SOUTH EAST ASIAN

Healing mass
Thurs Feb 14 7pm
St. Luke’s Catholic Church
Fr. Fernando Suarez, a Filipino Canadian priest who has attracted thousands of followers worldwide with miraculous healing power will conduct his last of the four healing-mass series in Maple Ridge at 20285 Dewdney Trunk Road. The first three masses were held in Coquitlam, Richmond and Burnady. For more info call: Celso and Marie Holgado at 604-582-6839 or visit: www.fatherfernando.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.  

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
Ongoing until Feb 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.
 
Face of Jizo
Ongoing until 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.
 

Sarah Geronimo concert
March 1 7 pm
The Centre
Adanac/Phil Promotions and Star 7 Media Promotions in cooperation with Lux Karaoke present the Philippines top young singers led by pop star Sarah Geronimo with Mark Bautista, Rachelle Anne Go and Christian Bautista at The Centre on 777 Homer Street, Vancouver. More info and tickets call 604-771-5370.
 
First Fri Forum
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.

Dance Cruise
May 4 – 10 2008
Come and Join the MABC (Malaysian Association in British Columbia) and experience the Diamond Princess. MABC is hosting a fully escorted group tour on a 7 day, 6 night repositioning cruise Los Angeles to Vancouver. Special Group Pricing includes Air from Vancouver, 3 nights Hotel – Anaheim – 3 nights cruising plus transfers. During Cruise: Free Professional Dance Instruction: Jive, Waltz, Tango and more for all levels. For more info visit: www.mabccanada.com. 

EAST ASIAN

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.

PACIFIC DANCEARTS
Sat 16 Feb 7:30pm
Michael J. Fox Theatre
PACIFIC DANCEARTS is an established dance academy in Canada. Since the school's inception in 1999, PACIFIC DANCEARTS has built a reputation for its high standard of training while retaining young dancers' love of dance. PACIFIC DANCEARTS' training programs range from pre-school to pre-professional. The half-day Intensive Training Program is one of the most successful programs of its kind in Canada. Today, PACIFIC DANCEARTS is truly an international dance institution with students from the United States, Japan, China, Brazil, Mexico and across Canada who come to the school to pursue their dreams of a career in dance. Alumni of PACIFIC DANCEARTS are now dancing professionally in Europe and throughout North America. Please call for more info: 604-738-8575.

The Quikie
Feb 15-16
Playwrights Theater
The Quikie, a Vancouver-based contemporary romantic comedy that rips a strip out of speed dating, making whoopee, and cultural collision. Directed by Ross Bragg. Visit: www.scriptingaloud.ca/quickie.

Miraculous Mandarin!
Sat Mar 1-3 8pm
Orpheum Theatre   
 Conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama and Canadian violinist Scott St. John perform a celebrated and extraordinary concerto. A rarely performed gem of the orchestral repertoire from Bartók rounds out this miraculous concert that also features a tribute to Jean Coulthard on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Visit: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/theatres/orpheum.

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

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.

Scene + Heard
22 Feb 8pm
CineVic
Society of Independent Filmmakers and Puente Theatre are proud to present an evening of media art and traditional oral story telling. Scene + Heard features stories told through live narration, film and video.  The three collaborations featured are: Ceremony of Death  by  Grace Salez and Raji Basi,
The Jackal's Lawsuit by Rachel Moore and Paulina Grainger, Lady Laluna  by Mark Borowski and Janice Valdez. Tickets are $5 at the door.  CineVic is located at 2022 Douglas St., Victoria. For more information go to www.cinevic.ca.

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