June 13 edition: What’s with all the dentists?

Plus: “Hamlet” goes modern, MOA reopens, and the Rickshaw rocks out

June 13, 2024

Hi there. Congratulations on making it through another hump day. 

Here at Straight headquarters, we’re getting ready for another annual bonanza. That’s right; it’s almost time for the Best of Vancouver awards to return! Keep your eyes peeled next week for nominations to open, and have a think about your favourite city spots. We can’t wait to hear all about them.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Are dentist offices killing our vibe?

A ring-bind folder is open, with a 3D tooth model sat on it

Once you notice all of the dentists operating out of street-level storefronts, it’s hard to stop noticing them. But are dentists really flooding our high streets, or is it confirmation bias? We sink our teeth into what’s going on with our shopping streets—and how to fix it.

CITY & CULTURE

Seismic shifts: Museum of Anthropology reopens with stronger foundations

A black-and-white photo showing Indigenous people in regalia, holding an award certificate, in front of a carved pole.

After being closed for 18 months, the Museum of Anthropology is reopening today. The museum has been rebuilt to make it earthquake-proof—but the closure also provided time for staff to reflect on the institution’s own legacy. “Making the seismic upgrades has forced this reimagining,” says MOA’s curator of Indigenous programming Damara Jacobs-Petersen. Find out how examining the past is helping the museum build a better future.

*Sponsored Listing

ARTS

Bard on the Beach’s contemporary Hamlet is part of a centuries-old tradition

A man in a suit stands next to a window, looking very serious

“Adaptations, or new interpretations, are never aimed to improve upon the source,” says Stephen Drover, director of Bard on the Beach’s modern take on Hamlet. With a play so famous, it’s not about trying to radically alter it. “It’s more like, ‘Why don’t we turn this a few degrees on its axis, and see if we can’t think about our own contribution to this ongoing work as something that might spur new conversations?’” 

  • You Nearly Missed: 5X Fest celebrates South Asian music and art

  • The Path Forward highlights Indigenous art and performance

  • Theatre Under the Stars presents a pair of Broadway blockbusters - CATS and School of Rock - this July and August in Stanley Park!*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY FAMILY SERVICES GREATER VANCOUVER

There's More to My Story

Meet Sara, who shared her story about coming to Canada as a refugee, bringing only her five children and a backpack. After arriving, she faced significant financial challenges before finding the support to overcome them with Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Read Sara's story and share yours at #MoreToMyStory.

MUSIC

Vancouver musicians show their love for the Rickshaw ahead of 15-year anniversary blowout

Four Rickshaw employees stand in front of a mural reading Rickshaw Theatre

Heavy metal stalwarts Black Wizard. Indie prog favourites Bend Sinister. Punchy roots vocalist Beau Wheeler. What do these disparate Vancouver artists have in common? They all love the Rickshaw. A dozen of the city’s finest musicians tell us about why they love the East Hastings venue, which celebrates its 15th anniversary with a bumper concert series starting this week.

  • Gastown has free music pop-ups on Thursdays this summer

  • Free jazz is coming to Coal Harbour Park

  • Australian musician Dean Lewis to perform at the Malkin Bowl

  • Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 19-21, ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park. From dance-inducing rhythm makers to heart-searing harmonizers and more! Early Bird discounts to June 14.*

  • Nashville emo group Free Throw takes over The Pearl on June 18th with special guests Slow Joy and Cloud Sick. Tickets are selling fast!*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY WINDSOR MEATS CO.

Dunbar's community butcher and grocer

Nestled in the heart of Dunbar, Windsor Meats is more than a butcher shop and grocery store, it is a hidden gem. Offering a wide selection of locally raised meat, dry goods, and fresh produce. Our dedicated butchers are ready to help make your meals memorable!

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate Father’s Day at these Vancouver restaurants

A table full of food, including waffles, avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and fresh fruit

Celebrate the father figure in your life with a tasty meal out. Restaurants love a themed menu offering, so we’ve gathered some of Vancouver’s tastiest Father’s Day offerings to help you decide where to take dear ole dad.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

COMEDY 
Long-form improv commands the stage in Gastown Improv. (June 14 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

VISUAL ARTS
Port Moody’s Art Shuffle takes you on a tour of the town’s happening hot spots. (June 14 @ Port Moody’s Old Town Centre)

VISUAL ARTS
Eight female artists reflect on what it means to be a woman when aging is so hyper-scrutinized in On the Beach. (June 14 to 16 @ Edge Studio Gallery)

THEATRE
Medicine treks through one man’s troubled past. (June 14 to 23 @ Vancity Culture Lab)

VISUAL ARTS
Paul Brodie’s Bicycle Show shows off 40 years of handmade bikes. (June 15 to 16 @ August Studios)

FOOD & DRINK
The fifth-annual BC Cider Festival showcases all things cidery. (June 16 @ The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver)

MUSIC
梨園之星 Lee Yuen Cheer Sing Opera troupe celebrates the tradition of Cantonese opera. (June 16 @ Chinatown Plaza Mall)

COMEDY
Kevin James Thornton considers religious trauma in his Kevin on Earth tour. (June 16 @ Biltmore Cabaret)

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

That’s it!

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