Artist-in-residence Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo is leading Capilano University’s jazz ensembles, and other faculty guests, in an exploration of African jazz roots at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts tonight at 8 p.m. The event, called A Tribute to Africa, will feature Gbolonyo and Dave Robbins on drums, Dennis Esson on trombone, Jared Burrows on guitar, Steve Kaldestad on saxophone, and Brad Turner on trumpet and piano, as they explore new compositions and traditional music from Ghana. Tickets: $27-$30
Visit Lonsdale Quay Market tomorrow for some Lunar New Year celebrations, such as a fan dancing workshop and performance slated for 11 a.m. The Quay’s celebration, which marks the start of the Year of the Pig, will also include traditional crafts from noon to 3 p.m. as well as a lion dance blessing and visit from the God of Fortune from 3 to 4 p.m.
The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is back for another piping hot year. Until Feb. 14, establishments throughout Metro Vancouver are encouraged to get creative with their hot chocolate offerings, including three local chocolatiers and pastry chefs who are taking part in the sweet event for charity. Visit BjornBar Bakery in Edgemont Village, Thomas Haas Chocolates in the Harbourside area and Temper Chocolate and Pastry in Dundarave for a taste of that sweet, sweet cocoa.
What if Romeo and Juliet didn’t have to end like, well, Romeo and Juliet? That’s the question in a new production, called What If Romeo and Juliet…, produced by DynamO Théâtre, is exploring starting tonight and running until Sunday at Presentation House Theatre. The performance, showing tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., will explore the rivalry of the Capulet and Montague clans, and the titular characters, through acrobatic movement and dance. Tickets: $15-$28
Park & Tilford Gardens is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The green space, which was officially dedicated by the City of North Vancouver on Jan. 29, 1969, was originally developed by the former Canadian Park & Tilford Distilleries Ltd. as a community amenity. While the gardens have went through changes over the years, the spirit remains the same – and maybe this weekend is the perfect time to walk again through its seven sumptuous displays of flora.
