May 14 edition: Canucks vs everyone

Hi there. It was a few days ago now, but we haven’t had a chat since the sun had a massive hissy fit and, like a baby throwing toys out of its crib, lobbed the Northern Lights past the 50th parallel.

While I definitely noticed a green glow on Friday night, my phone did a much better job of highlighting the accompanying pink tones that were lost to Vancouver’s light pollution. So seeing everyone’s photos flood my Insta feed on Saturday morning really just demonstrated one thing: how well your camera over-exposes night shots. 

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Canada hates Canucks fans. The feeling is mutual.

Canadians don’t seem jazzed about the Canucks’ (so far) successful run through the playoffs. But, to be fair, Vancouverites don’t have a lot of national hockey camaraderie, either: we love to see the Maple Leafs and the Flames getting bounced. Mike Usinger muses on what being the country’s most-hated team means for the 604’s hockey fans.

CITY & CULTURE

Chinatown Storytelling Centre fosters community belonging

Since opening in November 2021, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre has become a hub for the local Chinese Canadian community: celebrating the neighbourhood’s past and present while working towards building a sustainable future. “We are sort of the physical presence of telling people why Chinatown is important to Vancouver,” explains curator Ramona Mar, “and to Canada.”

• From the Vaults: the questionable hockey refereeing of Kelly Sutherland 

• The City is hosting free playoff parties at Oak Meadows

• Amid ongoing repairs, Kits Pool isn’t opening until June

• Ready, set, paddle a dragon boat on May 26 — Birds Nest Properties Community Paddling Day is back in Olympic Village for just $2!*

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ARTS

The Prop House offers a glimpse inside a hidden film industry titan

Set dressing takes centre stage in a new exhibition at Griffin Art Projects. Inspired by prolific prop house Mount Pleasant Furniture—which contains over a million items used for film, TV, and art productions—The Prop House highlights some of the most fascinating objects from the collection. “These are borrowed objects that will be used over and over again,” says co-curator Paul Wong, “in different ways, by different people.”

• DOXA announces its 2024 winners

• Painting for the After-Culture mixes traditional and street art

• Quebec’s Cirque Alfonse returns to Vancouver with Barbu

• Comedian and actor Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his Golden Buzzer performance on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent. Get tickets to see Drew live in Vancouver here.*

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SPONSORED BY ARTS UMBRELLA

Season Finale 2024

Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Season Finale showcases a diverse and accomplished group of dancers and choreographers. Celebrate the art of dance from May 23-25 at the Vancouver Playhouse. Season Finale, generously supported by the Wesik Family Foundation, is part of Expressions Festival. Expressions Festival is presented by RBC.

MUSIC

Charlotte Day Wilson is ready for joy

“My whole approach with my career right now is just to have fun,” Charlotte Day Wilson says. Her new album, Cyan Blue, was released at the beginning of May. It’s a haunting record, taking listeners through all stages of relational grief—but the vulnerability is the point. “Anything that gave me a sense of romanticizing the situation,” she muses, “whatever was sparking my creativity, my sense of play and fun—I just leaned into.”

• What’s In Your Fridge: bbno$ 

• The WISE Hall is at risk of closing

• First-ever Fest With No Name brings new-wave country to Vancouver

• Celebrate cultural fusion at Vancouver Playhouse, May 18th, 7:30 pm. Experience diverse music with Vancouver Bach Family, Inter-Cultural Orchestra, Jamal Kurdistani, Niel Golden, and conductor Leslie Dala.*

• Desert Daze Nights North returns with The Moonlight Years this Thursday May 16th at The Pearl! Ft. Clay Orange, Highland Eyeway + more!*

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FOOD & DRINK

The lasting legacy of Duffin’s Donuts

“Our customers know that we’ll always be here,” says Molika Chhuon, eldest of the three daughters who collectively run Duffin’s Donuts. This year’s Golden Plates winner for Cheap Eats has been welcoming hungry Vancouverites since Tony Chhuon and Paula Sim purchased the business in 1987. Serving up more than just donuts, the round-the-clock eatery also offers tortas, burritos, tamales, fried chicken, and more—a bevy of wallet-friendly, mouth-pleasing treats.

• Behind the scenes of Published on Main, the reader-voted best overall restaurant in Vancouver 

• Chef’s Picks: Vincent Nguyen, chef and co-owner at Anh and Chi

• New delivery service and dining hall Club Kitchen has opened downtown

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

VISUAL ART
The Sculptors’ Society of BC hosts a 50th anniversary exhibition, with dozens of local artists. (To Jun 7 @ Pendulum Gallery)

BOOKS
Humourist David Sedaris discusses his latest collection, Happy-Go-Lucky. (May 14 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

FOOD & DRINK
Athens cocktail bar The Clumsies presents a collaborative dinner and drinks experience. (May 15 @ The Botanist)

FILM 
A multidisciplinary team discusses their work on a dance film, inspired by Métis trickster figure Rou Garou. (May 15 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre) 

THEATRE 
Family-friendly The Papa Penguin Play features puppetry, drag, and musical numbers. (May 15 to June 2 @ Waterfront Theatre)

MUSIC 
SoCal power trio Agent Orange gets ready to tear it up. (May 16 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

COMEDY 
Magician and comedian Taylor Hughes holds down a run of shows for his Feel Good Magic tour. (May 16 to 19 @ Hidden Wondered Showroom, New Westminster)

MUSIC
Rapper, producer, and Edmonton’s former poet laureate Cadence Weapon takes the stage. (May 17 @ Fox Cabaret)

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

That’s it!

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