May 28 edition: Sex work = therapy

Hi there. There are so many festival announcements happening right now. You’d better have a calendar to keep track of them all (or use ours), before you find yourself getting double-booked for the second weekend of July.

Sometimes I open my inbox and discover a press release for a festival I’d never even heard of before, only to learn it’s in its 46th year of entertaining the local community. And honestly, that’s on me. Long live festivals of all shapes, sizes, and specificities!

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Sex//Work: Why sex work is a therapeutic service

Eden Apple is a stripper. But that doesn’t mean her work ends at taking off her clothes. In our latest Sex//Work column, Apple gets into a significant part of her job: providing emotional support to people who, through a confluence of societal norms and gender expectations, are more likely to go to a strip club than a therapist. “We, as sex workers,” she writes, “have the power of providing intimacy to people who may not be able to access it otherwise.”

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: A reinstated bylaw is a major victory for Vancouver’s SRO tenants

“Municipalities Enabling and Validating (No. 5) Amendment Act, 2024” might not sound very catchy. But the bill, nicknamed the Thomas de Grey Memorial Act, is important. It ensures that single-room occupancy units can’t have their rent jacked up between tenancies—and it’s named after a long-time local activist who spearheaded the initiative. Organizer Ezra Bloom tells the story of de Grey, and how his hard work laid the foundation for the recent community win.

• South Granville BIA announces summer programming 

• Commentary: why we need to end open-net pen salmon farms in BC

• BC Lions have netted a big musical name for their home game kickoff

• Free Investing Guide & Newsletter:  "...Dave is honest. If you're anything like me, then you care about that." Regulated by: CIRO. Member of CIPF.*

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ARTS

Cheri Maracle brings poet E. Pauline Johnson back to life in Paddle Song

The Firehall Arts Centre is ending its season with a bang: Cheri Maracle’s one-woman musical telling the life story of Mohawk poet E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake). Maracle has performed the play around the world for the past decade, evolving her work over time. “The poetry itself gets richer and deeper each time,” she says in an interview. “I’ve gained new insight into the poetry each time.”

• This year’s Indian Summer Festival promises the beauty of paradoxes

• Global Soundscapes Festival brings diverse musical backgrounds to The Cultch

• VSO’s Day of Music is hosting 100 free concerts across the 604

MUSIC

Pop Eye: Britney Spears and her buck-naked Instagram ass give a lesson in less being more

Personally, I’m here for the Britney Spears unhinged social media phase. Go on, girl, give us whatever you feel like. Be hot and naked on a beach. Get a colonoscopy fresh from the ocean. You deserve it!

• Babe Corner, Hotel Mira, and more are playing the Khatsahlano Street Party

• Mission Folk Festival announces its globally-influenced lineup

• Photos: Sarah McLachlan kicks off her Fumbling Towards Ecstacy anniversary tour here at home

• Emma Ruth Rundle (Marriages, Red Sparowes) & 40 Watt Sun (solo Patrick Walker set) take over The Pearl on June 4th! Get your tickets now.*

*sponsored listing

FOOD & DRINK

Hidden patios in Vancouver

Patio season again? No problem. Here are five tucked-away patios for you to enjoy a beverage on this summer—from colourful picnic tables in Mount Pleasant to Mediterranean charm in the heart of downtown. 

• Straight, No Chaser: Published on Main’s bartender Liam Hatton loves a theme

• Chef’s Picks: Brittney Lygo, chef de cuisine at Homer Street Cafe

• Foodie Fest is returning to Capilano Mall

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

PERFORMING ARTS 
Vancouver International Children’s Festival promises spectacular performances for little ones. (To June 2 @ Granville Island venues) 

MUSIC 
Critically-acclaimed classical musicians Wayne Weng Trio perform. (May 28 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

TALKS
Science World gets into the local video games scene with a night of presentations and networking. (May 28 @ Science World)

MUSIC
Pianist Vicky Chow plays Philip Glass’s hypnotic compositions. (May 28 @ Christ Church Cathedral)

BOOKS
BC and Yukon Book Prize finalists Henry Tsang, Samantha Nock, and Brandon Reid converse. (May 29 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

THEATRE 
Michel(le) follows two siblings as one transitions. En francais with English surtitles. (May 29 to June 8 @ Studio 16)

COMEDY 
New show Turn It Up fuses podcast and radio formatting with improvised hilarity. (May 30 @ The Improv Centre)

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

That’s it!

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