The Okanagan Summer Vineyard Events Continue

To do in the Okanagan this summer…

LIVE music every Thursday night at Okanagan Crush Pad !

Live at Crush Pad - Summer Music Series

Okanagan Crush Pad - Summerland, BC

16576 Fosbery Rd Summerland, BC

Every Thursday

from July 4 to August 29 – From 7-9 PM attend Live at Crush Pad and listen to a variety of live music performances while you drink locally-made wine at Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad. Tickets are just $25 per person. Gates open at 6:30 PM.

Live at Crush Pad features renowned artists including Trailerhawk, The Fugitives, Rob ‘n Walker, Tiger Moon and many many more!

Okanagan Crush Pad’s wine brands (Narrative, Free Form & Haywire) will be available for purchase. Guests can also buy food from on-site food trucks.

View the upcoming musical acts and purchase your tickets online HERE.

Find more information and RSVP to Live at Crush Pad on Facebook.

Turning 15 has never been this BIG… or tasty!

Well Seasoned hits Milestone of Food, Education, and Generosity to the Community

To show appreciation for 15 years of support, Well Seasoned owner Angie Quaale & her team invites the community to join them in celebration on August 13!

---

Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store is celebrating its 15th birthday!

Join the party during the Hot August Nights Open House tasting event on Tuesday, August 13 from 6-8 PM, at the Well Seasoned store (#117-20353 64 Ave, Langley BC).

This FREE, giant open house is where you will sample and shop tons of delicious local products, meet with the makers, and wish Well Seasoned a happy 15th birthday. The more the merrier!

Check out the event on Facebook or visit http://www.wellseasoned.ca/happybirthday.

Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store celebrates its 15th birthday on August 13th

From its humble beginnings on the Langley Bypass in 2004, Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store has not only established itself as the go-to for foodies in the Fraser Valley, but it has also gained recognition across the country for its vision, trendy food creations, and championing the support of eating local.

From the start, owner Angie Quaale’s goal was to make Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store a launch pad for small scale food producers and locally grown items. Over the last 15 years, Well Seasoned has supported hundreds of brands and even created many of its own. Now it’s time to celebrate all they have accomplished.

““Nothing is easy,” she notes. “Owning a business is hard. It pushes every limit you have ever had. We work hard to set ourselves apart and we offer a service (hands on classes) that you can’t get online.

”My hope for the next 15 years at Well Seasoned,” she continues, “is that it continues to encourage people to eat well, to make real food at home & share it with family and friends.””

— Angie Quaale, owner Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store

Grand Re-Opening of Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store in 2014

On the celebration of the store opening with the launch of the Well Seasoned Store sign, a customer says “I hope you know the debut of your sign was just the start of something more than just a business. You inspire, encourage and support so many of us business owners. You have set an example of authenticity, loyalty and integrity.”

Read below to learn more about how Angie Quaale and Well Seasoned came to be.

---

The BIG Back Story

There is No Well Seasoned without Angie Quaale

Her titles range from trusted food expert, businesswoman, BBQ champion, and municipal leader (to name a few). Not many accomplish even one of these goals in a lifetime, let alone all of them - yet these are just a fraction of the triumphs of Fraser Valley’s gourmet gem, Angie Quaale. Quaale, a true foodie, has dedicated her entire working life to the food and hospitality industries, elevating every year.

Establishing her Place in the Culinary Landscape

Before opening Well Seasoned, Angie enjoyed a successful career in the food service sector, specifically working for manufacturers on specialty food distribution and menu development throughout North America.

She opened the doors to her little gourmet food retail store off the Langley Bypass in 2004 and brought a new food culture to Langley. At Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store, in Langley BC, she and her team combine her expertise in menu development and retail food distribution to bring food lovers the latest in food products and cookware from across the globe. (They relocated to a larger space in 2014 on the store’s 10th birthday.)

Quaale established cooking classes presented by local chefs and a catering arm for her store; both of which remain at capacity; educating the public and serving their party needs. She has innovated many recipes and introduced them to the western Canada market, such as chocolate salami, grab-and-go casseroles, and the bacon chocolate chip cookies that Vancouver Magazine listed on its 101 things to eat before you die!

Kicking off Summer 2019 Well Seasoned was just named Best Specialty Gift Store, and Best Caterer from the Langley Advance Reader’s Choice Awards.

Angie Quaale, 15-year owner of Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store

More Than a Store Owner

Outside of Well Seasoned, Quaale enjoys sharing her insights on food trends as a sought-after culinary trend expert and recipe developer. She is a regular guest with cooking segments on Global BC, City TV, and CTV Vancouver, is a contributing culinary expert on CBC Radio and also for Black Press. Quaale can also be seen doing cooking demos at various events and shows throughout the region.

And she demonstrates strong industry-leadership: she is past president of the BC chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, past president of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, past chair of Tourism Langley, and founder of the Langley Community Farmer's Market. Angie was also named the George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. She has also been recognized by Women’s Enterprise Centre as one of BC’s 100 New Pioneer Women Entrepreneurs. In 2006 Angie was recognized by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce as the Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2007 as the Small Business of the Year.

A BBQ Queen Too!

If her store ownership and community involvement isn’t enough, Quaale also spent many years practicing and mastering the art of Low & Slow, traditional Southern Style BBQ, and a decade competing in BBQ competitions all over North America. She and her partner David Gassaway represented Canada at the Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee where they won first place awards for "Home Cooking from the Homeland" and the "BBQ Desserts" categories.

They also competed in the American Royal Invitational BBQ Championships and won multiple Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion awards at prestigious BBQ competitions throughout Canada and the US.

Spring boarding off this, Quaale brought BBQ home to Langley. She hosted and produced “BBQ off the Bypass”, a sanctioned competition that saw entries from throughout the Pacific Northwest, and ran for 11 years. She also produced the “Barn Burner BBQ” competition in Chilliwack.

Today, Quaale and Gassaway have stepped out of the competitive spotlight. They still have a passion for BBQ, but now they spend more time cooking for friends and less time on the competition scene.

Eating Local in the Fraser Valley

Giving up BBQ made room for Angie to pick up where she left off after co-founding the Langley Farmers Market and continue her advocating for all things local. Highlighting the strong relationships with the farmers, producers, and chefs who live there, Angie wrote her best selling cookbook Eating Local in the Fraser Valley, published by Random House in 2018.

Featuring more than 70 locally-inspired recipes, this combination cookbook/guidebook is the perfect companion to one of Canada's most celebrated food and wine regions. At the time of this writing, her cookbook has been shortlisted in the nominations for the 2019 Taste Canada Awards.

Bringing the Community Together

For the past two years, Quaale has hosted a community potluck at her store. “Project Potluck” is inspired by her friend Julie Van Rosendaal who made a call to action for people to gather and share food in opposition to hatred. More than 100 people have come to Well Seasoned each year to break bread, share some laughs and get to know their community.

A Deserving Foodie to Celebrate

Quaale is connected to food trends and takes tremendous pride in her ability to teach home cooks how to make better food at home. Her fun, commonsensical approach, passion for reducing food waste and working with as many local, seasonal ingredients as possible is just part of what makes Quaale’s cooking style relatable.

Quaale is a true foodie, businesswoman, and trailblazer due to the pioneering nature of her work that she chooses to share with her community and beyond.

With Well Seasoned turning 15 this year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all these accomplishments and those yet to come.

The team at Well Seasoned looks forward to seeing everyone on August 13!

At Prowein? Taste Prosecco Superiore & Raise a Glass to 50 years of Heroic Viticulture

Hall 15 stand F21 is where you will find DOCG Prosecco Superiore wines

Heroic viticulture refers to the challenge cultivating vines in regions with hillsides and steep slopes - like Conegliano Valdobbiadene

Attending ProWein? Make sure to check our client’s booth at the event. The consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and will be celebrating with attendees at the fair.

In Düsseldorf, Germany from March 17th to 19th, the Producers’ Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG invites you to taste their vintage 2018  selection of sparkling wines from the historic area of Prosecco production, Conegliano Valdobbiadene, including Cartizze and Rive.

The Producer’s Consortium booth can be found, at Hall 15 stand F21 and is hosting 24 DOCG wineries, including small producers and big sparkling wine companies. The producers will be present on site, an opportunity to exchange knowledge about this historic area of Processo production with the specialists.

The  name Prosecco Superiore DOCG signifies top quality and highest standards in the vineyard and winery, as well as concentrated flavour and balance within each sip. Their tradition has been recognized over the last five decades and we are proud to represent the Consortium and their legacy in Canada.

Inspiring Children's Theatre Gears up for 2019

Following the success of Aladdin last year, and The Little Mermaid Jr. in fall 2018, The Children's Theatre of Richmond Association is prepared to step into the spotlight in 2019. 

We now have dates for two of their productions: Cinderella G2k and Mary Poppins Jr. and e would love for you to help us spread the word for this burgeoning theatre company.

Cinderella G2K

Date: May 17th - 20th, 2019 

Location: Granville Island Stage, Vancouver, BC

Booking details: Please pay attention to ctora.ca official website 

Fun fact: director Heather Ondersma has worked on Broadway!

Mary Poppins Jr.

Date: November 22 and November 23, 2019

Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster, BC

Booking details: Please pay attention to ctora.ca official website

Fun fact: director Emma Swords was the creative director for The Little Mermaid Jr. (photos below)

Founded by Lily Yuan, the Children's Theatre of Richmond Association(CTORA) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to support young artist and youth in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver community.

Youth Performers are cast each year to perform in annual musical productions that showcase their artistic talent and passion, while providing an opportunity to learn from some of the best artists and musicians in British Columbia. Past musical productions include: Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid and more. Learn more at CTORA.ca

Media: please email us at info@townhallbrands.com if you want more information or interview opportunities.

Haywire Makes Decanter’s Most Exciting Wines of 2018 List

[Summerland, BC] Okanagan Crush Pad winery announces its Haywire Free Form White 2016 has made Decanter magazine’s Most Exciting Wines of 2018 list, placing in the top 10, with a score of 94 points.

In the January 2019 issue, Decanter’s experts from around the world named the top 50 bottles under £60 that impressed them most this year, with Oz Clarke calling the Haywire an “astonishing Canadian Sauvignon Blanc”.

This is the fist time a Canadian winery has made Decanter’s Top 10

The winery, while no stranger to UK wine circles, is beyond excited to have these kudos.

“We are so proud of our team, in particular the work of our chief winemaker Matt Dumayne, and growers Terry Waters and Cathy Banks,” notes winery owner Christine Coletta. “Our mission is to have Okanagan wines stand proudly next to a global selection of respected brands. This recognition shows us we are well on our way to demonstrating that our region can compete on the world stage.”

The focus at Okanagan Crush Pad is on authenticity and quality. Free Form wines are made using organic grapes, native yeast, extended skin contact, are free of commercial additives, have little to no sulfites added, and are unfiltered.

“We found the best way to achieve authenticity of place is to not manipulate or add anything to wine, including oak influence,” remarks Dumayne. “While you need to give up some modern conveniences, with a highly-skilled team with global viticulture and winemaking experience, you can get it right.”

Coletta credits consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini and terroir consultant Pedro Parra for their guiding influence. “Their vision for what the Okanagan is capable of has driven our work.”

While the 2016 Haywire Free Form White is now sold out, customers seeking to experience Free Form wines can visit okanagancrushpad.com.

Okanagan Crush Pad has quickly built a reputation as a premium producer and has received many awards and accolades since its launch in 2011 with chief winemaker Matt Dumayne at the helm. Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie created Okanagan Crush Pad as a purpose-built custom crush facility. Increasingly, the facility is used to craft the team’s own wines and now produces 45,000 cases annually.

From here, their own wines, Haywire, Narrative, and Free Form are made. Located in beautiful Summerland, BC, the winery overlooks Switchback Organic Vineyard, a site that is also home to chickens and ducks. Dumayne and his cellar team craft wines using concrete wine tanks, native yeast and minimal winemaking intervention. The wines reflect the region’s unique high mountain/northern desert setting noted for its intensely hot, short growing season with hallmark cool evenings and winters that bring a protective covering of snow.

Visitors to the tasting lounge, set in the heart of this state-of-the-art facility, get a rare glance into the art of winemaking. Watch the cellar team in action, discover concrete tanks, and learn how the team composes wines that are definitive expressions of their vineyards.

For more information visit: okanagancrushpad.com.

L-R: Okanagan Crush Pad chief winemaker Matt Dumayne, owners Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie Credit: Lionel Trudel

3 Productions, 3 Cities, 1 Dream Come True

[Richmond, BC] Following the success of Aladdin last year, and The Little Mermaid Jr. last month, The Children's Theatre of Richmond Association is not ready to step out of the spotlight just yet. 

Tickets are on sale now for this weekend's production of another Disney classic: Beauty and The Beast Jr., (December 7 and 8, 6:30 pm at the Norman Rothstein Theatre, Vancouver) and the company returns in 2019 to present Cinderella (G2K) and Mary Poppins Jr..

And... The Little Mermaid Jr. Returns!

By popular demand, the "Little Mermaid" will be performed again, this time at the Gateway Theatre in Richmond. The dreamy show, which ran at the Massey Theatre last month for nearly 2,500 spectators, will once again enchant, with an innovative 3D interactive background, intricate hand-crafted scenery, and best of all: the same talented cast and crew will play out this wonderful story.

The CTORA’s The Little Mermaid Jr. returns in 2019.

In addition, The Children's Theatre of Richmond Association has finalized "Cinderella (G2K edition)" and "Mary Poppins Jr." as the 2019 dramas and will present more beautiful musical works in May and November respectively.

Lily Yuan, founder of The Children's Theatre of Richmond Association and play producer shares: "It has been my dream for youth to perform in productions to showcase their artistic talents and passion. I am so thrilled that we are bringing this dream to life with these upcoming productions."

Yuan has been on a mission to provide an opportunity for youth to perform and learn from some of the best artists and musicians in British Columbia. She looks forward to the Little Mermaid's return. "The actors' understanding of their characters is growing with their age, the arc of these characters and the dramatic tension will also further develop, and the vivid back drop will again be included in the 2019 show."

"...and in 2019," she continues, "the show will be staged in other cities, so those who missed the first run have another chance to see it."

Auditions On Now for 2019 Productions

Lily Yuan does not rest. On December 9, right after Beauty and the Beast Jr., casting takes place for the new play "Cinderella G2K" set for 2019. So far, more than 400 young music lovers and more than 100 local professional actors have submitted audition applications. These 500 applicants will be narrowed to 90 call backs on Dec 9.

Yuan shares, "There is so much talent, but eventually only 25 people will be selected. Cinderella will return to the stage first, to highlight the actors' performances with traditional sets and gorgeous costumes, bringing the audience into the world of fairy tales."

The Little Mermaid utilizes state of the art background technology and costumes.

Beauty and the Beast - *LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN*

Date: December 7 and 8, 2018

Location: Norman Rothstein Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Booking details: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/361520

Little Mermaid Jr.

Date: TBA 2019 

Location: Gateway Theatre, Richmond

Booking details: Please pay attention to ctora.ca official website

Cinderella G2K

Date: May 2019 

Location: Granville Island Stage, Vancouver, BC

Booking details: Please pay attention to ctora.ca official website 

Mary Poppins Jr.

Date: November 2019

Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster, BC

Booking details: Please pay attention to ctora.ca official website

Photo library: https://bit.ly/2Cu6JyE

Get Social with the CTORA
Instagram: @ctora.ca

Facebook: facebook.com/childrens-choir-of-richmond

Singletree Winery Captures Tourism Excellence Award

Abbotsford winery heads into winter with recognition for its quality and service

[Abbotsford, BC] Singletree Winery is proud to share they have captured a Business Excellence Award for Best Tourism Experience.

Presented by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and The Abbotsford News, the 23rd Annual Awards ceremony took place November 23, to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals in Abbotsford that strive for excellence in the community. Thirteen awards were handed out, with Singletree earning the trophy for Tourism Excellence.

Sponsored by Tourism Abbotsford, the Tourism Excellence award demonstrates that Singletree Winery is a leader in its industry, with a commitment to customer service, a concern for the community, and a passion for innovation.

Singletree Winery is owned by the Etsell family, who has been farming in the Fraser Valley for over two decades. Under their Singletree banner, and with careful attention to the land, the Etsell Family is committed to showing the world what the Fraser Valley is capable of.

The Singletree Winery team: L-R: Laura Preckel, Andrew, Debbie and Garnet Etsell.

"Our family is thrilled and honored to receive this award of excellence from the business community," remarks winery owner Debbie Etsell. "Family and staff work diligently to make each guest's experience and time at Singletree Winery enjoyable and memorable," she continues. "To be recognized as a leader in this field is truly monumental."

Since establishing their winery in 2015, the family has aimed to provide both a hospitable experience and quality wines, as they forge their place in the British Columbia wine industry. The Abbotsford vineyard and tasting room is located on a 67-acre operating farm in Mt. Lehman, only 45-minutes from Vancouver. 14 acres of estate vineyard contribute to award-winning BC VQA wines. Their tasting room is open year-round to present these cool climate varietals, including their extremely popular Siegerrebe and Grüner Veltliner wines. Visitors love the friendly vibe and the picnic area where they can enjoy locally-smoked meats, cheese and other seasonal selections. Special events held at the winery throughout the year always draw a crowd. The winery's special events area in the heart of the vineyard adds a special touch to weddings, corporate events, birthdays or the winery's own experiences.

In last Summer 2018 the Etsell family purchased a second winery location in the Okanagan on the Naramata Bench. Closed for the winter, the Naramata tasting room will officially open in spring 2019.

The Abbotsford winery is open year-round, and the team invites the public to join them in Abbotsford this winter. On December 8 from 12 to 5:30pm Singletree Winery in Abbotsford will devote the day to "Entertaining with local wine this Christmas". Admission is by donation with proceeds to the Mt. Lehman Community Hall, to assist with renovations. Attendees will enjoy appetizers made with their house-made wine jellies, white mulled wine, recipes for sparkling cocktails. and recipes for entrees with wine.

Check out Singletree on social media @singletreewine to keep up with the latest.

About Singletree Winery:

Singletree Winery Fraser Valley is in the Mt. Lehman area of Abbotsford, and Singletree Naramata Bench opened in 2018. The Etsell family has deep roots in the agricultural community.

With careful attention to their land, they are committed to showcasing the best of British Columbia: the Fraser Valley, which provides a lineup of aromatic, crisp, and juicy wines that highlight this unique terroir; and Naramata Bench in the Okanagan, where the glacial soils and warm climate produce luscious red wines.

Their portfolio includes Siegerrebe, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Late Harvest Kerner, Pinot Noir Rosé, Wild Ferment Siegerrebe, a white blend called Homestead, Harness, a Bordeaux-style red blend, and a traditional-method sparkling wine called Victory. The wines are made by second generation family member Andrew Etsell.

The Fraser Valley winery is open for visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 5:30pm. Naramata is open only by appointment.

Visit singletreewinery.com to join the wine club and for more information on picnics, events, weddings and much more.

Penticton's TIME Winery Riesling Wins Top White Wine at 2018 Cornucopia, presented by BlueShore Financial

[Penticton, BC] Downtown Penticton's TIME Winery is thrilled to announce that its 2017 Riesling has won Top White Wine in the Top 20 Wines for this year's Cornucopia presented by BlueShore Financial.

Judged by a panel of 13 esteemed industry experts in a closed, blind-tasting session, this year's competition saw an impressive number of submissions, especially from the British Columbia wine region.

Capably made by winemaker Nadine Allander, with delicious mineral aromas of lime, lemon zest and stone fruit, the food-friendly TIME Riesling 2017 also marks as the only Riesling to win in this year's Top 20 Wines.

"We are honoured to receive this recognition from Cornucopia. For a British Columbia wine like the TIME Riesling to win Top White Wine, it helps to showcase the quality of our local wine region and encourages more people to try a glass of wine from British Columbia," shares Harry McWatters, president of TIME Winery.

TIME Winery's award-winning Riesling will be available to taste during Cornucopia's Signature Tasting: Crush Grand Tasting event on Saturday, November 10 (8:30pm). Tickets on sale now.

For those unable to attend, the TIME 2017 Riesling ($25.00) is available to order via Encore Vineyards. 

The full list of Top 20 Wine winners is available online. High-resolution photo assets available via Dropbox.

About TIME Winery:

While the literal definition of TIME may be elusive, it is an observed phenomenon which allows us to honour key moments in our shared journey through life. With 50 vintages of experience in the South Okanagan, TIME Winery is committed to creating wines that express the unique flavours of Okanagan wine country. 

Built within a revitalized historic theatre in downtown Penticton, the heart of South Okanagan wine country, the new TIME Winery offers a tasting bar, lounge and intimate outdoor patio for guests to enjoy. TIME Winery's full kitchen and event space provide a unique venue for your next public or private event.

Christine Coletta Receives Founders Award at Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

[Summerland, BC] On September 27, Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad (OCP), has been presented the Founders Award at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Coletta has been presented the award in recognition of her contributions to the BC wine industry. 

When presented the award in front of industry peers by industry veteran Harry McWatters of ENCORE Vineyards, Coletta said "I was very touched to receive this award. It was emotional to see my name added to a trophy containing the names of people who have worked tirelessly to create a thriving BC wine industry over the past 30 years."

This award is a further recognition for Coletta's passion and leadership in propelling the industry forward and to rise on an international level. Coletta has worked tirelessly to advocate for and to improve the Canadian culinary scene. 

Coletta started her career in hospitality as a server during her early years and it was in the 1990s that her leadership and dedication for the industry took off. As founding executive director for the BC Wine Institute, Coletta forged VQA as a standard to support the local wine industry and its various marketing activities. In addition, she co-founded Wines of Canada, the national wine standards arm. Under that umbrella, Coletta developed a roadshow that crossed Canada to encourage support for local food and wine.

After helping numerous BC wineries establish their businesses, Coletta launched her own wine, Haywire, and Canada's first purpose-built custom crush winemaking facility at OCP. Since 2011, Coletta has assisted more than 15 BC wineries in their winemaking via OCP.

Coletta has also been on the leading edge of Canada's organic farming and winemaking movement, establishing OCP as Canada's top producer of wines made from organic grapes and without additives or manipulation.

Earlier this year, when the government of Alberta held a boycott on BC wine, instead of responding with retaliation, Coletta led and set the tone for collaboration, by initiating a BC wine and Alberta food event.

And above this, Coletta doesn't keep her knowledge and ideas to herself. She shares her resources and continually offers advice and encouragement to not only her own team and people, but also her community and industry. Her most recent project is on the team that formed the Okanagan Wine Initiative, where seven leading BC wineries have united to share resources and to collaborate on various projects internationally, across Canada, and in their home market, British Columbia.

With another accolade added, Coletta will continue to innovate and propel the industry forward to become a premium wine producing region and a superb wine tourism destination. 

About Okanagan Crush Pad:

Okanagan Crush Pad is Canada's first purpose-built custom crush winery facility, located on the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard in Summerland, BC. Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, Okanagan Crush Pad focuses on making wines that celebrate purity and simplicity, and aim to lead the next evolution of Okanagan wine. Visitors to the tasting lounge, set in the heart of this state-of-the-art facility, get a rare glance into the art of winemaking. Watch the cellar team in action, discover why the team makes wine in concrete tanks, and learn how the team composes wines that are definitive expressions of their vineyards.

For more information visit: okanagancrushpad.com. 

Local Youth Bring Disney Musical Performances to Stage

The Children's Theatre of Richmond Association (CTORA) is excited to announce that their 2018 program runs in November and December with two musical productions from Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. and Beauty and the Beast Jr. 

Incredibly talented youth performers, including Disney stars, perform these popular musical productions with collaboration from Vancouver Aquarium to provide support and the three-dimensional (3D) backdrop in The Little Mermaid Jr. production. Tickets on sale now from $20.00 to $49.50 (excludes applicable service fee and taxes). 

2018 Show Schedule:
The Little Mermaid Jr.
Saturday, November 24 & Sunday, November 25
6:30pm (approx. 2 hours)
Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster
Starting from $20.00- Order online with assigned seating

Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8
6:30pm (approx. 2 hours)
Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver
Starting from $21.50- Order online with assigned seating

Lily Yuan, CTORA founder and producer, shares, "Last year's production of Aladdin was a huge success, so we expect The Little Mermaid Jr. and the Beauty and the Beast Jr. to sell-out quickly this year. We not only have a talented team of young performers and renowned directors, we have also incorporated original art with digital technology to bring audience a stunning, lively, and one-of-a-kind performance stage."

Following last year's sold-out Aladdin musical production, this year's The Little Mermaid Jr. and the Beauty and the Beast Jr. are expected to sell-out quickly.

World Class Talent and Experience Bring These Productions to Life
As a non-profit organization that leads in providing talented youth performers the opportunity to share their passion for art and culture, CTORA welcomes three (3) award-winning and local youth performers to join this year's musical productions:

Zoey Siewert as Ariel, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 show)
Performance credit: Universal NBC's Nina's World; ABC's Once Upon A Time.

Zac Siewert as King Triton, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 show)
Performance credit: Marvel's (short-series) Black Spiderman, Chopped Canada Junior.

Jaedon Siewert as chef Louis, The Little Mermaid Jr. (in Nov 25 and 26 shows)
Performance credit: Universal's Aliens Ate My Homework; ABC's Siren.

More than 30 talented performers will take the stage this year with returning performers to include:

Neil Hong as Prince Eric, The Little Mermaid Jr.
Victoria Kazantseva as Ursula, The Little Mermaid Jr.

With more than 22 years of global musical theatre production experience, Emma Swords is the creative director behind this year's The Little Mermaid Jr. Swords' previous musical theatre production experience include: Oliver, Mulan, Aladdin, Les Misérables and West Side Story.

Internationally renowned choreographer Harry Zhao, who has represented China in World Sports Dance Open, will bring his Latin flair to work with Swords in creating electrifying choreography for The Little Mermaid Jr. Beauty and the Beast Jr. is directed by Joseph Spitale with assistance from Emily Matchette. Spitale is no stranger to the stage as he has participated in many internationally-acclaimed theatrical productions for Tokyo Disneyland, Theatre Under the Stars, Les Misérables, Lincoln Centre in New York City, and more.

Canadian surrealist artist Michael Abraham has generously offered to hand-paint props and backdrops to create a lively experience for audience. Props and backdrops created by Abraham will include Ursula's cave, mirrors from the mermaids, and much more. As well, a Vancouver-based digital media company, FStar Media, has utilized 3D mapping technology to showcase the 20 animated backdrops that bring the show to life.

Another local construction company, Kiewit, has created a ship to accommodate up to nine actors and help bring the audience on a journey into the beautiful sea world.

"This year's show embraces technology and mixes it with traditional art, while celebrating the culture and talents of the young generation in our community," adds Yuan.

About Children's Theatre of Richmond Association
Founded by Lily Yuan, the Children's Theatre of Richmond Association (CTORA) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to support young artist and youth in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver community. Young performers are casted each year to perform in annual musical productions that showcase their artistic talent and passion, while providing an opportunity to learn from some of the best artists and musicians in British Columbia. Past musical productions include: Aladdin Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., the Little Mermaid Jr., and more. For more information, visit: www.ctora.ca

Chefs' Table Society of BC's Slow Fish Dinner Returns

Lovers of local seafood and social times rejoice as the Chefs' Table Society of BC's Slow Fish Canada Dinner returns for the 5th year to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 6pm-9pm. 

This annual event allows seafood lovers to gather and indulge in local sustainable seafood in the most interactive way.  

With only 100 tickets available, be an early bird! Purchase tickets before September 9 for $99 + taxes and fees here. (Tickets from September 10 onward are $109 + taxes and fees).

Like all Chefs' Table Society events, the proceeds from this event along with earmarked funds will be used to fund a scholarship; in this case, one that will be awarded that night.

Meet the chefs while you eat:
It's a kitchen party! Move from kitchen to kitchen and enjoy sustainable seafood. Credit Meighan Makarchuk

The evening starts with Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) culinary student-prepared canapés, and Frizzante Rosé from Salmon-Safe winery St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery.

Next, attendees move through the school's eight professional teaching kitchens to meet the visiting chefs, who each offer a tasting-sized portion of local sustainable seafood delicacies.

Leading the event committee is Chefs' Table Society chef Darren Clay, executive culinary chef instructor at PICA, and Poyan Danesh, culinary director at Ocean Mama Seafood.

This year's participating chefs:
Julian Bond, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Andrea Carlson, Burdock and Co.
Welbert Choi, Forage
Warren Chow, Juniper
Jason Harris, Colette Grand Café at Holt Renfrew
Edgar Kano, Four Seasons Hotel
Greg McCallum, Le Crocodile
Mark Singson, Food Art and Music (Top Chef Canada Finalist Season 6)

Dishes will include the chefs' creative interpretations of how to serve sustainable local sturgeon, arctic char, Humpback Shrimp, Honey Mussels, Spiny Scallop
Geoduck, Albacore tuna and Octopus.

Wines paired with each dish will be from the portfolio of Peacock & Martin, and several Salmon-Safe BC wineries.

The intention of the event aside from raising funds is to raise awareness for Slow Fish Canada (a Slow Food initiative) and its role in protecting our oceans. Slow Food has been working in the field of sustainable fish for many years, raising awareness among seafood-lovers through the biennial Slow Fish fair in Genoa and developing projects to support responsible artisanal fishing communities. The quality and variety of the ocean's bounty will be in the spotlight at this special Slow Fish dinner.  

Tickets include reception, flavourful seafood dishes paired to wines, sweet treats from James Coleridge of Uno Gelato and a rare chance to interact with eight acclaimed chefs. 

With limited tickets available, seafood lovers are advised to act quickly, as this exciting and delicious event sells out every year. Tickets can be purchased here.  

About The Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia
The Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia is a registered, non-profit society composed of BC's leading chefs and culinary professionals. It is a chef-administered, province-wide collaborative dedicated to creating a foundation for the exchange of information between culinary professionals. The Society supports innovative and sustainable programs that will inspire, educate and nurture BC chefs, producers and the local food industry. The Chefs' Table Society secures apprenticeships for and bestows bursaries to emerging local chefs and also finances culinary education programs in BC schools. For more information or to become a member visit chefstablesociety.com. Get social with the chefs on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Slow Fish Canada
Slow Fish Canada is a campaign that focuses on issues related to fisheries, and encourages only the seasonal consumption of wild salmon, discourages the consumption of any form of farmed salmon, and is committed to the restoration of wild salmon stocks. Learn more about the Slow Fish Movement at  www.slowfood.com/slowfish/. Follow Slow Food Canada on Facebook and  Twitter.