Hey there. It’s the first Thursday of every month. And now, you’ve (hopefully) been trained in a Pavlovian way so that you know instinctively that our print issue comes out today.

This month, we’re featuring some of the artists set to play the Girls to the Front Festival at the Pearl. It’s the first Vancouver edition of the festival and marks a major milestone in the city’s rock scene.

Head out to the Georgia Straight box closest to you and read up on the women-led bands that are leading the charge. Happy reading!

— Nathan
Editor-in-chief

If you haven’t heard about what’s been going on in City Hall chambers lately, it’s… a lot. We guide you through the mess with our take on the winners and losers of what was an ugly accusation from the mayor.

This week’s Straight Insider perks 🎟️

We’ve got free tickets (first come, first served) to a stacked lineup of live shows at The Hollywood Theatre—from metal and punk to burlesque, drag, and cult-classic film screenings.

What’s up for grabs:

If you’re an Insider, jump on it—once tickets are gone, they’re gone.

What’s it like to be the only child of a legendary genius? The Arts Club Theatre Company dives into this question in Franklinland, playing March 12–April 5 at the Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island. Benjamin Franklin may have been one of the greatest scientific minds of all time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he was a good dad. This irreverent comedy satirizes Franklin through the eyes of his son, William, poking at the tension that grows between cherished ideals and their imperfect reality. With contemporary wit and a sharply critical perspective, Franklinland is a reminder that history is not as distant as it feels.

Tickets are on sale now from $29—don’t miss out on this snappy stunner of a show!

Tyler Myers is going to be one of the tallest people in Texas after his trade to the Dallas Stars. Myers represented the Canucks admirably in his several seasons in Vancouver, but the move was necessary in order for a rebuilding team to recoup some future assets.

Meet Mischa Farivar, a new-generation BC beekeeper rebuilding a legacy operation for modern realities-breeding Canadian queens, reducing import risk, and strengthening hive health through smarter practices. A sharp, practical look at how innovation takes root in an old industry. Read his story.

To the chagrin of everyone west of the Rocky Mountains, the daffodils are out on the West Coast, and the tulips aren't far behind. And you know what that means: Vancouver's spring arts season is about to rev up. The Straight's annual Spring Arts Preview is here to help you plan out the season ahead, spotlighting the best in dance, comedy, theatre, music, visual arts, and more.

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When chefs Alex Kim and François-Emmanuel Nicol came together at Five Sails for a two-night “four-hands” collaboration dinner, the result was a tasting menu that felt as much like a dialogue as a meal. Over eight courses, the menu explored what happens when the Pacific Northwest’s coastal bounty meets Quebec’s deeply terroir-driven cuisine.

COMEDY: The Queens of Comedy set off on their B.C. tour (March 5 @ Inlet Theatre, Port Moody)

FILM: GEMFest is back for its 21st year with an impressive lineup of short and feature-length films. (March 5-8 @ VIFF Centre)

MUSIC: Lou Reed Tribute Night walks on the wild side for the BC SPCA. (March 6-7 @ Princeton Pub & Grill)

MUSIC: Festival du Bois brings an eclectic mix of sounds to Coquitlam. (March 6-8 @ Mackin Park, Coquitlam)

COMEDY: Julie Kim is Bothered IRL and letting you know it. (March 8 @ Biltmore Cabaret)

FILM: David Cronenberg’s masterful A History of Violence starts a small run. (March 8 @ VIFF Centre)

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

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