December 14 edition: Local music, served three ways

Hey there. How’s your holiday season going? 

There’s so few weeks left in the year and so little time left to emotionally prepare for 2024. Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate (or pointedly choose not to, because you don’t really do holidays), remember to take some time for yourself. 

Not everything has to be some grand tradition just because it’s December. We’re still all muddling through this the best we can.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Put Slightest Clue on your speed dial

The 604’s own Slightest Clue mash together disparate styles to make welcoming indie rock bops. Call now for local rock.

CITY & CULTURE

What have we learned from decrim?

It’s been almost a year since BC decriminalized small amounts of drugs for personal use. What have we learned since January?

• Is Vancouver… good at sports now?

• Free Investing Guide & Newsletter:  "...Dave is honest. If you're anything like me, then you care about that." Regulated by: CIRO. Member of CIPF.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER INTER-CULTURAL ORCHESTRA

Rekindle the Fire: New Sounds for Winter Solstice

On December 20, virtuoso performers Mei Han (zheng) and Randy Raine-Reusch (strings and winds) will join the VICO Tentet and special guest vocalist D’arcy Han, to perform new works by Lisa Cay Miller and John Oliver, a selection of Raine-Reusch’s rarely-performed distinctive graphic scores for non-western instruments, and new orchestral arrangements of the duo’s repertoire by Mark Armanini, Moshe Denburg, and Farshid Samandari.

Mei Han (Ph.D) is heralded as a leading performer of the contemporary zheng, with deep roots in traditional Chinese aesthetics. Randy Raine-Reusch is an improvisationally-based composer who studies and performs on an astonishing variety of non-western instruments. Together, they combine improvisational structures, contemporary performance techniques, and extended listening practices with ancient Asian musical philosophies to create a unique artistic expression.

ARTS

Cameron Wilson wants to bring the house down

Composer and violinist Cameron Wilson is aiming to raise the roof with “A Midnight Clear”, which premieres as part of Christmas with Chor Leoni.

• The Un-Named Sketch Show Holiday Special brings comedy skits to the live stage

• Opening tomorrow: Arts Umbrella Dance Company's Mixed Nuts, a modern twist on The Nutcracker, combining an assortment of dance styles for an extra-special holiday treat!*

• Fans of Python and Bean… Rejoice! 3x London Impresario Winners James & Jamesy present their wildly popular O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy on stages this holiday season.*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

Local thrashers Hyperia join forces with Main Street Brewing for their very own “Hybeeria”

The metal five-piece is celebrating its third album with an exclusive Main Street brewski. Now that’s merchandising.

• On Our Radio: Elastic Stars gets nostalgic on “Falls Back”

• Five concerts to catch this week, including Vancouver’s mighty Peach Pit

• Desert Daze Nights North premieres Thursday December 21 at The Pearl with Marry, Revolution Above Disorder, Bloom Effect + Live Visuals by Northern Light Show.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY PUSH FESTIVAL

Give the PuSh Festival experience

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns to Vancouver from January 18 to February 4, 2024 with 17 new radical, innovative, contemporary works of live art by acclaimed local, national, and international artists.

Gift a 6-show PuSh Pass and save up to 25%! Tickets on sale now.

FOOD & DRINK

It’s the end of the road for Tacomio

Street-style eatery Tacomio has announced the closure of its two remaining locations.

• Pocket Flask: Forty Creek Cherrywood Reserve examines a woody Niagara whisky

SPONSORED BY OXIO

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THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Hansel & Gretel: House Hunters at Performance Works | To December 16 | 8pm

The fairytale kids have grown up and are trying to strike it rich as influencers in this comedy show. [$25+]

Kevin Abstract at Biltmore Cabaret | December 14 | 7pm 

Singer, songwriter, rapper, and Brockhampton founding member comes to Vancouver. [$20]

Winter Traditions of the Squamish People at Secret Lantern Society | December 14 | 7pm

Squamish Elder Bob Baker shares ancestral stories and historical traditions associated with the season. [$30+] 

Hari Kondabolu at Biltmore Cabaret | December 15 | 7pm 

The Brooklyn-based comedian brings his comedy wares to the West Coast. [$32.50]

Christmas with Chor Leoni at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United | December 15 to 18 | Various times 

The choral Christmas spectacular returns. [$20+]

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium | December 15 to 23 | 7:30pm 

A sequel to Pride and Prejudice that follows middle sister Mary through her own romantic adventure. [$15+]

Cinderella at Surrey Arts Centre | December 15 to 26 | Various times 

Traditional, rambunctious British panto comes to Surrey. [$15+] 

Holiday pop-up market at Heritage Hall | December 15 and 16 | 11am to 5pm 

Local small businesses, creatives, and makers sell their goods. [Free]

Santana Claus is Coming to Town at Rio Theatre | December 17 | 8pm 

A live band burlesque tribute to the music of Santana. [$25]

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.

That’s it!

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