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January 9 2025 edition: Vancouver is safer than you think

January 9 2025 edition: Vancouver is safer than you think

Plus: Sum 41 says so long, and thanks for all the fun

January 09, 2025

Hey there. It’s funny how fast we get back into the swing of things. Last year’s Friday newsletter is but a distant memory: we have returned to our Tuesday and Thursday pattern, the same as it ever was.

Patterns have no inherent value. You can get stuck in a rut. But considering how much news there has already been just one week into the year, it’s nice to have something to rely on. Like a newsletter. Things change, but we’re still here in your inbox.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Sum 41 is ready for sum-thing new

After eight albums, two Junos, and a Grammy nomination, the band that put Canadian pop-punk on the map has called it quits. And they never even set out to play pop-punk in the first place. “This is the thing about genres, and I hate genres because of it,” muses Sum 41 bassist Jason “Cone” McCaslin. “People hear the name and decide what it is, rather than listening to the song and then deciding.” Want to catch the band’s final-ever show? You’re in luck: it’s happening at Rogers Arena.

— CITY & CULTURE —

Commentary: No, Vancouver is not that unsafe, actually

It’s easy to hear stories about random attacks and think that Vancouver is full of violence. But, as Ian Bushfield explains, the city is actually far safer than we think—and the people who insist otherwise often have hidden agendas to push.

Monster Jam is zoom-zooming its way back to the Pacific Coliseum
Taste of Chinatown! gears up for Lunar New Year festivities
A BC-made indie video game appeared at one of the industry’s biggest events
BlueShore at CapU proudly presents Ukrainian bandura virtuoso Maryna Krut, Jan. 23; Celebrate Africa!, Jan. 31; musica intima’s Nagamo, Feb. 2, and Kaia Kater Feb. 11.*
Don't miss Iliza Schlesinger, live in Vancouver! After 6 hilarious Netflix specials, she brings her "Get Ready" tour to Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Friday January 17! Very limited tickets left.*
*sponsored listing

BIG NEWS…Ronnie Burkett is returning to Vancouver with his new show, WONDERFUL JOE!

Don't miss the beautiful tale of Joe and his dog on a grand adventure by the Governor General’s Award-winning puppeteer, on stage at The Cultch this FEB 04–23, 2025. For adults only (ages 16+). Get tickets here.

— ARTS —

Matriarchs Uprising celebrates Indigenous women’s resilience through dance

The dynamic dance festival returns to the Scotiabank Dance Centre and Morrow for its seventh year.

Surrey Art Gallery looks towards Futures in its 50th year
Ballet Jörgen’s environmentally-minded rendition of Sleeping Beauty is coming to Massey Theatre
The Cultch is hosting the Vancouver premiere of heartwarming puppet play Wonderful Joe
Improv comedians from Zimbabwe, Estonia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Canada take the stage at The Heat later this month - and if you like laughs, it's a series of shows you shouldn't miss.*
Théâtre la Seizième and Pi Theatre revisit Robert Lepage's Polygraph, a labyrinthine detective thriller where reality itself goes on trial. Jan 24-25 @ Studio 16.*
Sunday, January 19 - Director, Mick Garris & the Canadian Premiere of the full 1994 epic miniseries of Stephen King's THE STAND, with live Q&A at 1pm. Buy Tickets.*
*sponsored listing

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER 2025 Returns February 13-23, 2025!

Calling all comedy lovers, Western Canada’s largest comedy festival is back! Experience over 100 shows featuring comedy legends, viral sensations, and rising stars. From stand-up to improv, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the laughs—get your tickets now!

— FOOD —

Five hidden gem Vancouver restaurants

Get out of your culinary rut with some under-the-radar restaurants.

Chocolats Favoris is opening a Vancouver location soon
And Cake it Easy has expanded to New West
Pour one out for Ju Restaurant, which is closing after just six months
Calling all foodies: Victoria, BC’s launching their favourite longstanding foodie festival this month! The Dine Around Gala Launch takes place January 23rd from 5-8pm.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

Presumably you know by now, but Justin Trudeau has announced he’s stepping down
Kerrisdale’s Cyclone Taylor Arena has a kickass musical history
New music festival Unreal City rocks this weekend
Our guide to where to eat in Tofino
Check out these little-known local bakeries
And get a drink in at these lesser-frequented bars

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

VISUAL ARTS: Odera Igbokwe’s This Body of Mine explores inhabiting the physical and spiritual. (January 10 to 18 @ THIS Gallery)

MUSIC: Magazinist fills VPL with improvised ambient electronica. (January 10 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

THEATRE: East Van rom-com Someone Like You tours through West Vancouver and New Westminster. (January 9 to 12 @ various venues)

COMEDY: Trash Boy Improv interprets your dreams (and nightmares). (January 11 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

MUSIC: Let’s dance! It’s the 10th annual Bowie Ball, raising money for the BC Cancer Foundation. (January 11 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Wishing on My Falsies opens, with a performance from multidisciplinary artist Katayoon Yousefbigloo. (January 11 to April 5 @ Western Front)

COMEDY: Joel Kim Booster brings his Rude Little Pig tour to town. (January 12 @ Biltmore Cabaret)

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

That’s it!

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