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February 6 2025 edition: Vancouver’s breakout stars of 2025

February 6 2025 edition: Vancouver’s breakout stars of 2025

Plus: Horoscopes, arts events and concerts for the month ahead

February 06, 2025

Hey there. Through snow and sleet and un-gritted roads, the Straight’s print edition still arrives on newsstands every month. And—shocker—there’s another one, out today.

February marks our second annual Breakouts issue, where we tap locals whose stars are on the rise. From comedians and chefs to entrepreneurs and activists, the class of 2025 is here.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Meet the Breakouts of 2025

Syd Bosel is one of the funniest stand-up comics working in BC. Vish Mayekar weaves his personal experiences into the food he creates at Elem. And Cheyenne Rouleau is making waves with her fiercely original playwrighting, from Sunrise Betties to Fat Joke. Meet the Breakout cover stars now—and keep your eyes peeled for even more profiles.

— LIVING —

Photos: See inside Arthur Erickson’s Perry Estate

Arthur Erickson remains one of Vancouver’s best-known architects, and his signature midcentury modern style is on full display in this sprawling North Vancouver estate.

Your very Vancouver horoscopes for February
Where to watch Superbowl LIX in Vancouver
The city is full of events celebrating Black History Month
Mateina’s low to no-sugar Yerba Mate beverages offer steady energy without the unwanted crash or jitters. Get 15% off Mateina's Energy Brews while supplies last.*
Make magical memories at Lights at Lafarge! Take in Metro Vancouver’s largest free light display, shining at Town Centre Park until February 17.*
*sponsored listing

A Deliberately Different Business School

Join the business revolution taking shape at KPU’s Melville School of Business, where we choose the road less travelled. Where we’re redefining what business means by putting people and planet in the equation with profits.

In a world where business success has often been measured by financial gain alone, we believe that true success lies in balancing outcome with purpose.

Our programs aren’t just about teaching—they transform, creating leaders who think deliberately different. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that no one gets left behind. Whether you're leading change or making an impact, your career path starts here.

Join us and help redefine the future of business - one good decision at a time.

— ARTS —

In Wonderful Joe, puppeteer Ronnie Burkett finds the light in a dark time

Veteran puppeteer Ronnie Burkett makes the mundane magical in his affecting new show Wonderful Joe. We caught up with him before it opened at the Cultch’s Historic Theatre.

Metro Theatre is mounting whodunit And Then There Were None
GEMFest marks 20 years of amplifying women and gender-diverse filmmakers
Don't miss out on actor & real-life wrestling icon, Chris Jericho (TERRIFIER 2 and 3) for a live Q&A @riotheatre screening of DARK MATCH - Feb 8*

*sponsored listing

Chor Leoni presents PopCappella 3D

Experience an exciting blend of choral and pop music at Vancouver’s iconic Rio Theatre with the return of Chor Leoni’s PopCappella, March 7-9. Joined by a band of some of Vancouver’s finest players, high impact harmonies paired with 3D film projections and immersive lighting will send your favourite hits into new dimensions.

— MUSIC —

All the coolest Vancouver concerts happening in February

There’s so much music happening in the city. Here are our picks for the top shows to entertain your ears this month.

Beabadoobee kicks off a North American headline tour in Vancouver
Coldplay’s Chris Martin is joining the Invictus Games opening ceremony
Rilo Kiley’s reunion tour includes a Vancouver stop
BlueShore at CapU presents banjo sensation Kaia Kater Feb. 11; boundary pushing prog-jazz quartet Nik Bärtsch's Ronin, Feb. 11 and Juno-winning Christine Jensen Feb. 28.*
Don't miss dancer Caleb Teicher and pianist Conrad Tao next week at the Chan Centre! Classical music comes alive with the percussive energy of tap.*

*sponsored listing

Your Favourite Comedians, Live in Vancouver!

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER is bringing comedy’s biggest stars to Vogue Theatre! Don’t miss Pete Holmes, Tim Dillon, Margaret Cho, and more delivering nonstop laughs. Grab your tickets now before they’re gone!

— ICYMI —

The Banksy exhibit that Banksy would hate is coming to Gastown
Sex//Work: Immigrant and migrant sex workers deserve better
J.T. Miller has been trader to the New York Rangers
BC chefs are finding success with life off the line
Community support helps keep Thank You Pizza from being blocked by scooters

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

MUSIC: Bust out your skinny jeans for Youth Fountain’s acoustic emo tour. (February 6 @ Fox Cabaret)

FILM: Director Hong Heng-Fai attends the Vancouver premiere of Kissing the Ground You Walked On. (February 6 @ UBC Robson Square)

PERFORMING ARTS: Dimanche marries puppetry, physical theatre, and practical effects. (February 6 to 8 @ Vancouver Playhouse)

DANCE: BC choreographer Daina Ashbee presents her new solo, We learned a lot at our own funeral. (February 6 to 8 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

COMEDY: Gina Harms presents an hour of standup and stories. (February 8 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

MUSIC: Flight is a contemporary opera following the drama of an airport departure lounge. (February 8 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

SPORTS: Find a big screen to watch the Superbowl—like this free party at the Rio. (February 9 @ Rio Theatre)

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

That’s it!

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