Hey there. We've hit that one-in-seven chance where the first Thursday of the month is the final day of the calendar week. Did that make sense to you? It's been a long week. 

The point of that, of course, is that there's a new print issue of the Straight out now. 

Pick it up wherever you get your finest free newspapers, and happy reading!

— V.
Senior editor

Looking at Emily Hermant's sculptures and installations, you probably wouldn't think that they begin their lives as trash. “There are all these different kinds of wires for different purposes, all being former transmission materials," she explains to us ahead of being featured in the inaugural Vancouver Now! exhibition, "and then you cut them up and they kind of take on a different life.”

Our journalism is only possible because of Straight Insiders. 

In a time when technology is taking 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 Arts Club Theatre Company’s yearly celebration of new play development is back! From August 24–29, the BMO Radar will bring together playwrights and fans of innovative theatre for a week of discussion, exploration, and the advancement of new works.

With staged readings every night—including The Mildly Alarming Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde(s) and a first look at The Elvis Christmas Comeback Special before it premieres this holiday season—as well as panel discussions, master classes, and the return of the popular Scratch Night, it’s the best time of year to visit the BMO Theatre Centre and be part of the future of Vancouver theatre.

All events are free to attend. Visit artsclub.com to learn more and register today!

Comedian and filmmaker Breanne Williamson has found a lot of viral success online, but it all has a single purpose: to persuade people to engage with her art. “If I could just be a nepo baby that got to have access to influence in a cool, mysterious way, that would be awesome," the creator of Basement 51 reflects, "but instead I have to create my own influence to get people to watch cool things.”

*sponsored listing

Free arts events can be hard to find—so thank goodness for Vines Art Festival, which is celebrating its tenth year of putting on arts in parks every summer. The event is all about connecting people to each other, and to the land we're supposed to be looking after. "It’s different to see other people and actually be connected to a tree too,” says founder Heather Lamoureux. “Like that’s a bigger relationship circle going on, and so that’s just as important.”

Dan Forrest had a conundrum. The musician found himself drawn to two disparate genres of music: the grunge and darkness of Alice in Chains and Nirvana, alongside the goofy pop-rock of Weezer and Third Eye Blind. “Eventually, I had to just admit to myself that I really liked that music,” Forrest admits, “even though it was so corny at the time. So Buddie was about marrying those two things together and seeing if it could work.”

VISUAL ARTS: Kathleen Tonnesen fuses colourful botanicals and aikido in Energy, an exhibition reflecting on her healing after vision loss. (August 7-9 @ The Mole Pop-Up Gallery)

COMEDY: Bard After Dark presents a new improvised cabaret in Sen̓áḵw's stunning surrounds. (August 7-28 @ Douglas Campbell Theatre)

MUSIC: Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival turns 25 with a free festival, featuring Jully Black and TALK. (August 8 @ Deer Lake Park, Vancouver)

FOOD & DRINK: A hot sauce expo called Tears of Joy? It might be worth heading to the 'burbs for. (August 8 @ Langley Riders Society, Langley) 

MUSIC: Pleasant Day Festival takes over Main Street for a full day of music, markets, and community. (August 8 @ Main Street between 16th and King Edward)

LIVING: Light Up Chinatown! fills the neighbourhood with performances, pop-ups, and delicious food. (August 8-9 @ Chinatown locations)

DANCE: An intimate studio showing of El Lobo y La Luna chronicles a new flamenco in progress. (August 9 @ The Dance Centre)

LIVING: The Hycroft Garden Party brings a whimsical afternoon to this Vancouver garden estate. (August 9 @ Hycroft Mansion)

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

You made it all the way to the bottom, and we love you for it! Readers like you are what keep us going. If you want to support free arts and culture journalism, send this newsletter to a friend.

And before you go, let us know:

• Did a friend share this with you? Sign up for free.

• Want to advertise to locals? Contact our team.

• Have a cool story to share? Drop us an email.