November 30 edition: Selling out City Hall

You might remember a reader survey we ran a few weeks ago. If not—welcome, new friend! 

We went over the data and pulled out some of the best quotes, which can be found here. People didn’t pull any punches with what they loved—and loathed—about us. A personal favourite: “A little more intellectual, please. You’re trying too hard to be witty too often.” 

On one hand, we could use multi-syllable words and high-falutin’ verbiage to prove our mental prowess via the medium of hand-typed digital communique. On the other hand… we could have fun.

And if you were wondering about last week’s GLOW Langley ticket contest—we’ve contacted the winner! But keep your eyes peeled for more giveaways in the future.

FEATURE

Commentary: Renting City Hall to Rolling Stones promoters is peak Sim City cringe

No taxpayer money was spent on projecting the Rolling Stones logo onto the side of City Hall. Rather, the promoter paid for the privilege. Here’s why that’s actually worse.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: BC’s new transit-oriented development plan is a win for us all

BC’s new plan to increase density near transit could lead to more rental homes near SkyTrain stations and bus interchanges—which, Helen Lui argues, is only a good thing.

• New West will give you $5,000 for a good redevelopment idea

• The Amor case comes to an unexpected conclusion

• Only 4 days 'til Japan Market Christmas. Dec. 2 and 3 at UBC Robson Square from 10-5. Unique Christmas gifts from 94 vendors! Get tickets here.*

  *sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY ARTS UMBRELLA

Mixed Nuts: A Holiday favourite returns!

Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Mixed Nuts, a holiday family favourite, returns to the Vancouver Playhouse December 15-17.

A modern and engaging twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Mixed Nuts brings an assortment of dance styles together for an extra-special holiday treat.

Click here for tickets.

Arts Umbrella Dance Company, led by Artistic Director Artemis Gordon, is Arts Umbrella’s pre-professional repertory company. The company performs innovative works by leading choreographers in its season, which includes Mixed Nuts, Midseason (performed annually in March), and Season Finale (performed annually in May).

AUDC’s performances, along with rigorous technical training, prepares dancers for post-secondary education and/or a career in dance. Graduates can be found dancing in companies around the world, including Kidd Pivot, Ballet BC, Nederlands Dans Theater II, and more.

ARTS

Gateway Theatre brings a feminist spin to Cinderella

Gateway Theatre’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Cinderella puts our heroine in charge of her own destiny.

• The Cultch remembers former director Duncan Low

• One-woman show Shield Maiden comes to town for one night

• Experience the magic of more than 400 singers, brass quintet and organ December 3rd for Christmas with The Bach Choir at the historic Orpheum Theatre.*

• PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns Jan 18 - Feb 4, 2024. See the full program and get your tickets today!*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

Brothers Osborne’s only Canadian tour date is on the West Coast

Grammy-winning duo John and TJ Osborne bring their Might As Well Be Us tour to Abbotsford next spring.

• Local hip-hop upcomers perform at URP Radio’s anniversary bash this weekend

• Tomorrow! Dead Bob, solo project of John Wright of retired punk band No Means No, comes to The Pearl on Dec 1st. Tickets running low!*

• Holidays with Handel - the famous Messiah returns to Vancouver with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra and Vancouver Chamber Choir! Don't miss this festive concert on December 8 at the historic Orpheum theatre.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY THE DANCE CENTRE

The Dance Centre presents Montreal powerhouse Ebnflōh, December 7-9

Montreal hip hop dance innovator Ebnflōh’s La Probabilité du Néant (The Probability of Nothingness) is an intense and exciting ensemble work which examines the role of the witness through electrifying dance, music and film.

Three shows only, at Scotiabank Dance Centre: get your tickets here.

FOOD & DRINK

Smitty’s Oyster House is offering shucking classes

Smitty’s is running three nights of exclusive shucking workshops, in case you want to Go Shuck Yourself.

• Recipe: Mekong’s Gai Bing chicken skewers

• Five ways to get into the holiday spirit

SPONSORED BY OXIO

An internet provider that’s radically transparent.

oxio is transparent about absolutely everything - they even show you where every dollar you spend goes. Finally, access to the internet on your terms. No term contracts. No hidden deals. Only fair pricing. Use code GEORGIASTRAIGHT for your first month free.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Becoming a Matriarch with Helen Knott and Angela Sterritt online | November 30 | 7pm 

Helen Knott, author of Becoming a Matriarch, speaks to author and journalist Angela Sterritt in a webinar. [Free]

Found Footage Fest: Vol 10 at the Rio Theatre | December 1 | 8pm 

Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (The Colbert Report) return to the Rio Theatre for the latest edition of their weird and wonderful found footage festival. [$30]

The Vancouver International Black Film Festival at Vancity Theatre | December 1 to 3 | 7pm 

The third edition of the film fest celebrates cultural diversity and creative excellence. Multi-ticket passes available. [$12+]  

Do I Hear a Waltz? at Pal Studio Theatre | December 1 to 3 | Various times

A touching bittersweet musical set in 1960s Venice, written by musical maestros Rodgers, Sondheim, and Laurents. [$30+]

Krampusmarkt at Strange Fellows Brewing | December 1 to 3 | Various times 

This Old World-inspired winter market brings some merry lightness and goodwill to the darkest days of the year. [$5]

Baking Time at Presentation House Theatre | December 1 to 17 | Various times

Bring the little ones in your life to this comedic bread-based family theatre show. [$17+]

The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Cabaret at BMO Theatre Centre | December 1 to 17 | Various times 

With their signature golly-gee charm, toe-tapping tunes, and buttery-smooth harmonies, these crooners are the recipe for a good time. [$39+]

Reflections on Crooked Walking at Firehall Arts Centre | December 2 to 24 | Various times 

The Juno-nominated musical follows four people who find themselves the only ones left awake surrounded by sleeping townspeople. [$30+]

Early Music Vancouver’s A Baroque Christmas at ACT Arts Centre | December 3 | 3pm 

Some of the most beautiful Baroque-era works are reserved for the holidays, and are performed here with era-appropriate instruments. [$32+]

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.

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