Culture Shock! One Year Countdown to the 2010 Olympic Games

For anyone not up to speed, the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games will be underway in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, a year from now.

The motto to the Games? With Glowing Hearts. However, the lead up to the Games has so far been marred by a myriad of economic and social issues.

Yet here we are... one year out from the start of the 2010 Olympics. In a year's time, the world will focus on Vancouver, transfixed by events such as curling and snowboarding. In the meantime, it's getting easier to be swept along with an increasing avalanche of events organised by VANOC and aimed at building anticipation and excitement for the 2010 Olympics. 

First up, The Cultural Olympiad 2009 (February 1 to March 21, 2009).  With a mix of free and ticketed events, the program showcases performances and exhibitions spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film.  Here's a few this weekend which you might want to check out.

Bell Orchestre, featuring members of Arcade Fire; The Besnard Lakes; Beast.
Feb 19, 2009  /  Commodore Ballroom  /  $19.50 + service charges
- "Bell Orchestre criss-crosses between the delicate intimacy of chamber music, the urgent ferocity of post punk and rock and the intricacy of contemporary electronic music."
- "Jean-Phi's music eclecticism has made him one of Montreal's most sought-after drummers, remixers and producers, from projects with Lauryn Hill (The Fugees) and Jean-Pierre Ferland (Jaune 2005) to shows with Ariane Moffat." (Beast)
- "Rich with Beach Boys-styled harmonies, Roy Orbison reverbs and Pink Floyd textures, an evening with The Besnard Lakes is a luxurious foray into sound."

Whistler Film Festival Snow Screen
Feb 21-22, 2009  /  Skiers' Plaza, Base of Whistler Mountain, Whistler  /  FREE
If you're up in Whistler this weekend, check out the Film Festival.  A showcase of 20 Olympic-inspired shorts, the films will be projected onto a wall of ice!

Shad and Fond of Tigers
Feb 21, 2009  /  Biltmore Caberet, Vancovuer  /  $15
Shad has been described as "Canada's best rapper" and has opened for the likes of Common and Lupe Fiasco.  Fond of Tigers is "known for its off-kilter jazz that occasionally ventures into explosive rock with its double drum kit playing set."  

Action-Camera Beijing Performance Photography
Feb 1 - March 21, 2009  /  Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, UBC, 1825 Main Mall, Vancouver  /  FREE
The image used to promote this exhibition, Levels of Freedom, is a shot of a guy leaning out of a hi-rise building, like a diving platform, one arm stretched to freedom or is it trying to grab an elusive freedom?  When you see it, make up your own opinion and feel free to let us know what you think!

For a complete list, and there are over 400 events happening, check out www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad.  Also, we'll be keeping you up-to-date with events through backpackerbuzz.ca during the lead-up to the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.

For information about staying with HI over the games, check out www.hihostels.ca/2010.

Incase your wondering...here's some info on the Cultural Olympiad and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games from the vancouver2010 website:
The Cultural Olympiad is a series of multi-disciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and popular culture. Launched in 2008, this multi-year celebration features an expanded program in 2009 (February 1 to March 21, 2009). The program culminates with the 60-day Cultural Olympiad 2010 (January 22 to March 21, 2010), which begins before and continues throughout the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will also host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. An estimated 5,500 Olympic athletes and team officials from more than 80 countries will take part in 86 medal events during the 17-day Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Another 1,350 athletes from more than 40 countries will take part in 64 medal events at the 12-day Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games. In addition, an estimated three billion people worldwide will tune in to watch the Games. For more information, please visit www.vancouver2010.com

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