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October 17 edition: BC's weirdest election

October 17 edition: BC's weirdest election

Plus: Emo-jazz, found art, and dreamy pasta

October 17, 2024

Hey there. If you’ve somehow missed it, BC election day is this weekend.

As a non-citizen of Canada, I’m not eligible to vote. That’s true of a lot of people who live here, be it international students, temporary workers, or permanent residents. Many long-time immigrants actually can’t become citizens due to rules around dual nationality: India, China, and Austria, for instance, would all make you give up your home country’s passport if you became Canadian. Even for people who plan to live here the rest of their lives, that’s a big deal.

So, there are a lot of people who can’t vote in this election who will still be really affected by the result. Like me! Thanks for doing your civic duty!

On another note, we’ve got a pretty juicy giveaway happening on our Instagram right now. Head on over for a chance to win free pizza along with tickets to the East Van Panto:

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— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Julian Thom’s debut solo show Copy/Paste Culture celebrates borrowing ideas

Contemporary artist Julian Thom has his first-ever exhibition open at Fingerprint Gallery tomorrow. By borrowing and recontextualizing found materials, he examines how much of our lives and ideas come from elsewhere. “Found media has a story to tell,” Thom explains. “There’s value in these discarded objects—whether it’s a torn book page or a forgotten print—that people may not recognize at first. By reworking them, I’m tapping into a history that already exists and making it part of a new narrative.”

— CITY & CULTURE —

BC Conservative leader John Rustad sends a horrifying message just days before the election

John Rustad has said a lot of questionable things in the past four years. The one that really riled up Mike Usinger? His support for the worst sandwich known to humankind.

Tality expands its spa empire with a Mount Pleasant location
Make a rainy day visit to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Fall hours in effect: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10am to 5pm; Thursdays until 9pm.*
Eastside Culture Crawl Take Flight Fundraiser Oct. 8-Nov. 8. Acquire original art from Eastside artists, bid on amazing items from Bocci, Fluevog Shoes and more!*
*sponsored listing

Feel the energy of Afrobeats: Ruger "Luv Again" Vancouver

Ruger is bringing his electrifying energy to Vancouver! Join the Afrobeats sensation for an unforgettable night of rhythm and passion as he performs his hits live. Come feel the pulse of Afrobeats as Ruger’s vibrant energy lights up the stage. If you love great music and electric vibes, this is your night. Don’t miss it!

— ARTS —

Small File Media Festival thinks outside the streaming box

“When we stream something, it’s not a tangible object, so it feels like we’re creating less waste,” says Small File Media Festival organizer Yani Kong. But high-definition streaming has an environmental impact—and small file videos present an interesting alternative.

Comedians coming through: Nikki Glaser and Jimmy O. Yang
Pacific Theatre is mounting a two-person take on The Hobbit
Inuit Film Festival to debut at Emily Carr University
Grab your umbrella and some excellent books! The Vancouver Writers Fest is hosting 120+ authors on Granville Island in 85+ events from October 21–27.*
No plans yet for Halloween? Cackle, howl, and scream (with laughter) with The Improv Centre at their spooky-themed improv-a-ganza Ha-Ha-Halloween on Oct. 31st.*

*sponsored listing

2024 HUMP! PART TWO Screens at Rio Theater Nov. 1 and 2

Why watch dirty movies in a dark theater with strangers? Because it's fun! Enjoy the second half of HUMP!'s 2024 lineup, featuring 25 all-new indie short films (5 mins. max) that will make you cheer, laugh, and rethink your definition of sexy. You can't miss this one—get your ticket now!

— MUSIC —

Tiger Really’s Swan Sting melds big feelings with jazzy ingenuity

The “second-biggest emo band in Vancouver” releases its debut album on Friday. Frontman Lian Shao explains what goes into the band’s distinctive fusion of jazz and emo.

Sounds Good: the “creatures of habit” edition
Hauser is bringing his cello magic to Vancouver

— FOOD & DRINK —

One Great Thing I Ate: Sugo di Carne at Tofino’s Ombré

You might have to hop on a bus, boat, or plane to get there, but Tofino’s food scene packs a big punch. Case in point: new Mediterranean and Middle Eastern eatery Ombré, which is our editor’s latest obsession.

You Nearly Missed: The 33rd annual UBC Apple Festival (aka Apple Appreciation Weekend)
The Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl has revealed all of its 2024 treats
There are only 10 Fettercairn 200th Anniversary Collection sets in the world, and Vancouver has the only one in North America

— ICYMI —

Tanya Talaga tells hard truths in The Knowing
Harm reduction activists in Surrey face an uphill battle
Tŝilhqot’in Nation reclaims dozens of cultural items
Lumière festival will light up downtown next month
Relive the northern lights through these photos
PSA: Honest to Pete cafe is a hidden gem
Northern Cafe’s burgers are worth the meandering trip

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

BOOKS: Banyen Books hosts Gary Gach and Ari Honorvar, who discuss the mystical poetry of Hafiz and Rumi. (October 17 @ online)

MUSIC: Oldschool rockers like Loverboy and Chilliwack band together for the Rock Beats Cancer fundraiser. (October 17 @ Great Canadian Casino, Coquitlam)

COMEDY: Camp! Comedy! mixes stand up and drag. (October 17 @ Fox Cabaret)

THEATRE: Keep Calm and Murray On pays homage to Bill Murray in a wacky Halloween experience. (October 17 to 31 @ Beaumont Studios)

AUDIO ARTS: Audiovisual installation Caósmosis: Soundscapes of Latin America immerses you in sound. (October 18 to 25 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

MUSIC: Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush is reimagined by talented local musicians. (October 18 to 19 @ Kay Meek Arts Centre, North Vancouver)

PERFORMING ARTS: Theatrical burlesque show Morticia’s Ball imagines a straight-laced couple stumbling upon the Addams family. (October 18 to 19 @ Historic Theatre)

MUSIC: The 11th-annual East Van Opry returns for a boot-scootin’ good time. (October 19 @ Rio Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Foodways serves up delicious dishes of food-based art. (October 19 to December 31 @ Richmond Art Gallery)

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

That’s it!

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