The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

Monday, March 2, 2009 - The SO Masterworks Gold Series

The SO Masterworks Gold Series comes to the Orpheum Theatre (865 Seymour St.) with celebrated conductor Andrew Litton and violinist Kyoko Takezawa. Enjoy Walton Crown Imperial, Elgar Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 and the rarely performed Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44. Ticket prices range from $25 to $78.50 online at vancouversymphony.ca or by phone at 604.876.3434. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 – Donavon Frankenreiter

American musician and surfer Donavon Frankenreiter is at the Commodore Ballroom tonight (868 Granville). Hear music from his latest CD Pass it Around and guest Gary Jules (remember his amazing version of Mad World)? The doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 at ticketmaster.ca or at Zulu and Highlife Records.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - International Women's Day

Celebrate International Women's Day at 5 p.m. tonight at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). The evening includes featured poets Mami Norwich, Magnolia Villalobos, Shauna Paull, the Solidarity Notes Choir, and speakers Shelagh Day, director of operations of Feminist Alliance For International Action, Kasari Govender of West Coast LEAF, and Asia Czapska of Justice For Girls. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Get more info by emailing vancouver.intern@amnesty.ca.

Thursday, March 5, 2009 - Bashir Lazhar

Pi Theatre (1218 Cartwright St.) begins its 2008-2009 season with the Western Canadian premiere of the English translation of Bashir Lazhar. The play explores survival, justice, friendship and happiness as Bashir Lazhar,  a substitute teacher from Algeria, is forced to bring his grade six class through a trauma that mirrors his own. Tickets are $27.50 or $22.50 for children and seniors. Bashir Lazhar continues until March 21; find showtimes and more info at pitheatre.com.

Friday, March 6, 2009 - World Juniors Curling Championships

Come and check out the newest Olympic venue at the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre (4601 Ontario Street, next to Nat Bailey Stadium) for the World Juniors Curling Championships from March 5-15. The top Junior Men’s and Junior Women’s teams from around the world will be competing for both the Gold and the title of “World Junior Champions.” Round robin play will take place from March 5-13th, and the semi-finals and finals will be held on Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th. Ticket prices are $75 for a Full Event Pass, $10 for a Day Pass, $15 for only the Semi Final or Final. Find the event schedule and regular updates at wjcc2009.com.

Saturday, March 7, 2009 - Spring Living Fair

More than 50 local eco-businesses will be at the Spring Living Fair at Heritage Hall (3102 Main St.) to celebrate ethical living and show the latest in eco-products and services. Besides the exhibitions there will also be an eco-fashion show and market, with live music, food and door prizes. Admission is free, and you can find more info at springlivingfair.ca.

Sunday, March 8, 2009 – Harry Rosen Spring Run-Off

It's time for the third annual run to benefit research at the Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital. Presented by Harry Rosen Inc., the goal is to raise $130,000 this year for prostate cancer research. The 8 kilometre run kicks off at 10:00 a.m. at the Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park with an awards ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Around 1,200 runners are expected to come out this year to support the cause, enjoy organic coffee courtesy of Karma Coffee, live entertainment and win great prizes. To register for the run and sign up for online fundraising visit canadarunningseries.com/spring8k.