Stir Cheat Sheet: 8 highlights of the Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre
Taiko drumming, Kwantlen First Nation storytelling, soul music, and more on the diverse 2022 program
Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish by Joseph Dandurand performed by Axis Theatre Society.
Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre take place from December 21 to 31 (except for December 25 and 26)
THE LINEUP FOR Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre is as vast as Buddy the Elf’s journey through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, the sea of swirly-twirly gum drops, and the Lincoln Tunnel. Daytime draws include the Winter World Labyrinth, kids’ activities, buskers, and performances by the likes of Kevin Lam String Quartet and Indian classical arts duo Cassius Khan and Amika Kushwaha, all free. Then there are ticketed performances ranging from Zimbabwean marimba to Scottish reels and jigs. Here’s a snapshot of the mainstage events happening at the Anvil Centre Ballroom.
Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish by Joseph Dandurand performed by Axis Theatre Society
December 22 from 2 to 3 pm
This Kwantlen First Nations story follows a sly Mouse (Kw’at’el) who is caught stealing cheese from a bountiful feast dish of the basket ogress, Th’owxiya, a hungry old spirit. To appease the angry Th’owxiya, Kw’at’el sets out on a journey to trick the ogress. Raven (Sqeweqs), Bear (Spa:th), and Sasquatch (Sasq’ets) become part of the tale that features traditional Coast Salish and Sto:lo music, masks, and imagery. (Pictured at top.)
Kutapira
December 22, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
What started out in East Vancouver in 2005 as a youth world music initiative has grown into a crowd-pleasing band that plays a fusion of Zimbabwean marimba with West African and Afro-Cuban percussion. Along with djembe and timbales, the ensemble’s five musicians also incorporate electric guitar, electric bass, and vocals. The name Kutapira means “sweetness” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. Percussion legend Sal Ferreras is among the group’s fans.
Uzume Taiko
December 23 from 2 to 3 pm
Taiko drums and other percussion instruments meet high-energy movement when Uzume Taiko takes to the stage in its celebration of the rhythm of life itself. The acclaimed troupe melds the choreographed physicality of martial arts and the rhythmic flourishes of jazz with the dramatic pulse of the o-daiko, the world’s largest drum, at almost 10 feet in diametre.
O Come All Ye Soulful: Jodi Proznick (left) and Dawn Pemberton.
O Come All Ye Soulful
December 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
It’s a powerhouse pairing: queen of soul Dawn Pemberton and bass maven Jodi Proznick inject soul and bounce into holiday classics. Backed by a stellar band, the two reinvigorate seasonal songs by artists such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding, and Vince Guaraldi, to name a few.
The Dimes. Anita Alberto Photography.
Dandy, Phyllis & The Dimes: Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland
December 28 from 7:30 to 9:00 pm
The music-centric variety show is for all ages and comes complete with comedy sketches. Founded by performer, vocalist, and actor Erica Ullyot, The Dimes is a vocal ensemble that specializes in songs of the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.
Pico and The Golden Lagoon by Picos Puppet Palace
December 29 from 11 to 11:45 am and 2 to 2:45 pm
Created from re-purposed, upcycled, and recycled materials and using puppetry, live music, and storytelling, this adventure story follows Pico, a world traveller who flies around in a yellow bi-plane. The characters Pico meets introduce her to all sorts of new ecological ideas, the production highlighting themes of courage, friendship, and the wonders of nature.
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret
December 29 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Actor-singer Molly Wilson performs a musical variety show with a splash of comedy of songs from Broadway, pop, rock, and Motown, all in the name of fun and laughter.
Blackthorn.
Family Ceilidh featuring Blackthorn
December 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
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