January 18 edition: A real Canadian winter

Hey there.

I spoke to someone yesterday about snow days. She said they feel surreal—how the world’s a little softer around the edges. It’s like living in a little glistening bubble. 

I asked how she was holding up. “Oh, I’m actually in Mexico,” she said. 

If any of you are reading this from Mexico—I hope you’re having a lovely time. You probably don’t want to come home just yet.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Vancouver drag queen Venus becomes first Indigenous winner of Canada’s Drag Race

The local drag superstar on what it means to be crowned the new Queen of the North.

CITY & CULTURE

The Canucks are the NHL’s best team. It’s time to thank Jim Benning.

He might have been fired 13 months ago, but the Canucks’ former GM laid the groundwork for the team’s current top-of-the-league success.

• A nine-to-five job? In this economy?

• Photos: Trout Lake has been a skate spot since the 1890s

SPONSORED BY SFU

John Vaillant: Fire Weather

Join author John Vaillant on January 31 as he discusses his latest book, Fire Weather, the winner of the 2023 Baillie Gifford Prize.

Through the lens of this apocalyptic conflagration—the wildfire equivalent of Hurricane Katrina—John Vaillant warns that this was not a unique event but a shocking preview of what we must prepare for in a hotter, more flammable world. Fire Weather is an urgent work for our new century of fire, which has only just begun.

Presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and moderated by Am Johal, the event will be followed by a reception and book signing.

JANUARY 31 | 7 PM | 149 W. HASTINGS | FREE

ARTS

Meet the improv teams coming to THE HEAT

Six troupes from four countries are teaming up for Vancouver’s inaugural improv festival.

• Vancouver-shot The Good Doctor will end after seven seasons

• Sunrise Betties recalls the city’s gritty ’70s

• Vástádus eana – The answer is land uses dance for reclamation

• It's opening weekend at PuSh Festival! See performative art with Returns, comedic theatre in Lorenzo, contemporary dance at Ramanenjana and multi-media at Same Difference!*

• That Was Then premieres Jan 19-21 @ The NEST (Granville Island)…a new musical about the relationships between mothers and daughters and those who love them.*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

David Guetta announces first Lower Mainland stop since 2012

Come on, Guetta, don’t make me wait.

• Coachella’s lineup features surprises big and small

• Your ex’s favourite artist, Passenger, is coming to town

SPONSORED BY BLUESHORE CENTRE AT CAPU

Dance, disease, revolution: The Dance Centre and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival present Tangaj Collective in Ramanenjana

Score tickets!

Tibetan spiritual singer Yungchen Lhamo enchants with a trio, January 25.

Grammy-nominated Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz perform jazz and pop classics with CapU Jazz Ensembles, February 2.

UK’s Justin Adams (Robert Plant and Tinawiren) and Italy’s Mauro Durante (Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino) perform mesmerizing worldbeat and blues, February 28.

Soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton grooves with CapU ensemble Kenté, March 1.

FOOD & DRINK

Matty Matheson makes Canadian chefs proud at the Emmys

Canadian food staple and The Bear co-producer Matty Matheson stole the show at the Emmys.

• PSA: Juke’s fried chicken bouquets are back for Valentine’s Day

• Mèreon wants to be your new West Van brunch spot

SPONSORED BY FAN EXPO VANCOUVER

FAN EXPO Vancouver is back February 17-19

Head to the Vancouver Convention Centre from February 17-19 for FAN EXPO Vancouver, an epic fandom celebration. You can stars like Joseph Quinn, Elijah Wood, and Charlie Cox while you enjoy endless fandom shopping, join in on panels, snap amazing cosplay pics, and more. 

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Please note that events may not be going ahead as planned due to the weather. Check Instagram profiles and websites for the latest information on specific events.

PERFORMING ARTS: PuSh Festival kicks off in earnest. (Jan. 18 to Feb. 4)

COMEDY: It’s YamJam: a jam session, but for improv. (Jan. 19 @ Slice of Life Gallery)

MUSIC: Hometown rising star Kylie V brings the cool. (Jan 19 @ The Pearl)

THEATRE: Comedy. Nostalgia for the ‘90s. Striptease. It’s time for Seinfeld Burlesque. (Jan. 19 @ Rio Theatre)

VISUAL ART: A massive George Clutesi retrospective ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap opens. (Jan. 20 to Jan. 19, 2025 @ Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art)

FILM: Clara Law’s Drifting Petals has its North American premiere. (Jan. 20 @ Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema)

VISUAL ART: Thifted finds for sale at An Art Show Of Questionable Art. (Jan. 20 to 21 @ Stump Monster House)

HISTORY: Glenn Tkach unravels the hidden history of BC in The Queer Frontier. (Jan. 21 @ The Junction)

MUSIC: IndigiDivas in Concert brings storytelling and operatic hits, along with a 40-piece chamber orchestra. (Jan. 21 @ Orpheum Theatre)

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

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