The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

We're just past the middle of February, almost into early spring. After another batch of snow last week that surprised Vancouverites but didn't quite stick, it's starting to look brighter out there. Here are some things to do in and around Vancouver this week:

Monday, February 16, 2009 – Enacting Abstraction

The Enacting Abstraction exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street) focuses on the role of abstraction in artistic production, from early 20th century to present day. The exhibit, which runs until May 10, will feature art from both younger contemporary artists and pieces from earlier artists. For more information on the exhibit, see vanartgallery.bc.ca.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 – Once Upon A Wine

Come out and support Kwantlen's Public Relations students as they present a fundraising event for the Cinderella Project, which provides low income students with graduation attire so that they can celebrate with their fellow classmates. Students are referred by their teachers, principals or social workers to participate in a day of mentorship and recognition. The event will be held at the False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville St.) from 7-10 p.m., and will include wine, great live music, a silent auction, and appetizers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $40. Find out more at cinderellaeventtickets@gmail.com.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – What Will A University Degree Mean In The 21st Century?

The University Women's Club of Vancouver presents a lecture on the growth of private universities in BC, the designation of colleges as universities, and other issues the affect the quality of postsecondary education. Admission is by donation for the event, which takes place at the University Women's Club (1489 McCrae Ave.) at 7 p.m. Find out more at uwcv@uwcvancouver.ca.

Thursday, February 19, 2009 – 9th annual Chutzpah! Festival

The Lisa Nemetz International Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts presents Chutzpah! at the Norman Rothstein Theatre, The JCCGV, Vancouver Playhouse, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and the Firehall Arts Centre. Continuing until March 1, Chutzpah! Features more than 25 performances and workshops with over 100 local, Canadian and international artists. This years' lineup includes music by Beyond the Pale and the Andy Statman Trio, dance by the Batsheva Dance Company and ProArteDanze, and theatre like East of Berlin and The Invisible Life of Joseph Finch, plus many more. Buy a Chutzi ticket pack and see 4 shows of your choice for only $63, or find individual ticket prices and event schedules at chutzpahfestival.com.

Friday, February 20, 2009 – Reel to Reel – Film Festival For Youth

Reel 2 Reel is a non-profit charity that's dedicated to showingcasing the best in culturally diverse programming for youth. The group offers media-arts programming year-round, as well as the annual film festival. Besides the award-winning features and short films from Canada and around the world, there will be hands-on animation workshops and chances for audiences to participate in dialogues with the film directors and members of the Youth Jury. Showings take place at the Roundhouse Community Centre and Vancity Theatre. Here are a few titles from the Films 4 Families section:

Feb 20 - Super Granny
Feb 21 - Les Trios Brigands, No Network, Red Zora, Summer of the Flying Saucer, Summer's Tail
Feb 22 - Super Granny, The Ball

To find out more about shows and tickets, visit r2rfestival.org.

Saturday, February 21, 2009 – Kardinal Offishall

See Toronto based hip-hop artist Kardinal Offishall (Dangerous) with guest Shaun Boothe tonight at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 10:30. If you can't make it to tonights' show, Kardinal Offishall will also be performing on Feb. 19 at Citrus Nightclub in Langley. Tickets are $27.50/25 at ticketmaster.ca, also available at Zulu and Beatstreet Records.

Sunday, February 22, 2009 - Academy Symphony Orchestra

The Academy Symphony Orchestra presents their second concert of the season, conducted by Michael Charry, a former Music Director of the Mannes Orchestra. The evening features soprano Katheryn Garden performing arias and songs by Mozart, Massenet, Puccini and Rodrigo. The concert takes place at the Orpheum Theatre (884 Granville St.) at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors, available at the Academy (1270 Chestnut Street) or at the door of the Orpheum on the night of the performance. Get more info at vam.bc.ca.