Jan 8, 2025: New year, new Vancouver horoscopes

Hey there. Confession time. 

For the first time in about three years, our monthly paper didn’t come out on the first Thursday of the month (gasp!)—because of some pesky little thing the Gregorian calendar calls New Year. But that means the print edition of the Georgia Straight is instead out today. And with a cover story digging into the revival of the Park Theatre, it’s a look into the B.C. cinema industry you won’t want to miss. 

Pick it up wherever you get your papers, and tell us what you think. Happy reading!

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

Don Harrison: From the Sons of Freedom to Harrison Inc.

The Vancouver music scene of the late ‘80s wouldn’t be the same without Sons of Freedom, a band Allan MacInnis describes as “Soundgarden on steroids”. Several decades on, former frontman Don Harrison has a new musical project going: Harrison, Inc. Here, MacInnis traces Harrison’s fascinating history, and the journey that took the Vancouver indie mainstay to Powell River.

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

For a short time, you can get the Straight Insiders membership for 50% OFF!

When you purchase a subscription, you help our editorial team challenge traditional media narratives by highlighting intimate stories in the arts, culture, music, and beyond. Your membership helps us tell richer stories about Vancouver. 

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $4.25/month on an annual plan.

SPONSORED BY ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY

A storied inheritance of song

The Arts Club Theatre Company is thrilled to present You’re Just a Place That I Know at the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, on from January 21–February 1. This theatrical concert traces the journey of JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Adrian Glynn McMorran’s Ukrainian grandparents, from leaving their homeland during World War II to new beginnings in Montreal. Interspersed with family stories from the 7-piece band and supported by a multigenerational choir, the show features new songs by McMorran as well as traditional Ukrainian music. It’s an experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, warmly welcoming all who witness it.

Tickets are now on sale from $29 online—don’t miss this moving tale of love, legacy and generational connection.

— LIVING —

Your very Vancouver January 2026 horoscopes

What does the new year have in store for you? Our not-an-astrologer Rachel Burns turns to the stars to discern your best plans for Capricorn season.

• Love Lights returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to the West Coast with a striking double bill. Catch them Feb. 9 and 10 at The Centre in Vancouver.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY WHISTLER PRIDE FESTIVAL

Where Pride Meets the Mountains

The reimagined Whistler Pride Festival returns January 25 to February 1, 2026, with a week-long celebration of love, community and mountain moments. From first chair to last call, enjoy guided skiing, après, drag shows, DJs, themed parties and the iconic Rainbow Ski-Out & Pride Parade.

— ARTS —

Canada’s folk revival stars in a new musical

House of Folk: A Lost Canadian Folk Show leans into the era and conditions that launched stars like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, and Gordon Lightfoot.

• 30 can’t-miss Vancouver events happening this month

• Third-generation farmer Travis Hopcott confronts climate change, succession, and the daily discipline needed to keep a B.C. family farm viable. Read more in the Young Farmers Series.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY DESTINATION GREATER VICTORIA AND THE BCRFA - VICTORIA BRANCH

Greater Victoria, BC's Favourite Food Festival Returns!

The Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria Gala is serving up mouthwatering bites from 60+ of Victoria’s restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Your ticket grants you access to all restaurant bites, bevvy’s, entertainment & possibly the most dazzling foodie’s-night-out in Victoria.

It’s a night to remember–get your tickets today!

— MUSIC —

Girls to the Front Fest puts femmes centre stage at the Pearl

A new one-day festival focused on women and gender-diverse acts is hitting Vancouver in March, spotlighting the talents of 10 incredible indie bands.

• 30 Vancouver concerts to jazz up your January 

• Nate Sabine named chair of Canadian Live Music Association

• New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Everything Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng ordered from Lunch Lady

• The inside story of Nardwuar’s Order of Canada appointment

• The Baking Show Show to debut in February

• What did Straight staff love in 2025?

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

MUSIC: Afrofuturist musician Pesewa fills the VPL with ambient sound. (January 9 @ VPL Central Branch)

VISUAL ARTS: Wilson Makgawinata: Unearthed Artifacts fashions ceramic creations of a cyberpunk future. (January 9-18 @ THIS Gallery)

MUSIC: The Bowie Ball returns to celebrate an icon and raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation. (January 10 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

LIVING: Watch lasers in a planetarium choreographed to Gorillaz and Radiohead. (January 10 @ BCIT Planetarium, Burnaby)

BOOKS: Alice Cao’s wordless picture book IDENTICI? launches, along with an exhibition and events. (January 10-18 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond)

VISUAL ARTS: Canadian-British artist Nina Davies explores TikTok trends in Image Syncers. (January 10 to April 4 @ Western Front)

COMEDY: Couples Clownselling sees comic couples air out their dirty laundry, “assisted” by unqualified hosts. (January 11 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

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

That’s it!

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