Lori Henry's Blog
Posted by Lori Henry
For those near Vancouver, Canada this October, you might want to check out this very special performance. The nearby city of Richmond, BC is known for its Asian Restaurants and thriving Chinese population. But what about music?
It’s with much community excitement, then, that they welcome the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, all the way from China, to the River Rock Casino for two shows on October 4, 2009. It’s the orchestra’s first performance in Canada and it looks to be a BIG event.
“It is a very special honour to host this talented group from Xiamen,” says Richmond’s Sister City Committee Chair, Sylvia Gwozd. “We are absolutely delighted that our local sponsor partners share our enthusiasm for cultural exchange and enrichment. Their leadership and support has, in turn, helped to attract a range of equally committed community partners to help us host this almost 100 musical performer-strong orchestra and make these concerts a unique friendship event between the City of Richmond and the City of Xiamen.”
Zhen Xiaoying leads the charge, one of China’s most celebrated conductors. She is also the Artistic Director of the group and has made the orchestra a well-known name in China in the 10 years she has spearheaded it.
Guest musicians Siheng Song (pianist), Liu Yuan (saxophonist) and Zhang Hong Yan (pipa) will join the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra. Another special treat is the appearance of the Richmond Youth Honour Choir, who will be joining the Chinese orchestra on stage.
Philharmonic Tickets
River Rock Show Theatre
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
Sunday October 4, 2009
2:00 pm and 7:30 pm shows
Tickets: $18-$48 CAD
Ticketmaster: (604) 280-4444
Posted by Lori Henry
I spent the early part of this summer focused on BC travel: exploring the area around the mighty Fraser River in Canada. I came away with some pretty astonishing trip ideas, which I have recently published in this column.
Below is a list of the articles I wrote that will give you a great introduction the Fraser River area in British Columbia. Happy travels!
Whistler Mountaineer and Squamish Lil’wat Centre
Canada Train Travel on the Rocky Mountaineer
Gold Rush Historic Town in Barkerville, BC
Cultural Travel in First Nations Canada
Posted by Lori Henry
Taking a road trip through Alberta, Canada is a good way to see the countryside. That’s exactly what I did this Spring, with just enough time to give you the goods for your summer vacations.
Here is a series of articles that I wrote about my trip. Happy reading!
From Vegreville to Vermilion, Alberta
Buffalo Adventures in Wainwright, Alberta
Tofield & Elk Island National Park, Alberta
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Posted by Lori Henry
Act like a cowboy at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada. This outdoor summer show is the biggest hit in Cowtown every year.
I have amassed a small guide to the event so you can watch the opening parade, find a pancake breakfast downtown, see the Chuckwagon races, watch the spectacular Grandstand Show and “Yee Haw” through the Rodeo.
Here is a list of articles I’ve written about the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada:
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Posted by Lori Henry
Outdoor adventures are what make BC so unique. This province has an abundance of gorgeous settings perfect for cycling tours, cycling vacations, as well as camping and canoeing trips all over British Columbia.
Three new books have come out that illustrate BC in all its glory. As we gear up for summer, pick up these books, grab a pencil and start mapping your next outdoor adventure.
Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway: Dan and Sandra Langford have come out with their third edition of this popular book on cycling vacations. Covering ground in the southern interior of BC, the couple take readers through the Okanagan-Similkameen region by bike.
The maps are clear, the content simple to follow and the photos are fantastic, giving readers a good look at the backcountry of the province.
Camping British Columbia: Jayne Seagrave takes this indispensable guide into its sixth edition. Not only does she cover over 150 provincial and national park campgrounds, but she also gives advice on the unique challenges of a camping vacation in BC.
This book is comprehensive and can literally be taken with you from campground to campground all summer. Again, great photos, especially the full colour ones depicting lots of family fun.
Northern British Columbia Canoe Trips: Laurel Archer takes a stab at the limitless canoeing trips in the province in this first volume. I love the detailed information, maps and "Trip Notes" that are scattered throughout the book.
Northern BC can be a remote place for first timers and this is a great guide to follow when planning canoeing trips in the area. I don't think there's another book like it.
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Posted by Lori Henry
Cock-Pit, Choreographed by Wen Wei Wang
Performers: Scott Augustine, Edmond Kilpatrick, Josh Martin, David Raymond and Alison Denham
Winner of 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award for dance
Venue: Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street, Vancouver)
Dates: Feb. 24-28, 2009
Buy Tickets: $22-$30 CAN
It began with eggs and a few guys; it transpired into a simply complex peephole into the fascinating world of young men behind closed doors.
Choreographer Wen Wei Wang (not performing) used some of the most talented male dancers in Vancouver in a wild mesh of styles. Each brought his own background with him, fleshing out the story of four guys interacting in the sometimes aggressive, other times sexual dance of their lives.
Wen Wei brings with him memories of being a dance student in China and living with four boys. How they pushed each other, played with each other and bonded with each other is told through the revealing bodies of the male performers.
Alison Denham is the sole female dancer, adding an element of these young men’s mothers, girlfriends and sexuality.
Feathers are used as extensions of their bodies, sometimes phallic, usually playful, and add, not only a cultural element (they are used in the Chinese Opera), but as a thermometer: these “extensions” tested the space around them, giving each performer another way of communicating.
Aesthetically, it was an inspired way to add another dimension to the physical body. When Scott Augustine uses two feathers as wings for the first time, there is something innocent yet daring about his movements. Each new incarnation of the feathers exposes one more facet to the complicated years of growing up.
I cannot finish without commenting on the delirious lighting. Theatre favourite James Proudfoot outdoes himself yet again with sudden side flashes or distinct spotlights. He creates a lab both based in reality and swirling in the confused and hyper minds of the male performers.
An exquisitely executed show that reminds us why private partnership in the arts is so important. Read more about the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award.
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Posted by Lori Henry
With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching (less than a year away!), British Columbia will become one hotbed of travel activity.
Looking to book your hotel in Vancouver? Want the best way to find tickets? Need a breakdown of sporting events and venues?
I have written a series of Olympics-related articles in my Western Canada Travel column answering all of those questions. It’s my effort to help travellers from all over the world simplify their winter games travel planning. Good luck!
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Tickets
Olympic Sports at the Vancouver 2010 Games
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Venues (winner of Editor's Choice Award)
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Posted by Lori Henry
I recently went on a fabulous trip to the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. This area is only accessible by ferry, although it’s part of mainland BC. The remote nature of the region and the fact that the prices haven’t yet been inflated make it a real gem of a vacation spot.
Here are the short pieces I wrote in my blog about my experience travelling up the Sunshine Coast.
Dining and B&Bs in Sechelt, BC
Jedediah Island, British Columbia