September 21, 2023 edition - A Vancouver woman recounts her experience with Anti-Flag’s “punk rock predator”

It’s funny how personal places can be. A corner we walk past every day might be where you had your first fight. A shop you’ve never been to could be the only place your friend can find his favourite drink. And maybe it’s his favourite drink because it reminds him of his ex-girlfriend and the weeks spent at her family’s vacation house in Mexico, and even though he loves his new partner you wonder if he cheats on her a little bit every time he has a sip of that specific imported soda.

A beach we frequent in the summer is home to people priced out of the city they helped build. A taqueria stands where the bar your life was turned upside down used to be. A place can change you—and when it’s swallowed up by the urban churn, who will even remember what it once was?

The city changes…and somehow the Straight is still here. Wild.

FEATURE

Commentary: My relationship with Anti-Flag’s Justin Geever

Earlier this month, Rolling Stone revealed that over a dozen women had accused Anti-Flag lead singer Justin Geever of rape and sexual assault. Raynee, our editorial intern, was one of them. Here, she tells her whole story, on her own terms.

Warning: This personal essay recounts experiences of sexual trauma that may be triggering for some readers.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: Sleeping in my van revealed hard truths about affordability in Vancouver

For two weeks this past July, while he attended a summer grad school program at UBC, Robert Mangelsdorf slept in his van. The people he met showed an often forgotten side of homelessness in Vancouver.

• We’re in a mental health crisis. But publicly-funded support groups have empty seats

• Roger Federer surprised kids at a UBC tennis camp

• Anti-LGBTQ2S+ protests erupted across Canada yesterday. Here’s why unions are standing with queer and trans people

• Hey, North Shore! Come support local at the Lonsdale and Ambleside Artisan Farmers Markets this season. Grab some groceries, snacks, or gifts by the seaside.*

• In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Emily Carr University invites the public on Sep 29 to experience the ‘Pacific Song of the Ancestors’ totem pole, a new art installation by Master Carvers Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan and Lyonel Grant.*

*Sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

VIFF is back with a stellar lineup of some of the World’s Best Cinema

From September 28th to October 8th, over 130 films will light up screens across the city for the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival. The 2023 film lineup showcases some of the most visionary filmmakers from Canada and around the world. Meanwhile, VIFF Talks will give you a behind-the-scenes look at epic films like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Dune. And VIFF Live invites you to experience immersive live shows that combine performance and cinema.

Tickets are on sale now. Explore the program and get yours.

ARTS

VIFF’s Richelieu unearths iniquities rooted in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers program

Pier-Phillipe Chevigny initially conceived his first feature film, Richelieu, as a documentary. Sixty thousand foreign workers cycle through his home province of Quebec every year, yet their stories remain underreported. So, he turned to fiction to shine a light.

• The Vancouver Improv Festival brings an all-star line-up for its 25th anniversary

• These 10 shows just won awards at Fringe Fest 2023

• Classical Indian Dances in Focus opens The Dance Centre’s popular Discover Dance! noon series on Sept 28, featuring Fiana Kawane (Kathak) and Shilpa Shankar (Bharata Natyam).*

• Don't miss the extraordinary voice and passionate music of Portugal's latin-blues Fado star Carminho and 4-guitar ensemble, October 15 at Centennial Theatre. Tickets going Fast!*

• Vancouver Theatre Collective presents Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies at the NEST on Granville Island, October 5 – 8, 2023. Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.*

*Sponsored Listing

MUSIC

Sarah Jane Scouten finds unending beauty in life's challenging times on Turned to Gold

When the Vancouver-spawned singer-songwriter picks up the phone in a tiny village of Moniaive in southwest Scotland, the first thing one hears is a faint but noticeable soft Scottish lilt. Mike Usinger talks to the Bowen Island-born, Scotland-based musician about her new record, Turned to Gold.

• Mutiny in Heaven is a dark, depraved, and dazzling movie tribute to Nick Cave and the Birthday Party

• On Our Radar: Old Man Canyon’s “What’s Even Real Anymore” asks an unanswerable question

SPONSORED BY DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, SEPT 26 - OCT 1 @ THE NEST

Hitting the stage for the first time in over five years

Blue i Radio Presents Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, an Apache Dance by John Patrick Shanley. An emotionally charged and thought-provoking play that explores the profound connection between two wounded souls, Danny & Roberta. Running September 26 - October 1 at The Nest.

FOOD & DRINK

What’s In Your Fridge: Doug Stephen of DL Chicken

The co-founder of DL Chicken, Downlow Burgers, Vennie’s Sub Shop, and the Drive Canteen takes his turn in the hot seat to talk about everything from first concerts to fizzy lemonade.

• Loved equally by mulleted bangers and hard-core scenesters, Old Style Pilsner readies second merch drop

SPONSORED BY OXIO

No price-hikes here.

🥾 oxio internet is made for fair and sustainable prices. Cuz hikes are meant for the outdoors, not your monthly bill. No hidden fees. No random changes to your monthly billing. No activation costs and equipment included. All bundled under one fair price. Use code GEORGIASTRAIGHT for your first month free.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Firedamp at Western Front | September 22, 23 | 7pm, 8pm, 9pm

Firedamp is a new twenty-minute octophonic composition by Alexi Baris, developed as part of Western Front’s artists-in-residence program, and as a parallel event to Rachelle Sawatsky’s solo exhibition Vitals. [Free]

Richmond Culture Days 2023 at Richmond Cultural Centre | September 22 to October 15 | Varies

Experience creativity in every corner, share in the joy, and celebrate together as Richmond artists and arts organizations offer interactive events and behind-the-scenes access to a wide range of art forms and creative practices. [Free]

Shipyards Festival at The Shipyards | September 23 | Noon to 10pm

This one-day event features multiple stages with live music, a site-wide beer garden, an artisan market, food trucks, and more. [Free]

Tangerine Dream at Rickshaw Theatre | September 24 | 7pm

Tangerine Dream is performing at Rickshaw Theatre this Sunday. [$42.50]

Vancouver International Flamenco Festival | September 18-30

The 2023 Festival features live performances, workshops and master classes, presenting exceptional and dynamic programs in celebration of our local, national and international connections and performers. [$26.25+]*

Interior Design Show | September 21-24

Explore top designers, use code IDSVAN2023 for 10% off, shop at the District, and join the Interior Design Show Party for unique installations and music. [$16+]*

Dr. Rogers Prize Gala at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre | September 21 | 6pm

Tonight! The Dr. Rogers Prize Gala welcomes Dr. Marion Nestle - acclaimed author of Food Politics and What to Eat - to their keynote stage at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. [$175+]*

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

*sponsored listing

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