Hey there. Much as the prophets of *NSYNC predicted in 2000, it's gonna be May.
If you're the sort of person who has a lawn or water feature, then take note: Metro Vancouver is activating Stage 2 watering restrictions tomorrow to help conserve drinking water. That means no watering your lawn, sprinklers are only permitted between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., and hoses need an automatic shut-off nozzle. You can check out the full list of restrictions here.
— V.
Senior editor
— FEATURE —
'The mayor is asleep at the switch': Kennedy Stewart on Sim, Azaroff, and the end of decrim
Former Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart doesn't mince words when it comes to the city's current administration. "The mayor is completely asleep at the switch," Kennedy tells the Straight in a wide-ranging interview. "He doesn’t return phone calls, he doesn’t have task forces. He doesn’t do anything. He’s invisible. He’s trying to sell his bitcoin, and that’s it.”
SPONSORED BY CHOR LEONI
The Big Roar takes the Chan Centre stage, louder and grander than ever before!
Experience the joyous celebration of a singing community at a choral event unlike any other in Canada, featuring five choirs from the Chor Leoni organization, two of BC’s finest high school choirs and over 300 singers on stage at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. May 8 & 9.
— LIVING —
My Favourite 'Hood: Kirk and Genevieve McLean on Downtown
Former Canucks goalie Kirk McLean and his wife Genevieve are familiar faces in the Rogers Arena suites. But they are part of Vancouver’s fabric too. Here, they give an insider's take on the perks of living directly downtown.
Small-town festival Britannia Day is an excuse to drive up the Sea-to-Sky
Sail into the weekend at Ships to Shore, May 2–3 at Garry Point Park. This free festival celebrates the Kaiwo Maru, an iconic Japanese ship.*
*sponsored listing
SPONSORED BY THE CULTCH
Brutally honest perspectives in play Soldiers of Tomorrow
A former Israeli soldier confronts his past in this critically acclaimed play by Itai Erdal, offering a raw, human look at conflict, memory, and accountability. Known for his skills as a storyteller, Erdal's frank and deeply personal solo performance will have you on the edge of your seat. Tickets here.
— ARTS —
The Sandbox puts surveillance under the microscope
Filmmaker Kenya-Jade Pinto's new documentary considers the ways in which immigrants are being used as a testing ground for mass surveillance—a story that has only become more timely since she began working on the project in 2020. “The sands are shifting beneath our feet,” she tells the Straight, ahead of The Sandbox's showing at DOXA this week. “These things are happening in real time, quickly.”
Ballet Vancouver announces a stacked debut season
— MUSIC —
DIY scene vets launch Bottle Rocket Festival
With the City of Vancouver seemingly cracking down on indie music venues, a group of local musicians have banded together to fight back—and what better way to do that than with a new music festival?
Review: Wednesday hit harder than ever at the Vogue
Review: Diljit Dosanjh reps Punjabi pride at BC Place
New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*
*sponsored listing
— ICYMI —
This Vancouver bar is the best in Canada
The world is Fanny Bay's oyster
Veda Hille talks all things Commercial Drive
Photos: Science World looks back on 40 years
— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —
COMEDY: Fringe favourite Duck Duck Moose returns for one night only. (April 30 @ The Improv Centre)
TALKS: Jane's Walk lets locals take you through the parts of the city that fascinate them. (April 30 to May 3 @ various locations)
THEATRE: The '80s called—and Singers in a Smoky Room answered. (April 30 to May 16 @ Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, North Vancouver)
SHOPPING: Junction Public Market returns to the downtown waterfront this summer. (April 30 to September 7)
LIVING: Tweet, tweet, twitchers: it's time for the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration. (May 1-17 @ various locations)
THEATRE: Citysong weaves a tapestry from the streets of a city. (May 1-17 @ Jericho Arts Club)
CULTURE: TJ Fest celebrates Taiwanese culture with street food, performances, market stalls, and more. (May 2-3 @ Tian-Jin Temple, Burnaby)
That’s it!
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