Top Things To Do in Vancouver This Week

Monday, April 6, 2009 – Robert Burns In Transatlantic Context

Robert Burns

If you're a fan of To a Mouse, To a Louse, and Address to a Haggis, attend some local events celebrating the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns and his influence on North and South American culture over the last 250 years. There are many free events open to the public, including a Burns Concert with a mini-Gung Haggis Fat Choy celebration (April 7), a Community Research Forum on "Burns in BC" and a lecture by Dr. Robert Crawford on his new biography of Burns, The Bard (April 8). The Scottish Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, will also address the symposium on the afternoon of April 8. Admission is free at SFU Harbour Centre (515 W. Hastings), times of events vary, and you can find out more by emailing rsutherl@sfu.ca.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 – The Great Farm Trek

Help ensure that the 24 hectare UBC Farm has a bright future. Starting at 3:30 pm, this family-friendly event will feature music from the Carnival Band, percussion ensemble Sambata, Papa Thom, bluegrass tunes from the Agora String Band, and more. There will be food, addresses from Greenpeace founder Rex Weyler, recorded greetings from David Suzuki and the Mayor of Vancouver, and a ceremonial planting.

You're invited to bring costumes, music, banners, posters, art, party favours, and lots of spirit! The trek will start at the UBC Student Union Building, via the Board of Governors meeting and onto the UBC Farm. Parking is free at 6182 South Campus Road. Contact info@friendsoftheubcfarm.org if you have questions, or check out the Great Farm Trek 2009 Facebook group for details.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 – Britney Spears

Britney's back to perform songs from her latest CD Circus, which includes her often played hit "Womanizer." We haven't heard much about Britney in the news lately -  her dad's appointed conservatorship and her normal (no umbrella attacks, head shaving or paparazzi romances for months now) behaviour and appearance at events seem to suggest a more grounded, mature Britney (or at least one who remembers to wear pants). Britney is performing at GM Place (800 Griffiths Way) with guests the Pussycat Dolls. Find tickets here.

Thursday, April 9, 2009 – Western Landscapes

The Vancouver Art Gallery presents Western Landscapes, featuring artists Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes, Ann Kipling and Gordon Smith. Each artist uses the region's landscape as their subject, but their approaches are extremely different. The exhibit continues until May 18, 2009 at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.). Find more info on the artists and exhibit here.

Friday, April 10, 2009 - Gordon Lightfoot

Folk singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is at the Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts tonight at 8 pm. Lightfoot is legendary for his Canadian classics like "If You Could Read My Mind" and "Bitter Green.” Get tickets here.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 – Homechild

Homechild is a touching story of the endurance of both love and memory, based on a little-known period in Canadian history and how this affected several generations. It's the last performance of Homechild at the Arts Club Theatre (1585 Johnston St.), so don't miss it! Playwright Joan MacLeod has won several awards, including the Governor General's Award for Drama, two Chalmers’ Canadian Play Awards, the Jessie Richardson Award, Betty Mitchell Award, and Dora Mavor Moore Award. She has been praised by numerous critics and audiences for her works over the years. Find tickets and more info here.

Sunday, April 12, 2009 – 2009 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate the beauty of over 36,000 Japanese ornamental trees in Vancouver. The 2009 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival features a number of events including Tree Talks and Walks, Cherry Trolley Tours, Sakura Days, Cherry Scouts, and more. The festival continues until April 24 at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St.), and you can find a complete listing of all events here.