Seven things to do in Metro Vancouver, Aug. 16-22: Burna Boy, Bard on the Beach, and more
Credit to Author: Stuart Derdeyn| Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2019 18:00:03 +0000
Whether you’re looking for date ideas, free things to do or just something fun to do, you can’t go wrong with our list of events happening around Metro Vancouver between Aug 16 – 22.
Headlining this week’s picks is Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
For more ideas, click HERE for our coverage of Vancouver’s arts scene, or HERE to search our entertainment listings database.
Here are seven things to do in Metro Vancouver this week:
African Giant Tour
When: Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre
Tickets and info: From $85, at eventbrite.ca
Burna Boy is blowing up with his July release African Giant. The album features hits such as On the Low, Dangote, and a cover of Angelique Kidjo’s seminal song We We. Featuring a mix of rap, R&B, African traditions and very contemporary electronics, the music has been described as “Afro-fusion.” Whether that gets the hybrid of styles right or not, it comes close to capturing the hooky and fun music being made by this breakout artist, who won the Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards.
When: Aug. 21 to Sept. 15, various days and times
Where: Vanier Park
Tickets and info: From $26, bardonthebeach.org
It’s the very first time that Bard on the Beach has produced this tale of political intrigue and ruthlessness. Directed by Dean Paul Gibson, the show stars Moya O’Connell as the uncompromising warrior Coriolanus who is pulled between various loyalties in a tale of intrigue, pride and — naturally as it’s about politics — arrogance. Best of all, this show comes with an advisory about scenes of violence, sounds of gunshots, and scenes with non-toxic water-based haze. Now that’s scary.
When: Aug. 17, 3 – 8 p.m.
Where: New Westminster, Columbia Street area
Tickets and info: newwestpride.ca
Having already played events at both the Vancouver and Burnaby Pride events, Vancouver-based singer Biawanna is prepped to drop songs such as the catchy Issues or Care in a live performance this weekend. The R&B/Pop artist is of Fijian and German descent and took the stage name in honour of their great-great- grandmother, who was a matriarch in the Solomon Islands. Biawanna lists Janelle Monae, King Princess, Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani as influences, so that’s pretty fine company to keep.
Outdoor Summer Film Series
When: Aug. 16, 23, 30, 9 p.m.
Where: Ron Basford Park, Granville Island
Free: r2rfestival.org
A great family freebie taking place in the great outdoors this month, the R2R Film Festival series includes free animation workshops of such features as the Academy Award-nominated Irish animation Song of the Sea (Aug. 16), Short films from Coast to Coast to Coast, with offerings such as director Tisha Deb Pillai’s ECUAD Media Award-winning If You Fall (pictured) and others (Aug. 23). Then there is a recent remake of the German mountain classic Heidi, featuring the late actor Bruno Ganz as the grandfather (Aug 30).
When: Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
Where: Harbour Convention Centre
Tickets and info: $36.50, at eventbrite.ca
In its 7 years together, the seven piece Australian psychedelic rock collective King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard has released 15 studio albums ranging from country twang to metallic thrash. As you can see from the photo, this has meant that the band can’t afford to own shirts and appears to be selling its skin for ad space to make ends meet. But the reality is that this group is driven to created a unique body of art out of the exploding Aussie acid rock scene. And the live shows are said to be epic workouts. Appearing with fellow scene acts Stonefield and ORB (not that Orb, this is the Australian one).
When: Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Guilt and Co., 1 Alexander
Tickets and info: Pay-what-you-can
Two rootsy singer songwriters working hard on getting their music out to as many listeners as possible. Burton is based in Texas now and her new album Give Me What I Want has been well reviewed. Peck (pictured), who formerly performed as Miss Quincy & The Showdown, is working on a solo country record as well as keeping up a busy schedule with her pop-up dinners titled Wild Northern Way. Hailing from northern B.C., Peck has been a hunting guide and cook and brings her skills to these entertaining events where you can sample Tasmanian wallaby stew or fried chèvre-stuffed foraged morel mushrooms. Yum.
When: Aug. 16-18, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: McLeod Athletic Park, Langley
Free: ribfestlangley.com
The first RibFest was presented by the Credit Unions of Langley and hosted by the area’s four Rotary Clubs in 2018. Now this family event with the tasty side is back for another weekend of entertainment including award-winning folk storytellers Tiller’s Folly, fronted by Bruce Coughlan (pictured, Aug. 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m.) and various dance groups, groove bands and much more. Of course, there is plenty to eat too, with winning barbecue teams from across the country showcasing their smoke and spice combinations. Vendors accept cash only.
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