MODERN WOMAN

When we were young, naive university students backpacking around Europe, we visited Paris's Musée d'Orsay to marvel at the works of French masters such as Degas, Renoir, Pissarro and others. Before we exited the building, we bought a poster of one of the paintings to hang on our bedroom wall so as to appear erudite and urbane. The posters are gone (originals by unknown locals are our preference now), but we can still appreciate the beauty of the French artists. The Vancouver Art Gallery is giving locals a chance to view a large selection of many of the great 19th-century masters whose works hang in the Paris museum. The Modern Woman: Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay is a perfect summer exhibition. It runs at the VAG June 5 to Sept. 6. Full details at www.vanartgallery.bc.ca. By donation night is, of course, still on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.

PEOPLE HATER

Tony Harrison, Britain's leading theatre and film poet, originally wrote The Misanthrope for Kevin Spacey and the London Old Vic, but it was never performed due to the death of the director.

Under the direction of C.W. (Toph) Marshall, the United Players are hoping nothing happens to Toph when they present the world premiere of the "sizzling" new version of Molière's classic play to conclude the company's 50th season.

Set in the White House of George W. Bush, Molière's world of deceit, hypocrisy and spin become vividly modern. Being a poet, Harrison's language is said to be rich and lush and will take you to a world of political fixers, lobbyists, lawyers and sexy TV celebrities.

The Misanthrope runs June 4 to 27 at the Jericho Arts Centre (1675 Discovery). Call 604-224-8007 ex. 2 or visit www.unitedplayers.com for tickets.

BRAZILIAN VIBES

Singer, songwriter and apparently Canada's only female capoerista, Vancouver's NessaV is set to release her debut CD Aché at the Fortune Sound Club June 3. If the title of the CD sounds familiar, it's because Nessa has been part of the family music group Aché Brasil here in Vancouver singing and showing off her capoeira moves. On Aché, which means "everything positive in the universe" in the Yoruba language of Brazil, Nessa blends hip-hop, samba and pop on the nine tracks she co-wrote and co-produced. Expect a sizzling night of buff bodies (have you seen those capoeiristas?) and sexy music. Show time is 8 p.m. Visit www.clubzone.com for tickets.

SWEET 16

Music Waste, billed as the friendliest way to experience Vancouver's independent art and culture scene turns 16 this year. For the price of a six-pack, patrons can catch 100 bands, as well as comedy revues, art shows, a BBQ, a basketball tournament and bowling. (Music Waste sure has changed from its early years.) The annual festival runs June 2-5 at various venues. Festival passes are $15 and to keep the event accessible and safe, venues are within walking distance of each other (as much as possible). Full details at http://musicwaste.tumblr.com/schedule.

IT'S LEO TIME

Oscars, schmoscars--it's Leo Awards time. The annual celebration of excellence in the B.C. film and television takes place June 4 and 5 the Westin Bayshore. Sonya Salomaa and Benjamin Arthur host on June 5, while Ellie Harvie hosts June 4.

Names to watch for are Richard de Klerk (Supernatural, Stargate SG-1) nominated for best actor in a movie Cole (dir: Carl Bessai), and Multi award-winning Rebecca Jenkins who's up for a Leo also for her role in Cole (dir: Carl Bessai). Go to www.leoawards.com for tickets and full details.