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How to pick the Celebration of Light winner

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Taraneh

Tonight is the final night of the Celebration of Light showdown. First we saw China. Next we saw Spain, the 2010 Celebration of Light winner. Tonight we’ll sit on our patios and recline on our picnic blankets, craning our necks to see Canada’s light show. But how do we pick the 2011 winner?

The judges use five criteria: colour, conceptual presentation, originality, quality of production and soundtrack.

Read on to get the details you need about each country to choose the champ. Who do you think is gonna take the title?

Canada

When: August 6
Theme: “Then and Now”
Soundtrack: Tune in to SHORE 104.3 at 10:00 pm. It hasn’t been released yet.
Visual highlights: To be determined.
Musical highlights: To be determined.

 

Rounding off the Battle of Champions, the 2007 and 2008 Celebration of Light champion, Archangel Fireworks, will rep Canada.  Known for their “out of the box” music selections, the theme “Then and Now” explores music itself.

They say:

“Music naturally goes through changes as time passes.  The author of a song intends to deliver a feeling, emotion or message through their music.  Once another musician or band plays the same song, the emotions often change depending on the intention of the new artist. While cover songs are looked at as stolen by some, our display will prove just how valuable new versions of classics can be.”

Spain

When: August 3
Theme: “Odyssey”
Soundtrack
Visual highlights: Impressive colour and geometric shapes. Huge floral arrangements.
Musical highlights: Tunes from Cowboy Bebop, Freddie Mercury and Rimsky-Korsakov.

 

Wednesday, August 3rd, brought Spain (the 2010 Celebration of Light winner) back to Vancouver. This show was produced by Pirotecnia Igual, Spain’s largest Fireworks Company working in all pyrotechnic areas including manufacturing and performance displays.

The inspiration behind Spain’s show: Odyssey represented an exciting boat journey from Barcelona, across the tumultuous seas, to Vancouver. The powerful synchronized music recalled the idea of an adventurous journey.

China

When: July 30
Theme: “China Storm”
Soundtrack
Visual highlights: Massive, monumental movement. Powerful finale.
Musical highlight: “Twisted Nerve” by Bernard Hermann, also know as “the whistle song” in Kill Bill.

 

Saturday, July 30th, was China (2008′s winner) with pyrotechnics done up by Red Eagle Manufacturing and Mystical Fireworks

The show used the seasonal calendar as inspiration to provide a trip through the year of the Rabbit, and fireworks, demonstrating Chinese tradition. The Chinese calendar is still used for marking traditional East Asian holidays like Chinese New Year and wedding dates.

The term, Jiéqì means “Solar Terms”, and each node is the instant when the sun reaches one of the 24 equally spaced points along the ecliptic, positioned at 15-degree intervals.

What to do this weekend in Kits

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Taraneh

Extra 25% off at Gravity Pope summer sale. Image: Jennie Faber

Summer Fun

Tennis, various locations, free.
Sunshine inspires me to play tennis. Here’s a list of all the free tennis courts in Kits.

Kits Pool, Friday, 7 am-8:30 pm; Saturday, Sunday, 9am-8:30 pm, 2305 Cornwall Avenue, between Yew and Balsam, day tix $2.61 for kids, $3.71 for youths, $5.31 for adults.
This baby is the only salt water pool in Vancouver and one of the few in the world. Wear sunscreen. Take a ride on the water slide.

Events

Celebration of Light, Saturday, August 6, 10:00 pm, free.

Elbow yourself a spot along the sardine-packed beach to catch the 21st annual Celebration of Light fireworks extravaganza, which is a showdown for Top Pyro between China, Spain and Canada. It’s Canada’s chance on Saturday. For the best vantage points, stake out a spot at one of our top five locations LISTED HERE.  And don’t forget to tune your boombox to SHORE 104.3 FM so you can really make the most of this 25-minute, music-simulcast show, starting at 10 pm sharp.

Celebration of Light Live Music, Saturday, August 6, 7:00 pm, The Rogue Stage and YVR Community Stage, free.

If you prefer live music to the simulcast stuff on SHORE 104.3, drop by a SHOREfest stage location and check out the bands. There are three stages–two of which are in Kits. 104.3 SHOREfest at The Rogue Stage by the Maritime Museum, will feature Leeroy Stagger, Kevin Kane (of Grapes of Wrath), The Sojourners and more, starting at 7:00 pm. YVR Community Stage, located between Kits Pool and Kits Beach,  will cover the SHORE 104.3 Song Search 2011 Top 10 with 2010 Song Search winner Zaac Pick.

Kitsilano Farmers Market, Sunday, August 7, 10am – 2pm, 10th and Larch, free.
It’s all happening at the Kits Market. Park your bike with the trusty bike valet. Grab a tasty meal at a food cart, grocery shop for produce, browse handicrafts and chat with your neighbours. Tis the season for blueberries, cherries and more.

Films

The Change Up, Daily at: 1:15, 4:30, 7:30, 9:50, Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
Growing up together, Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) were inseparable best friends, but as the years have passed they’ve slowly drifted apart. While Dave is an overworked lawyer, husband and father of three, Mitch has remained a single, quasi-employed man-child who has never met a responsibility he liked. Mitch and Dave comically struggle to avoid completely destroying each other’s lives before they can find a way to get their old ones back

Another Earth, Daily at: 2:00, 4:45, 7:20, 9:30, Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a bright young woman accepted into MIT’s astrophysics program, aspires to explore the cosmos. Composer John Burroughs (William Mapother), has just reached the pinnacle of his profession and is about to have a second child with his loving wife. On the eve of the discovery of a duplicate Earth, tragedy strikes and the lives of these strangers become irrevocably intertwined.

The Trip, Daily at:1:45, 4:15, 7:00, 9:20, Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
When Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour the country’s finest restaurants, he envisions it as the perfect getaway with his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she backs out on him, he has no one to accompany him but his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob Brydon.

Crazy Stupid Love, Daily at: 4:00, 7:00, 9:25; Sat & Sun at 1:30, The Ridge Theatre.
Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), married to his high school sweetheart, Emily (Julianne Moore), believes his life is perfect. He likes his job, he owns a house and has great kids. All that changes when he finds out Emily is having an affair and wants a divorce. Cal, who hasn’t dated in years, doesn’t know what to do.

Shopping


Gravity Pope, 2205 West 4th Ave., 604-731-7673.
The summer sale just got event better. Starting NOW receive 25% OFF THE LAST TICKETED SALE PRICE. Sale items already up to 60% off! Ready set…run.

Wear Else, 2360 West 4th Ave., 604-732-3521.

This ladies boutique which keeps Kits in the latest looks and labels still has a rocking summer sale with 40-60-% off.

Pop-up Shop at U Life, thru Sunday, August 7, 2028 Vine St., 604-879-9135.
Now through August 7, Suzanne is selling a bright, summery selection of tunics and handbags from the old U Life store.

What to do this (long) weekend in Kits

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Taraneh

OVERVIEW

Pyrotechnics, free live music, a Shakespeare’n’ fireworks Bard-B-Q in the park, the weekly farmers market and more are all happening in Kits.

Outside of Kits, The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) brings together Vancouver members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and their supporters for the annual Vancouver Pride Parade, a celebration of the vibrant spirit and culture of the LGBTTQ community. Plus there’s the annual Powell Street Japanese Festival.

Read on, friends. We’ll help you schedule the sunny long weekend.

MUST ATTEND EVENTS IN KITS

Celebration of Light, Saturday, July 30, 10:00 pm, free.
Elbow yourself a spot along the sardine-packed beach to catch the 21st annual Celebration of Light fireworks extravaganza, which is a showdown for Top Pyro between China, Spain and Canada. China is up first on Saturday. For the best vantage points, stake out a spot at one of our top five locations LISTED HERE.  And don’t forget to tune your boombox to SHORE 104.3 FM so you can really make the most of this 25-minute, music-simulcast show, starting at 10 pm sharp.

Celebration of Light Live Music, Saturday, July 30, 7:00 pm, The Rogue Stage  and YVR Community Stage, free.
If you prefer live music to the simulcast stuff on SHORE 104.3, drop by a SHOREfest stage location and check out the bands. There are three stages–two of which are in Kits. 104.3 SHOREfest at The Rogue Stage by the Maritime Museum, will feature Leeroy Stagger, Kevin Kane (of Grapes of Wrath), The Sojourners and more, starting at 7:00 pm. YVR Community Stage, located between Kits Pool and Kits Beach,  will cover the SHORE 104.3 Song Search 2011 Top 10 with 2010 Song Search winner Zaac Pick.

Bard on the Beach Bard-B-Q & Fireworks,  July 30, August3, August 6, 6:00 pm, Vanier Park, $105.

Stirring Shakespeare, a delicious dinner and fireworks create a one-of-a-kind, spectacular experience. Enjoy an informal salmon barbecue during an extended intermission, then after the performance, move to a private seating area to view the Celebration of Light fireworks. A no-host bar is open all evening. Always a sell-out, this event is a joint fundraiser for Bard on the Beach and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Kitsilano Farmers Market, Sunday, July 17, 10am – 2pm, 10th and Larch,  free.
It’s all happening at the Kits Market. Park your bike with the trusty bike valet. Grab a tasty meal at a food cart, grocery shop for produce, browse handicrafts and chat with your neighbours. Tis the season for blueberries, cherries and more.

BONUS: HOT EVENTS OUTSIDE OF KITS

Vancouver Pride Parade ‘Celebrate’, Sunday July 31, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Bute and Robson down to Denman and Sunset Beach, free.
Over a half million spectators come out to celebrate Vancouver’s Pride Parade. With parade entries including colourful floats, musical marching bands and community groups, Pride takes over the streets. Rainbows fill our city on the largest one day event in Vancouver. At the end of the Parade you are invited to CELEBRATE and walk with us down to Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach Pride Festival, July 31, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, free.
Celebrations continue during and after the Parade at the Sunset Beach Pride Festival. 125,000 people join Pride in the park, listen to live music by local performers and enjoy the headliners on the Festival Stage. There are 140 booths and a private, beachfront beer garden. The Festival Stage @ Sunset Beach begins with DJ Riot; afternoon hosts are Berend MacKenzie, Symone and Barb Snelgrove.

Powell Street Japanese Festival , July 30-31, see website for locations and costs.
Jonesing for some Japanese food this weekend or maybe a little sumo? Head to the 35th annual Powell Street Festival, taking place at various Vancouver venues, including Oppenheimer Park, Firehall Arts Centre and Chapel Arts, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. This giant Japanese jamboree, considered Canada’s largest, features a jam-packed agenda full of free dance, music and martial arts performances.

Easy guide to Celebration of Light transit

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Taraneh

We’re one day away from Vancouver’s annual Celebration of Light. Seven tons of fireworks are set to blast across Vancouver skyline over three nights, starting Saturday, July 30. Pyrotechnics of this scale attract a large crowd. It’s essential to plan how you’re going to get there and escape in advance.

My advice: You’ll want to come down early to get a good spot. Start with our list the “Five Best Places to Watch in Kits.”  Then leave the car at home.

HOW TO GET THERE

CYCLING W/BICYCLE VALET

The easiest ways to get down to the fireworks are walking and cycling. Bike valet parking will be available near English Bay Beach, Kitsilano Beach, and the north end of the Burrard Bridge.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Public transit also beats driving. TransLink will offer additional service to deal with the crowds. Here’s what’s going to be different in Kits on fireworks nights:

Starting at 9 p.m., the #22 Macdonald/Knight will stop running on Burrard Bridge and Cornwall Avenue. It will travel on West 4th Avenue between Granville Bridge and Macdonald Street in both directions.

And here’s the city-wide TransLink Celebration of Light schedule.

ROAD CLOSURES

Kits Point will be closed to vehicles, except those of drivers who can prove they reside there through car registration or a permit parking decal. In the West End, the closures—affecting the area bounded by Denman Street, Alberni Street, Burrard Street, and Beach Avenue—will begin at 7:30 p.m. on fireworks nights. The Kits Point closures—north of Cornwall Avenue—will start at 6 p.m.

The closures will end at 11:30 p.m. Of course, this won’t stop silly drivers from trying to maneuver their cars through the crowds right after the fireworks end.

The five best places to watch fireworks in Kits

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Taraneh

Rookie fireworks can leave you underwhelmed, but Vancouver’s annual Celebration of Light which started two decades ago is the real deal. Seven tons of fireworks are set to blast across Vancouver skyline over three nights, starting this Saturday, July 30.

This year’s Celebration is presented by SHORE 104.3, and is titled the “Battle Of Champions” with three feisty nations duking it out for the title. The line-up is: China (July 30), Spain (August 3) and Canada (August 6).

Given that China is the country with the first documented use of fireworks in the 7th century, there should be enough rambunctious pyrotechnics at Saturday’s light show to get the most jaded skygazer’s heart thumping.

But there’s more happening than the basic boom and shimmer. Each night, SHORE 104.3 will simulcast the accompanying fireworks soundtrack beginning at 10:00pm. If you prefer live music, drop by a SHOREfest stage location (listed below) and check out the bands. There will be three stages–two of which are in Kits.

Here are the details you need to see the Celebration of Light:

FIVE BEST SPOTS TO WATCH IN KITS

1) 104.3 SHOREfest at The Rogue Stage by the Maritime Museum. This stage will feature Leeroy Stagger, Kevin Kane (of Grapes of Wrath), The Sojourners and more, starting at 7:00 pm.

2) YVR Community Stage in Kitsilano featuring the SHORE 104.3 Song Search 2011 Top 10 & 2010 Song Search winner Zaac Pick. Stage located between Kits Pool and Kits Beach along the concrete walkway, music starting at 7:00 pm.

3) Vanier Park has a clear line to the sky over English Bay without the blowing sand.

4) Hadden Park is a sweet little nook with a view.

5) Kits Point has plenty of runway space to spread a blanket and break out the snacks.

WHEN IT’S GOING DOWN

Saturday, July 30 | Time: 10 to 10:25 pm
 |  Country: China
 | Theme: “China Storm”

Wednesday, August 3 | Time: 10 to 10:25 pm
 |  Country: Spain | 
Theme: “Odyssey”

Saturday, August 6 | Time: 10 to 10:25 pm | 
Country: Canada | 
Theme: “Then and Now”

Want to add a spot to our list? Email me: Taraneh [at] Kitsilano [dot] ca. And stay tuned. In our next couple of posts we’ll break Celebration of Light essentials like how they pick the winner and  transport —bus times, closed roads and parking.

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