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YES!: A Jason Mraz Album Review

I’ve been a listener of Jason Mraz since 2002, when “Sleep All Day” started playing on the radio. Ever since then, I’ve watched him progress from this young, spontaneous, rockstar kind of guy to this now harmonic, spiritual, and easy-going person. Recently, he just released an all-acoustic album, containing 14 tracks of “love” songs. This album is collaborated with Raining Jane, a band he’s made music with for a long time now (“A Beautiful Mess” and a few of Jason’s hit singles were written with the Janes). This album is called: YES!

This summer, I’ve been in long road trips and I tell you, this is a great album to listen to on the road! I know summer is almost over (cries), but it’s still fitting to play the album during a sunny day. The order of the tracks is made so that listening to the whole album is like listening to a love story. The songs itself are all hits! Each song is written to connect to the listener; to put to words how the listener is feeling. I could easily say that half of the songs in the album are my favourite songs of the album! By the way, the word “love” is mentioned in all the songs in this album (and most of his older songs).

According to Jason, he titled the new record “YES!” because “(he) just (wants) it to be simple.” The title is so because the “writing process is all yesses, and that’s the word that made Jason and Jane happen.” One of Jason’s missions is to spread positivity and harmony in his work. What better way to articulate positivity than the word YES? According to Jason, the album is all-acoustic to bring back the coffee shop/busker days, where it all started. And of course, Raining Jane had an impact on the sound of the songs as well.

On October 23, Jason and the Janes will be playing the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Come watch, and feel loved and inspired!

Say YES! to giving the album a listen!

All the yesses (and then some),

- Jose

Monday, 25 August 2014

Posted by Unknown

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Tag : album review, have fun, Jason Mraz, music, pop, vancouver concerts, what to do

Summer Activities in Vancouver

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Vancouver is a beautiful city. It is beautiful in autumn, in winter, and in spring. But in the summertime, Vancouver's beauty shines as bright as the summer sun. Since summer is the only time of the year that Vancouverites get more sunny days than rainy ones, it is the time to go out and enjoy the city's beauty. The following is a list of fun things to do to make the most out of your summer in Vancouver.

Watch the Celebration of Light

Image source: Jon Rawlinson

The Celebration of Light is the world's biggest offshore fireworks festival. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to English Bay to watch world-class pyro-musical performances put on by different countries across the globe. The first show was on July 26. If you were not able to make it last Saturday, don't worry - there will also be shows on July 30th and August 2nd!

Grouse Grind

Image source: Mike Kamermans

The Grouse Grind is a popular hiking trail located at the base of the Grouse Mountain Resort ski area. With a distance of 2.9 kilometres and a steep terrain that can go as low as 17 degrees, this trail is known for being challenging to hike. It is usually open from spring to fall, but it is best done during the summer, when the weather allows you to fully enjoy the hike and view at the top.

Picnic or Camp by the Lake

Summer is the only time of the year that Vancouverites get to experience more sunny days than rainy ones, so this is the perfect time to go outside and enjoy the sun with the people you love. Take advantage of it by having a picnic with your friends or camping with your family. Greater Vancouver Area is home to a lot of breathtaking lakes which are ideal spots for picnicking, camping, and other fun outdoor activities. If you are not sure which lake to visit, this list might help!

Go to the Beach

Vancouver is blessed to have beaches that are just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. If you find yourself a little bit too overwhelmed by the city life and want to de-stress, enjoying the sun by the beach will help! If you like playing sports, Vancouver beaches also have spaces for badminton, volleyball, Frisbee, and other sports! Check out the Vancouver Parkboard's website to know which beach best matches what you want to do!

Bike Around the Seawall

Image Source: Arvin Asadi

The Vancouver seawall is one of the most popular cycling spots in the city. The seawall is divided into two sections: a path for walkers and joggers, and another for cyclists. With a designated path for cyclists, you can safely cycle at your own pace while enjoying the waterfront view. Tag along some friends to bike with you - a good exercise, a good view, and a good company is always an excellent combination!

The Fair at the PNE

Image Source: Raul Pacheco-Vega

Every summer, The Fair at the PNE attracts hundreds of thousands of people. With musical performances by popular artists, entertaining exhibits, exciting rides, and a wide range of food options, you do not want to miss this fair!

Attend Free Outdoor Movie Events

Image source: Yaletown BIA

If your typical summer day consists of relaxation, being outside, and enjoying the summer breeze, you should definitely try watching movies outdoors! There are a lot of free outdoor movie events across the province - this Facebook page has useful information regarding the location, time, and dates of outdoor movie events in British Columbia. (Heads up: Dumb and Dumber is going to be shown next week at Stanley Park!)

Shop at Night Markets

Image Source: GoToVan

Want to go on a food trip? Summer night markets are the answer to your food cravings. Try the rotato at the Richmond Night Market, the steak burgers at the Surrey Night Market, and the wheel cakes at the International Night Market.

We only have a little over a month of summer left (I know, time flies so fast!), so make the most out of it!

Sean

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Posted by Unknown

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Tag : exploring Vancouver, food, have fun, immigrant youth, seasons of the year, summer in Vancouver, vancouver fun, what to do, youth activities