March 11 2025 edition: The last crumbs of Cartems

Hey there. Today marks a new era for the Straight: it’s the first newsletter with our new managing editor, Nathan Caddell, at the helm. 

I asked Nathan to take some time out of his busy onboarding schedule to say hello to you, the lifeblood of our publication, our dear newsletter subscribers:

Welcome to this crazy ride, Nate. You’re stuck with us now.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

New Vancouver-built websites help answer the question, “Is it Canadian?”

It’s happening. Wait, it was a bad idea. But it’s definitely going to happen this time… unless it doesn’t. But it will soon! Am I talking about tariffs, or a doomed Love is Blind relationship? Whatever the relationship status of the trade war with our neighbour downstairs, we’re all a bit more conscious of shopping Canadian these days—and these websites, built by entrepreneurs in the 604, can help us make smart decisions about which businesses we support.

— LIVING —

Straight Up Style: Local creators who shop Canadian

Want to look stylish? Shop local. Here are half-a-dozen local creators showing off their Canadian fits.

• Can’t-miss arts and city events for March 2025

• A powerful and evocative dramedy, Théâtre la Seizième's Lentement la beauté infuses in us the conviction that art and beauty are essential to our existence.*

  *sponsored listing

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Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories, all while enjoying the serene and picturesque surroundings of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. Book by April 17, 2025, for stays up to April 30. *Black out dates apply.

— MUSIC —

Vancouver’s scrappy music scene can’t succeed without support

What does it take for independent musicians in the city right now to succeed—and what can we do to help? Angela Vannatter dives into the indie scene.

• Bass Coast announces its 2025 lineup

SPONSORED BY CIWKO & CRISTALL

An Evening with a Musical Legend

A brilliant interpreter of both traditional and contemporary songs, Judy Collins continues to charm and delight audiences well into her seventh decade of performing. Come spend a rare and very special evening in the company of this Grammy-winning musical treasure. Ms. Collins performs Sunday, March 30 at the Massey Theatre.

— FOOD —

Donut Shaped Hole captures Cartems’ last moments

Still mourning Cartems? Us too. A new short documentary, Donut Shaped Hole, follows the donut shop’s final days.

• Brewery & the Beast is ready is bring the flavour 

• Richmond welcomes SWEET7’s second North American location

SPONSORED BY WEWORK

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— ICYMI —

• Your very Vancouver March horoscopes

• Can’t-miss Vancouver concerts this month

• Sex//Work: A day in the life of a home sex worker

• Spring Arts Preview: Film events to catch live

• Spring Arts Preview: Music critics’ picks

• Cantina di Luigi is a cozy Italian-inspired escape

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

THEATRE: Music, history, and story combine in Cambodian Rock Band. (To April 6 @ Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage)

VISUAL ARTS: A new exhibition tackles comedy and satire in contemporary Canadian art. (To May 18 @ Griffin Art Project, North Vancouver)

MUSIC: Pianist Luke Welch tickles the ivories. (March 11 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

LIVING: Make a mug at this hands-on glazing workshop. (March 11 @ Dominion Building)

COMEDY: The Smashed Potato Kids host a skit competition, Vancouver Sketchfest. (March 11 @ Rio Theatre)

MUSIC: mxmtoon makes alt-pop for the soul. (March 11 @ Vogue Theatre) 

FOOD & DRINK: Clos du Soleil busts out the vino for a winemaker’s dinner. (March 12 @ Chambar)

TALKS: Fearless satirist Ziwe takes the stage for the latest Phil Lind Initiative talk on American life. (March 13 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

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

That’s it!

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