Melissa Poll, Kevin MacDonald and David Mackay in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Cyrano De Bergerac.

NOVEMBER 2008

CONCERTS 

HILARIO DURÁN
Pianist, composer, bandleader and arranger, Hilario Durán is an outstanding virtuoso jazz pianist from Havana, Cuba. A member of Arturo Sandoval’s band for nine years (1981–1990), he toured major jazz festivals around the world, sharing stages with musicians such as the late Dizzy Gillespie and composer/arranger Michael Legrand. Since his move to Canada in 1995, Durán has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene. A 2003 Juno Award-nominated artist for his Havana Remembered CD and a 2005 Juno Award winner for his New Danzon album, Durán will heat up the stage with his hot Cuban jazz, irresistible rhythms and infectious tunes with “A” Band and NiteCap under the musical direction of Réjean Marois. Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Performing Arts Theatre, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. 604-990-7810. capilanou.ca/theatre

YUJA WANG
Born in Beijing in 1987, Yuja Wang was drawn to piano at the age of six when she began studying music. She enrolled at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and earliest public performances took place in China, Australia and Germany. In 2001, she won the first prize in the Junior Group of the Seiler International Piano Competition and also third prize and recipient of the Special Jury Award at the First Japan Sendai International Music Competition. Presented by the Vancouver Recital Society. Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.; Pre-concert chat at 2:15 p.m. Kay Meek Studio Theatre, Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. 604-913-3634. kaymeekcentre.com

MARTIN TAYLOR AND MARTIN SIMPSON
For the first time touring together in North America, UK guitarists Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson will each play solo as well as perform collaborative pieces. The melding of Taylor’s classic jazz stylings with Simpson’s folksy, rough-hewn approach will make for a fascinating evening of great guitar music. Described as “THE acoustic guitarist of his generation” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Taylor has established a unique career as an internationally acclaimed guitarist. Simpson is one of the finest finger- and slide-pickers of our time and was recently named one of the top artists of the decade by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Performing Arts Theatre, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. 604-990-7810. capilanou.ca/theatre

ALANIS MORRISETTE
Live Nation presents the seven-time Grammy winner in support of her critically acclaimed album Flavors of Entanglement, in concert with special guests. Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, Smithe at Seymour. 604-280-3311. ticketmaster.ca

GINO VANNELLI
Born in Montreal, Gino Vannelli first made a name for himself in the ’70s with hits including “People Gotta Move” and “I Just Wanna Stop” that came wrapped in elaborate arrangements dominated by multiple synthesizers while being totally bereft of guitars. He ended up releasing a total of 10 Billboard pop chart hits. Signing with Verve in 1995, his commercial output took a radical left turn with the largely acoustic jazz albums, Yonder Tree and Slow Love. He then recorded his first classical album, Canto, released by BMG Canada in 2003. Two years later, he issued These Are The Days, a compilation that combined seven of his earlier hits with seven new songs, marking the début of yet another phase of his career and a return to the pop genre that made him an icon. Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. River Rock Show Theatre, River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd. Richmond. 604-280-4444. riverrock.com

JOHN SEBASTIAN AND DAVID GRISMAN
This duo’s musical history dates back to college days at New York University circa 1963 when the Greenwich Village folk revival was in its heyday. They made their first recording together as members of the Even Dozen Jug Band with future luminaries Maria Muldaur, Stefan Grossman and others. Sebastian became lead singer and songwriter of The Lovin’ Spoonful and Grisman spearheaded an acoustic music evolution with his Dawg music. After a 40-plus-year hiatus, their paths crossed again at a benefit concert in Mill Valley, California, when it became obvious that they would continue collaborating. The result is Satisfied, a collection of acoustic duets featuring traditional folk tunes, blues, instrumentals and originals. Nov 8 at 8 p.m. Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre of the Performing Arts at UBC, 6265 Crescent Rd. 604-280-3311. ticketmaster.ca

BARRY GREENFIELD AND MICHAEL CREBER
Having performed together elsewhere in B.C. and Alberta, the duo will premiere in Vancouver in an evening of songs and stories. Greenfield’s musical journey began in the ’60s and has taken him to London, L.A., and Nashville, yielding seven solo albums and several No. 1 singles. His songs have been covered by Garden Oddessy, Graham Gouldman, Tom Middleton, Annette Ducharme, The Cascades, The Hudson Brothers and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Exposed Soul is his latest album. Creber, the Grammy-nominated, Juno Award-winning keyboardist, composer, arranger and producer, has recorded and toured internationally with the Irish Rovers, k.d. lang, and Raffi, and has worked with The Rankin Sisters, David Foster, Shirley Bassey, Powder Blues, Shari Ulrich, Charo, Jim Byrnes, Dee Daniels, Lee Aaron and, most recently, Martin Short, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart and Regis Philbin. As a composer, his most recent credits include Global TV’s Very Bad Men and CTV’s Vanity Insanity and three albums of original music. Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. Kay Meek Studio Theatre, Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. 604-913-3634. kaymeekcentre.com

LUCINDA WILLIAMS
Lucinda Williams has always been adept at painting landscapes of the soul, illuminating the spirit’s shadowy nooks and shimmering crannies, but she’s never captured the sun breaking through the clouds as purely as on her new Lost Highway release Little Honey, which includes the single “Real Love” and features guest appearances by Elvis Costello, Charlie Louvin, Jim Lauderdale, Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs and Tim Easton. Nov. 12 at p.m. Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St. 604-280-4444. ticketmaster.ca

 MCCOY TYNER QUARTET
As a member of the classic John Coltrane Quartet in the ’60s to his current status as a living jazz icon, McCoy Tyner has a 50-plus year history of music performance including nearly 80 albums under his name. His blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand, has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music, garnering this master five Grammy Awards. With Gerald Cannon, bass, and Eric Kamau Gravatt, drums, his Vancouver performance will feature New York-based guitarist Marc Ribot, whose recording credits include Caetano Veloso, Allen Toussaint and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Tyner released Guitars this year, his second album on McCoy Tyner Music, featuring Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette with five of pop music’s most accomplished string specialists: Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Derek Trucks and Bela Fleck. An interactive DVD is included, documenting the making of the album. Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre of the Performing Arts at UBC, 6265 Crescent Rd. 604-280-3311. ticketmaster.ca

VSO MASTERWORKS SILVER: VANCOUVER BACH CHOIR & GUESTS
Marking the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I, this epic concert features Benjamin Britten’s seminal work War Requiem, a brilliant denunciation of the horrors of war. With Christie Reside on flute, Joni Henson, soprano, James Taylor, tenor, Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, baritone, and the Vancouver Bach Choir. Conducted by Bramwell Tovey. Nov. 15 and 17 at 8 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, Smithe at Seymour. 604-876-3434. www.vancouversymphony.ca

 THE GRAND FINALE
Join the CBC Radio Orchestra and conductor Alain Trudel for their farewell performance. The orchestra celebrates its longstanding commitment to Canadian composition with new commissions by four brilliant young Canadian composers: Kati Agocs, John Stetch, Samy Moussa and Owen Pallett. Reflecting on its unique heritage, the orchestra also revisits the 1980 CBC-commissioned masterpiece by Claude Vivier, Lonely Child, with soprano Nathalie Paulin. The concert concludes with one of the greatest symphonies of all time, Beethoven’s 7th. Formed in 1938, the CBC Radio Orchestra has been renowned as an ensemble of passion, versatility and innovation. As North America’s last remaining broadcast ensemble, it has been a legacy of the days when radio orchestras were to be found all over the continent, as they still are in Europe. Unique not only in its history, the CBC Radio Orchestra has also been set apart by its programming. With an audience made up of radio listeners, rural and urban, throughout the country, it has presented a rich, musical tapestry that has engaged, stimulated and challenged its diverse patrons. The Orchestra’s mandate has been to make engaging musical radio programs, commission and perform works by Canadian composers, showcase Canadian performers and conductors, and discover and expose Canadian excellence. Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre of the Performing Arts at UBC, 6265 Crescent Rd. 604-280-3311. ticketmaster.ca

JAMES BLUNT
The English acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriter whose début album Back to Bedlam and single releases – especially the No. 1 hit “You’re Beautiful” – brought him to fame in 2005. His style is a mix of pop, rock and folk. Along with vocals, Blunt performs a variety of instruments, including piano and guitar. He won two BRIT Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, and was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2006. Blunt subsequently released his second album, All The Lost Souls, in 2007, with the single “1973.” With Luke Doucet and the White Falcon. Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. General Motors Place, 800 Griffiths Way. 604-280-4444. ticketmaster

STARRY NIGHT
Celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of the Shooting Stars Foundation’s signature event, Canadian talent will include Coco Love Alcorn, Michael Creber, Destino, Dalannah Gail Bowen, Jayme Armstrong, Rae Armour, Babe Gurr, Cecile Larochelle, Michael Owen-Liston, Lisa Vernon, Sheryl Rae, Kendra Sprinkling and Sibel Thrasher. All proceeds to benefit the Shooting Stars Foundation in support of local direct service AIDS agencies. Hosted by Musical Director David Sinclair. Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville St. 604-687-1644. www.shootingstarsfoundation.org

BAKER AND BRAHMS
Former VSO concertmaster and celebrated violinist Mark Fewer, pianist and acclaimed juror of international competitions Keiko Alexander, and head of the Cello Department and Director of Chamber Music at the Vancouver Academy of Music Joseph Elworthy perform a concert of classics and the world premiere of a new work by Juno Award-winning B.C. composer Michael Conway Baker. Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. 604-925-7292. silkpurse.ca

ALINA IBRAGIMOVA AND CEDRIC TIBERGHIEN
The Vancouver Recital Society presents violinist Alina Ibragimova and pianist Cedric Tiberghien in concert. Russian–born, British-trained Ibragimova is making waves on the other side of the Atlantic. She is a BBC New Generation Artist, and she has very recently received a young artist award from the Borletti–Buitoni Trust. French pianist Tiberghien has a burgeoning career of his own. Also a Borletti-Buitoni Award-winning artist, he divides his time between a solo career and performing chamber music with musicians like Alina. Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. 604-280-3311. Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, Hamilton at Dunsmuir. 604-280-4444. ticketmaster.ca

ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS
Burdon started out as the founder and lead vocalist for the Animals in 1962 and together took the music world by storm with an electrified version of the traditional folk number “The House of the Rising Sun.” Fast forward to 1994 when Burdon released his first solo studio album in several years called My Secret Life. Produced by Grammy Award winner Tony Braunagel and recorded in Johnny Lee Schell’s recording studio in Studio City, California, the musicians include Braunagel, Schell, Ivan Neville, Hutch Hutchinson and Red Young, who in 2006 joined the latest incarnation of The Animals. Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. River Rock Show Theatre, River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd. Richmond. 604-280-4444. riverrock.com

 END OF TIME
Turning Point Ensemble’s fall presentation will celebrate Vancouver-born composer Alexina Louie and the centenary of one of the 20th century’s master composers, Olivier Messiaen. On the program will be the B.C. premiere of Louie’s Imaginary Opera and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. Vancouver-born composer Louie has established an international reputation and created a body of work that ranks among the most important of any Canadian composer. Her uniquely personal style, rooted in a blend of East and West, draws on a wide variety of influences – from her Chinese heritage to her theoretical, historical and performance studies. The Ensemble will also play two of her large chamber works, Winter, with Canadian viola virtuoso David Harding, and Ricochet featuring trombonist Jeremy Berkman. and The Quartet for the End of Time, with its extraordinary expressive power and striking harmonic and rhythmic innovation, is arguably the most important work of chamber music composed in the last 100 years. Turning Point Ensemble members, violinist Marc Destrubé, cellist Peggy Lee, clarinetist François Houle, and pianist Jane Hayes, will interpret this 20th century masterwork. Nov. 28 and 30 at 8 p.m. Ryerson United Church, 2195 W. 45th Ave. 604-733-9023. turningpointensemble.ca

FATHERS AND SONS
A tour de force of roots music from different generations, veterans Jim Byrnes and Amos Garrett team up with the next generation of roots musicians, Steve Dawson and Doug Cox, for what is anticipated to be an amazing collaboration. These four artists have all had distinguished careers and a history of working together, in particular, Byrnes and Dawson and Garrett and Cox. Now for the first time touring together, a night of story and song and some fine guitar picking. Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. Performing Arts Theatre, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. 604-990-7810. capilanou.ca/theatre

JAZZ CLUBS & LOUNGES

Atrium Pendulum Gallery HSBC Building 885 W. Georgia St. (604-250-9682) — Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Stu Loseby trio, a.k.a. The Friends of Mr. G, with Loseby on tenor sax, Chris Sigerson, piano, and Russ Botten, bass, play near the Café Ami. Feel free to bring your own lunch. pendulumgallery.bc.ca

Biltmore Cabaret 395 Kingsway (604-676-0541) — Sundays, 5 to 8 p.m.: Jam sessions hosted by drummer Morgan Childs with weekend special guests. After an opening set by the host band, an open jam for two sets. biltmorecabaret.com

Capones Restaurant & Live Jazz Club 1141 Hamilton St. (604-684-7900) — All bands start at 7:30 p.m. Sundays: Solo blues guitarist Wes Mackey. Mondays: Classic blues with the Benjamin Price trio. Tuesdays: Soul Syndicate, with guitarist Tom Hancock and the voice of Dawn Pemberton. Wednesdays: Terminal Station. Thursdays: Paul Pigat trio. Saturdays and Sundays: Various performers. caponesrestaurant.net

Cascades Lounge Pan Pacific Vancouver, 300 – 999 Canada Place (604-895-2480) — Fridays, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 9:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Nov. 7–8: Catherine St. Germaine & Co. Nov. 14–15: TBA. Nov. 21–22: TBA. Nov. 28–29: Amanda Wood duo. Live local music located on the lobby level, spacious and casual, with premium cocktails, snacks and a panoramic view of Stanley Park. vancouver.panpacific.com

The Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club 3611 W. Broadway (604-738-1959) — Wednesdays through Saturdays, 8:30 and 10:15 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30 and 9:15 p.m. Oct. 31–Nov. 1: Two Much Guitar, with Oliver Gannon and Bill Coon. Nov. 5: Amanda Tosoff quartet in a tribute to Duke Ellington, with Tosoff on piano, Bria Skonberg, trumpet, Sean Cronin, bass, and Morgan Childs, drums. Nov. 7–9: 

JAKE LANGLEY TRIO
Canadian guitarist Jake Langley featuring Brian Charette on B3 organ, Ian Froman, drums, and for a live CBC recording on the 9th, Mike Allen on tenor sax. The 33-year-old New York-based Langley has been gaining international attention during the past four years while touring with the Joey DeFrancesco trio. His 2006 CD Movin’ and Groovin’ features DeFrancesco and Byron Landham. Jake is also featured on the DeFrancesco’s latest release Authorized Bootlegs with George Coleman and received rave reviews for his participation on Joey’s 2006 CD Organic Vibes with Bobby Hutcherson and Ron Blake. He is also known for his work with David Clayton Thomas, Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainright, Bobby “Blue” Bland, k.d. lang, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Steve Gadd, Pat Labarbara, James Moody, Trudy Pitts, Houston Person, Pee Wee Ellis, Scott Hamilton, Garth Hudson, Ron Blake and Bill Cosby. Nov. 12: Kate Hammett-Vaughan presents Songs of Paris, Rio and Berlin, featuring Bill Coon, guitar, Bruce Clausen on guitar and mandolin, Rene Worst, bass, and Phil Belanger, drums. An evening of songs by Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Michel Legrand, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more. Nov. 14: Jennifer Scott quartet. Nov. 15: Brad Turner quartet.  Nov. 16: Alain Bédard Auguste quintet. Nov. 19: Mike Allen quartet. Nov. 20: Amanda Wood. Nov. 22–23: P.J. Perry/Campbell Ryga quintet featuring Ryga and Perry on alto saxophones, Ross Taggart, piano, Doug Stephenson, bass, and Blaine Wikjord, drums. Nov. 26: Melody Diachun EQ. Nov. 27: Tardo Hammer trio. For more than a quarter of a century jazz pianist Hammer has been a major figure on the New York City bebop scene. Largely self-taught, he was a full-fledged professional by the age of 16. Since then he has played with Lionel Hampton, Lou Donaldson, Art Farmer, Clifford Jordan, Abbey Lincoln, Johnny Griffin, Bill Hardman, and Junior Cook. Since 1994 he has been accompanist and musical director for Annie Ross. Nov. 28–28: Grant Stewart/Tardo Hammer quartet. Since moving to New York City at the age of 19, Stewart has studied with such masters as Donald Byrd, Barry Harris, and Joe Lovano, and performed with Curtis Fuller, John Hendricks, Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Bill Charlap, Frank Gant, Dan Barret, Bob Mover, Brad Mehldau, Russell Malone, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, Jimmy Cobb, Harry Connick, Mickey Roker, Arthur Harper, Jimmy Lovelace, Cecil Payne, Dick Hyman, Herb Geller and was a member of the last Al Grey Sextet. Nov. 30: Alma Streert Café Reunion Band featuring Campbell Ryga on alto sax, Ron Taggart, tenor sax, Ron Johnston, piano, guitarist Oliver Gannon, Len Lister, bass, and John Nolan, drums. June Katz, who was first a performer, then hostess, music manager, and eventually a part-owner of the café, on vocals. cellarjazz.com

Fairview Pub 898 W. Broadway (604-872-1262) — Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m.: Drummer John Nolan’s trio, with pianist Ron Johnston and bassist Dave Guiney, and, after the first set, various guests – mostly singers – who fall by to sit in. fairviewpub.ca

Gallery Lounge Hyatt Regency Vancouver 655 Burrard St. (604-683-1234) —Wednesdays through Fridays, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Solo piano. Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Nov. 7–8: Shannon Gaye. Nov. 14–15: Amanda Wood. Nov. 21–22: Julie de la Pena. Nov. 28–29: Caroline Drury. Just off the main lobby, comfy chairs in a stylish and congenial atmosphere, where drummer John Nolan and various pianists back featured vocalists on Saturdays. vancouver.hyatt.com

Libra Room 1608 Commercial Dr. (604-255-3787) — Live local jazz and folk, nightly. Sundays: Latin jazz with the John Korsrud quartet. Mondays: Catt Toren quartet; St-Bruno trio. Tuesdays: Jesse Waldman; October trio. Wednesdays: Amanda Tosoff trio with special guests. Thursdays: Monica Lee band. Fridays: Zoë trio. Saturdays: Queso Blanco. libraroom.com

900 West Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. (604-662-1929) — Mondays through Wednesdays, 5 to 10 p.m., and Thursdays through Saturdays, 5 to 7:30 p.m.: Pianist Greg Alcock. 8 p.m. to midnight. Nov. 1: Murray Porter duo. Nov. 6–8: Kenny Wayne & Co. Nov. 13–15: Wes Mackey & Co. Nov. 20–22: Lyndon Davies & Co. Nov. 27–29: Karin Plato duo. Nov. 2, 2 to 4:30 p.m.: Traditional Afternoon Tea with Dal Richards. fairmont.com/hotelvancouver.com

Nu Restaurant and Lounge 1661 Granville St. (604-646-4668) — Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.: Jazz brunch with vocalist Melody Diachun and Doug Stephenson, guitar. Stylish and casual fine dining on the waterfront in a room of virtually 300 degrees of floor-to-ceiling glass. whatisnu.com

O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar 1300 Robson St. (604-661-1400) — Nightly, 9 to midnight. Sundays: Chris Sigerson. Mondays: Mike Allen. Tuesdays: Jillian Lebeck. Wednesdays: Tony Foster. Oct. 30–Nov. 1: Kate Hammett-Vaughan trio. Nov. 6–8: Russ Botten trio in a tribute to Wes Montgomery, with Darren Radtke Nov. 6 and Oliver Gannon Nov. 7–8. Nov. 13–15: Saul Berson trio. Nov. 27–29: Kevin Elaschuk trio, with Bill Coon and André Lachance. Pacific Coast and Fraser Valley fare in a New York-style bistro with a baby grand and vaulted ceiling. odoulsrestaurant.com

Republic 958 Granville St. (604-669-3266) — Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 p.m.: Classic funk and soul with the 10-piece house band Soulstream. donnellynightclubs.ca

Rossini’s 1525 Yew St. (604-737-8080) — Nightly at 7 p.m. Sundays: Cecil Perinbam. Mondays and Thursdays: Francis Fernandez. Tuesdays: Peter Trill & friends. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: Bob York trio. Nov. 7–8: Lorraine Foster. Nov. 14–15: Sara Zacharias. Nov. 21–22: Ikuko. Nov. 28–29: Paul Thomas. rossinisjazz.com

The Sutton Place Hotel 845 Burrard St. (604-682-5511) — Mondays through Saturdays, 6 to 11 p.m.: Resident pianist Ramiro Quezada. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Jazz brunch with Quezada and guitarist Henry Young. vancouver.suttonplace.com

The Yale 1300 Granville St. (604-681-9253) — Oct. 31–Nov. 1 at 9 p.m.: Black Magic Halloween with Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and Gary Comeau. Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.: Blues for the Bank III, a fundraising event in aid of the Surrey Food Bank’s Tiny Bundles Program. Music by Agent C and Top Secret, comprised of local advertising agency executives Chris Thornley and Bruce Hayne. Joining them on stage, special guests Dave Gilbert, Bill Kudenchuk, Kenn Moyer, Brian Linnit, and John Irving. Nov. 14–15 at 9 p.m.: Washington State’s house rockin’ band Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.: Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout featuring Lee Oskar, Magic Dick, Rick Estrin, and Rusty Zinn. Presented by Lee Oskar Harmonicas, Mark Hummel has crafted his own trademark harmonica sound. Joining him onstage is Lee Oskar, founder of Lee Oskar Harmonicas and the soul-funk sensation War, and Magic Dick, best known for his many years as harmonica player and co-founder of the J. Geils Band. Added to the bill is singer/harmonica player/songwriter Rick Estrin, former 30-year front man of Little Charlie & The Nightcats and Rusty Zinn, a blues guitarist who has performed with the likes of Snooky Pryor, Charlie Musselwhite and James Cotton. Nov. 20 at 9 p.m.: A charitable benefit to support Meow-Aid Cat Shelter with Jamie Dale Band, Incognito, Gary Comeau, Lesismore, Billy Dixon’s Soul Train Express with the Solid Gold Sisters, Chapter 11 with Rob and Bob, Madison Blues Band, Linda Kidder, William Taylor and more, as well as a costumed dance performance by the Latin duo Julio Reyes and Hector Macias Castro featuring numbers from the musical Cats. Saturdays, 3 to 7 p.m.: Blues Jams with Incognito. Sundays, 3 to 7 p.m.: Blues Jams with Tony Robertson’s Vaqueros. theyale.ca

THEATRE

THE HISTORY BOYS
Alan Bennett’s exuberant study of education, sex, and the anarchy of adolescence crackles with humour and life. Directed by Dean Paul Gibson.Winner of Best Play: 2006 Tony Award. Through Nov. 1. Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St., next to the Public Market. 604-687-1644. artsclub.com

BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR
One of the most famous and widely produced plays in Canadian theatre, Billy Bishop Goes to War dramatizes the life of Canadian World War I fighter pilot Billy Bishop. It earned Theatre at UBC alumnus John MacLachlan Gray the Governor General’s Award, the Chalmers Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award. Billy Bishop is the funny and often very sad story of a Canadian WWI flying ace, his feats of daring and his tribulations. The myth of the man is revealed as he tells of crossing swords with commanders, the Germans, the British and those who saw war as a good time. Written and composed by John MacLachlan Gray, directed by Sarah Rodgers, starring Ryan Beil and Zachary Gray, and presented by Theatre at UBC. Through Nov. 11 (except Sundays) at 7:30 p.m. Telus Studio Theatre, Chan Centre of the Performing Arts at UBC, 6265 Crescent Rd. 604-822-2678. ticketmaster.ca

CYRANO DE BERGERAC
The swashbuckling romantic comedy and classic tale of romance and deception.France, 1640: A man is drawn into a love triangle by chance and his own fear of rejection. Trapped between the woman he loves from afar and the man he helps to woo her, Cyrano (David Mackay) knows his passionate words are his only means to win Roxane’s (Melissa Poll) love. First published more than a century ago, it has inspired at least 14 films, four stage productions, four operas, two musicals, two ballets, and two cartoons. Director James Fagan Tait’s new translation and adaptation of this immortal story features an all-star cast, original music by Joelysea Pankanea and fight choreography by Nicholas Harrison. Will the beautiful Roxane discover Cyrano’s inner beauty? Will his love be spurned? Or will he win her . . . by a nose? Through Nov. 23. Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville St. 604-686-1644. artsclub.com

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Directed by Antony Holland, design coordinator Naomi Sider and composer/musical director Alison Jenkins round out the creative team for this free­fall Shakespeare production presented by Studio 58, the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at Langara College. When a bride is wooed with an enemy’s money, the debt must be repaid. As bonds of friendship are put to the test, either love or hatred could triumph. Holland is the recipient of three Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, the Sam Payne Award for Humanity, Integrity and Encouragement of New Talent, the Union of B.C. Performers Award of Excellence and is an inductee in the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame. Antony has appeared in countless movies and television series, among them McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Delafield Wants to Marry (with Katharine Hepburn), and Stephen King’s Kingdom Hospital. He lives on Gabriola Island, where he founded and runs the Gabriola Theatre Centre. Nov. 6–30. Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Matinées Saturdays and Sundays, except Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. Studio 58, Langara College, 100 W. 49th Ave. 604-684-2787. ticketstonight.ca

BASHIR LAZHAR
Théâtre la Seizième presents a humanist and luminous fable that looks at education and the everyday reality of immigration in Canada. A teacher by profession and by heart, Bashir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant, is hired in a Quebec school as a substitute teacher, replacing a colleague who committed suicide. As he works earnestly to teach his young students and to help them recover from the trauma of this suicide, differences in culture and educational philosophy soon become apparent. By Évelyne de la Chenelière, a Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui (Montreal). Nov. 12–15 at 8 p.m. Studio 16, 1555 W. 7th Ave. 604-736-2616. seizieme.ca

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL
The Charles Dickens classic directed and choreographed by Lalainia Lindbjerg-Strelau and musically directed by Vashti Fairbairn, the cast is led by veteran Equity actor Ken Irwin as Scrooge including not one, but two successful playwrights in the guise of Chad Matchette (Ghost of Christmas Present) and David Blue (Jacob Marley). The emotional songs and music of Alan Menken and lyricist Lynn Ahrens underscore the sometimes lighthearted, sometimes deeply moving, scenes. Nov. 14–30 at 2 and 8 p.m. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby. 604-205-3000. footlight.ca

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
“Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” George Bailey (Todd Talbot) performs countless good deeds for friends and townsfolk in Bedford Falls, yet all that seems to count for naught when he faces financial adversity. At George’s most woeful moment, his guardian angel, Clarence Oddbody (Bernard Cuffling), swoops in to remind him that faith, hope, and family make life truly wonderful. Starring: Todd Talbot, Jennifer Lines, Bernard Cuffling, Kevin McNulty, with Peter Anderson, Jianna Ballard, Valsy Bergeron, Leigh Bourque, Sasa Brown, Domenico DeMichina, Erla Faye Forsyth, Julien Galipeau, Kyle Jespersen, Eric Keenleyside, Brian Linds, Beatrice Zeilinger. Director: Dean Paul Gibson. By Philip Grecian, based on the classic film by Frank Capra. Nov. 20–Jan. 3. Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St., next to the Public Market. 604-687-1644. artsclub.com

DANCE

THE FAERIE QUEEN
The Faerie Queen breathes new life into Shakespeare’s exuberant, joyful tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Locked in a world of law and order, the lovers escape to the realm of the fairies where magic and fantasy prevail. Brimming with the lust and confusion of love, scheming selfishness, and mischievous magic, The Faerie Queen is one of Ballet BC’s most popular and whimsical works. Choreography by John Alleyne. Music, adapted from Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, by Michael Bushnell and Owen Underhill. Nov. 6–8 at 8 p.m.; Student Matinée Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.; Tea Matinée Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton at Dunsmuir. 604-732-5003, ext. 207. balletbc.com

PROPULSION
EDAM opens its choreographic series of 2008–09 with a show featuring new work by Artistic Director Peter Bingham and guest artists Delia Brett and Chengxin Wei. Nov. 12, 14–15, 19, 21–22 at 8 p.m. EDAM Studio Theatre, 303 E. 8th Ave. 604-876-9559, ext. 3. edamdance.org

DANCE ALLSORTS
Now in its 11th year, Vancouver’s eclectic dance series introduces all sorts of people to all sorts of dance through intimate shows featuring dances of various traditions from around the world. All shows are one hour and appropriate for all ages. Nov. 16 at 2 and 4 p.m.: African dance with Jacky Essombe & Friends. Jacky’s passion for her heritage inspires her to share the traditions, history and culture of Africa through dance. For her, performing and dancing is about inspiration, spontaneity and beauty – not to perform to impress, but to connect people to a deeper consciousness, a journey to express life to the fullest. Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Davie at Pacific. 604-893-8875. newworks.ca

CONVERGE DANCE OP
Vancouver’s newest all-female troupe, Converge Dance Op mixes a vigorous blend of urban dance styles – jazz, hip-hop, house, popping, locking, b-girling and more – with contemporary movement. Presented as part of World Aids Day events. Nov. 27 at noon. ScotiaBank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St. 604-606-6400. dancecentre.ca

EXHIBITIONS

CHARLES REA
A solo exhibition of three pivotal series of works by the Vancouver artist, with selections from his 1996 Silver Screen series (which marks the public premiere for these paintings), his 2001 Diptych series and his Mirror Mazes from 2000–01 will be featured. This is the first opportunity for these distinctive bodies of work to be shown together. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Nov. 9. Winsor Gallery, 3025 Granville St. 604-681-4870. winsorgallery.com

JEFF WALL: VANCOUVER ART GALLERY COLLECTION
The institution’s first solo exhibition of work by internationally renowned Vancouver artist Jeff Wall in nearly two decades will feature the Gallery’s entire holdings of the artist’s large-scale photographic work. Now the largest public collection of Wall’s photo-based art in the world, the Gallery’s collection has grown quickly over the last year with two major acquisitions in February, two additional acquisitions in June and a further acquisition in September. The Gallery’s collection now stands at 11 with the addition of the most recently acquired works, Basin in Rome 2, 2003, Children, 1988, and River Road, 1997, all of which are gifts from B.C. philanthropists and key Gallery supporters Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa. Associated with the recognition of photography as one of the most important contemporary art forms of the 20th century, Wall’s significant work has recently appeared in major solo exhibitions including Tate Modern, London (2005), Museum of Modern Art, New York (2007), Art Institute of Chicago (2007), San Francisco Museum of Art (2007), Guggenheim, Berlin (2007) and Tamayo Museum, Mexico City (2008). The exhibition is accompanied by the hardcover catalogue Jeff Wall Vancouver Art Gallery Collection, which includes full-page reproductions of all Jeff Wall works in the Vancouver Art Gallery collection, exhibition histories of each work, and an illustrated text by Vancouver artist Ian Wallace. Through Jan. 29. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St. 604-662-4719. vanartgallery.bc.ca

BILL REID: MASTER OF HAIDA ART
The opening exhibition of Vancouver’s newest public art gallery and home for Aboriginal arts, culture, and learning, also features The Raven’s Trove: gold masterworks by Bill Reid and rotating exhibitions of Aboriginal art. Through Jan. 11. Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby St. 604-682-3455. billreidgallery.ca

WACK! ART AND THE FEMINIST REVOLUTION
This exhibition takes over two floors of the Vancouver Art Gallery with work that emerged from the convergence of art and feminist thought in the late 1960s and 1970s. It is the first comprehensive, international museum survey illuminating the impact of feminism on art. More than 120 artists from 22 countries, including the addition of Canadian works selected by VAG chief curator/associate director Daina Augaitis. Curated by Connie Butler, the Robert Lehman Foundation chief curator of drawings at The Museum of Modern Art, New York (MoMA), and organized by The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Through Jan. 11. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St. 604-662-4719. vanartgallery.bc.ca

KATHY VENTNER: REVISION
Venter’s Revision series, unusual for this era, explores the artist/model relationship in works that evidence her great capacity as a sculptor who takes chances, using classical composition, while engaging in challenging polychrome surface effects that build a tension in the overall production. Venter engages in building a relation to history through the simple act of interpreting her model, over a period of a month, in various poses, at different times of day, in various moods. The surfaces likewise reference a process of mold making where the traces remain after the mold is chiseled away. Venter, however, does not make use of any molds. The sculptures are built free hand by the extended pinch method, 13 per cent larger than life, to shrink to life-size upon firing. Through Nov. 23. Buschlen-Mowatt Gallery, 1445 W. Georgia St. 604-682-1234. buschlenmowatt.com

TRANSITIONS: NEW PAINTINGS BY DAVID WILSON
While Vancouver artist David Wilson’s latest series reflects changes in his urban scenes in both subject and medium, Transitions also refers to the volatility of change. Exploring economic, political and social change brought on by a transitioning global economy and energy systems, Wilson’s collection of works illustrates the inevitability of change. “My paintings depict how people occupy the fragile infrastructure of roads and buildings, with all its splendor and flaws. The diversity of human experience found in the Downtown East Side or on South Granville Street often produces the same results – each is imbued with a sense of hope and hopelessness, irrespective of one’s socio-economic circumstances,” says Wilson, whose vivid, high contrast oil-on-panel and acrylic-on-canvas paintings range in size from 6 x 6 inches to 30 x 72 inches. Artist’s Reception: Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 pm. Nov. 6–30. Atelier Gallery, 2421 Granville St. 604-732-3021. ateliergallery.ca

ALAN WOOD: DREAMS AND MEMORIES
How do you respond to the death of a loved one? For B.C. artist Alan Wood, the answer is to withdraw from the world to reflect on the pain. After a five-year hiatus while caring for his ailing wife, Flora McLeod, and mourning her eventual passing, Wood is now ready to return to the world of art with a pivotal new series. These collages and wood-reliefs are Wood’s response to the years of isolation he felt caring for his beloved wife and his longing to escape with her again to the places where they experience great love and pleasure. Wood re-emerges to the Canadian art scene, as only a senior artist could do, mixing elements of risk and insightful tenderness equally in his new work. This series is a therapeutic reply to the isolation both Wood and his wife experienced during her lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis. The artist’s answer to their physical, emotional and spiritual deprivation is a beautiful reconstruction of some of their happiest adventures spent exploring the wilds of B.C.  For 40 years, Wood has constructed complex abstractions of our natural environment. Dreams and Memories builds on this great legacy, offering new degrees of sophistication and surprising elements.  In this series, Wood introduces a figure, which he sees as Flora. Though the artist identifies the figure as his wife, it has a compelling, universal quality. It is through its simplicity and stylization that the figure comes to represent all of us, and the ubiquitous experiences of illness, loss and loneliness. Wood further expands the symbolism of these works by literally divorcing the figure from the large textural fields of colour and form that represent the coastal shores, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and forests. This isolated figure, while revealing Flora’s dissolution from a vigorous life, may also be regarded as our own distancing from the natural environment. Wood’s works are found in the Vancouver Art Gallery, the National Museum of Wales and the Tate in London, England. Wood, who was born in 1935 in the town of Widnes, in Lancashire, England, moved to Canada in 1971, settling in B.C. in 1974. During the late ’50s, Wood was a member of the influential St. Ives Artists Colony in Cornwall, which in turn led to a successful six-year teaching career at the prestigious Cardiff College of Art in Wales. His interest in the dynamics of light and colour of the ocean, beach, forest and sky has dominated his landscape work throughout his career. In 1983 Alan Wood gained international recognition for taking his painting directly into the landscape with his Ranch creation. This 320-acre painted construction built in the foothills of the Alberta Rockies was a monumental exploration of colour and form. Alan Wood is a prolific artist and since 1962, has participated in many group and solo exhibitions in Great Britain, Europe, Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Nov. 13–Dec. 7. Artist’s Reception: Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winsor Gallery, 3025 Granville St. 604-681-4870. winsorgallery.com

CHRIS DAHL
New works by the artist, designer, musician and educator will include selections from his Rock ’n’ Roll series plus recent landscapes of Italy and Vancouver. Dahl’s artwork can be found in the collections of The National Gallery, The Canada Council Art Bank, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the City of Vancouver and Harrison Galleries. Nov. 24–Dec. 22. Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. 604-913-3634. kaymeekcentre.com

BEYOND

DOWNTOWN HEART OF THE CITY FESTIVAL
With a focus on the Downtown Eastside’s rich and diverse communities, the fifth Annual Heart of the City Festival celebrates the creative and committed artists and activists that thrive in the heart of Vancouver, featuring 12 days of music, theatre, opera, film, readings, poetry, food, cultural celebrations, forums, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibits, visual and multi-media, art talks, history talks, and history walks. More than 25 venues throughout the Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, Strathcona and Japantown. Through Nov. 9. 604-628-5672. heartofthecityfestival.com

JAZZ VESPERS
Jazz services, presided by the Rev. Gary Paterson, Sundays at 4 p.m. Various musicians. St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Burrard and Nelson. 604-683-4575. standrewswesleychurch.bc.ca

VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The first year of red carpets and parties seen at this 12-year-old festival. A few of the expected attendees include Jessica Yu, Grace Park and Julia Kwan. “Top films, an Oscar-winning director, local talent, and Genie Award-winning producers round out the entrants expected to attend,” states Don Montgomery, newly appointed Executive Director of VAFF. Nov. 6–9. Cinemark Tinseltown Theatres, 88 W. Pender St. 778-988-3456. vaff.org

JCC JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
A roster of writers from across Canada, the U.S. and Israel with meet-the-author opportunities, literary readings and panel discussions, a luncheon and cooking demo, writing and self-publishing workshops, children’s authors, a used bookstore, and an onsite bookstore open throughout the week. Featured authors and presenters include Israeli icon David Grossman in conversation with Eleanor Wachtel, a cooking demo and luncheon with culinary writer Bonnie Stern, a reading by fashion diva Jeanne Beker and more. Nov. 22–27. Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, 950 W. 41st Ave. 604-257-5111. jccgv.com