November 12 edition: Ken Sim’s midterm report

Hey there. I hope you had a lovely long weekend.

I’ve finally done it—and by “it,” I mean “got off X, formally known as Twitter.” I’m now on Bluesky, which is… basically Twitter, circa 2010.

It’s a bit bittersweet, as I’ve been on X since I was 14 and it’s undoubtedly altered my brain chemistry (probably for the worse). But the digital tides do seem to be shifting; we’ll see if Bluesky’s current momentum lasts longer than Threads did.

And for all you non-social media people who have no idea what I’m talking about… man, do I envy you. You’ve got the right idea.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Commentary: Two years into ABC Vancouver, the vibes are not immaculate

We’re halfway through ABC’s four-year term as Vancouver’s head honchos. What’s changed? Well, the City itself doesn’t seem like it’s all smiles and rainbows. Cambie Report host Ian Bushfield looks back at the first two years of Sim City rule—the good, the bad, and the splashy—to ask: has ABC brought the promised swagger?

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— LIVING —

Is this farewell to East Van’s iconic Red Polka Dot House?

The recognizably retro Hummingbird House at East 3rd Avenue and Lakewood may soon be polka-gone.

• Former BC premier John Horgan has died

• Your Vancouverscopes for November

• It was easier to get tickets to Taylor Swift than to the Stanley Park Christmas train

• Celebrate BC’s contemporary dance scene at The Dance Centre’s biennial Dance In Vancouver. November 20-24 at Scotiabank Dance Centre, details and tickets here.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY RICHMOND ACADEMY OF DANCE

Holiday Performance

Enjoy a festive performance with the Richmond Academy of Dance! Dance Into Christmas features professional dancers from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens performing The Nutcracker, live musicians, and soprano vocalists, performing alongside the Academy. Join us as we Dance Into Christmas at the Massey Theatre on December 6th, 2024!

— ARTS —

The intimate craft of Sára Molčan’s powerful portraits

This month’s cover star, Sára Molčan, will be working on a new large-scale portrait at this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl. The painter talks us through her hyper-romantic portraiture.

• On making The Hobbit a two-man show: “There’s always something new to uncover.”

• Je viendrai moins souvent is a journey through memory between a young woman and her grandmother. Dec. 11 - 14 @ Studio 16, English surtitles.*

• The Eastside Culture Crawl drops this Thursday Nov 14th until Nov 17th. Connect with creators in your community & explore art across the District.*

• Don't miss Nufonia Must Fall, Kid Koala's epic multidisciplinary masterpiece. Only three Lower Mainland shows only at New Westminster's Massey Theatre.*

• This Saturday at VIFF Centre: The Feven Kidane Quartet present a special set of music inspired by the film Soundtrack to a Coup D'Etat, which also screens.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK 2024

Join Us at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week 2024!

Join us Nov 20-23 for a captivating celebration of Indigenous fashion, art, and storytelling. Experience powerful designs, live performances, and immersive art that honour heritage and creativity. Be part of this unforgettable cultural showcase at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets are selling FAST! Get yours today!

— MUSIC —

Sam Lynch’s Outline invites us to step outside ourselves

With dreamy, lush production, Sam Lynch takes us on a journey of introspection.

• Can’t-miss Vancouver concerts for this November

• Hyperspace Metal Fest announces its 2025 lineup

— FOOD & DRINK —

Where to get dumplings in Vancouver

Almost every culture has its own take on dumplings—and you get to have fun arguments like, “Are ravioli dumplings?” (Yes.) Here are some of the city’s best.

• Folietta is bringing Italian flair to Grandview-Woodland

• One Great Thing I Ate: Oyster Mushroom Souvlaki from Selene Aegean Bistro

• Indulge at Whistler's Cornucopia, November 7-17, with 70+ events, tastings, and winery dinners. Lodging and ticket bundles start at $95 pp/pn, plus $100 dining voucher!*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• What do you mean the city has a Chip Wilson Day?

• The chaos of driving in Vancouver, encapsulated

• Your guide to Vancouver’s Grey Club Festival ticketed events

• Here are all the 2024 Chinese Restaurant Awards winners

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

THEATRE: Lucas Myers examines first impressions in Roof. (November 12 to 16 @ Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam) 

COMEDY: Upcoming local comedians show off their stuff in Inside Jokes. (November 13 @ Biltmore Cabaret)

THEATRE: Faith, hope, and love is love in a reimagined Godspell. (November 13 to 17 @ Canadian Memorial United Church)

MUSIC: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra takes us on a whistle-stop world tour. (November 14 @ Orpheum Theatre)

BOOKS: Susan M. Mertens launches her new Jack Shadbolt biography, You Don’t Know Jack. (November 14 @ Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby)

FILM: EU’ll love the 27th annual European Union Film Festival. (November 14 to 28 @ The Cinematheque)

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

That’s it!

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