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I'm not normally that upset over celebrity deaths, but the recent passing of both Dolly Parton and Tim Curry in quick succession has been rough.

After people we love die, it's easy to look back at what we have of them, be it photos of our families, or art produced by our favourite stars. The Straight, it turns out, has histories with both Parton and Curry. We spoke to the philanthropic country star when she swung through town in 2016, and we republished Fangoria's 1990 interview with a certain horrifying clown who terrorized Stanley Park in 2014.  

As bad news often comes in threes, here's hoping there isn't another beloved star's death that we'll have to mourn anytime soon.

— V.
Senior editor

In an age of endless scrolling, AI-generated content, and streaming services that can arbitrarily remove your favourite TV show, physical media is experiencing something of a resurgence. Video Party, a new store on Main Street, is packed with VHS tapes, LaserDiscs, DVDs and Blu-rays—and Vancouverites are embracing it. “It's nice to trust that what you're watching was made by humans or that you discovered it yourself,” co-owner Jordan Hughes tells the Straight.

Our journalism is only possible because of the Straight Insiders. 

In a time when technology is taking over jobs, the Straight remains what it has always been: a small team of scrappy journalists, doing our best to cover the stories that matter to the city we all love.

For just $8.25 per month—the cost of one fancy latte—you can help support the 60-year legacy of the Georgia Straight. In exchange for your hard-earned money, we've got a huge range of deals, discounts, and free tickets up for grabs—but only for Insiders. 

Right now that includes a foodie bonanza, with deals and drinks at top spots across the city. Minami, Loam Bistro, Pourhouse, Dovetail, Black+Blue, Prophecy, and more are all partnered with us to offer Insiders access to exclusive discounts.

Sign up today to help keep Vancouver weird.

The PHS Run Team has raised $10,174.58, but there's still a long way to go to reach the funds needed to expand PHS's food program.

Every day, PHS provides more than 3,900 meals, including over 2,000 hot meals, to people living in extreme poverty.

Get involved today!

Entrepreneur Ella Dalling has always had a nose for solving problems. So when she became a mother and realized how ridiculous Vancouver's childcare system was, she decided to do something about it. “I just thought that there had to be a better way of doing it,” she says of her new app, Little Scout. “Here you have a vacancy that a daycare posts, and then parents apply and find out within a week if they get the spot or not.”

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Editor-in-chief Nathan Caddell is making no bones about his love of the VIFF list this year. He outlines eight movies in particular that caught his attention, including the aptly titled opening film The Debut, starring Julianne Moore.

With its bistro inspirations, Italian and Spanish-centred menu, and robust cocktail program, Violeté represents more than just a new Commercial Drive favourite. It's an investment in the neighbourhood, as it's run by the team behind Havana and The Flamingo Room—and owner Reuben Major wants more out of his crew. "One of my main drivers is creating opportunity for my people," he tells us. "The only way to really do that is to grow."

COMEDY: TJ's Alien Everywhere tour probes the lighter side of immigration. (August 27 @ Rio Theatre)

MUSIC: Do It For the Culture celebrates all things Afrobeats, R&B, and more, with a lineup including SadBoi, Adewolf, and Dacey. (August 27-29 @ Fortune Sound Club)

FOOD & DRINK: Discover the joys of speculoos at a Belgian sweet treat workshop. (August 28 @ Alliance Française)

FILM: Powerful documentary American Doctor follows three physicians trying to make a difference in Gaza. (August 28 to September 13 @ VIFF Centre)

VISUAL ARTS: Group exhibition Hot Off The Press plumbs the depths of printmaking. (August 28 to September 26 @ One More Life Gallery)

SHOPPING: Granville Street goes orange for the fourth annual Dutch Street Market—with free stroopwafel! (August 29-30 @ Granville Street pedestrian zone)

SHOPPING: Portobello West Summer Shoppe Market marks 20 years of B.C. makers selling their wares. (August 29-30 @ Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre)

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

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