February 20 edition: And the latest show filming in Vancouver is…

Hey there. What did you get up to this long weekend? I spent most of it catching up on sleep, because I wasn’t built for five-day work weeks. Humans, as a whole, were meant to hang out with friends and eat berries and chill, and only really do enough work to ensure everyone stayed alive. 

Yeah, of course I’m glad for socialized healthcare and take-out ordered from my phone and all the trappings of modern society. But wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just have a bit more time for ourselves?

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

How two Bay Area comics founded North America’s biggest South Asian comedy festival

Samson Koletkar and Abhay Nadkarni, both first-generation Indian immigrants to America, founded Desi Comedy Fest a decade ago. Now, it’s coming to Vancouver as part of Just For Laughs—marking the show’s first time in Canada. “When we started in 2014, it was an experimental thing,” says Koletkar—and since then it’s only grown, with more than 150 South Asian comedians taking part in the years since.

CITY & CULTURE

Vancouver Black Library creates community beyond books

Vancouver Black Library first opened its doors in fall 2022. Since then, with liberation through education as one of its guiding principles, the space has become a hub for Vancouver’s Black community. Communications director Etaremi Brisibe tells us what the all-volunteer team behind the library has learned in its first full year, and what’s in store for 2024.

• Wreck Beach was named the best urban nudist beach in the world

• The Whitecaps’ gold anniversary kit celebrates 50 years

• Photos: Prince Harry and Michael Bublé try wheelchair curling in Vancouver

• Last call to party! Catch world class rugby all this weekend at BC Place for HSBC SVNS Vancouver. Saturday GA tickets are sold out, but don’t panic!!! You can still get your hands on Saturday Sideline tickets.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY ELEVATE MUSIC PROJECT

Elevate Music Project Final is coming to the Vogue Theatre

The Elevate Music Project Finalists Nette, BADMNY, and Temia will be lighting up the prestigious Vogue Theatre on March 7.

Witness the culmination of months of hard work and dedication as these emerging artists take the stage. With electrifying performances, unforgettable moments, and special guest appearances, this finale promises an unforgettable evening of music discovery.

Join us for a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of music. Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement—secure your tickets now and be part of the journey as we crown the next rising stars of the Vancouver music scene.

ARTS

Suits LA set to shoot in Vancouver

Vancouver never plays itself. In case it wasn’t clear, that trend is set to continue when Suits: LA starts filming here soon. The spin-off of the New York-based legal drama that made Meghan Markle famous will star Canadian actor Stephen Amell as its lead…in, apparently, Los Angeles. You’d think our lack of palm trees and sprawling highways might give the game away, but in TV world, Vancouver can be anywhere.

• Museum of Vancouver’s True Tribal explores Indigenous tattooing

• CelticFest announces 20th anniversary lineup

MUSIC

Allison Russell’s journey to The Returner highlights the power of perseverance

Roots singer (and former Vancouverite) Allison Russell broke out with her Grammy-nominated debut solo album Outside Child. But her journey to reach that point was long and turbulent, and the decision to strike out on her own was somewhat reluctant. She chats with us about her triumphant sophomore release, The Returner, and how collaboration fuels her artistry.

• Sienna Ferrell is bringing old-timey country to the Orpheum

• Find out what exclusives are up for grabs on Record Store Day 2024, and where to find them

SPONSORED BY FESTIVAL DU BOIS

Come celebrate the 35th Festival du Bois

Say “bonjour” to the 35th Anniversary Festival du Bois, March 8-10 in Maillardville/Coquitlam's Mackin Park. Come hear (and dance to) live Acadian, folk and world music, attend fun shows for kids and families, explore the Métis Village Experience, sample delicious cuisine traditionnelle – and so much more! Get info and tickets here.

FOOD & DRINK

Five Vancouver bars perfect for pre-gaming a Canucks match

Considering the team is number one in the NHL, Canucks fans have plenty to celebrate. But let’s be real: getting merrily blazed at Rogers Arena means spending half your paycheque on beer. Luckily, even in this economy, there are still a few spots where you can cultivate a hearty glow without breaking the bank.

• Suyo con Amigos brings Vancouver chefs together for one-night dinners

• Former Donnelly group is selling seven Vancouver pubs

SPONSORED BY ACUMEN LAW

Defend your driving rights with Acumen Law

When facing a Driving Prohibition, individuals find essential legal support from Acumen Law's experienced team. They focus on protecting clients' driving rights and navigating the legal system, advocating effectively to keep clients on the road. Trust Acumen Law to ensure your rights are defended and your driving future is secured.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

DANCE 💃
Matriarchs Uprising festival showcases dynamic Indigenous dance works. (To Feb. 25 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

BOOKS 📖
Best Canadian Poetry 2024 launches, with readings from contributing poets. (Feb. 20 @ Massy Books)

MUSIC 🎤
Mother Cloud Spatial Sound Festival gets weird with sonic exploration. (Feb. 21 to 25 @ Performance Works)

BOOKS 📖
Nerd out about comic books and graphic novels in this free Thursday Mashup. (Feb. 22 @ Mackin Heritage Home and Toy Museum)

VISUAL ART 🖼️
Valerie d. Walker and Jack Page’s new exhibit, A Generosity of Abundance, opens on Thursday. (Feb. 22 @ SUM Gallery)

THEATRE 🎭
A new spin on classic Moliere, Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure premieres this week. (Feb. 22 to March 24 @ Granville Island Stage)

MUSIC 🎤
Edmonton’s Royal Tusk and Toronto’s BRKN LOVE play a double-header. Local rising rockers BAD MNY supports. (Feb. 23 @ The Pearl)

COMEDY 🤣
Canadian Improv Games hosts the Lower Mainland regional tournament for funny youth. (Feb. 22 to 24 @ Waterfront Theatre)

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

That’s it!

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