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March 4 2025 edition: Rain City style at the Oscars

March 4 2025 edition: Rain City style at the Oscars

Plus: Jay Nok Modern Thai continues a restaurant legacy anew

March 04, 2025

Hey there. Happy almost-spring! Officially it might be a few more weeks until the equinox, but I go by vibes. Plum blossoms are out and wildflowers are up? That’s spring, baby.

This newsletter is a little lighter than normal as we’ve been busy putting together this month’s print edition. Time to start limbering up those page-turning muscles.

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— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

A day in the life of a home-based sex worker

In our latest Sex//Work column, curvy provider Lexci Lust takes us behind the scenes on what it’s like to work from home when your face-to-face meetings involve fewer clothes than a normal 9-to-5. It’s not all glitz and glamour; sometimes, it’s a whole lot of laundry.

— CITY & CULTURE —

The Sartorial Shop on making Julian Brave NoiseCat’s historic Oscars look

Documentarian Julian Brave NoiseCat made history as the first Indigenous filmmaker from North America to be nominated for an Oscar. Zahir Rajani from Vancouver’s bespoke tailoring service The Sartorial Shop tells us the story of how NoiseCat’s stunning red carpet look came to be.

Also spotted at the Oscars: Lainey Lui wearing Vancouver-based designer Ou Ma
Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*
*sponsored listing

Get ready to rock!

Don’t miss the darkly funny, genre-defying play Cambodian Rock Band, live at the Arts Club’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage March 6–April 6! Playwright Lauren Yee's acclaimed work tells the story of a Khmer Rouge survivor returning to Cambodia after three decades. While an onstage band brings foot-stomping Cambodian oldies and contemporary Dengue Fever hits to life, the electric play shifts back and forth in time as unveiled family secrets exhibit the enduring power of music and the human spirit.

Take a peek behind the scenes of a music rehearsal, secure your tickets, and prepare for the theatrical journey of a lifetime!

— ARTS —

Media Res Gallery brings a new creative hub to Railtown

A new gallery is set to open in Railtown on March 27, dedicated to amplifying Iranian-Canadian and BIPOC artists and fostering cultural exchange.

Photos: Apocalyptica is kind of like classical music. They have cellos. They just use them to shred.
GEMS is thrilled to announce the 20th Annual International Film Festival, GEMFest! Join them from March 5-9, at VIFF Centre in downtown Vancouver, BC.*
Jackie Z welcomes you to A Taste of Hong Kong, a snack-sized tasting class of Hong Kong's best treats! March 06-15 | Vancity Culture Lab.*
*sponsored listing

Chutzpah! Plus spring edition from March 19 to 23

The Chutzpah! Festival returns with a special spring edition, offering a vibrant lineup featuring artists from Canada, Israel, Spain, and the United States. Chutzpah! Plus will present concerts ranging from middle eastern world music to family entertainment, innovative dance work, theatre, and hilarious comedy. In addition, there will be workshops and stimulating conversations.

Info and tickets here.

— FOOD —

Jay Nok Modern Thai carries forward a 40-year culinary legacy

Sala Thai left a hole in our hearts when it closed—but the son of its founders is charting his own path. “My parents built a 40-year legacy,” Bobby Kongsilp tells the Straight. “At the same time, Nok and I are eager to prove ourselves.”

Join CelticFest with Fionn, Paul Caldwell and Hermitage Green - March 16

Kick St Patrick’s Day’s off with music, dancing and CelticFest celebration! On March 16, CelticFest Vancouver proudly presents Hermitage Green, the acclaimed Irish acoustic folk-rock band from Limerick, Ireland, live at the Vogue Theatre. Joining them are local musicians Paul Caldwell and Fionn.

Tickets on sale now.

— ICYMI —

When it comes to BC-made guitars, the wood makes it good
neil young and the chrome hearts announced a Deer Lake Park show
Skate-dance show Murmuration blends art and athleticism
Tadasu Takamine is getting experimental at Vancouver Art Gallery
The Automatic Message takes a deep dive into PTSD

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

FOOD & DRINK: Treat yourself to a fancy concoction as part of Vancouver Cocktail Week. (To March 9 @ various venues)

MUSIC: Get ready to do the classic indie head-bob to Soccer Mommy (March 4 @ Vogue Theatre)

DANCE: Coastal Dance Festival honours Indigenous stories, song, and dance. (March 4 to 9 @ Museum of Anthropology and Anvil Centre, New Westminster)

MUSIC: Harpist Janelle Nadeau joins the Bergmann Duo for a musical matinee. (March 5 @ Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam)

THEATRE: Mamma Mia! ties ABBA songs to a screwball paternity plot. (March 5 to 8 @ Massey Theatre)

THEATRE: Pre-teen Travis Abels thinks his unbidden horny thoughts will end the world in Things I Hide from Dad. (March 5 to 8 @ Pacific Theatre)

COMEDY: Celebrate International Women’s Day a little early with Femme Femme Femme. (March 6 @ The Improv Centre)

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

That’s it!

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