SOUTH EAST ASIAN
 
Ping pong night
Every Thurs 8pm
MSBCA Centre
Malaysian Singapore Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA) Past President Tim Wong and some directors kept this sporting event on going for three years now. Drop in for a chat with us and socialize a bit? Free pop and titbits are available. The centre is located at Unit 238- 2680 Shell Road, Richmond, B.C. Sometimes when you are lucky, hot pizzas and chicken wings are served. More info visit: www.msbca.com
 
 
Dinner and dance 
Sat Feb 9
Continental Seafood Restaurant
The Malaysian Singapore Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA) is hosting a dinner and dance Chinese New Year Eve party. It is hot a seller event which will be limited to no more than 35 tables. Venue: Continental Seafood Restaurant in 150-11700 Cambie Rd, Richmond. More info visit: www.msbca.com.
 
Chinese New Year
Fri Feb 15
Royal Chinese Restaurant
Malaysia Association in British Columbia (MABC) to host Chinese New Year dinner and dance celebration at Royal Chinese Restaurant located at 200-8040 Garden City Road, Richmond BC.
10 course Chinese dinner, dance, entertainment and raffle. Tix @ $35 per person, table of 10 at $350 Tickets available from any MABC Directors contact Chairperson: Philip Woo or visit www.mabccanada.com
 
Gourmet Makan Club
Every 2nd Thurs
Venue: TBA
Join our Gourmet Makan Club every 2nd Thursday of each month. Malaysia Association in British Columbia (MABC) will host a new venue to explore, taste and be dazzled with new culinary experiences while socializing with fellow Malaysians and friends. Some months it may be a visit to a members home or to a featured restaurant where everyone will enjoy gourmet delights while socializing with fellow Malaysians and friends. For more info call Gina Hansen at 604-321-6012 or email: gina@sunclubtravel.com.  

Evangelization Rally
Sat Feb 9 1pm
Burnett High School
Originated in the Philippines, Couples for Christ, a Christian family life renewal program made available to parishes and groups of married couples who wished to live out their Christian life in an active, supportive relationship with one another, will be holding its Evangelization Rally at the Burnett High School (5011 Granville Avenue, Richmond). More info visit: www.bc.cfc.ca.

Tailor Made
Sat Feb 9  3pm/ 5pm
Former Chinese cinema
NAAAP VANCOUVER invites NAAAP members to attend a special community screening of Tailor Made, a documentary on the Wong family's famous and storied tailoring business in Chinatown, and the related tales of life during some of the earlier days of Chinatown -- a fascinating trip back in time to learn more of the history of a part of one of Vancouver's great ethnic neighbourhoods. The screening at 319 Main St. (formerly the Chinese cinema on Main and Hastings). Info and RSVP to website: naaap@naaap.bc.ca
 
 
Skills and Networking
Thu Feb 28 6:30pm
Venue: TBA
"Creating Your Powerful Elevator Speech" Seminar & Speed Networking Mixer. Join us for a fantastic night of honing our business presentation skills and networking! The evening begins with a short seminar on "Creating Your Powerful Elevator Speech" and is followed by Speed Networking to be hosted by  The National Association of Asian American Professionals Vancouver. Please RSVP as space is limited. More info visit: naaap@naaap.bc.ca

My Dad, My Dog
Feb 13-16 8 pm
Metro Theater
Basically, it's the story of a young Korean woman who finds that her father has been reincarnated in her pet dog. Boca del Lupo is one of Canada's most exciting creation-based theatre companies. A commission of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, My Dad, My Dog is a collaboration between Boca's Sherry J Yoon and Jay Dodge, and Yukon-based animator Jay White. Combining live and animated action, they create a world where the border between fantasy and reality is as slippery as a pup on a hardwood floor. Metro Theater is located at 1411 Quadra at Johnson, Downtown Victoria, B.C.  More info visit: www.metrostudiotheatre.com or visit Boca del Lupo's website : www.bocadellupo.com.

Mar 21 3:00pm
Metro Studio
Furatikko presents "The Face of Jizo" by Hisashi Inoue Post-War Hiroshima. Not only the city is left in ruins -- so are the people. The Face of Jizo explores the human consequences of the atom bomb for Hiroshima survivors. It is the story of Mitsue, a young woman who survived the blast, and her attempts to deal with the guilt she feels and to move on with her life, translated by Roger Pulvers. Metro Studio is located at 1411 Quadra Sreet at Johnson, Victoria). More info visit www.metrostudiotheatre.com.

Family games
Sat Feb 23 11am-2pm
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
Experience over twenty traditional Japanese heritage games and toys at the fourth annual Jan Ken Pon! Family Games Day presented by the Japanese Canadian National Museum. Play with colourful tops and a Japanese style cup & ball, make your own sumo wrestlers and beanbags, and run around and burn off some energy. The highlight of the day is a rock-paper-scissors Jan Ken Pon! tournament with fun prizes. Old Japanese heritage toys are on display from Feb 16 till 28th. The Centre is located at 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby BC. Info call 604.777.7000. Free admission.
 
First Fri Forum
Feb 1, Mar 7 & April 4 7:30pm
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
An outreach program with the theme of culture and identity, with the objective of sharing experience through music and dialogue. Join us for music, discussion, refreshments and good company. The multi-use Centre is at the corner of Kingsway and Sperling in Burnaby, BC. For info please contact Harry Aoki at 604.266.0154 or visit: www.nikkeiplace.org.

Studio Photos
On-going until Mar 15, 2008
Japanese Canadian National Museum
Shashin: Japanese Canadian Studio Photography to 1942. This exhibit presents eighty photographs by Nikkei studio photographers in Cumberland, New Westminster, and Vancouver. These images depict diverse subjects and communities, including European, Chinese, African-American, and Japanese immigrants, both elites and labourers, representing almost fifty years of British Columbia history through the eyes of Japanese Canadians. A book catalogue accompanies this exhibition. Curated by Grace Eiko Thomson. The museum is located at 120-6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC. Call: 604-777-7000 for more info.

Filipino karaoke
Ongoing, every Fri and Sat  7pm
Exercise your vocal chords and the diva inside with English and Filipino karaoke on Fri and Sat. Bring your own karaoke discs if you have any. Meet Filipino friends at Wo’s Chinese Restaurant at 8166 Main Street, Vancouver. For info call 604-323-8093.

EAST ASIAN
 
 
Chinese art exhibit
Ongoing 2pm until Feb 10
Chinese Cultural Centre
The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver in collaboration with the Alliance Francaise Vancouver presents Gina Verster who holds a Fine Arts degree from UBC and has served as director at the Canadian Craft Museum. She currently working on a collection of poetic and prose pieces inspired by her travels in France. 555 Columbia St. Vancouver. More info: www. cccvan.com or 604-658-8881
 
The Banana Boys
Ongoing until Feb 9
Firehall Arts Centre
A Firehall Arts Centre presentation by Leon Aureus following on sold out shows last season. The BBoys - clever and witty story of five university buddies who try to balance the joys of video games and beer with the frustrations of feeling caught between two cultures. Firehall Arts Centre located at 280 East Cordova Street  Vancouver, B.C. Visit www.firehallartscentre.ca for more info.
 

Comedy Show
Feb 9  8pm
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
World Vision Canada presents the highly anticipated Wong Tze Wah Charity Standup Comedy Show 2008. Wong Tze Wah is the top standup comedian in Hong Kong, setting the standard for standup comedy. His charisma and humor has made him the most talked about and sought out comedian and guarantee that you will laugh till you drop. This show is definitely the talk of the city and is drawing an immense amount of interest. Funds raised through this charity event will be designated for the Biogas Project in Shangzhou, China, which will allow poor villagers to use biogas (as a replacement of expensive electricity) to cook food and provide light for the whole family. Tickets 604-295-4800.
 
Adults' karaoke club
Ongoing, every Mon & Thu 1-3pm
Exercise your vocal chords and the diva inside with English karaoke on Mon and Chinese karaoke on Thu. Bring your own karaoke discs if you have any. Renfrew Park Community Ctr (2929 E 22nd Ave).   Info:604-257-8390
 
Fundraising Gala  
Wed Feb 13 6pm
General Motors Place
Back by popular demand, the Annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala returns to General Motors Place on the 7th Day of the Lunar New Year. The Gala will begins with an exclusive banquet followed by an exciting variety show starring the brightest and most talented performers and artists in the Hong Kong entertainment arena. With an annual audience of over 13,000, the Gala is one of the premier and most anticipated community events in Vancouver. Contact: 604-408-7228 or visit: www.successfoundation.ca  for more details.
 
 
 
Setting the World to Music
Tues Feb 12 7:00 pm
Alice MacKay Room
The third program in the Music of the Whole World series, produced by the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra, features Mark Armanini, Moshe Denburg, Farshid Samandari and Jin Zhang performing their works with the intercultural orchestra. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street. Free program open to all ages.

Valentine’s Day Concert
Thurs Feb 14 12noon
Alice MacKay Room
Love in the Afternoon: A Valentine’s Day Concert The Vancouver Public Library invites you to a very special Valentine’s Day event. Join Vancouver impresario and pianist Karen Lee-Morlang, along with talented local musicians, and students and alumni of the UBC School of Music as they perform a beautiful selection of classic love songs and world-renowned romantic music. Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street. For more info contact VPL - Fine Arts and History at 604-331-3716

Festive Arts
On going until Feb 15
Art Beatus
An energetic and diverse display of artworks inspired by the holiday season.   Mixed media paintings by Cha Guojun, ink on rice paper works by Qin Feng, etchings Chen Hai Yan and ink works by Yang Jie Chang will be featured.  The winter group display will run from December 10, 2007 to February, 15, 2008. Art Beatus (Vancouver) is located in the Nelson Square Office Tower at 108 – 808 Nelson Street.  For more information, please contact Media Relations, Tamla Mah or Akemi Kojihata by email to info@artbeatus.com or by telephone at 604.688.2633.
 
Year of the Rat
Sat Feb 16 5:30pm
Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant
Join the Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals (ACCP) in welcoming The Year of the Rat- Chinese New Year dinner, featuring a keynote speech by Honorary Advisor Ms. Anna Fung who will share her experiences with being the immediate past president of the B.C. Law Society and what it means to be a Chinese Canadian professional and her role as a community leader.  Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant (the former Floata Restaurant in Parker Place mall) Unit 1425, 4380 No. 3 Road (Parker Place) Richmond. For more info call 604-304-6088.
 
Festival Day
Feb 10 10.00am – 4.30 pm
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
On this day, celebrate Chinese New Year in style at the garden. A number of activities and events will be taking place such as fortune telling, tai chi, traditional Chinese music and crafts, and other fun demonstrations. So. Mark this date down on your calendar and we hope to see you and your family and friends at the Garden! Donations appreciated. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC Info:   
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
 
 
The Donwakai
Every 3rd Thurs of the month
Steamworks
It is a great opportunity to learn about the Vancouver Mokuyokai Society. Established in 1982 for people of all nationalities with a strong professional or personal interest in Japan. We look forward to seeing you at Steamworks (Gastown) 375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC. A small charge of $4.00/person for non-members as a contribution towards snacks. For more info: donwa@mokuyokai.bc.ca or call 604-689-2739.
 

SOUTH ASIAN

Canada, My India!
Feb 10 7pm
Norman Rothstein Theatre
Travels through Greater Vancouver's ethnic diversity, from Abbotsford all the way to Whistler. There is South Asian drizzle throughout! This musical play is performed in English, and highlights the similarities and differences between various Indian arts and western fusions. Canada, My India! is the first locally produced, professional show encompassing classical, folk and fusion arts with the very best that Vancouver has to offer. Norman Rothstein theater is located at 950 West 41st Ave (at Oak), Vancouver BC Theatre. Tickets: www.ticketstonight.ca

Jazz Festival
Sat March 29 12noon-11pm
MACC Studio Theatre
Swing by the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre (MACC) Studio Theatre for a full day of big band jazz. University and College big bands from the lower mainland will present concerts starting at 12:00 noon until 11:00 pm. There will be bands from UBC, Capilano College, Douglas College, Vancouver Community College, Kwantlen University College and Trinity Western University. Proceeds from the festival will go to the Fraser McPherson Scholarship Fund. This project is greatly supported by: The MACC Studio Theatre, The Coastal Jazz Blues Society, UBC School of Music, Northwest Musical Services, Tom Lee Music and Yamaha Canada Music. More info visit: www.mysunset.net.

Envision Jazz Festival
Fri Feb 8 7pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
The Envision Jazz Festival is Canada's largest and longest-running educational jazz event. The festival began as a dream of founder and Surrey band teacher, Bob LaBonte, in 1980 in the cafeteria of Queen Elizabeth secondary school in Surrey. Just a heads up for what should be a very fun event. The 20-piece salsa orchestra, Orquesta Goma Dura, performing at the annual Envision Jazz Festival at Bell Performing Arts Centre located at 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. More info visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com or call 604-507-6355.

Fred Stride Jazz
Fri Feb 9 7pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
Fred Stride has been an active professional musician in Vancouver, Canada for more than 30 years. A graduate of the UBC School of Music, Fred also studied in Los Angeles with Dick Grove at the Dick Grove Music Workshops. On his return to Vancouver Fred began his career in earnest, playing trumpet and arranging for various projects and ensembles. Part of the annual Envision Jazz Festival at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. Call: 604-507-6355 or visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com for more information.

St. Valentine's Day
Thurs Feb 14 10:00am-11:30am
Sunset Community Centre
Come join us on Valentine's Day in the play gym. We will be having lots of fun creating cards, decorating cookies, crafts, playing games and more. Babies under 12 months are free. Parent participation is required. Please pre-register to ensure space. More info visit: www.mysunset.net

Harry Manx in concert
Fri Feb 15 8pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
Harry Manx has been called an "essential link" between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to. Manx is a prolific artist, releasing seven albums in a six-year span with no signs of stopping. His first album Dog My Cat (2001, NorthernBlues Music), captured the attention of new fans, musical peers and media with favorable reviews and awards, including Best Blues Album of the Year from the Canadian Independent Music Association. The Juno-nominated follow-up Wise and Otherwise (2002) garnered nods from the American media. Part of the annual Envision Jazz Festival at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. Call: 604-507-6355 or visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com for more information. About the artist visit:  www.harrymanx.com.

Surrey Girlz
Every Monday  2-4pm
SurreyGirlz is offering a drop-in for and by sex workers. Looking for more discretion or need support outside of these hours?   Call 778-240-1055 to speak with one of the SurreyGirlz.  To visit the SurreyGirlz website www.surreygirlz.org . To purchase SurreyGirlz Clothing (proceeds support the drop-in) visit www.surreygirlzfashions.com

SYNERGY dance
Wed Feb 16 7pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
Canadian dance standards convention and showcase featuring local semi-professional/professional performing artists and a guest performance from the SYNERGY convention dancers. SYNERGY dance conventions pride the holistic approach to dance education. Dancers will study from internationally recognized faculty in Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern and Choreography. Health professionals including kinesiologists, personal trainers, sport psychologists and dance nutritionists lead the dancers through interactive educational workshops. Part of the annual Envision Jazz Festival at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. Call: 604-507-6355 or visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com for more information. About the artist visit:  www.harrymanx.com.

Vagina Monologues
Sun Feb 17 2pm and 8pm
Surrey Arts Centre
Join us for our 2nd annual production of The Vagina Monologues and silent auctions. This production of Eve Ensler's award winning play is part of the 2006 V-Day worldwide campaign. Since 1998, benefit performances of this play are held between Valentine's Day and International Women's Day (March 8) to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. Bid on a wide selection of items before the show and during the intermission. Net proceeds of this event support Surrey Women's Centre and Newton Advocacy Group. Reserve your tickets today at Surrey Women's Centre at 604-589-1868 x222 or visit www.surreywomencentre.ca.

VSO Concert
Mon Feb 18 8pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in our city and region by presenting high-quality performances of classical and popular music to a wide variety of audiences, and offering educational and community programs, while operating in a financially sound manner. Part of the annual Envision Jazz Festival at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. Call: 604-507-6355 or visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com for more information. About the orchestra visit :www.vancouversymphony.ca.

SAFA arts youth nights
Ongoing every Fri 7pm
Moberly Arts & Cultural Ctr
The South Asian Family Association's Arts Youth Nights are for kids and teens between seven and 16. Programs are geared to promoting South Asian culture, a positive image of South Asian youth and achieving cultural harmony. The Centre is located at 7642 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver, B.C. Info: www.safa.ca.
 
 
Vienna  Boys Choir
Wed Feb 27 8pm
Bell Performing Arts Centre
The role of the choir (numbering between fourteen and twenty) was to provide musical accompaniment to the church mass. The boys received a solid musical education, which in most cases had a significant impact on the rest of their lives, as many went on to become professional musicians. Part of the annual Envision Jazz Festival at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on 6250 – 144th Street Surrey. Call: 604-507-6355 or visit: www.bellperformingartscentre.com for more information. About the choir visit: www.singers.com/choral/viennaboys.

Bhangra Celebration
Feb 29 - Mar 8
The annual festival continues to evolve with new and exciting events to complement the competition, art exhibit and outdoor evening stage. The City of Bhangra 2008 will include the Drum Circle, exploring global styles of drumming and performance; transfusion, where   contemporary and traditional dance styles of the world meet and blend; and Disorienting Bhangra, a panel discussion examining  the global popularity of Bhangra. For tickets and information, visit www.vibc.org
 
Folk dance festival
Sun Mar 2 3pm
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. In partnership with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the Dancers of Damelahamid and MOA welcome you to the inaugural We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. Come and experience dramatic masked dances, ancient songs, beautiful button blankets, and Northwest Coast art. (All performances free with regular admission.) Info: www.moa.ubc.ca
 

WEST ASIA
 
MIKA
Feb 15 8pm
95 Crave FM and the Georgia Straight present pop sensation Mika, live in concert. Lebanese-born, London based MIKA Penniman known as Mika has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Recording for 'Love Today'. This is excellent and well earned recognition for the massive global impact that he has had this year. This will be the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, prestigious stuff, and will take place on 10 February 2008 at the Staples Center, Los Angeles. MIKA will also have the opportunity to thank his American fans when he tours the US and Canada at the end of January and early February. Catch Mika at the ORPHEUM theatre 649 Cambie St Vancouver, BC, Canada or call For more information call 604-665-3050.