BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for March 5 – 11

Munscha Mia celebrates the books of Robert Munsch

What to do in BC this week

Hit up a Semiahmoo House Party – March 4-5

Popular stereotype would have us believe that people with developmental disabilities lead sad, sedentary lives. Not so, says the Semiahmoo House Society, which is putting that theory on ice with its Winter Extravaganza at Coast Capital Playhouse (1532 Johnston Road, White Rock). Everyone’s invited to swing by on March 4 for a night of musical theatre, along with performances by the “Rec Rockers” and African dancers. The latter will be on stage on March 5,
too, backing up a show by the “Semi-Famous Players.” Tickets are $15, with proceeds benefiting Semiahmoo House Society. For further details, call 604-536-1242.

See Smoky Robinson – March 5
Hailed by some as “the greatest living American songwriter,” Motown star Smokey Robinson is known for penning such classics as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second That Emotion.” It’s pretty much assured that the Grammy-winning artist will be resurrecting these old soul standards on March 5 when he takes the stage for a one-night show at River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Road, Richmond), starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $69.50 and $79.50, plus service charges, at Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone at 604-280-4444.

Fete Festival du Bois – March 5-6

The French are famed for their joie de vivre. Now you can join in on the fun at Festival du Bois, taking place March 5 and 6 at Mackin Park (1046 Brunette Avenue) in Maillardville, the heart of B.C.’s French Canadian community. This 22nd annual spring salute to Quebecois and Acadian culture features live music, dance, kids’ activities and even a Sugar Shack serving up the likes of tourtière, poutine and maple taffy on snow. Tickets for this bilingual bash, running from 11 a.m. to dusk on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, range from $5 to $12 per day, with separate prices for the opening Friday night concert at Auditorium Jules-Verne and the Saturday evening performances. For further information, call 604-515-7070.

See Munscha Mia – March 5-27
Munscha Mia is the name of Carousel Theatre’s latest production. So the obvious question is: Is it like Mamma Mia for kids? Well, it is a charming, high-octane musical that just might get audience members singing in their seats, but unlike the hit 2008 film, it celebrates the books of Robert Munsch rather than the music of ABBA. Catch it with your kids aged 3 and up from March 5 to 27 at the Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver). Tickets range from $15 for kids up to $29 for adults, with discounts for seniors and students, and are available through the Carousel Theatre Box Office at 604-669-3410 or online.

Check out the Kelowna Women’s Fair – March 6
Did you know that March 6 is International Women’s Day? To celebrate, Kelowna’s Capri Hotel (1171 Harvey Avenue) is set to be the site of the fifth annual Women’s Fair, a free gals-only gathering that features dozens of vendors selling everything from clothing to housewares to accessories. And not only will you have lots of opportunities to win great prizes, but the first 100 guests will also be gifted with a free swag bag. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional details at kelownaevents.info.

Attend the Women’s Wellness Show in Sooke – March 6
Men, money, material goods – it all means squat if you don’t have your health. So make sure to preserve yours by checking out the Women’s Wellness Show on March 6 at Sooke Harbour House (1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke). Guys and gals alike are invited to swing by to browse the many booths showcasing all the latest offerings in health and wellness, along with jewelry, books and accessories. You can even sign up for a specially priced massage or hair cut too, or listen to a slate of experts offering up advice on everything from personal care to pet health. Tickets are $5 at the door, with more details at tourismvictoria.com.

Eat Pancakes for Charity – March 8 

Does anyone really need a good excuse for pounding back pancakes? Didn’t think so, but here’s one anyway: On March 8, all B.C. locations of De Dutch Pannekoek House are celebrating Shrove Pancake Tuesday by donating $2 from every pancake sold to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. And if you can’t make it in for breakfast, no worries; the restaurants are extending their operating hours until 8 p.m. to maximize fundraising efforts. Visit your neighbourhood location to try one of the 50 pancake combos or check out the brand-new Maple Ridge branch located at #600-20395 Lougheed Highway.

Attend Div[a]ine Evolution – March 10
Over the years, Diva at the Met (645 Howe Street, Vancouver) has had a number of executive chefs, each one at least as great as the last. On March 10, they’ll all be together again for Div[a]ine Evolution, a seven-course fundraising feast hosted by CTV’s Coleen Christie that celebrates Diva’s 15-year culinary journey, as well as the restaurant’s rep for mentoring a generation of young chefs. Tickets are $250 per person plus taxes, and also include a pre-dinner reception, all wine pairings, entertainment and gratuities, with net proceeds of ticket sales going to Big Brothers of Great Vancouver. To order yours, call 604-602-7759.

Catch Flamenco Vivo! – March 10

Described as a “revelatory troupe” in the New York Times, celebrated guitar maestro Paco Peña and his Flamenco Dance Company make a triumphant return to Vancouver on March 10 at the Vogue Theatre (918 Granville Street) with an acclaimed new show called Flamenco Vivo! More than just a mere concert, it’s a piece of musical theatre that displays the evolution of modern flamenco while debuting the latest rhythms in dance, guitar and song. Tickets for the show, starting at 8 p.m., are available for $45 to $52 per person, plus surcharges, or by phone at 604-569-1144.

Whoop it up at Old West Fest – March 10-13

Calgary can have its rodeo, ’cause B.C.’s got the Kamloops Cowboy Festival, considered “the biggest and best fest of its kind in Canada.” Running from March 10 to 13, this yearly yee-haw features everything from concerts, dinner theatre and poetry readings to seminars that run the range from ranch roping to guitar-picking to yodeling. And for urban cowboys wanting to look the part, the Art and Gear Show is the place to pick up some de rigueur spurred boots, Stetson hats and big-buckled belts, all crafted by some of Canada’s top artisans. Check it out at various locations, including Calvary Community Church and Kamloops Convention Centre, with additional details at 1-888-763-2224.

Taste California Wines – March 11

The next best thing to touring California’s wine region? Heading over to the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (999 Canada Place) for the 2011 California Wine Fair Tasting on March 11. This fab fundraiser for the Arts Club Theatre Company will pop corks from 110 top producers to give guests a taste of every corner of California’s wine growing region, all in one night and under one roof. The fun starts at 7 p.m., and also includes a silent auction full of exclusive wine, travel and entertainment packages. Tickets are $65 each, or $55 per person for groups of six or more. For more information or to buy your ticket, call the Arts Club box office at 604-687-1644.

See Wynonna Judd – March 11

So what if The Judds, one of country music’s most popular mother-daughter duos, has been reduced by half. Wynonna Judd didn’t let mom Naomi’s departure from the group stop her from becoming a respected solo artist with several No. 1 hits under her belt. Whether you’re a fan of her repertoire or her writing (she also penned a best-selling 2005 autobiography), the flame-haired songstress is set to appear in person on March 11 at Boulevard Casino’s Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam), starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $59.50 for orchestra seats and $69.50 for Golden Circle, not including applicable service charges. Buy yours in person at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 
604-280-4444.

Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.