April 25 edition: Cheap eats 🤑

Hi! I recently got back from a long weekend in Los Angeles, which provided me with a welcome change of pace and scenery. Seemingly every building in LA has some incredible history—be it the theatre attached to our hotel that was founded by Charlie Chaplin, or the office building with an incredible lobby that was used in Blade Runner.

One of my favourite things about travelling is coming home; there’s nothing quite like a trip somewhere else to remind you how much you love where you live. Vancouver might not have quite the same level of cultural cachet as LA, but we’ve got weird malls and hidden theatres—and also, clean air. 

—Sara
Editor-in-chief

FEATURE

American icon John Waters brings “Devil’s Advocate” to Vancouver

He used to be confusing at best and loathed at worst, but today he’s an American treasure. “I was never doing what I consider outsider art because I wasn’t naive,” filmmaker John Waters (Cry-Baby, Devil’s Advocate) tells us ahead of his Vancouver appearances at the Rio.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: Why we need new work from artists who identify with disability

“We don’t just need more art. We need it to come from the full scope and breadth of lived disability experience,” writes Adam Grant Warren, the new co-artistic director of Realwheels Theatre. “If non-disabled folks can point to specific spaces as defined by that stick-figure symbol, where is the room for madness, for neurodiversity, for chronic pain, for illness?”

• Get in on the NHL playoff action with special events at Parq

• Commentary: On learning and teaching the dignity of risk

• Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*

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ARTS

The Cultch announces diverse 2024/2025 season programming

For its 51st season, The Cultch has announced an exciting lineup of shows across its community venues. From Cliff Cardinal’s As You Like It, or the Land Acknowledgment to The Search Party’s Pulitzer nominee Dance Nation, it’s a culturally rich mix of circus, dance, theatre, and more.

• A new Vancouver-based acapella group is debuting in June

• A local ceramicist is heading to South Korea for a prestigious art fair

• Yes, finally, opera and comedy TOGETHER as they were never mean to be! Good clean silliness for audiences of all ages at First Impressions Theatre.*

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MUSIC

Photos: Inaugural Coast City Country brought the boot-tappin’ to BC Place

BC Place was the scene of cowboy cosplay last weekend, as the inaugural Coast City Country music festival took over the stadium. Photographer Tom Paillé was there to capture all the fun from night one, which featured Bailey Zimmerman and our very own Nickelback.

• Evanescence are being brought “back to life” with a show at Rogers Arena

• See what tunes the Straight staff are listening to right now

• Westward Music Festival has announced its 2024 lineup

FOOD & DRINK

Vancouver cheap eats that are actually cheap—and actually tasty

Seemingly everyone is hurting financially right now, but we still gotta eat! One of my favourite weekend activities is discovering new hole-in-the-wall spots that keep prices low and satisfaction high. Here are my favourite restaurants for grabbing a cheap meal (we’re talking under $20 all in, baby!).

• Where to get Vancouver’s most unique burgers

• No Reservations: Meo creates 1970s-inspired magic in Chinatown

• The Ultimate Staycation! Book now for 15% off your stay at Vancouver’s waterfront boutique hotel - Granville Island Hotel. Stay before May 30th.*

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THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

COMEDY 
Los Angeles-based comedian Leah Rudick brings her “Love Coach” and “Wealthy Woman” characters to town. (April 25 @ the Biltmore)

DRAG
Murder mysteries and drag performers: the combination you didn’t know you needed. (April 25 @ The Show Cellar)

DANCE
Three choreographers come together in an exciting exploration of movement dubbed Triple Bill. (April 26 to 27 @ BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts)

FILM
The Great Salish Heist, billed as the first-ever Indigenous heist movie, opens its Vancouver run. (April 26 to May 2 @ Vancity Theatre)

BOOKS
Sip on whiskies, chat with authors and other literary folks, and raise money for the Vancouver Writers Fest’s youth programs. (April 26 @ Performance Works)

SHOPPING
Browse local makers’ wares at the Vancouver Etsy Co Spring Pop-Up. (April 27 @ Heritage Hall)

COCKTAILS
Enjoy exclusive cocktails from The Raven Room (Whistler), Clive’s Classic Lounge (Victoria), and Wolf in the Fog (Tofino) in this one-night-only bar takeover. (April 28 @ The Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim)

PHOTOGRAPHY
Iconic local photographer Greg Girard’s latest show features a selection of images taken in Japan from 2017 to 2023. (To May 18 @ Monte Clark gallery)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

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