February 27 edition: Fighting for their homes

Hey there. When was the last time someone bought you flowers? 

I was thinking about this on Friday, when an old friend was in town. We met for coffee. She gave me a potted orchid.

The thought is very sweet. Unfortunately, my apartment is a shadowy north-facing cave. The flower is destined to wither and die as it searches for the sunlight that does not exist. Decay is inevitable—but, until then, it will be beautiful.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

East Van tenants are organizing to fight a potentially devastating real estate loophole

A seven-unit rental building in East Van is currently at the heart of a fierce battle. The landlord wants to turn the building into four strata condos—evicting the current tenants, and lowering the net number of units of housing in the city—through what seems to be a loophole in Vancouver’s arcane permitting laws. But residents are fighting hard to keep their homes.

CITY & CULTURE

Seven unique vending machines worth seeking out in Metro Vancouver

We love getting a KitKat and an overpriced can of Coke from a vending machine just as much as the next person. But the humble automated selling box can also house some much more interesting dispensed goods. From calzones to canvases, here are seven outside-the-box vending machines to check out.

• Commentary: BC’s budget passes up our struggling transit system 

• Fish Out of Water: What’s up with cryotherapy?

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

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ARTS

Over the Ridge gets its world premiere at Massey Theatre

A multidisciplinary show combining live music, storytelling, and ballet, is set to premiere next month. Based on affecting show Ridge by local acoustic-folk act the Fugitives, the production takes a hard look at the reality of the WWI Battle of Vimy Ridge. By adding movement, Over the Ridge promises to create a kinetic, gripping exploration of what war means, and what we can learn from tragedy.

• BC indie film and VIFF favourite Seagrass gets cinematic release

• Vancouver-raised animator Pearl Low is fundraising for a new original cartoon

• "Meow Meow is that rare combination—devilish funny bones and heavenly vocal chords." Don't miss her concert this Saturday with the VSO!*

• A play within a play featuring a fantastical farce in which lovers frolic, doors slam, clothes are tossed away and embarrassing hi-jinks ensue. Get tickets to Noises Off here!*

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MUSIC

Sarah McLachlan announces huge hometown show

“Hold On” to your hats: Vancouver icon Sarah McLachlan is kicking off a six-week summertime tour with a hometown show. Before heading off “Elsewhere”, she’s headlining the Pacific Coliseum in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her platinum album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. And proceeds from the show are set to benefit the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, her non-profit organization that provides free music lessons to young people. Sounds “Good Enough” to us!

• Victoria’s Rifflandia festival is moving to a new location

• Sounds Good: What were Straight staff listening to in February?

• On Our Radar: Xana’s steamy new video screams local sapphic pop

• Don't miss one of the UK's first and most successful synth-pop acts Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on their upcoming Bauhaus Staircase tour.*

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FOOD & DRINK

Tocador has had its liquor license temporarily suspended

Main Street’s tropical Tocador has had its doors shut this week, after provincial liquor agents found the bar’s rowdy New Year’s Eve contravened the terms of its license. The bar was over-capacity and patrons were dancing, which is illegal under its municipal license. Sounds like we’re not beating the No Fun City allegations.

• Much-missed Don’t Argue Pizza returns as a slice shop

• Marugame Udon makes its Canadian debut with Vancouver location

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THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

THEATRE 🎭
ITSAZOO presents Sunrise Betties, a gritty look at Vancouver’s secret gang past. (To March 10 @ Russian Hall)

MUSIC 🎤
A violinist, harpsichordist, viola da gambist, and baroque flutist come together to play Telemann’s 1730s Paris Quartets. (Feb. 27 @ St. Mary’s Kerrisdale)    

FILM 📽️
VPL hosts a watch party for National Film Board of Canada shorts celebrating Black excellence. (Feb. 27 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

VISUAL ART 🖼️
Curator Michael Dang discusses enigmatic queer artist Pascal. (Feb. 27 @ Western Front)

MUSIC 🎤
Avant-garde Lingua Ignota reinvents herself as gospel Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter. (Feb. 28 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

BOOKS 📖
Banyen Books hosts philosopher Peter Singer for a digital discussion of his new book, The Buddhist and the Ethicist. (Feb. 28 @ online)

THEATRE 🎭
A modern sapphic take on Boys in the Band, Shared Space has its world premiere this week. (Feb. 28 to March 3 @ The Nest) 

MUSIC 🎤
City Opera Vancouver presents the Canadian debut of Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt. (Feb. 29 to March 3 @ York Theatre)

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

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