May 13 2025: Canucks consider chief coach choices

Hey there. We’ve survived Monday, and are getting ready for the remaining 80 percent of the working week with Tuesday. What will the rest of the week hold?

Nobody knows—but one thing is for certain: there’ll be another Straight newsletter for you on Thursday. See you on the other side of Hump Day.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Measuring how much former Canucks’ success should annoy you

The Canucks aren’t in the playoffs, but a number of former Canucks players certainly are. Nathan Caddell is meant to be off this week, but he can’t resist popping in to talk about the things that really matter: figuring out which player’s success is the most irritating to everyone who still dreams of the day that Vancouver finally wins the Stanley Cup.

— LIVING —

Who will be the next coach of the Vancouver Canucks?

Sports! Sports! Sports! Rick Tocchet is out, so who’s in line to replace him—and will they be any good?

• Honda Celebration of Light returns with an all-Canadian competition

• Free summer events are coming to three neighbourhoods

• Enjoy the world-renowned flavour of AeroPress, a velvety-smooth coffee without the grit or bitterness found in other methods.  Loved globally, with 55K+ 5-star reviews.*

• Langley Craft Beverage Week is here — taste the best from local brewers and distillers now through May 18! Click to plan your sip trail.*

• 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.*

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— ARTS —

The Poetry in Voice finals challenge kids to find their flow

May is National Poetry Month, and this week, a gaggle of young poets and reciters are descending on Vancouver to show off the form’s appeal. Organizer Ariane Tapp and two young participants clue us in to poetry’s enduring appeal.

• The Cultch announces its 2025/26 season

• Timely opera Sophia’s Forest has its Canadian premiere

• Join Arts Umbrella Dance from May 22-24 for Season Finale. A series of performances celebrating the art of dance, featuring some of the world's greatest choreographers.*

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— MUSIC —

Bartees Strange finds the Horror in everyday life

“Genre-blending” gets thrown around a lot, but Bartees Strange has a distinct claim to it. We sat down with the indie mainstay ahead of his show in Vancouver this week to talk about fame, futures, and ramen.

• The Who’s final North American tour comes to Vancouver

• On Our Radar: Spank Williams loses it in “GOD-D@MNIT”

• Don't miss Canada's Greatest party band Dwayne Gretzky at Hollywood Theatre on May 16th . Playing classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.*

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— ICYMI —

• Your very Vancouver horoscopes for May

• Sticky Show returns for its fourth year of tiny art

• Could better arts funding have saved the Vancouver Mural Festival?

• PNE announces groovy Summer Night Concerts lineup

• B.C. scores big in Canada’s Top Restaurants of 2025

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

VISUAL ARTS: Artists Sharon Habib and Maghan Sharir discuss the forgotten Dutch master, Rachel Ruysch. (May 13 @ Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver)

MUSIC: Critically acclaimed rapper MIKE comes to town. (May 13 @ The Pearl)

TALKS: VPL’s Indigenous storyteller in residence Chris Bose talks about gothic ballads and writing lyrics. (May 13 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

THEATRE: New play Meeting has its unflinching premiere. (May 14 @ Pacific Theatre)

BOOKS: Author Liann Zhang discusses her new influencer thriller, Julie Chan is Dead. (May 14 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

VISUAL ARTS: Vital Signs explores natural disasters’ impact on Indigenous communities. (May 14 to September 7 @ Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art)

COMEDY: Alannah Brittany records her first stand-up album. (May 15 @ China Cloud Studio)

—

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

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