Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for March 19 to 25

Play It Forward – March 19

Play It Forward is all about bringing local creative talent and the non-profit community together to make Metro Vancouver a better place to live. Selected filmmakers and non-profits have been collaborating since January to produce subsidized video campaigns that capture the mission behind each organization. The gala screening will feature eight short videos vying for an audience choice award.

Doors open at 1:40 p.m.; Screening starts at 2 p.m., free
The Cinematheque, 200-1131 Howe Street

Motown Meltdown – March 19

If you live for the music that came out of Detroit in the 1960s, you will definitely want to stop by the Commodore Ballroom this weekend. A 12-piece band and 25 guest vocalists will be belting out the classics (think: I Heard it Through the Grapevine and Dancing in the Street) that first put Motor City on the map.

7 p.m., $32
Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street

This City is Ours: A History of Contentious Space in Vancouver – March 19

A group of local students interested in space and how people respond to it are leading a historical walking tour through the streets of downtown Vancouver. The tour focuses on stories typically forgotten or disregarded in popular discourse due to the ever-changing nature of our urban landscape. Their aim is positive: to prove that it is possible to create a sense of belonging in the city. The tour ends at The Lamplighter Pub where participants are invited to continue the conversation inside.

By donation, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street

Romeo and Juliet – March 19

Shakespeare’s most famous love story comes to life at the Centennial Theatre with Ballet Victoria. Backed by Sergei Prokofiev’s original score, the island-based troupe captures the emotion behind one of the greatest tragedies of all time.

7:30 p.m., Tickets starting at $15
Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Shaun Verreault and Friends – March 19

Want to see how seasoned artists respond when put on the spot? Wide Mouth Mason singer/guitarist Shaun Verreault takes the stage at Guilt & Co. with local drum legend Pat Steward and Bend Sinister’s bass player Matt Rhode to create spontaneous music and lyrics that will keep audience members guessing—and thoroughly entertained.

9:30 p.m., pay what you can policy
Guilt & Co. 1, Alexander Street

Macaron Day – March 20

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to stop by one of Faubourg’s three Vancouver locations this Sunday. To celebrate the annual Macaron Day, the Paris-inspired chain is offering their signature French macarons at half price and matching every dollar of macaron sales with proceeds benefitting the BC Cancer Foundation. That means you can indulge for a good cause while enjoying a $1 treat.

• Kerrisdale Village, 2156 West 41^st Avenue, Vancouver
• Downtown, 769 Hornby Street, Vancouver
• West Vancouver, 792 Main Street, West Vancouver

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – March 20

If you aren’t quite ready to stop celebrating the luck of the Irish, head to Hycroft mansion for some traditional love songs, reels and jigs in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Soprano Elspeth McVeigh, fiddle champion Mark Sullivan and guitarist Craig McGregor will perform.

2 p.m., $20, Hycroft Mansion, 1289 McRae Avenue

Yoga in the Gallery – March 22

For once visiting an art gallery doesn’t involve politely hushed murmurs and a constricted use of space. Yoga instructors Kent Brun and Melanie Rae Birch lead an inspiration practice in the Gordon Smith Gallery, challenging traditional expectations of space and interactions with art. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the ongoing exhibition, At What Cost? throughout their practice, as well as post-class treats from sponsors Tao Organics and Lululemon Park Royal.

6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., by donation
Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, 2121 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Return the Grace – March 22 to 27

A heartfelt tribute to one of contemporary music’s most beloved icons comes to Vancouver and promises to leave you All Shook Up. Over 30 singers, dancer and musicians revive some of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits, including Heartbreak Hotel and Love Me Tender. Featuring Steve Michaels as the King himself, this high-energy production proves that Presley truly is immortal.

Tickets starting at $35
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton Street

The Love that Moves The Universe – March 25

Back by popular demand, the Vancouver Chamber Choir (VCC) presents R. Murray Schafer’s The Love that Moves the Universe. The moving composition, based on the final lines of Dante’s Paradiso, was premiered by the VCC in 2010. This week’s program led by conductor Jon Washburn also includes Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Bach’s Jesu, meine Freude, making it a show you definitely don’t want to miss.

8 p.m., Tickets starting at $24
Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street