Entertainment

"We're here in Canada. Or, as I call it, Europe with normal toilets."

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Article by Scott Feschuk in MacLean's: The Opening Ceremonies: A Whistler Perspective.

Sample: "On the other hand: The anthem was not in any way performed by Celine Dion. Let’s call it a sawoff."

Scott also mentions Ben Mulroney in the early going. I once heard a comedian, playing the role of Ben Mulroney, say, "And if you think I'm a disappointment to my parents, wait until you meet David Frum."

Yet more free entertainment at David Lam Park, in the edge of downtown. The schedule is at http://www.livecityvancouver.ca/schedule/.

Some of the acts there are also at the Surrey 2010 Celebration Site, such as Blue Rodeo, Jim Byrnes, and Corb Lund. However, the lineup at Live City Yaletown also includes:

• Canadian singer-guitarist Colin James Feb. 22
• Wilco Feb. 13
• The Dal Richards Orchestra Feb. 21. Richards is a Vancouver institution. He's 92 years old, and has been a bandleader since the 1940's. He sings some songs, plays a sax, and gives the audience a history lesson on the development of music during the 1940's and 50's. He carried the Olympic torch on Feb. 12.
• Damian "Junior Gong" Marley Feb. 24. He's the youngest son of Bob Marley.

Another venue with lots of good-quality free entertainment, at Holland Park in Surrey, by the King George Skytrain station. Complete details at http://surrey2010.com/.

Some of the noteworthy acts are:

• Singer-guitarist and CBC Radio host Randy Bachman (The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive) Feb. 28
• Vancouver blues fixture Jim Byrnes Feb. 14
• Canadian country-rock band Blue Rodeo Feb. 12
• Alberta country-roots singer Corb Lund Feb. 18
• Canadian eclectic folk band The Paperboys Feb. 24

Please don't take this as anywhere near an exhaustive list; there's lots more. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages not permitted.

Mariachi Los Dorados, an excellent Vancouver-based mariachi band, performs at Robson Square on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 2 and 4:30 PM. They also perform at Robson Square on Feb. 25 at 4 PM, but this will be a seven-piece band instead of the full ten-piece band.

List of free Olympic venues here.