Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival by Karen Sawatzky
Summer days are coming to an end, but there’s no need to feel glum in Vancouver. The city is once again buzzing with interesting events that will keep you busy this September. Whether you'll spend your days watching the some of the best contemporary films during the Vancouver Film Festival, experience Taiwanese culture and cuisine at TaiwanFest, enjoy top theatre performances at the Fringe Festival, or brush up your musical education at the symphonic orchestra, Vancouver won't let you down. Check out our choice of the top events in September and then let us know how you liked them!
Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (August 30 to September 8)
Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Do you feel you could use a bit more knowledge about Latin American cinema? Then the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) is here for you. In its 11th season, the festival focuses on promoting the best of Latin American filmmaking to Vancouver audiences and creates a forum that encourages dialogue among cultures as well as between filmmakers and filmgoers. In 2013, VLAFF has a special section putting Colombian Cinema in the spotlight. Organizers have chosen La Playa DC by Colombian director Juan Andres Arango as the opening night film.
TaiwanFest (August 31 to September 2)
TaiwanFest
Join the party and celebrate everything connected to Taiwan at TaiwanFest 2013. Organizers have prepared a rich program that spans three days in the very beginning of September. You can expect great cultural performances, including a symphony orchestra in downtown Vancouver conducted by Ken Hsieh, dance shows with Taiwan TCCS Folk Dance Club, harp music concert by Joy Yeh, and much more. Visitors can also watch some of the top works by Taiwanese film directors and attend exhibitions and lectures. Besides being a showcase of culture, TaiwanFest is a feast for all foodies. Get ready to taste the best of the best of Taiwanese cuisine with top chefs Cheng-Chung Chen and Ching-Yung Chen, who will show off their mastery at the festival, or wander around the Taiwanese Street Banquet.
Vancouver Fringe Festival (September 5 to 15)
Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is a huge celebration of theatre and theatrical expression taking place over 11 days in September. Everyone is welcome to enjoy one of 600 performances by 89 artists from across Canada and the world. Fringe is as open and fair as possible. For example, the main stage shows are chosen in a rather unconventional way — they're literally drawn out of a hat. The festival also features a great onsite program, focusing on site-specific performances created exclusively for the event. At the end of the festival, there’s the annual Awards Night, recognizing the top performances and announcing the Pick of the Fringe award. For all party lovers, the St. Ambroise Fringe Bar will be buzzing with free concerts and performances every night.
Rise Fall & Reset — An Exhibition of Works by Cheryl Cheng (September 6)
Rise Fall & Reset
Studio 730, one of the innovative spaces in the city that serves as a forum for creative minds, announced a new exhibition by emerging local artist Cheryl Cheng. In her work, Cheng rediscovers the fundamentals of traditional design, such as balance, rhythm, and harmony, and she plays with geometry and space. Rise Fall & Reset is Cheng’s first solo exhibition, and she has taken great care to introduce her art in a clear way, avoiding excessive romantic or pseudo-intellectual gestures. Check it out yourself — there’s no entrance fee and you can find the gallery at 730 Richards Street.
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival (September 21)
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival is one of the flagship events of the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Following the footsteps of our ancestors, the festival celebrates the full harvest abundance, honouring the diverse cultural traditions of the communities living in the area. The event is also called the Return of the Salmon Celebration, marking the time of the year when salmon traditionally return to the area. The organizers bring attention to environmental issues, music, arts, and community spirit. Everyone is welcome to join in the magical lantern workshop and experience finale rehearsals and ravine stewardship discussions at the festival site.
The National Concert (September 22)
The National
The National is on tour, promoting their newest critically-acclaimed album, Trouble Will Find Me, which came out in May. The indie rock heroes from Ohio have become famous for their melancholic yet strong songs with excellent lyrics written by singer Matt Berninger. Some of the band’s most famous pieces include "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Mr. November" (used during Barrack Obama’s first presidential campaign), and "Terrible Love." The show takes place in the PNE Amphitheatre on East Hastings Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. At the moment, the available ticket prices range from $87 to $112.
Vancouver International Film Festival (September 26 to October 11)
VIFF
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is among the largest and most prestigious festivals of its kind in North America. For over 30 years, the festival has been introducing the best of Canadian and international cinema to a Vancouver audience. In 2013, film geeks can look forward to more than 340 films (including more than 200 full-length movies) divided into nine separate series, including Cinema of Our Time, Canadian Images, International Shorts, and Nonfiction Features of 2012. VIFF also announced the introduction of a new spotlight — the BC Spotlight, dedicated to supporting local talent. Other anticipated sections include a showcase of the James Bond series and the Dragon & Tigers section, presenting the most exciting new talents from East Asia.
Besides acting as a vital forum of communication between filmmakers and the audience, VIFF is an important meeting place for professionals from the industry. And of course, it's the ultimate party for film lovers!
Opening Weekend at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (September 28)
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra invites all lovers of classical music to the opening weekend of its 95th anniversary subscription season. The season will officially open after one of the world’s foremost percussion soloists and special guest of the orchestra, Dame Evelyn Glennie, introduces it with a bang, performing a commission by Randolph Peters, Canada’s foremost composer. Besides Peters's piece, the repertoire of the night includes Verdi, Hindemith, and Ravel’s Bolero as a finale. Ticket prices range from $21 to $88, and the concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. in the Orpheum Theatre.