Hey there. I realized this week, after I had sent Tuesday’s newsletter, that I had missed something really important: Vancouver’s (sort-of) birthday.
The City of Vancouver was officially incorporated on April 6, 1886, or 140 years ago on Monday. I get it, 140 years isn’t exactly the roundest number to write home about, but considering how little chatter there was, perhaps we need to scale up the social awareness campaign for 2036. We’ve got a decade to make that 150th birthday party really pop!
— V.
Senior editor
— FEATURE —
Said the Whale keeps on swimming 20 years in
“The moment that Ben and I started making records, I had such a delusional belief in the band,” reflects Tyler Bancroft, the singer-guitarist of Vancouver’s Said the Whale. It turns out that delusional belief had merit: two decades on, the band remains part of the Canadian indie sleaze canon—and, with the genre on an upswing, it’s clear there’s plenty of life left in the old whale yet.
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— ARTS —
Susan Aglukark and PIQSIQ celebrate their mutual fandom
Two Inuit icons, one night at the Chan Centre. We catch up with Juno-winning musician Susan Aglukark and groundbreaking throat-singing duo PIQSIQ to find out what two generations of artists have to say about the power of music.
One less “for lease” sign: The Dance Centre buys its home
Corey Payette’s On Native Land is having its world premiere at The Cultch! Dive into this contemporary Indigenous musical about identity, land, and love.*
The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light by Award-winning Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor asks urgent questions about authenticity, identity, and the cost of truth.*
Starting tomorrow, you can catch the biggest festival of Canadian films in the country at the VIFF Centre's Canadian Film Showcase. Buy tickets now.*
*sponsored listing
SPONSORED BY DEL VALLE FILMS INC.
Distributed by Enlighten Content with federal and provincial funding provided by Creative BC and Cavco.
Feature Film Screening Event: Protectors of the Land
Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm & 9:30pm at The Dunbar Theatre watch Tim Rozon, Graham Greene, Tanaya Beatty & Nathaniel Arcand from the Academy Award winning film Sinners star in Protector of the Land.
Tickets online here or at the door. Don’t miss this thrilling big-screen event!
— MUSIC —
The Zolas announce 10th anniversary tour for Swooner
If you liked local indie rock a decade ago, chances are you liked the Zolas—even if they’ve seemingly been in hibernation since 2021. But now, the band is back and playing a cross-country tour to prove it.
Review: David Byrne challenges worldviews at the Queen E
Photos: Lamb of God brings a burial to the PNE Forum
Royal City Musical Theatre presents fun-filled fairytale adventure Shrek The Musical, on stage April 17 to May 3 at The Massey Theatre in New Westminster.*
*sponsored listing
— FOOD & DRINK —
Where to drink for 50 Best Bars week in Vancouver
North America’s 50 Best Bars is officially announcing the best libation locations on the continent on April 22, and in the run-up, Vancouver is getting buzzed. Check out the events happening in town, featuring professionals from bars far and wide bringing some sparkle to the 604.
Brewery and the Beast sets 2026 date with initial vendor lineup
Meet the Delta farmer redefining agriculture-balancing family, innovation, and tradition to keep food on our tables. Read Melissa Thibaudier's story.*
*sponsored listing
— ICYMI —
Your Very Vancouver horoscopes for April
The Harrison Tulip Festival is blooming back
Return to Paueru Gai marks 50 years of the Powell Street Festival
Don’t be the Mars of malcontents: Bard on the Beach tickets drop this week
— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —
FILM: Reel Causes screens A Place Where I Belong, including a filmmaker Q&A and a drag show. (April 9 @ SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts)
COMEDY: Social media star Andrew Packer hopes to pack out his live show. (April 9 @ WISE Hall)
COMEDY: Reach for the improv stars in Exploration Blank. (April 9 to June 27 @ The Improv Centre)
BOOKS: North Shore Writers Festival has plenty of page-turning programming. (April 10-11 @ North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver)
VISUAL ARTS: Burnaby Artists Guild is hosting its annual Spring Arts Gala (with pieces available to purchase). (April 10-12 @ Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby)
LIVING: I have no idea what No Name is promoting here, but the brand promises “free gossip and snacks”. (April 10-12 @ various locations)
THEATRE: Waiting for the Parade explores life on the Calgary home front during World War II. (April 11-12 @ Progress Lab 1422)
Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.
That’s it!
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