The Top Things to Do in Vancouver: June 29 to July 5, 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009 – The 24th Annual TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival

The Jazz Festival features over 400 shows – 150 of these are free concerts – over 10 days in various Vancouver's parks, clubs, community centres, concert venues and even in the streets. Check out the schedule at Coastal Jazz.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 –  Jonas Brothers

If you have tweens you surely know all about the Jonas Brothers trio. Get tickets to see the Vancouver stop of their world tour, with opening guests American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and band the Honor Society. Get Jonas Brothers tickets at Vancouver.com.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 – Canada Day Parade

Bring the kids to see the Canada Day Parade, street festival and fireworks to celebrate the nation's birthday. The street festival goes from 10 am to 7 pm, the parade from 7-8 pm, and the Burrard Inlet fireworks start at 10:30 pm. The parade route begins at West Georgia and Broughton, ending at West Pender and Thurlow. Admission is free; visit Canada Place for details.

Multicultural Canada Day

This Canada Day celebration is hosted by the South Vancouver Unit 26 and the East Vancouver Unit 68 of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans. Highlights of the event will be police and military displays, dance groups, choirs, a bocce ball tournament, face painting and free hot dogs. 43rd Ave. (between  Fraser & Chester), from 11 am to 4 pm. Email anavets.unit26@yahoo.ca to find out more.

Canada Day By The Bay

If you're not content to sit on the sidelines for Canada Day, take part in a 10 kilometre race, with proceeds going to local charities Basics for Babies, Kiwanis South Surrey, Peace Arch Community Services, Peach Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, South Fraser Women's Services Society, and White Rock South Surrey Community Foundation. The race starts at 8 am at Semiahmoo Park (15782 Marine Dr., White Rock), see event details and race route at Do the Rock.

Thursday, July 2, 2009 – Kind of Blue Tour

Jimmy Cobb and band So What celebrate 50 years of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album. The legendary Cobb performs with his group: Wallace Roney, Javon Jackson, Larry Willis, Vincent Herring and Buster Williams along with the John Stetch Trio at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer St). Buy tickets to the event.

Friday, July 3,  2009 – Greek Summer Festival

It's time again for the Greek Summer Festival, a ten day celebration of food, entertainment and culture. This year there will be daily performances by the Greek dance group Ee Reezes. Partial proceeds from the event go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon. Admission is free, and the festival continues until July 5 at 4541 Boundary Rd. Get more info at Greek Summerfest.

Saturday, July 4, 2009 – Summer Salsa Cruise Series

The Summer Salsa Cruise Series heats up aboard the MV Britannia July 4 and 18, August 8 and 22, and September 5. Board the boat at 8:30 pm, leave at 9:30, and return at 12:30 after a fun night of salsa lessons, DJ's and a dance show, all on three levels. Tickets are $25, with group discounts available. Get options and schedules at Salsa Cruises.

Sunday, July 5, 2009 - The China Tea Deal

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St.) and Seven Tyrants Theatre present The China Tea Deal, an exciting theatrical presentation set in 1701. Join Captain Woodfellow as he returns to the Scholar's household to learn that last year's tea deal may be in jeopardy. Stroll through the gorgeous Scholar's garden, taste Oolong tea and help the Captain as he barters for the riches of China in this interactive performance. Tickets are $20, $15 for students/seniors, with a special family rate of $45. See showtimes and learn more at Seven Tyrants.