Downtown Eastside

The once bare walls of the Union Gospel Mission’s live-in drug and alcohol recovery program are alive with art thanks to the efforts of Jeanne Krabbendam, a mixed media artist and instructor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

What began as a small project to liven up the space with one donation of artwork from Krabbendam has evolved into a full-fledged rotating gallery showcasing the work of artists from across Metro Vancouver.

A grand opening of the space takes place Thursday, Aug. 30, which will also include 17 pieces of art displayed for sale. All proceeds from the art sold during the Hope for a New Beginning sale will benefit the mission’s programs and services.

Included in the artwork donated for the sale is a piece by the late, renowned Canadian artist Toni Onley, as well as one by his daughter Lynn Onley.

West End

The city’s only choir specializing in rock, pop, Motown, blues and gospel sung in four-part harmony is looking for new members.

There’s no audition or even experience required to become a member of the Sing City Show Choir: Vancouver’s only Rock Show Choir. The choir is directed by Laura Lang, a professional singer and entertainer who, according to a press release, brings skill, experience and laughter to Tuesday night rehearsals. Training is provided at rehearsals, and it’s promised most singers will develop or vastly improve quickly.

The 2012-2013 season begins Sept. 4 and new members can register now by visiting singcity.ca. While you’re there make sure to check out the video montage found under “videos and photos” that includes the choir performing songs such as “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse, “Life in a Northern Town” by The Dream Academy and Brian Setzer’s “Jump, Jive an’ Wail.”

Chinatown

Who doesn’t love a craft party, particularly if it’s taking place on the same day in cities across the globe.

The Third Annual Etsy Craft Party—Vancouver edition takes place Sept. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. at BLIM, 115 East Pender St. The party is the brainchild of Etsy.com, a popular online marketplace for everything handmade and vintage.

The party brings Etsy’s massive online community of more than 17 million worldwide offline once a year to celebrate its roots in independent arts and crafts making. Vancouver has an estimated 390

“Etsians.”

The theme of this year’s party is “Wish You Were Here,” which will be reflected in the crafts undertaken such as postcard making and travel journal binding.

For more information and to register visit blim.ca/events, phone 604-872-8180 or email info@blim.ca.

Grandview-Woodland

I was looking for something special to do for my birthday and now I’ve found just the right celebratory event to let loose.

The Fifth Annual Accordion Noir Festival takes place Sept. 13 through 16 at the Grandview Legion, upstairs at 2205 Commercial Dr., with the Creeking Planks, the “jug band of the damned.”

I don’t know what happened during the band’s last gig at the Legion, but on the Creeking Planks website they promise to be slightly less “explicit” during this performance. The Creeking Planks will be joined by two other East Side bands, High Society and the Flying Folk Army, for an evening that’s being described as a “night of bellows-driven, foot-scooting and boogying.” For more information visit creakingplanks.com.

Oakridge

Just in case you have no plans for the long weekend, why not consider giving blood.

Canadian Blood Services estimates it needs 1,200 more donors across Canada and 220 in B.C. in preparation of the carnage that is the Labour Day long weekend. A single car accident victim may require 50 units of blood and blood products to survive injuries. That’s why this long weekend, communities, groups and families across the country are encouraged to rally together to donate blood.

To book an appointment to donate blood or to find the closest location, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283.

sthomas@vancourier.com

Twitter: @sthomas10