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March 14 edition: Vancouver’s Real Housewives, a decade later

March 14 edition: Vancouver’s Real Housewives, a decade later

Plus: St Patrick’s Day events and Fringe Festival peril

Hey there. We’re getting into the part of the year when flowers are blooming, kids are off school, and chocolate is widely available in every avenue.

There’s St Patrick’s Day and Nowruz this week, so plenty of things to celebrate. Whether you have a big party planned or just a cozy weekend in, it’s worth enjoying the fact we’ve made it another week. We’re still here. Together.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Vancouver Fringe Festival needs help for its 40th anniversary

A photo of director Duncan Watts-Grant standing in front of Vancover Frige Festival banners, with microphones.

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is in a pinch. The organization announced this week that it’s scaling back programming by a third, even with a banner anniversary happening this year, as it simply doesn’t have the funds—and is looking to raise $80,000 to help balance the books. “Our ability to continue beyond the short term is contingent on support from our community,” director Duncan Watts-Grant tells the Straight.

CITY & CULTURE

This Vancouverite just set a steely world record

Sometimes, people push themselves to such extremes that it stops and makes you wonder: why? That’s the case for 27-year-old Vancovuerite Connor Emeny, who decided he wanted to complete an Ironman Triathlon on every continent. That means a 3.9-kilometre swim, a 180.2-kilometre bike, and a 42.2-kilometre run—and yes, he did just do it in Antarctica. Making him the first, and currently only, person to ever complete such a bonkers feat.

Olympic Village inclusive fitness studio Cmmn Grnd is closing
Canadian Independent Bookstore Day celebrates our indie book shops

Experience the Essence of the Thompson Okanagan

A 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers’ destination to discover world-class and diverse experiences like never before!

ARTS

Real Housewives of Vancouver: Where are they now?

Ronnie Stevenson Negus smiles at a press event.

Back in the early 2010s, Vancouver had its own version of the juggernaut Real Housewives franchise. For two seasons, cameras followed the lavish lifestyles and petty drama of a handful of the city’s wealthiest women—or, at least, the ones who wanted to be on TV. A decade on, we check in on what the Housewives have been up to post-fame.

Toreador! Carmen sets a new box office record for Vancouver Opera
North Shore Jazz returns in June
Colin Jost is coming to the Queen E
Join Arts Umbrella Dance Company March 15-16 for two exhilarating performances of world-class contemporary dance works, including pieces by James Kudelka and Emily Molnar.*
North Vancouver Recreation & Culture is seeking performing, visual & multidisciplinary artists to be part of its 2024 events season. Apply by April 15.*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

Chasing Abbey brings the ceilidh to the rave

Three white men sit behind a wooden table, in front of a graphic ar

An hour east of Dublin, the town of Tullamore is home to one of Ireland’s biggest acts—and, this weekend only, you’ll find the lads on the main stage of CelticFest. Chasing Abbey combines house production with traditional Irish folk songs, resulting in huge tracks that make you want to get up and move. “The goal of most Irish music is to get people up and dancing,” member Jonathan Byrne tells us, “and that’s the same with house music.”

Rapper Killer Mike is set to rock the Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Nu-disco pop machine L’Impératrice is playing the Malkin Bowl

How are you, really?

Tall Tree Health’s experienced, compassionate clinical counsellors offer counselling for kids, youth, and adults. Online, in-person, or in nature. Book a session today to develop insight, learn new skills, improve your mental health, and grow into the person you want to be.

FOOD & DRINK

Elio Volpe has an opening date—it’s today!

The hotly anticipated little sister to Mount Pleasant mainstay Savio Volpe is opening soon. Real soon. In fact, depending on when you open this email, it might already be open right now! Elio Volpe brings Italian food that’s both local and global, and is set to make Cambie Village that much tastier.

Here’s where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver
PSA: You can get $1 Blizzards through the Dairy Queen app
Bar Susu is finally returning home (soon)

Keep Your Licence

If you have received a DUI/Immediate Roadside Prohibition, Notice of Intent to Prohibit or a Driving While Prohibited charge, Acumen Law Corporation has a highly experienced team of driving lawyers to provide you with the strongest legal defence. Start your defence by calling Acumen Law at 604-685-8889 for a free consultation.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

FILM 📽️
BC director Laura Adkin sees her feature Re: Uniting open in cinemas. (March 15 @ Cineplex Odeon International Village)

THEATRE 🎭
Cheaters weaves a complex, comic love mess around a couple’s two-timing parents. (March 15 to 17 @ Surrey Arts Centre)

MUSIC 🎤
Sonic Boom Festival of New Composition highlights local new works. (March 15 to 17 @ Pyatt Hall and the Annex)

MUSEUM 🏛️
Celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year) with cultural insights into space and spring. (March 16 @ H.R. MacMillan Space Centre)

FESTIVAL 🎆
Embrace all things Irish at the annual St. Patrick’s party, CelticFest. (March 16 @ šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square)

COMEDY 🤣
Hasan Minhaj returns to town with his Off With His Head tour. (March 16 to 17 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

MARKET 🛍️
Discover local style at the Gastown Vancity Fashion pop-up. (March 16 to 17 @ 1 Water Street)

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

That’s it!

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