Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

h1

Our 18th Year and Still Full of Surprises!

November 6, 2012

We here at The Word On The Street Vancouver would like to thank everyone for all their support in making this year’s 18th annual festival yet another success!

Continuing with our three-day programming, attendees again got a chance to visit Banyen Books & Sound, The Historic Joy Kogawa House and Carnegie Centre alongside our usual appearances at the downtown Vancouver Public Library and Library Square.

Straight from the festival grounds, highlights included readings by such notable figures as W.P. Kinsella (author of Butterfly Winter) and Brian Calvert & Chris Cannon (authors of America, but Better: The Canada Party Manifesto). The appearance of well-known Canadian actor, Jackson Davies (aka Constable John Constable from The Beachcombers) was a major hit with the crowd.

Premiering for 2012, we also introduced to audiences “The Unwritten Word,” a new programming initiative exploring the power and impact of story that is not in written form. Key components included Reliquum, a 48 foot long photo exhibition showcasing the inspirations of library and publishing figures from across Canada and abroad, and documentation of The St. George Rainway, Vancouver’s first sanctioned street art mural.

Thanks again to all our sponsors, various panelists, presenters and performers, and in particular our dedicated team of volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again in our 19th year!

Above: Close up detail of Reliquum 
Curated by WOTS 2012 site art coordinator, Samson Tam.

 

 

h1

Word On the Street Vancouver Marketplace

September 23, 2011

On Sunday, September 25th at Library Square, exhibitors can be found at tents and tables all over the festival site – inside and out! When you arrive at the festival, check out our festival program for a detailed map. Here’s a long list of all the exhibitors booked for this year’s festival: book publishers, magazine publishers, writing and publishing organizations, literacy programs, and much more. There’ll be books to buy, information to be gained, and treasures to be found!

NOTE:
[BB] = Book Bag Treasure Hunt
[SO] = Magazines offering subscription deals etc.

The Exhibitor Marketplace

Ad Hoc Committee Raising Funds to Rebuild the Slave Lake Library which was destroyed by a wildfire in May 2011. P14

Adaawx Publishing – First Nations 101 is an accessible and informative primer on First Nations issues. V23

The Alcuin Society The Bibliophiles! Visit our booth to see the art of the book at its finest. V13

Angst in the Sanctuary The “How Did You Die?” Show, Fictional Tales for the Un-Dead (evocative art and text) V26

Anvil Press publishes contemporary Canadian literature with a distinctly urban twist. T6

Arsenal Pulp Press is a Vancouver-based book publisher celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011. T2b

Association of Book Publishers of BC represents BC-owned book publishers and believes a healthy book industry is essential to our cultural, social, educational and economic life. V38

Authors’ Circle provides support & services to authors, publishers and self-employed creative professionals. T17c

AWOG Publishing Independent Publisher Book Award Winner: ‘Best Regional Non-Fiction – Canada West.’ Visit us! http://www.aworldofgood.ca V34

Banyen Books & Sound Canada’s most comprehensive bookstore focusing on Spiritual Traditions, Healing Arts, and Earth Wisdom: http://www.banyen.com T9d

BC Book Arts Guild meets occasionally for presentations and to share works-in-progress. P17

BC Book Prizes celebrate the achievements of BC writers and publishers by producing the Lieutenant Governor’s BC Book Prize Gala and by touring finalist authors to communities throughout the province. P4
[BB] BC Coalition for School Libraries To advance literacy, culture and student achievement through school library programs in every school in BC. T17b

The 3-Day Novel Contest Fabulous fast fiction from the world’s most notorious literary marathon. V31

[BB] BC Teachers’ Federation works to provide a strong and stable public education for everyone. T9a

Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Education & Research Institute The largest group of Kabbalists in Israel, sharing the wisdom of Authentic Kabbalah with the entire world. V6

[BB] book’mark, The Library Store is a non-profit store raising funds for the Vancouver Public Library. P1

Book Warehouse Bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains, bargains! T11c

British Columbia Humanist Association We promote the principles of humanism and using science and reason to understand the universe. V12

[BB] Buddha’s Light Publishing An independent publisher of books. Hummanistic Buddhism – its goal is to enable people to realize spiritual practice in everyday living. T2d

Canada Council for the Arts / Conseil des Arts du Canada Visit our booth and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Governor General’s Literary Awards! More at http://www.canadacouncil.ca. / Passez à notre kiosque et célébrez le 75e anniversaire des Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général! Plus d’information au http://www.conseildesarts.ca. T9c

Canadian Authors Association, Vancouver Branch We are a local organization with a national presence, founded on the principle of “Writers Helping Writers.” V17-18

Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild furthers the book arts in Canada through education, publications, exhibitions, and public outreach. P16

Canadian Children’s Book Centre encourages, promotes and supports reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. T17b

The Capilano Review (TCR) has published innovative and provocative literary and visual art side by side since 1972. V5

[BB] Carnegie Community Centre & Library Branch From library services to health fairs and cultural events. Discover what’s happening in the heart of the Downtown Eastside. P12

CARP – British Columbia is the largest association of people 45+ in Canada. V9

Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC (CCHSBC) is dedicated to broadening the understanding of Chinese history in BC through research, documentation, preservation and education. V33

Christian Science Reading Room Your community’s resource centre on spirituality. V7

City of Vancouver Election Office VANCOUVER VOTES November 19, 2011. It’s your chance to choose. Information: call 3-1-1, visit vancouver.ca/vote.T17c

The Cook’s Tarot Collection of recipes/guidance based on the tarot’s Major Arcana. Achieve inner growth through cooking. V35

The Crime Writers of Canada promotes Canadian crime writing and presents the Arthur Ellis Awards. V22

[BB] Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents 80,000 workers in almost every community in BC. http://www.cupe.bc.ca T4

[BB] CWILL BC Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC A group of published writers & illustrators of works for children. We support each other and promote literature. T17a

D&M Publishers One of Canada’s largest independent publishers, Vancouver-based D&M is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Join us and our authors for 40th Anniversary cake at 2:30. T2b

Early Years Community Program provides early years and family literacy programs across Vancouver. P9

The Editors’ Association of Canada – BC Branch promotes professional editing as key in producing effective communication. V39

The Epoch Times is an independent, globally oriented media, published in 17 languages. In Vancouver, enjoy Epoch Times in Chinese or English, print or online: http://www.theepochtimes.com. T15d

[BB] The Federation of BC Writers offers comprehensive member support and innovative programs throughout the province and online including funded author visits to schools. http://www.bcwriters.ca V41

Friends of the Vancouver Public Library is a non-profit organization supporting the library. Visit book’mark The Library Store. P2-3

[BB] Hanyiidamo Sacred Arts & Healing “A Step Beyond Madness” chronicles the beginnings of the author’s spiritual journey. V30

Happy Science provides you with guideposts to happiness both in this world and the next. V11

Harbour Publishing is an award-winning publisher with a focus on BC history and geography. T6

The Heritage Group of Publishers is composed of Brindle & Glass, Heritage House Publishing, Rocky Mountain Books and TouchWood Editions. T2a

Historic Joy Kogawa House Come to our booth to meet author Susan Crean, 2011 writer-in-residence. V21

Humber School for Writers More than 280 of our grads are now published authors. T11a

IBBY Canada To honour and promote Canadian children’s books at home and abroad, advocate children’s literacy and support colleagues in developing nations. T17a

Islamic Circle of North America To promote better understanding between various cultures in Canada. V10

Island Blue Print / Printorium Bookworks BC’s book printing experts, building trust in client relations for over 99 years. T15a

Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Creative Writing Department Write Here. Write Now. BA Major in Creative Writing. Award-winning faculty, small class sizes. V4

Kwantlen Polytechnic University – English Department Educate your imagination in classes no larger than 35. BA English major and minor options are available. V4

The Langara Journalism Review covers trends and issues in Western Canadian journalism. T8

[BB] Martinez Consulting provides Spanish language guides for both teachers and students. V30

Meluki Book Marketing represents a wide range of British and Celtic books, maps, prints, journals, and calendars. V27

Moon Willow Press is a new publisher helping to sustain arboreal ecosystems while celebrating the written word. V32

New Star Books An independent Vancouver based publisher since 1970. T2c

ONE TO ONE Literacy Society This unique children’s program provides one on one reading tutoring for students by well-trained volunteers. T17d

[BB] Orca Book Publishers Award-winning, all-Canadian books for children. T15b

People’s Co-op Bookstore An amazing store, established in 1945, that carries social justice, kids, local authors, fiction, and more. T2c

[BB] Public Library InterLINK Use your library card at any of our 18 member libraries from sea to sky to Fraser Valley. P13

Robson Reading Series features live literature and cozy conversation with new and established authors. Visit robsonreadingseries.ubc.ca. V24

[BB] Ronsdale Press British Columbia’s literary press. T9d

Romance Writers of America – Greater Vancouver Chapter supports and encourages members in their pursuit of a professional career in romance writing. V42

The Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel is located in the heart of the sports and entertainment district of downtown Vancouver. V37

[BB] SFU Writing and Publishing Program Do you write for work or pleasure? We offer over 100 courses related to writing and our instructors are writers. V3

Simon Fraser University – World Literature is designed for students interested in literature from around the globe, languages, cross-cultural dynamics and international travel. T11b

[BB] Simone Brenneman Her books will hold you spellbound in the fascinating though complex world of autism. V25

Simply Read Books Award-winning illustrated children’s books with inspired content, extraordinary artwork, outstanding graphic design, and quality production. Visit us at http://www.simplyreadbooks.com T6

Soka Gakkai International Association of Canada (SGI Canada) Value-creating Buddhist philosophy centered on promoting peace through culture, education, and individual happiness. V29

[BB] STIBC – Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC Certified professionals working in over 80 language combinations and following a strict Code of Ethics. V15-16

[BB] Surrey International Writers’ Conference Oct. 21-23, 2011. Workshops. Agents. Editors. Master Classes. Book Fair. http://www.SiWC.ca. “Writers Grow Here.” V19

Talon Books publishes work of significant literary and/or cultural importance by Canadian authors. T6

Thursdays Writing Collective runs free, drop-in creative writing classes at Carnegie Community Centre for Downtown Eastside residents. http://www.thursdayswritingcollective.ca V2

Tradewind Books is a small Vancouver publisher specializing in books for children and young adults. T6

UBC Library Our 21 branches connect communities within and beyond the university and advance research, learning, and teaching excellence. Connect. Learn. Explore. T9b

Usborne Books has more than 1500 award-winning children’s books available. The best books for kids. V36

USC Education Savings Plans Inc. Information on free government grants available. Draw for a chance to win a $6500 RESP. V28

Vancouver Community College is BC’s largest literacy organization, offering basic literacy to first year university courses. P15

[BB] The Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival presents engaging events for readers with acclaimed and emerging authors. http://www.writersfest.bc.ca V20

[BB] Vancouver Island University, Faculty of Arts & Humanities and Creative Writing & Journalism Department Highly qualified instructors, small classes, a beautiful campus – check out our BA programs. Love where you learn! V14

Vancouver Public Library Libraries are filled with great information, fun reads and many helpful free services. Discover what your Library has for you! P5-6

The Vancouver Public Library Foundation provides funding for family literacy programs, library services for marginalized people, multicultural programs and much more. P7-8

Vancouver Society of Storytelling connects oral literatures with the voices and listening ears of individuals, organizations, and communities through workshops, events, and an international festival. T15c

The Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader Visit the Raise-a-Reader booth to make your own personal bookmark and purchase a book. 100% of all funds raised go directly into literacy programs in BC. T18

Westcoast Calligraphy Society We study all forms of beautiful handwriting. Visit us for your free personal bookmark. P10-11

The Word Guild is an organization for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. V8

The Writer’s Studio (SFU) Email twsinfo@sfu.ca to sign up for a free 20 minute mini-manuscript consult with a Writer’s Studio alumni. V1

The Writer’s Union of Canada is a not-for-profit organization established in 1973 to support and advocate on behalf of Canada’s book published authors. V40

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is the largest provider of licenced childcare in the Lower Mainland. T17d

Magazine Exhibitors

ARC Poetry Magazine Canada’s National Poetry Magazine. T15c

BC’s Pet Connection is a health-oriented community pet magazine for the many pet lovers in our area. T8

British Columbia Magazine Discover BC’s beautiful places and remarkable people in well-researched articles and amazing photography found in British Columbia Magazine. T8

[SO] Dance International covers classical and contemporary dance locally, nationally, and internationally. Now in its 35th year. T8

DIVERSE is a Canadian magazine that explores multiculturalism through art, heritage, issues and events. T8

[SO] EVENT From literary heavyweights to up-and-comers, four decades of award-winning fiction, poetry, non-fiction, notes on writing and reviews. T8

[SO] [BB] Geist Magazine offers the best in narrative, photography, comix, poetry, puzzles, weird cartography and offbeat literary contests – and it’s 100% Canadian. T6

[SO] KNOW, for ages 6-9, answers all those what, why, where and how questions kids ask. T8

[SO] Lester’s Army is a literary organization that explores the relationship between young and old in society through publishing. T6

Magazine Association of BC There’s more to explore in BC’s magazines. Visit us to learn about our 80+ members. T8

Magazines Canada No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a Genuine Canadian Magazine for you. BUY CANADIAN! T8

Megaphone is a magazine sold on the streets of Vancouver by homeless and low-income vendors. T6

The New Quarterly offers a mix of fiction, poetry, and talk about writing. It’s an award-winning journal with a sense of fun. T15c

OCW Magazine is a biannual interdisciplinary art project dedicated to the cultivation of new ways of experiencing art. More info at: ocwmagazine.ca. T8

Pacific Rim Magazine, produced by Publishing students at Langara College, explores connections between Canada and its Pacific Rim neighbours. T8

[SO] Poetry Is Dead is a young contemporary poetry magazine. T6

[SO] PRISM international publishes the best in contemporary writing and translation from Canada and around the world. T8

rabble.ca brings together the perspectives of progressive journalists from across the country–it’s news for the rest of us. T8

Ricepaper Nourish your mind with Canada’s only literary magazine featuring Asian Canadian arts, culture, and commentary. T8

[SO] Room is Canada’s oldest journal of writing and art by, for, and about women. T8

subTerrain has been a source of “Strong Words for a Polite Nation” since 1988. T6

Vancouver Is Awesome Vancouver Book Club, a project of VancouverIsAwesome.com, is a community of readers and writers who connect regularly with meetings. T8

Vancouver Observer draws upon contributions from its vast pool of writers to provide timely, topical local news coverage. T8

Vancouver Review Smart, lively, and surprising, Vancouver Review is an award-winning West Coast cultural magazine. T8

[SO] YES Mag The award-winning YES Mag brings science to life for children ages 10-15. T8

Family Literacy Tent

Britannia Community Services Centre Society develops and provides educational, recreational, library, and social services for the communities of Grandview-Woodland and Strathcona. T21

[BB] Canucks Family Education Centre (CFEC) offers five adult-focused, four-component family literacy models that address school-based transitions in five locations in the Lower Mainland. T21

Frontier College is a national non-profit literacy organization that incorporates volunteer mobilization, youth development, and community capacity building. T21

HIPPY Canada (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is a family literacy program for immigrant, refugee, and low-income families in Vancouver. T21

The KidSafe Writers’ Room at Queen Alexandra Elementary School In the Writers’ Room, students work on creative literacy projects with volunteer tutors. T21

Scholastic Book Fairs is a highly dedicated team providing products and services to help children become lifelong learners. T21

The Word Under the Street Exhibitors – Presented by Mint Records

The Black Dot Museum of Political Art presents lectures, book launches and art exhibits.

Carina Piccioni Autobiographical comic book tales of a young woman in the city! Also, poster illustrations.

Cinema Sewer is the underground film journal dedicated to the world’s sickest and sexiest movies. http://www.cinemasewer.com

Cloudscape Comics Society is a collective of artists based in BC. We will be offering our anthologies, including our newest work; 21 Journeys.

Colin Upton has been creating small press and indie comics for a quarter century. As well, Colin is a lowbrow painter, illustrator, writer, public speaker, flanuer, miniaturist, wargamer and in the past he has dabble in performance art and music.

The Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund provides financial relief for Canadian comics, professionals, or readers whose right to free speech has been infringed by civil authorities.

Downspace Creative Kim Glennie is an animator/illustrator; Derek DeLand, an architect. Hijinx ensue! Emily & Zola, The Woods, Copyright Infringers, SWELL(™).

Ed Brisson is the writer behind the Shuster Award nominated crime comic series “Murder Book.”

Fun Men Press is Vancouver’s very best variety in independent comics and art. Believe it!

Jason Turner is the artist and cowriter of the One Book One Vancouver nominated series True Loves.

Jenna Sokalski likes to combine her passions for writing and drawing to create comics. Nifty!

Lost City Comics Jonathon Dalton draws comics about strange worlds and the ordinary people who live there.

Mangy Cur Press features the talents of Sydney More, and is offering a large selection of her fine work.

[BB] Mint Records Home to Nardwuar, The Pack a.d., Hot Panda, Geoff Berner, Carolyn Mark, Kellarissa, and many, many more!

Mostly Monsters Fun monster themed table with colouring books, zines, cards, and more!

Patremoir Press’s Fathers celebrates Atwood, Churchill, Kafka, Lessing, Ondaatje, Toews and Woolf under the street.

Steve Rolston Artist of comics Ghost Projekt, Emiko Superstar, Pounded, Escapists, and Queen & Country! http://www.steverolston.com

Tiny Vices Mary Karaplis is a Vancouver born comics artist specializing in single panel illustration and images that pack a punch. http://www.tiny-vices.com

Tough Sissy Girl Colour me, draw me, paint me, read me, make me, collaborate with me, visit us!

Rosencrantz Comics Jesse Davidge will be showcasing the first volume of Mathemagicks & Mystiphysics and doing $5 drawings of anything you want!!

Vancouver Comic Con Producers of comic book & pop culture memorabilia shows for over a decade. Visit us at http://www.vancouvercomiccon.com.

h1

The Craftier side of Word On The Street!

September 22, 2011

Friday Sept. 23.
HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE 1450 W. 64th Avenue
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Make a Collage Button with Laura Bucci
and meet Susan Crean—Historic Joy Kogawa House Writer-in-Residence

Join crafter Laura Bucci at Historic Joy Kogawa House to create collage buttons using text and a variety of other materials. Crafters of all levels are welcome to attend this FREE button-making workshop. During the workshop, members of the community will have the opportunity to meet Susan Crean, who will entertain crafters with daring tales of her plans as writer-in-residence.

These events are part of a community celebration to welcome non-fiction writer Susan Crean as the 2011 writer-in-residence at Historic Joy Kogawa House. Susan Crean arrives from Toronto on September 15 to spend three months living and working in the former childhood home of Joy Kogawa.

Books will be available for sale and signing, and refreshments will be served. Buttons and collage materials will be provided free of charge, but donations are appreciated!

Can’t Get Enough?
Laura Bucci will be running workshops in the Family Literacy Tent on Sunday at The Word On The Street at Library Square and Susan Crean will be in the Authors Tent at 4:30 pm.

And on Sat. at Carnegie Centre:

IN THE THEATRE
12:30–4:30 Mercedes Eng—How to Make a Chapbook:
An Info Session and Workshop for Controlling the Means of Production

Chapbooks—short, self-published, homemade books—allow writers to circulate their work quickly and cost-efficiently. This session will discuss why chapbooks are strategic tools for presenting work and the components of designing individual chapbooks. Immediately following a 1/2 hour talk is a 3 1/2 hour hands-on workshop in which participants will make up to 5 copies of their own 10-12 page books. All materials are supplied free of charge. Please bring your work on a memory stick, disc, or handwritten copy. Computer help and photocopying will be available on-site. Participants will have the opportunity to sell their books the following day at The Word On The Street Vancouver. For questions and info, email event facilitator Mercedes Eng at engmercedes@yahoo.com. The preliminary 30-minute info session is open to all. Participants who wish to make books must register for the workshop in the office at Carnegie Community Centre (20 people max).

And on Sunday in the downtown library:

The BC Book Arts Guild presents Bookmaking Demos
Fascinated by the art and craft of fine bookmaking? Drop by the BC Book Arts Guild table to watch hands-on demonstrations by professional artists. You could find yourself inspired to create your own treasures!

11:00–12:00 Gina Page, mini-tunnel books
12:00–1:00 Suzan Lee, making books from a single sheet of paper
1:00–2:00 Lindsay Page, traditional books: alternative politics
2:00–3:00 Reg Lissel, handmade paper
3:00–4:00 Kassandra Bonn, simple book structures
4:00–5:00 Jan Janovick, more book structures

OCW Magazine presents The Bookmark Show

A non-juried exhibition of original artwork by artists and designers from across Canada, The Bookmark Show presents the custom bookmark as a cultural artifact in the age of digital publishing. Each artist-made bookmark, created using a variety of mediums and materials, is functional for use. Bookmarks will be for sale to fundraise for the non-profit OCW Arts & Publishing Foundation.

Carnegie Centre Chapbook Workshop Exhibition

Chapbooks created during the workshop held Saturday, September 24, in the Carnegie Centre theatre will be on display and for sale! Chapbooks are short, self-published, homemade books that allow writers to circulate their work quickly and cost-efficiently. Twenty participants who took part in a chapbook workshop September 24 (part of The Word On The Street) will display and sell their work on September 25 in The Moat as part of Sunday’s The Word On The Street festival at Library Square.

(The OCW and Chapbook visual exhibits are right beside our Word Under The Street exhibitor marketplace, a fabulous destination for local alternative comic book artists and illustrated zine producers.)

h1

Meet me at the Mainstage!

September 16, 2011

THE MAINSTAGE at Robson and Homer Street is festival central on Sunday September 25, the foot-stomping and arm-waving hub where host David C. Jones will introduce musical and cultural acts throughout the day:

11:00 Literary Writes 2011 Awards & Author Readings with The Federation of BC Writers BC writers bring fiction short stories to a whole new level! The Federation of BC Writers, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive provincial writers’ organization, honours the three winners of their 23rd annual Literary Writes Competition. Entries in this year’s chosen genre were judged by George Fetherling, recipient of the prestigious Harbourfront Prize for his substantial contribution to Canadian letters.

12:00 The Carnival Band is a 30-piece, fulltilt boogie brass band explosion from East Vancouver that plays funk, calypso, samba, and world-beat for you to cut a rug to! Under the musical direction and spiritual leadership of Ross Raymond Barrett and Tim Sars, The Carnival Band believes that community music is a way to empower individuals.

12:45 The Ukesters are a ukulele ensemble that came out of Ruby’s Ukes Ukulele School in Vancouver. They play once a month at the Cafe Montmartre and build their varied repertoire of swing, jazz, folk, and other interesting tunes. Their sense of fun and love of playing the ukulele makes them a popular addition to the Ukulele craze! Joining them will be teacher and mentor Guido Heistek.

1:25 The Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) Society is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to elevating and promoting the dance form of bhangra. Bhangra is Punjabi folk music and a dance originating in Northern India. The VIBC Society presents events and performances to entertain and educate all communities about this beautiful and high-energy dance form.

1:45 Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko is an Okinawan taiko dance group which started in Metro Vancouver in 2004 with members of the Vancouver Okinawa-ken Yuaikai (Friendship Association). Okinawa is a prefecture in southern Japan in the Ryukyu Islands. The group aims to be ambassadors of Okinawan folk performing art in which Okinawan style drumming and dancing combine together, along with traditional as well as contemporary Okinawan music. The members are a mix of generations which reflects a true presentation of grassroots folk art.

2:30 Vancouver Youth Theatre—Why Justice? Vancouver Youth Theatre’s Teen Ensemble presents Why Justice?, a humourous, thought provoking and original piece written collaboratively by teen actors from BC’s Lower Mainland in partnership with VYT directors, with great music by local guitarist and singer songwriter Glenn Chatten, with Ross Fairbairn. Vancouver Youth Theatre is a non-profit society dedicated to the inspiration and education of young actors ages 5–18.

3:15 Lion Dancing—The Shon Yee Benevolent Association of Canada was founded in 1914 in Vancouver, BC for the purpose of uniting and helping people from Zhongshan, China. Over the years, branches in Victoria, BC and Calgary, AB were established. The Martial Arts group is one of many clubs of Shon Yee’s Athletic division. They train in traditional kung fu, wushu, and lion and
dragon dancing.

3:35 Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam Team 2011 is made up of Erin Kirsh, Shayna Virginillo, Mike Johnston, Francis Arevalo, and Youth Slam Champion Mo Lawrence. With a careful balance of light and dark, funny and thought-provoking, sarcastic and serious, heart-breaking and heart-warming, these poets hope to have tickled each of your emotions after you’ve listened.

4:20 The Upbeats are a community-based group of dedicated drummers who were bitten by the rhythm bug several years ago and have been advancing their skills and their love of percussion under the skillful hand of master drummer Joseph Pepe Danza. Performing traditional rhythms from Africa and Latin America, The Upbeats have learned that to play the music, they have to feel the music—and they hope you will, too.

All festival info at: http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/vancouver

See you there!

h1

Three days of diverse readings, exhibits, workshops, and more!

September 9, 2011

The Word On The Street Vancouver 2011
Three days of diverse readings, exhibits, workshops, and more!

The Word On The Street Vancouver is back for its 17th year, this year with a full weekend of programming!

As always, the last Sunday of the month, September 25, will see a full day of indoor and outdoor programming at Library Square. Festival-goers will find 100+ diverse readings and acts that are all free in a lively environment that includes a marketplace with 150+ interesting book and magazine-related exhibitors.

New this year, The Word On The Street is thrilled to present free Friday evening and Saturday programming in partnership with Carnegie Centre, Banyen Books & Sound, and Historic Joy Kogawa House. More information follows.
(Full program can be found at:
http://issuu.com/wotsvan/docs/wotsvancouver2011_program)

Sunday September 25 – Library Square

THE AUTHORS and CANADA WRITES tents include readings by fiction, drama, and non-fiction authors such as JJ Lee (The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit), TJ Dawe (Labrador), Carmen Aguirre (Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter), Timothy Taylor (The Blue Light Project), John Vaillant (The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival), Steve Burgess (Who Killed Mom?), Jen Sookfong Lee (The Better Mother), Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Good-bye), Georgia Nicols (You and Your Future: Your Signs, Your In-Depth Personality Patterns, Your 40-Year Horoscopes), John Furlong (Patriot Hearts), and Samuel Thomas Martin (This Ramshackle Tabernacle) who will be joining the festival direct from Newfoundland!

THE MAINSTAGE at Robson and Homer Street is festival central, the foot-stomping and arm-waving hub where host David C. Jones will introduce musical and cultural acts throughout the day: The Carnival Band, The Ukesters, The Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko, Vancouver Youth Theatre, The Upbeats, and more!

In the MAGAZINE LIFE TENT, Canadian magazines show off their content via panels, demonstrations, and talks—for example, “How to Write Your Life Story” with Lester’s Army, “Stop Yanking My Chain: The Inappropriate Use of Dog Collars” with BC’s Pet Connection, and “Canzine West Preview—Indie Writers Deathmatch Live.”

For lovers of poetry, THE POETRY TENT is the place to be with a full day of readings by emerging and established talents including Kevin McNeilly (Embouchure), Sachiko Murakami (Rebuild), Rob Taylor (The Other Side of Ourselves), Aisha Sasha John (The Shining Material), Donato Mancini (Buffet World)—as well as an hour with the World Poetry Reading Series and the launch of Poetry in Transit 2011 (with a bus on site).

THE WORD UNDER THE STREET (downstairs in the library) has both a fabulous comics and zine marketplace as well as a Cartooning workshop and a full day of Comic Critiques. Next door, downstairs, are WORD TALKS and WRITING TALKS, which feature workshops and performance, e.g. “The Listener Graphic Novel—an adaptation featuring Mecca Normal,” “How to Get Published Panel,” “De-Mystifying Mystery Writing,” “History in the Taking: Adventures in Social Writing” with Elee Kraljii Gardiner & Michael Turner, and much more!

And, there’s plenty for the younger set. THE KIDS TENT has Vikki VanSickle (Love is a Four-Letter Word), Lesley McKnight (Vancouver Kids), Brenda Bradshaw & Dr. Cheryl Mutch (Good Food to Go), Gina McMurchy-Barber (Broken Bones), and more. In THE RAISE-A-READER CORNER (for ages 0-7), there’ll be storytellers and readings by Karim Alrawi (The Mouse Who Saved Egypt), Gary Kent & Kim La Fave (Fishing With Gubby), Joan Betty Stuchner (Can Hens Give Milk?), Brian Harris (Watch Me Grow: A Down-to-Earth Look at Growing Food in the City), and more. On LITERACY LANE, watch for “Bookmaking for Kids,” and “Make a Collage Button with Laura Bucci.”

Plus, there’ll be a massive Marketplace with books, magazines, and other products for sale; The Sony Reader Lounge where readers can check out e-reading; readings from contributors to literary magazines at various venues; free writing consults by The Writer’s Studio; The Family Literacy Tent where useful information about families, literacy, and lifelong learning can be found; roving street performers; the 14th Annual Book Bag Treasure Hunt and the Kids and Families Scavenger Hunt; and, visual displays with a bookmark exhibit by OCW and a chapbook display, the results of a chapbook making workshop the day prior at Carnegie Centre. The Word On The Street is truly a day where there is something for everyone!

Saturday September 24 – Carnegie Centre

New this year, a full day of readings and workshops at CARNEGIE CENTRE. Take part in a chapbook making workshop, an open mic poetry night, readings by Evelyn Lau (Living Under Plastic), Richard Wagamese (One Story, One Song), poets taking part in 100,000 Poets for Change, and more.

Friday September 23 – Banyen Books & Sound, Historic Joy Kogawa House

BANYEN BOOKS & SOUND – Enjoy a talk by Carolyn Herriot, author of The Zero-Mile Diet: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food.

HISTORIC JOY KOGAWA HOUSE – “Make a Collage Button” with Laura Bucci and meet Susan Crean—Historic Joy Kogawa House Writer-in-Residence.

FREE, accessible, and fun for all ages, Vancouver’s annual celebration of reading brings visitors face to face with our vibrant writing and publishing community. Word lovers will find author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children’s activities, and much more—Sunday, September 25 at Library Square (Homer and Hamilton Streets between Robson and Georgia), a full day of readings and workshops at Carnegie Centre on Saturday September 24 (Main and Hastings), and events Friday evening at Joy Kogawa House and Banyen Books & Sound.

The Word On The Street is Canada’s favourite annual book and magazine extravaganza, taking place in Vancouver, Toronto, Kitchener, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, and Halifax simultaneously.

THE WORD ON THE STREET VANCOUVER
Three days | Sunday September 25, 2011 at Library Square, 11am to 5pm
Saturday September 24, 2011 at Carnegie Centre, 11am to 7pm
Friday September 23 at Joy Kogawa House, 7pm to 9pm, and
Banyen Books & Sound, 6:30 pm to 8pm
Admission: FREE!! Full details at: www.thewordonthestreet.ca/vancouver and our blog: https://wordvancouver.wordpress.com/

h1

Full program available here!

September 1, 2011

Our techie wonder Monica has created this awesome link with our full program: http://issuu.com/wotsvan/docs/wotsvancouver2011_program

So awesome! (and remember, there are events three days this year, Friday night at Banyen Books and Joy Kogawa House, Saturday at Carnegie Centre, and Sunday at Library Square!)

h1

Panels and workshops galore – Oh my!

September 1, 2011

Check out this great list of Word On The Street Vancouver panels and workshops, taking place on Sat. Sept. 24 at Carnegie Centre and Sun. Sept. 25 at Library Square. All Free! Full programming details on our website, wordonthestreet.ca,and programs hitting the streets in the next few days! (check our older posts for other programming details announced)

The Art of the Review (Irina Kovlyova, Joni Low, Andrew Morrison, Andrea Warner)

The Book Broads: Angela Crocker, Kim Plumleu, and Peggy Richardson Book Business Plans (Angela Crocker, Kim Plumley, Peggy Richardson)

Canadian Authors Association Presents “Writers Helping Writers” (Anthony Dalton, Bernice Lever)

Cartooning Workshop with Robin Thompson (Robin Thompson)

Comic Critiques (Jeff Ellis, Carina Piccioni, Steve Rolston, Mary Karaplis, Leonard S. Wong, Jonathon Dalton, Tara C. Carmichael, Kim Glennie, James Lloyd, Sydney More, Jenna Sokalski, Jesse Davidge)

Demystifying Mystery Writing (Elizabeth Elwood, Debra Purdy Kong, Robin Spano, Donaldson Yarmey)

History in the Taking: Adventures in Social Writing with Elee Kraljii Gardiner & Michael Turner (Elee Kraljii, Michael Turner)

How to Get Published Panel (Brian Kaufman, Bob Kronbauer, Clélie Rich, Melody Poirier)

How to Make a Chapbook: An Info Session and Workshop for Controlling the Means of Production (Mercedes Eng)

Make a Collage Button Pin with Laura Bucci (Laura Bucci)

Memoir-Writing Workshop with Madeline Sonik (Madeline Sonik)

Writing the Political Poem (Mercedes Eng, Christine Leclerc, Cecily Nicholson, Reg Johanson)

Writing WHAT WE WANT = Writing a Manifesto (Margot Leigh Butler)

You Gotta Know Where You Come From To Know Where You’re Going (Charles Demers, Grant Lawrence, Merdith Quartermain, Timothy Taylor, Cathleen With)

Woohoo!

h1

5 1/2 weeks until Word On The Street fun! Read on for festival info, authors booked …

August 17, 2011

Vancouver’s The Word On The Street is back for its 17th year with another full day of reading and writing escapades. Word lovers will find author readings, writing and publishing exhibits, musical entertainment, roving performers, children’s activities, and much more—Sunday, September 25 at Library Square (Homer and Hamilton Streets between Robson and Georgia).

And new this year, watch for more information about programming at Carnegie Centre (Main and Hastings) on Saturday, September 24 as well as Friday night programming (Sept. 23) at Banyen Books and Historic Joy Kogawa House.

FREE, accessible, and fun for all ages, Vancouver’s annual celebration of reading brings visitors face to face with our vibrant writing and publishing community from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the last Sunday of September.

A list of authors reading from their books follows. Watch for more posts with information about magazine programming, panels, Mainstage entertainment, workshops, visual displays, and more!

Carmen Aguirre
Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter (Douglas & McIntyre)

Karim Alrawi
The Mouse Who Saved Egypt (Tradewind Books)

Dan Bar-el
Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been? (Simply Read Books)

Andrea Bellamy
Sugar Snaps and Strawberries: Simple Solutions for Creating Your Own Small-Space Edible Garden (Timber Press)

Brenda Bradshaw & Dr. Cheryl Mutch
Good Food to Go (Random House)

Steve Burgess
Who Killed Mom? (Greystone Books)

Don Calame
Beat the Band (Candlewick Press)

Norma Charles
Run Marco, Run (Ronsdale Press)

Kevin Chong
Beauty Plus Pity (Arsenal Pulp Press)

Wayde Compton – New Vancouver Public Library Writer in Residence

Susan Crean – Historic Joy Kogawa House Writer in Residence

T. J. Dawe
Labrador (Brindle & Glass)

Kristeva Dowling
Chicken Poop for the Soul: In Search of Food Sovereignty (Caitlin Press)

Lucia Frangione
Paradise Garden (Talonbooks)

John Furlong
Patriot Hearts (Douglas & McIntyre)

C. E. Gatchalian
Crossing & Other Plays (Lethe Press)

Charlotte Gill
Eating Dirt (Greystone Books)

Heidi Greco
Shrinking Violets (Quattro Books)

Brian Harris
Watch Me Grow (Kids Can Press)

Carolyn Herriot
Zero-Mile Diet: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food (Harbour Publishing)

Robert Hough
The Day the Rebels Came to Town (HarperCollins)

Glen Huser
The Runaway (Tradewind Books)

Aisha Sasha John
The Shining Material (BookThug)

Gary Kent & Kim La Fave
Fishing With Gubby (Harbour Publishing)

Duane Lawrence
Sammy Squirrel & Rodney Raccoon to the Rescue (Granville Island Publishing)

Julie Lawson
Ghosts of the Titanic (Scholastic)

Jen Sookfong Lee
The Better Mother (Knopf)

JJ Lee
The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit (McClelland & Stewart)

David Lester
The Listener Graphic Novel – an adaptation featuring Mecca Normal (Arbeiter Ring Publishing)

Donato Mancini
Buffet World (New Star Books)

Samuel Martin
This Ramshackle Tabernacle (Breakwater Books)

Bruce McBay
Angels Inc. (Tradewind Books)

Robin McConnell
Inkstuds (Conundrum Press)

Leslie McKnight
Vancouver Kids (Brindle & Glass)

Gina McMurchy-Barber
Broken Bones (Dundurn Press)

Kevin McNeilly
Embouchure (Nightwood Editions)

Garry Thomas Morse
Discovery Passages (Talonbooks)

Sachiko Murakami
Rebuild (Talonbooks)

Renee Norman
Martha in the Mirror (Inanna Publications)

Georgia Nicols
You and Your Future: How to use Astrology in Everyday Life (House of Anansi)

Andrew Nikiforuk
Empire of the Beetle: How Human Folly and a Tiny Bug Are Killing the Great Forests of the West (Greystone Books and the David Suzuki Foundation)

Jacqueline Pearce
The Mystery of the Missing Luck (Orca Book Publishers)

Tina Powell
Samantha’s Silly-icious Sandwiches (Big Fat Pen Publishing Inc.)

Karen Rivers
What is Real (Orca Book Publishers)

Kathy Sager
Suzie’s Sourdough Circus (Harbour Publishing)

Ellen Schwartz
The Case of the Missing Deed (Tundra Books)

Michael V. Smith
Progress (Cormorant Press)

Madeline Sonik
Afflictions & Departures (Anvil Press)

Barbara Stewart
Campie (Heritage House)

Robin Stevenson
Outback (Orca Book Publishers)

Joan Betty Stuchner
Can Hens Give Milk? (Orca Book Publishers)

Michelle Superle
Black Dog, Dream Dog (Tradewind Books)

Rob Taylor
The Other Side of Ourselves (Cormorant Books)

Timothy Taylor
The Blue Light Project (Knopf Canada)

Shirley Jean Roll Tucker
The Amazing Foot Race of 1921: Halifax to Vancouver in 134 Days (Heritage House)

John Vaillant
The Tiger (Random House)

Vikki VanSickle
Love is a Four-Letter Word (Scholastic)

Richard Wagamese
One Story, One Song (Douglas & McIntyre)

Cristy Watson
Benched (Orca Book Publishers)

Calvin Wharton
The Song Collides (Anvil Press)

Pam Withers
First Descent (Tundra Books)

The Word On The Street is Canada’s favourite annual book and magazine extravaganza, taking place in Vancouver, Toronto, Kitchener, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, and Halifax simultaneously.

h1

More authors confirmed for Word On The Street Vancouver 2011

June 9, 2011

Here’s the the list of booked authors to date! We’re getting excited. Just 3 1/2 months away!

Carmen Aguirre Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter(D & M Publishers)
Andrea Bellamy Sugar Snaps & Strawberries: Simple Solutions for Creating Your Own Small-Space Edible Garden (Timber Press)
Steve Burgess Who Killed Mom? A Delinquent Son’s Meditation on Family, Mortality, and Very Tacky Candles (Greystone Books)
Don Calame Beat the Band (Candlewick Press) (YA)
Norma Charles Run Marco, Run (Ronsdale Press) (YA)
Kristeva Dowling Chicken Poop for the Soul: A Year in Search of Food Sovereignty (Caitlin)
John Furlong Patriot Hearts (D & M Publishers) (non-fiction)
Charlotte Gill Eating Dirt: Field Notes on Deep Forests, Big Timber and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe (Greystone Books)
Robin McConnell Inkstuds (Conundrum) (interviews with comic artists)
Garry Thomas Morse Discovery Passages (Talonbooks) (poetry)
Georgia Nicols You and Your Future: Your Signs, Your In-Depth Personality Patterns, Your 40-Year Horoscopes (Anansi)
Andrew Nikiforuk Empire of the Beetle (Greystone Books) (non-fiction)
Michael V. Smith Progress (Cormorant) (novel)
Timothy Taylor The Blue Light Project (Knopf Canada) (novel)
John Vaillant The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival (Random House Canada)

Woo hoo!