Special Event
Wednesday October 23, 2pm – 3pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
Join friends from the neighbourhood, dignitaries, Gena Thompson (President, Carnegie Community Centre Association) and special guests for the grand opening of our tenth annual festival! Today we also draw strength from our roots and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of In the Heart of a City: The Downtown Eastside Community Play. Sam George (Tse-at-sul-tuxch) of the Squamish Nation will open with a Welcome Song; Mike Dangeli of the Git Hayetsk Dancers will share celebratory songs; Leith Harris and Stephen Lytton will read poems written to commemorate their experiences in the community play; and the Downtown Eastside’s own blues queen Dalannah Gail Bowen will sing one of the songs from the community play. There is more! The community’s favourite jazz band The Carnegie Jazz Band, led by trombonist Brad Muirhead, will play a short selection of new songs written by members of the community, including a new arrangement of Sandstone Lady, Patrick Foley’s moving tribute to the Carnegie. Also promised: a surprise guest will be raised from its lair! Please join us for refreshments! Everyone welcome. Free
