A Musical & Literary Performance inspired by real life events

This musical and literary performance takes you on a journey from the dirty thirties in Vancouver to a boom town in BC’s interior mountains. Money, mystery, music and a little magic transform lives of women whose stories of adventure and resilience still resonate today.

Tea & cookies will be served after the event.

Synopsis
During the 1930’s many people were struggling. In the city of Vancouver rooming houses were one of the ways to survive a depression in the economy & Roedde House was one of these. The women who lived here were artists, musicians, writers, teachers and secretaries. They organized book discussions and political actions to improve lives for women. Many amazing women you will come to know more about came through Roedde House, living in the West End and walking these same streets we now enjoy. The times were difficult and new opportunities beckoned, in the mountains and mining towns of Pioneer and Bralorne. Jobs and new adventures drew the women to risk new lives. These are some of their stories. 
Inspired by real life events. 

History of Bralorne
Bralorne is a historic Canadian gold mining community in the Bridge River District of British Columbia, some 130 km on dirt roads west of the town of Lillooet. Gold was the lifeblood of the Bridge River Valley for more than 75 years. Bralorne was at the heart of the hard rock mining activity from the late 1800s to the early 1970s. More than 10,000 men and women worked in the mines before the rising cost of production closed the operations. 

FEATURING:

Norah Ashmore, writer and producer, has always sought out stories of women from the 1930s. Interviews, diaries, letters, phone books, newspapers and novels all contributed to the creation of this perforamcne. There are many similarities between these women’s lives and the times we are experiencing now.
“I am fortunate to share their stories with Laura and Sharon playing a vital part in the telling. Musicians are artists who collaborate, support one another, and create beauty from life’s trials and triumphs.”

Laura Crema is a distinguished Canadian jazz vocalist celebrated for her deeply expressie voice. Her artistry is informed by over 25 years as a dancer and somatic educator. Laura is dedicated to helping people of all backgrounds express themselves with joy and communicate more fully through the power of song. https://www.instagram.com/crema_laura/

Sharon Minemoto has been captivating audiences since the age of 16, building a career as a pianist, composer, band leader and educator. She leads several groups, has multiple recordings, national tours and broadcasts on CBC radio. Sharon has been so generous with her time and talent. Vancouver is lucky to be home to such an accomplished musician! She recently released a new album Goodbye, Strawberry Hill inspired by her family’s experiences in WWII. https://sharonminemoto.com/

Important Info:

• Ticket holders should arrive 10 minutes prior to showtime to secure seats.
• Capacity will be limited.
• Limited street parking is available on Robson and in the West End. Parking spots are scarce in the neighbourhood, so give yourself some extra time or use public transportation. (Closest Skytrain station: Burrard. We are on the #5 Robson bus route).