the way. It is a deeply moving, fearless, and humanizing portrayal of a man in mental decline whose daughter desperately tries to care for him as he fights to maintain his autonomy and identity. With performances by some of Vancouver's leading theatre artists including Kevin McNulty, Jillian Fargey, Steven Lobo, Agnes Tong, Emma Slipp and Kayvon Khoshkam, The Father is not to be missed. Tickets:  From $25 online at tickets.thecultch.com or by phone at 604.251.1363

Ready, set, GLOW! Christmas Glow, the world's largest indoor Christmas festival is opening in downtown Vancouver in November bringing 40 days of illuminated fun! Set inside the Harbour Convention Centre, visitors can escape the winter elements and enjoy nearly 50,000 sq. feet of family friendly and festive holiday activities while they laugh, stroll and play under the twinkle of a million lights.

Glow's illuminated structures are the perfect backdrop for family photos and #selfies. Interactive activities and festive playgrounds entertain kids for hours, while adults kick back at licensed bars and enjoy seasonal beverages and live music. It's all the magic and wonder of an outdoor festival, hosted inside a warm and spacious venue.

The 2019 theme for Vancouver is "Santa's Lost Presents." Visitors will explore lighted trails and help the elves uncover Santa's lost presents. With traditional holiday-themed illuminated structures, including Santa's sleigh and his glowing reindeer, guests will be sure to get into the holiday spirit! "It's the first time that Glow is being held in Vancouver, with the expansion of the event announced earlier this year to include a total of seven Canadian cities, and one international in Odense, Denmark," said Glow Vancouver Event Manager Crystal Koskinen. "1.5 million guests are expected to celebrate the warmth of the season across the world when Glow brightens up their cities."

It’s an extra christmas present for British Columbians who will also be able to experience Glow Abbotsford from December 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020 with the same high standard of event as Glow Vancouver, with a different theme, concepts, structures and interactivity for the whole family.

"We have engaged local charities, organisations and entertainers to ensure each event is unique to its location, and we can"t wait to open to the public later this month," continued Crystal. "Our light maze and illuminated structures create amazing social media moments and backdrops to create perfect selfies, holiday family photos and lifelong memories."

Christmas Glow in Vancouver runs from November 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020, and in Abbotsford from December 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020. Join the joyous 1.6 million guests ready to Glow and celebrate the warmth of the season! 20% off select tickets available.

Connect with Glow:

Facebook: Glow Vancouver

Instagram: @glow_vancouver

Twitter: @glow_vancouver

Produced by the Firehall Arts Centre along with Victoria’s Puente Theatre, FADO – The Saddest Music in the World runs from Thursday, November 21 to Saturday, December 14, 2019.

Acclaimed Portuguese-Canadian playwright Elaine Ávila’s new play, FADO, is a tale of love and ghosts set in the back alleys and brothels of old Lisbon. Part concert and part theatre, the story of a young woman confronting her country’s Fascist past and her own identity is interwoven with the heartbreaking national music of Portugal known as Fado, which means “fate.”

The hit of the Victoria Fringe in 2018, FADO won the award for Favourite Musical, with B.C.’s own beloved Sara Marreiros playing the ghost of Amália Rodrigues, the queen of Fado.

The Firehall’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer says, “I am excited to be working with Victoria’s Puente Theatre and Artistic Director Mercedes Bátiz-Benét and look forward to bringing this wildly unique production to greater Vancouver audiences.”

For a taste of Fado music, listen to Amália Rodrigues singing “Abandono” here.

Tickets:  From $25 at firehallartscentre.ca | 604.689.0926

Heart to Home Holiday Market

November 23 & 24 | Noon to 5 p.m.

Surrey, BC – Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) invites art and craft lovers to their annual Heart to Home Holiday Market at the Surrey Arts Centre on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

It's that time of year again! Bring a friend and browse some beautiful one-of-a-kind creations from local artists who are part of the Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA). Gather with fellow art fans to enjoy some hot apple cider and holiday tunes while you shop and get into the festive spirit. Choose the perfect gift for your friends and families to celebrate the holiday season—there’s something for everyone!

Margo Harrison has been involved with the SAGA Gift Shop and Heart to Home Holiday Market for many years. She makes adorable life-like ceramic cats. She says, "As a vendor, I like to do my own Christmas shopping at Heart to Home for unique and unusual items that you can't find anywhere else!" SAGA is excited to have her back as a vendor again this year. Margo always brings a great attitude and warm smile along with her beautiful creations.

Textile artist Rhonda Philips is a shopper's favorite with her felted wool hats, hand-knit scarves, and unusual jewelry. She enjoys working the Heart to Home weekend and says, "The atmosphere is like being invited to a nice party. Everyone is so friendly and having such a great time."

The Heart to Home Holiday Market takes place in the Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre. The market proudly features amazing pieces from local artists. Shoppers will find handmade chocolates, ceramics, homemade jams and jellies, hand-felted and hand-knit scarves and hats, jewelry, paintings, prints, photographs, cards, and more!

About Surrey Art Gallery Association

Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art and is part of a community that actively supports the Surrey Art Gallery. For more information about the Heart to Home Holiday Market, email sagagiftshop@gmail.com or call 604-501-5187.

About Surrey Art Gallery

Internationally recognized for its award-winning programs, Surrey Art Gallery, located at 13750 88 Avenue in Surrey, is the second-largest public art museum in Metro Vancouver. Founded in 1975, the Gallery presents contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art. Its extensive public programs for children through to adults aim to engage the public in an ongoing conversation about issues and ideas that affect our communities and to provide opportunities to interact with artists and the artistic process. Admission is free. Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association.

Filipino Music and Art Foundation: How Green Is Your Muse?

November 16, 2019–February 2, 2020

Surrey, BC – The Filipino Music and Art Foundation is proud to present an exhibition of nature-themed artwork at Surrey Art Gallery. How Green Is Your Muse? will be on display from November 16, 2019 to February 2, 2020. A special opening reception featuring live music, food, and introductory remarks will be held at the Gallery on November 23, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

How Green Is Your Muse? is both a celebration of nature and a plea for universal action to preserve and protect it. Prompted by the idea of nature as inspiration, 12 emerging and established Filipino-Canadian artists have prepared their work for display at Surrey Art Gallery. In an exhibit of catalytic artworks, they convey visceral images of peaceful, majestic environments, while provoking viewers to imagine a world without clean air and devastated by the effects of harmful human activity.

Based in B.C., the Filipino Music and Art Foundation (FMAAF) invited a dozen artists to represent their feelings about nature. Contemporaries Danvic Briones, Ileta Buenaventura, Tessie Dichupa, Jo Galang, Mayo Landicho, Edgardo Lantin, Lenore RS Lim, Chito Maravilla, Esmie Gayo McLaren, Bert Monterona, Soliman L. Poonon, and Broderick Wong deliver a feast for the eyes. Media vary widely, from carving, printmaking, and traditional painting, to collage with found objects and painting with soil.

According to FMAAF founder Lenore RS Lim, "In caring for the environment, it takes the action of each determined individual to effect a significant impact. Similarly, in this exhibit, the creations of each accomplished artist generate a powerful collection of art."

The Filipino Music and Art Foundation is thankful for the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.

About Filipino Music and Art Foundation in B.C.

Founded 40 years ago by Jose and Lenore Lim, the Filipino Music and Art Foundation in B.C. is dedicated to inspiring and developing the artistic potential of deserving individuals, as well as supporting artists with recognizable artistic merit. The foundation seeks to provide affordable and accessible educational and co-operative opportunities in the making of fine arts in the community-at-large, as well as to enhance public exposure of deserving artists. Over the years, the foundation has presented exhibits and collaborated with various organizations in bringing concert pianists, dance troupes, and choral groups for performances in Vancouver. The Foundation also developed, organized, and presented Philippine Cultural Nights in the Greater Vancouver area.

About Surrey Art Gallery

Internationally recognized for its award-winning programs, Surrey Art Gallery, located at 13750 88 Avenue in Surrey, is the second largest public art museum in Metro Vancouver. Founded in 1975, the Gallery presents contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art. Its extensive public programs for children through to adults aim to engage the public in an ongoing conversation about issues and ideas that affect our communities and to provide opportunities to interact with artists and the artistic process. Admission is free. Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association.

Kick off the holiday season in Surrey at this free family event. Join Mayor and Council along with Frosty and Santa as they flip the switch to light the City’s official Christmas tree. Check out the free concerts, food, light displays and fun activities all day long.

The event features an expanded Holiday Market showcasing goods from local vendors. Be sure to stop by the Holiday Fun Zone on University Drive. Activities include free amusement rides, road hockey and a DJ! The 60-foot Christmas tree will light the plaza at 6:30pm.

Rarely a reality musical show touches the soul of young & old alike, and that's exactly what the INDIAN IDOL Season 10 did like almost all the contestants connected with each & everyone not just in India but all over the world. All the finalists became household names and their fans sang along them with joy & sorrow as they followed each & every contestant for weeks & months making it the most followed season in the history of reality shows.

 Their fan following grew multi-fold & it was natural that most wanted to see their musical heroes up close & personal and, finally,  the wait is over as KVP Entertainers bring SALMAN ALI, ANKUSH BHARDWAJ, AVANTI PATEL & NITIN KUMAR, the four most popular idols amongst all, along with their musicians & technicians on Sunday, November 24th, 2019 at New Westminster's iconic MASSEY Theatre for what promises to be the most eagerly awaited musical concert of 2019.

Tickets at $35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 100 & VIP  are available at Kamal's Video Palace in Surrey or www.vtixonline.com and KAMAL SHARMA can be reached for more information at (604)833-1977.

Heart to Home Holiday Market

November 23 & 24 | Noon to 5 p.m.

Surrey, BC – Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) invites art and craft lovers to their annual Heart to Home Holiday Market at the Surrey Arts Centre on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

It's that time of year again! Bring a friend and browse some beautiful one-of-a-kind creations from local artists who are part of the Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA). Gather with fellow art fans to enjoy some hot apple cider and holiday tunes while you shop and get into the festive spirit. Choose the perfect gift for your friends and families to celebrate the holiday season—there’s something for everyone!

Margo Harrison has been involved with the SAGA Gift Shop and Heart to Home Holiday Market for many years. She makes adorable life-like ceramic cats. She says, "As a vendor, I like to do my own Christmas shopping at Heart to Home for unique and unusual items that you can't find anywhere else!" SAGA is excited to have her back as a vendor again this year. Margo always brings a great attitude and warm smile along with her beautiful creations.

Textile artist Rhonda Philips is a shopper's favorite with her felted wool hats, hand-knit scarves, and unusual jewelry. She enjoys working the Heart to Home weekend and says, "The atmosphere is like being invited to a nice party. Everyone is so friendly and having such a great time."

The Heart to Home Holiday Market takes place in the Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre. The market proudly features amazing pieces from local artists. Shoppers will find handmade chocolates, ceramics, homemade jams and jellies, hand-felted and hand-knit scarves and hats, jewelry, paintings, prints, photographs, cards, and more!

About Surrey Art Gallery Association

Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art and is part of a community that actively supports the Surrey Art Gallery. For more information about the Heart to Home Holiday Market, email sagagiftshop@gmail.com or call 604-501-5187.

About Surrey Art Gallery

Internationally recognized for its award-winning programs, Surrey Art Gallery, located at 13750 88 Avenue in Surrey, is the second-largest public art museum in Metro Vancouver. Founded in 1975, the Gallery presents contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art. Its extensive public programs for children through to adults aim to engage the public in an ongoing conversation about issues and ideas that affect our communities and to provide opportunities to interact with artists and the artistic process. Admission is free. Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association.

Please join us Sunday Nov 24th, 2019 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for our 2nd annual Hopes & Dreams Toy and Food Drive at Aria Banquet Hall. Last year was a great success, with the help of my volunteers and everyone that donated we were able to help many families in need. This year again we are pleased to help bring smiles to children’s faces and help families in need. Please bring a "new" unwrapped toy and non-perishable food item to kick off this year’s toy drive benefiting Surrey Women’s Center, Ronald McDonald House BC and Vancouver Food Bank.

Surrey, BC - IN BRIEF: With their virtuosity, synergy and charm Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann, accompanied by tenor, Benjamin Butterfield, set the Studio Theatre stage alight in Surrey Civic Theatres’ Coffee Concert Series, Surrey Arts Centre, November 28 - Social hour at 10:00 AM, Concert at 11:00 AM.

Tickets Online: tickets.surrey.ca.

Box Office: 604-501-5566 | 13750–88 Avenue, Surrey, BC.

"Always adventurous, the married couple combines virtuosic dedication with the instincts of professional entertainers who love their music"—Showtime Magazine

Entertaining storytellers the Bergmann Duo, bring their magical touch to these intimate and casual morning concerts. They enjoy sharing stories and musical insights and invite their acclaimed musical colleagues to perform with them. In Wintersong, the Bergmann’s welcome tenor, Benjamin Butterfield, to warm up winter with songs from Schubert’s seminal song cycle, “Winter Journey,” to some British and American songs by Charles Ives and Arnold Bax. To round out the morning, Mr. Butterfield will sing a few favorite Randy Newman songs!

“From the first note to the last it was a pleasure to hear these two natural musicians, who breathe, think and play as one.” National Post

"Butterfield is not only a very accomplished recitalist, but he is also a natural communicator." Calgary Herald

The Bergmann duo is laureates of the Dranoff International Two Piano Competition and enjoys dazzling audiences around the world at festivals and on tour. Mr. Butterfield has sung in all of the major opera centers in Europe and North America, and in Canada, he has performed for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Opera Company, among many others.

The Coffee Concerts are the perfect mix of eclectic classical and contemporary repertoire, brilliantly rendered with skill and passion by acclaimed Bergmann Duo and their special guests, preceded by a lively social hour before the performance.

Next in the series is More with Fewer on January 16, 2020. The Bergmann’s guest is Violinist Mark Fewer, former Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s concert master, with a program that will warm audiences’ hearts and spirits. The morning will feature some classical hits by Vivaldi and a few ‘not so classical’ tunes by legendary Ramani-French Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Individual tickets are $26–$39 and are available online now at tickets.surrey.ca. or from the box office at 604-501-5566.

About Surrey Civic Theatres (surrey.ca/theatre)

Surrey Civic Theatres presents the annual Surrey Spectacular Season at three venues: Main Stage and Studio Theatre, both at the Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Avenue), and Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall (13450 104 Avenue). This curated, eclectic mix of professional performances ranging from theatre, music, dance to circus, stand-up comedy, and puppetry—is an invitation to connect, laugh, dance, have thought-provoking conversations, and be inspired. Complementing its presentations, Surrey Civic Theatres offers performing arts classes for all ages taught by practicing artists.

The Rocket Man - A Tribute to Elton John Moon Coin Productions presents ‘The Rocket Man’ A Tribute to Elton John, Starring Ryan Langevin. Backed by a full live band, Ryan sings all of Elton’s biggest hits including Crocodile Rock, Benny & The Jets, Tiny Dancer, Sad Songs, Your Song, Saturday Night’s Alright, Philadelphia Freedom, Candle In The Wind and so many more! Some performance highlights for The Rocket Man include The TD Concert on The Pier in White Rock for over 5000 people, The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), The Harmony Arts Festival, The River Rock Show Theatre, The Kelowna Community Theatre, The Port Alberni Performing Arts Centre, The Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver, The Massey Theatre in New Westminster, the Langley Canada Day Celebrations for a crowd of over 5000, sold-out shows at Prairieland Park Hall in Saskatoon, Evraz Place in Regina, The Bell Centre For Performing Arts, Northlands Park in Edmonton, The Vernon Performing Arts Centre & more! www.iLoveEltonJohn.com View a preview of the The Rocket Man here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wGZ_hmOP4 Opening Act: The Piano Man - A Tribute to Billy Joel Ryan Langevin stars as the Piano Man and gives a genuine & powerful Tribute to the music and legacy of Billy Joel. An accomplished Vocalist, Pianist and Performer Ryan brings his heart and soul to this music that inspired him as an artist. Accompanied by a live band, Ryan will have you dancing and singing along to all of Billy’s biggest hits including It’s Still Rock n Roll To Me, The Piano Man, My Life, Just The Way You Are, You May Be Right, Only The Good Die Young, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, River Of Dreams and so many more! Some performance highlights for The Piano Man include The Edgewater Casino, The Grand Villa Casino, The Cascades Casino in Langley, The Genesis Theatre in Ladner, The Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC, The Chilliwack Cultural Centre, The Coast Capital Theatre in White Rock, The Vancouver Convention Centre, the CN Roundhouse in Squamish, Centre & many more! View a preview of the The Piano Man here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FkHljyoVVs

The Yaletown Business Improvement Association (YBIA) is proud to present its eighth annual CandyTown winter festival. Set to transform the Yaletown district into a winter wonderland, CandyTown is downtown Vancouver’s only free outdoor winter market and gathers locals and tourists alike for a one-day holiday extravaganza. Capitalizing on the success from years prior, this year will include all the fan favourites such as photos with Santa, roaming holiday characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a festive cocktail tour. New this year, and poised to impress even the biggest Scrooge, is the “Winter is Coming” attraction, complete with ice sculptures, a live swordplay demonstration, and more. Taking place on November 30th, this one-day only holiday festival promises more fun and excitement for all.

On November 30, 2019, the Surrey City Orchestra led by Music Director Stuart Martin is very proud to present Tchaikovsky's magical ballet masterpiece, The Nutcracker. This performance of The Nutcracker celebrates the incredible talents and diverse backgrounds of local dancers and choral singers, and will be presented unlike any version you have seen before! Performing Traditional Classical Ballet will be dancers from the highly celebrated Central Dance Academy.  Other featured artists include traditional Chinese, Ukrainian and Arab dancers from the Hanyang Arts Society, the Kvitka Ukrainian School of Dance, and the Ammara Dance Company. Also featured will be the award winning Surrey Children's Choir. This spectacular event will be hosted at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium  10238 168 St, Surrey, BC, starting at 7:30 pm. Unsold tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the concert. Ticket prices at the door will be $40 for Adults and $30 for Students and Seniors. Get your tickets online early to avoid disappointment! See you there! For more information about Surrey City Orchestra, visit us at www.surreycityorchestra.org