Rhythm 'n' Roots goes to Cuba

Ladies Winterbourne Alpaca hooded shawl. Green. Value $125

Alpaca (Andean Silk) is unique among organic textile. Prized by the Inca for its luxurious softness and warmth it is hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to shrinking or stretching. Because it is a filament like silk and not a fibre like wool it is stronger and warmer than any wool fibre. Andean Silk is natural luxury, pure warmth and sensuous comfort.

http://www.winterbournealpaca.ca/womens-wear/

Authentic reproduction of a pre-columbian brooch, taken from an original design of the Gold Museum of Banco de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia.

Manufactured with the highest technology plated in 24 karat gold.

Mouse over the image for a closer look.

Value $50

Authentic reproduction of a pre-columbian brooch, taken from an original design of the Gold Museum of Banco de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia.

Manufactured with the highest technology plated in 24 karat gold.

Mouse over the image for a closer look.

Value $50

Authentic reproduction of a pre-columbian pendant, taken from an original design of the Gold Museum of Banco de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia.

Manufactured with the highest technology plated in 24 karat gold.

Mouse over the image for a closer look.

Value $30

Beautiful jewellry creation by Vancouver artist June Hunter. A Crow Looks Back is a tiny sterling silver medallion necklace with fine art image transfer and resin. (Mouse over the image for a closer look.)

Donated by June Hunter

Value $49

• Handmade item
• Materials: sterling silver, resin, photography, sterling silver rolo chain

These beautiful earrings by well-known Vancouver artist Naomi Levitin are hand-sculpted from sterling silver. The earrings have a textured design highlighted by a surface patina. (Mouse over photo for a closer look.)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaomiLevitin

Value $70

These beautiful sterling silver stud earrings are the creation of Vancouver jewellery designer Anat Basanta. (Mouse over the photo for a closer look.)

www.anatbasantajewelry.com

Value: $65

This beautiful mouth blown glass apple is the perfect gift for a favourite teacher. At 6 inches tall and 4.5 inches across this is an impressive apple and a formidable paperweight.

Value $40

Authentic reproduction of a pre-columbian icons, taken from original designs of the Gold Museum of Banco de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia.

Manufactured with the highest technology plated in 24 karat gold.

Key ring and paper weight (Mouse over the image for a closer look.)

Value $50

Denver ukuleles are designed for maximum playability. Despite their compact size, all Denver ukuleles use laminated basswood tops, basswood sides and backs and real rosewood fingerboards to deliver true tone and proper intonation. Custom gigbag included too!

Donated by Long and McQuade

Value: $40

Denver ukuleles are designed for maximum playability. Despite their compact size, all Denver ukuleles use laminated basswood tops, basswood sides and backs and real rosewood fingerboards to deliver true tone and proper intonation. Custom gigbag included too!

Donated by Long and McQuade

Value: $40

Do you love pie? Have you ever dreamed of a freshly baked pie arriving at your door once a month? If you win this bid that is exactly what is in store. Once a month I will bake you a fresh pie of your choosing and make arrangements to get it to you in time for dinner.

Value: priceless ... but at least $360

Successful bidder must live within Greater Vancouver.

This service expires September 30, 2016

Jacinda Oldale is the Foodoula. She is passionate about food, from field to table and has a desire to support mothers and families. This offer includes a consultation, a customized  menu, specific shopping list, and five-hour in-house cooking session. She'll cook 4-5 main dishes, each serving several meals. Meals are ready to eat or refrigerate or save for the freezer.

Successful bidder must live in Greater Vancouver.

http://www.foodoula.ca/

Value of the session is $190. Groceries not included.

One hour Thai Massage.

Expires December 31, 2015

Ancient Thai Massage is relatively new to modern spas, but is believed to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago as a healing modality.

Thai massage uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. Thai massage is both deeply relaxing and energizing.Thai massage takes place either on a mat on the floor or on a sturdy massage table, and you wear loose fitting clothing.

At Sabai Thai Spa, we provide you with an outfit to wear.  You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

Donated by Sabai Thai Spa.

Value: $96

Anyone who owns assets and property should have a will. It communicates your wishes as to how your property and assets -- such as your house, car, investments -- are to be distributed, and to whom. It allows you to name a guardian for your children should you pass away before they reach adulthood. It even allows you to make your own funeral arrangements.

Max Pinsky, a lawyer with 30 year's experience, will prepare Wills for a single person or a couple!

Having a Will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Don't put it off any longer!

Value: $500 - $2,500

This offer is for $1,000 worth of interior painting (not including paint). Here are some examples of what this gets you:

Kitchen/Powder Room/Living Room -- walls and basebords some repair, or

Three small/medium bedrooms -- ceilings and walls, multiple colours, some repair, or

A one-bedromm suite - one colour, minimal repairs (i.e. rental/quick market clean-up), or

Master bedroom/ensuite/small bedroom -- ceiling, walls, woodwork, significant amount of repairs

Megan Chursinoff is a professional interior painter with 20 years experience painting fine homes in the Lower Mainland. She works quickly and neatly and can provide colour consultation for the project. She tends towards high-quality work, but can do a quick, tidy job on a small budget.

This services expires December 31, 2016

On the Beat is a framed art print by Canadian artist James Lumbers. Originally released in 1993, this is number 952 of a limited edition of 1500. Approximate dimensions, including frame: 3 ft X 2 ft.

Value: $425

Wrap up one of your loved ones in this beautiful hand-knit coat-weight winter sweater. This girls size 10-12 is the handiwork of one of our own choir members and will be a cherished wardrobe item for some happy little girl.

Washable acrylic yarn.

Value: at least $70

One hour Thai Massage.

Expires December 31, 2015

Ancient Thai Massage is relatively new to modern spas, but is believed to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago as a healing modality.

Thai massage uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. Thai massage is both deeply relaxing and energizing.Thai massage takes place either on a mat on the floor or on a sturdy massage table, and you wear loose fitting clothing.

At Sabai Thai Spa, we provide you with an outfit to wear.  You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.

Donated by Sabai Thai Spa

Value $100

Calling all artists and artist wannabes! A complete set for sketching – a 9” x12” Canson sketchbook with 4 pencils, a .05 Pigma pen, a charcoal pencil, an oil pastels set of 24, a chalk pastels set of 12, a plastic eraser & a kneadable eraser.

Value: $45

Designed in the style of the aboriginal people of Australia this piece depicts a “women’s corroboree” or dreamtime event of dance and music. Each dot and line on the fabric is placed to tell a story or commemorate an event. The artist, Nancy Napanangka, is highly regarded and her originals sell for thousands of dollars.

Value: $25

Beautiful bamboo clutch. Lined. Wooden handles

Value: $40

These exquisite socks have been lovingly hand-crafted by one of our choir members. They will keep your feet warm and provide you with a true fashion statement. Ladies size 9-10

Hand-dyed yarn, 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon

Long-wearing and washable.

Value: $65

A beautiful wall hanging made of bamboo and palm leaf slats by Buthanese artist Nengah Dika, working in the Lontar tradition. The piece illustrates a portion of the Ramayana epic from the Hindu tradition of southern Buthan.

Value: $60

Handbag in rich, copper-coloured Chinese silk. The front of the purse has a central mandala pattern and floral borders in gold, green and other jewel tones. Has loop-and-Chinese-knot top closure with internal zipper. Copper-coloured silk handles. Black satin lining. Size: eight-and-half by nine-and-a-half by three inches.

Value: $30

A fantastic collection of tasty jellies in a handy display box, produced in Canada. Bring some excitement to your palate with these spirit infused flavours. They would make a welcome gift or use them yourself to entertain…perhaps a breakfast buffet or a high tea afternoon. Jellies can also be used in recipes both sweet and savoury. Enjoy!

Value: $50

This unique hand-made wooden handbag features five woods native to Costa Rica.

Value: $75

Denver ukuleles are designed for maximum playability. Despite their compact size, all Denver ukuleles use laminated basswood tops, basswood sides and backs and real rosewood fingerboards to deliver true tone and proper intonation. Custom gigbag included too!

Donated by Long and McQuade Value $39.99

Anyone who owns assets and property should have a will. It communicates your wishes as to how your property and assets -- such as your house, car, investments -- are to be distributed, and to whom. It allows you to name a guardian for your children should you pass away before they reach adulthood. It even allows you to make your own funeral arrangements.

Max Pinsky, a lawyer with 30 year's experience, will prepare Wills for a single person or a couple!

Having a Will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Don't put it off any longer!

Value: $500- $2,500

When you think of going shopping for clothes does it fill you with dread and confusion? Have you always wished that you had a “shopping buddy” to take along to help you decide what looks good on you and who could also make the shopping trip “fun”?  Ruth Nyman loves to shop, especially in thrift and consignment stores.  As your “shopping buddy” she will devote herself to your shopping needs and make sure you have a good time.  She is much appreciated  for her sense of colour and coordination, and stylish sense of fashion on a budget!

Value: $60

EMUS ECU-5000 Red Soprano Ukulele. Excellent sound, solid construction, superior quality machine heads. 21" long. High-gloss red finish.

Donated by Bone Rattle Music

Value: $50

Join us at the Red Hot Choral Cabaret on Friday, October 9, 2015 to bid on this item at our silent auction.

Can’t get to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Join us for a four-course New Orleans inspired Mardi Gras dinner for six, plus entertainment on February 9, 2016 at 7 pm.

Your hosts and chefs are Deborah Roberts and Kathryn Aberle, recent “graduates” of the New Orleans School of Cooking..

Starter

Chicken-Andouille Gumbo

Salad

Louisanna Sunburst Salad

Main

Trout Meuniere

Corn Macque Choux

Sauteed Green Beans

Dessert

Bananas Foster & Pralines

Beverages

A cocktail to start – Sazerac or Dark & Stormy

Wine with dinner

Coffee, tea and liqueur to finish

Value of this priceless experience is $600

Are you in the market for a new do. Look no further than True Colors Hair Design at 2945 Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Pary will cut your hair and send you on your way in style.

Value of one men's haircut: $25

This hand-felted evening bag is one-of-a-kind. Beautifilly crafted of pure wool. Fully lined with a satin rope draw-string.

Value: $85

This one-of-a-kind scarf is knit in a 19th-century honeycomb stitch pattern that comes from The Workwoman's Guide by a Lady, 1838. The scarf measures 7.5 inches wide by 50 inches long.

The yarn is hand dyed by Hand Maiden and is 80% merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon. Washable

Value: $70

This Indonesian batik wall-hanging of heavy cotton is from Yogyakarta, Java and depicts local woman (Woman with Fruit-Bowl on Head) in warm red, yellow and brown tones. Loops at the top make it easy to hang on a rod or dowel. Size twenty-six inches wide by thirty-six inches high. Gorgeous!

Value: $40

Two one-foot-tall Balinese shadow puppets for display or for your very own production of the Ramayana, the classic Hindu folk-tale of Prince Rama and Princess Sita. Shadow puppetry is a thousand-year-old tradition in Bali. These two puppets have a kingly and slightly sinister look to them – perhaps they represent the evil Ravana or the monkey-king Hanuman. These puppets are made of painted and lacquered leather and have controlling rods made of bird feather quills.

Value: $160

These beautiful socks have been lovingly hand-crafted by one of our choir members. They will keep your feet warm and provide you with a true fashion statement. Ladies size 10 / Mens size 8

Italian yarn: 41% New Wool, 34% Cotton, 25% Polymid

Long-wearing and washable.

Value: $65

Need that perfect vase to display your seasonal flowers? This pale fluted glass vase will look wonderful with any colour of blooms or foliage. The crafty design helps you arrange the stems so you look like a professional florist. Transform your bouquet with a variety of additional creations.

Value: $75

Relax and enjoy a sixty-minute massage from Dorit Hoffmann, RMT, who began her career as a Physio and Massage therapist, operating her own clinic in Germany before coming to Canada in 1998.  With her expert knowledge of anatomy and additional certified training, she also specializes in TMJ (advanced), Cranial Sacral therapy II, Myofascial Release, Sports massage therapy, and post-surgery scar tissue treatment.  Dorit is passionate about her work:  “I always felt I found THE profession for me and after 30 years – this is still ringing true. I feel very lucky.” Her practice is in downtown Vancouver (Hornby and Robson), within walking distance from the Canada Line.

www.doritstherapy.ca

Value: $100

Baby fleece, diaper cover, books and three attentive "Soul Sisters." A perfect shower for a new mama.

Value: $100

An original abstract created by Vancouver artist Elizabeth Barnes. Entitled Trap, this oil on wood employs repetition and permutation as a way for colour and form to work together in harmony.

Value: $250

Pamper yourself with a Beauty & Bath set of six wonderful cranberry gardenia scented bath items including shower gel, bubble bath, body lotion, bath salts, body scrub, soft towel, all packed in a travel case.

Value: $40

Are you looking to add some music-making to your life? Maybe you want to re-teach yourself to play the piano that's currently gathering dust in your basement, you sing in a choir but need a little extra help with technique, or you used to read music but could use a refresher.

Kelly Harris, a music educator with over 15 years experience, will come to your home for three one-hour sessions to help you work towards your musical goals. Lessons provided to beginner-intermediate level adult students.

Value: $180

Successful bidder must live in Vancouver.

Evening and weekend availability only.

Service expires August 31st, 2016.

Get set to enjoy one of those long winter nights ahead with the special someone in your life. The kit includes a bottle of Barefoot Cellars Zinfandel, a crystal carafe and two wine glasses, some organic fair trade chocolate and a candle. All of this in a convenient wicker basket.

Value: $45

Discover the relationship of your dreams through a process of healing and dialogue and re-connection. One 1½ hour session of Imago Relationship Therapy for couples or individuals.

Value: $135

Relax and de-stress with a thirty-minute massage from Denise Drisdelle at Grandview Massage Therapy Clinic at Commercial and 11th. Denise is a certified specialist in manual lymph drainage and CDT, as well as being a Registered Massage Therapist.

Value: $40

Russia is known for its intricately decorated wood products. This birch box was brought from Russia by one of our choir members. It is a wonderful display of skilled handiwork at carving and layering birch to form a beautiful geometric pattern. Note the burnt leaf art (pyrography) adorning the inside of the box. Think of all the treasure it could harbour.

Value: $70

Here's a package that will appeal to all of a child's senses. The cosiest tall moccasin-style slippers fits child size three/four. Exterior features a traditional wintry pattern knit in red, white and black. Fleece-lined for warmth, non-slip soles for safety. These slippers are stuffed with candy: salt-water taffy, licorice, jelly-beans and other goodies from The Licorice Parlour, plus Maynards Sour Patch Kids Extreme. Wait, there's another child-size bonus: a DVD of the animated film "Flushed Away" which also includes games and other interactive features inspired by the movie.

Value: $30

Treat yourself well with “beautiful science” – luxurious, self-preserving beauty products by USANA. Cleanse, refine and replenish skin, hair and teeth with these healthy alternatives to chemically based products. Wash with a soap free gel that has been dermatologist and allergy tested. Brush your teeth with gentle and fluoride free toothpaste. The revitalizing shampoo uses a patented formula with no added chemicals. Topping it all off is an attractive candle for your at-home spa experience. Begin or continue your journey to a more natural and radiant you!

Value: $60

One hour counselling session.

Are you at a crossroads in your life? Are you seeking a deeper connection with God? Are you weighed down with the burden you are carrying? When met with awareness obstacles can shift. They melt like snow on a sunny day.

"Accurate about everything. I was very impressed!" L.A.

"Thank you for reminding me of the truth of who I am." T.P.

"My reading was just outstanding. I know what to do now." D.M.

With 29 years as a spiritual advisor, medical intuitive, seer and teacher, Padma offers consultations and classes.

Value: $180

Beautiful sterling silver choker-style necklace. Hand made in Mexico.

Value: $100

Your hosts Heinz and Isabel will treat you to a three course Swiss dinner including an appetizer of Bundnerfleish (air dried beef), a main course of Swiss Cheese Fondue or Swiss Raclette, and dessert of Swiss Carrot Cake, Gugelhopf or Swiss Chocolate Mousse and/or fruit salad. Includes white wine, tea and kirsch schnapps.

Value of this delightful evening: $200

Jacinda Oldale is the Foodoula. She is passionate about food, from field to table and has a desire to support mothers and families. This offer includes a consultation, a customized  menu, specific shopping list, and five-hour in-house cooking session. She'll cook 4-5 main dishes, each serving several meals. Meals are ready to eat or refrigerate or save for the freezer.

Value of the session is $190. Groceries not included.

Successful bidder must live in Greater Vancouver.

http://www.foodoula.ca/

Luscious colours, direct from Istanbul, a set of five 3” x 3” Turkish tiles, each tile uniquely patterned.

Value: $75

Roundel Restaurant in the East Village on Hastings Street has been a neighbourhood haunt since the late 60s. It's a fresh food diner with some of the best eats in Vancouver.

Whether it's pancakes or eggs benny, tortilla wraps or burgers, quesadillas or salads, you'll find something yum-worthy at Roundel.

They have generously donated a $50 gift certficate to help with our fundraising efforts.

Value: $50

http://www.roundelcafe.com