September 28, 2023 edition: Why is Reddit the top source of local housing news?

What’s better than a Double Stuf Oreo? Two Double Stuf Oreos. But in this case, the Oreos are this newsletter.

As of October—which, somehow, is next week, where did the year go, oh god the passage of time, etc.—the Straight is going to be shifting to twice weekly newsletters. That means getting all the best parts of our arts, culture, food, and music coverage, delivered straight to your inbox, twice as often. Which sounds twice as nice, if you ask us.

And totally cool if you’re not an Oreo fan. They just really cornered the market on the double stuffed branding.

FEATURE

Commentary: How come a Reddit user is doing a better job of housing communications than the City of Vancouver?

On a sunny afternoon earlier this summer, when writer Michelle Cyca could have been doing any number of pleasant activities—lying on the beach, relaxing on a patio, eating an ice cream—she was instead pacing around her kitchen, phone pressed to her ear, waiting to speak at a Vancouver city council public hearing. But she only found out about it thanks to Reddit.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: Revitalizing Indigenous languages is a crucial step towards reconciliation

September 30 marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day. But there’s a lot further to go than just talking about it. Here, Ran Sommer explains why keeping Indigenous languages alive and passed on to new generations is so important—and needs constant commitment beyond a single day.

• BC announces plans to force 10 municipalities to build way more housing [CityNews]

• … but Metro Vancouver’s funding is paused till development fees get sorted out [CBC]

• 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.*

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ARTS

Murder mysteries are back with The Improv Centre’s groovy disco-themed nights

It’s 1977 and the “Diamond Disco” is alive with its annual disco-til-you-drop-a-thon. But then: a murder! The Improv Centre on Granville Island is hoping to get everyone dancing to its disco-themed murder mystery, Stage Fright 2 – Murder at the Disco!.

• The National Ballet of Ukraine will be touring across Canada

• Jerry Seinfeld is setting up shop at the Queen E for three nights next January

• Step into the fantastical world of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, featuring stratospheric soprano Audrey Luna. Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute runs October 21 – 29.*

• Get your tickets to Time Stands Still, a play by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Margulies at The NEST on Granville Island, October 5-8.*

• Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. Listen to the VSO while the film plays on the big screen! October 5 & 6 at the Orpheum.*

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MUSIC

Meltt’s Eternal Embers fires up hope in times of crisis

Vancouver-based alterna-psychedelic rock band Meltt is no stranger to the existential crisis. Think back to 2020. While many of us were doing ab workouts on our living room floor, doom-scrolling on Twitter-X-whatever, and reluctantly logging onto our computers for the next Zoom happy hour, the band was working on their hopeful sophomore album, Eternal Embers.

• Short notice: Burna Boy is coming to Vancouver this November

• Whistler-based songwriter ZADA tells us what’s in her fridge

• 💨 oxio internet is made to leave term contracts in the dust. Change or cancel services 100% fee-free. Use code GEORGIASTRAIGHT for your first month free.*

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SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER IMPROV CENTRE

Stage Fright 2: Murder at the Disco dances over to The Improv Centre on Granville Island from September 28 to October 28!

The wildly successful murder mystery is back with a groovy new twist! Boogie into an interactive disco whodunnit, full of hilarious hijinks inspired by audience suggestions. And in true Stage Fright form, it’s up to one audience member to solve the murder!

Tickets available at The Improv Centre box office and online here.

FOOD & DRINK

Savio Volpe team announces new Italian spot in Cambie Village

The team behind beloved Vancouver restaurants Savio Volpe, Pepino’s Spaghetti House, and Caffe La Tana have announced they’re bringing us another Italian eatery. That we will no doubt love from day one. Elio Volpe is opening this winter in Cambie Village.

• The blue camas part has been a core part of Indigenous food on Vancouver Island for millennia—and it’s still important to this day

SPONSORED BY CARAVAN WORLD RHYTHMS

Portugal's Great Voice of Fado CARMINHO brings her all-star ensemble to Vancouver on October 15

Don't miss the extraordinary voice and passionate music of Portugal's latin-blues Fado star CARMINHO and her 4-guitar ensemble, October 15 at Centennial Theatre. Carminho has performed in the grandest theatres today around the world, bringing her unique modern interpretation of Fado with her latest release, “Portuguesa”. 

Concert already 2/3 sold! Lovers of Latin and World music should not miss this concert!

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Michael Abraham: Looking Forward, Looking Back at Visualspace Gallery | September 28 to October 5 | 5pm

Artist Michael Abraham’s new exhibition features heartwarming paintings about aging and play. [Free]

Vancouver Fall Home Show 2023 at Vancouver Convention Centre | September 28 to October 1 | 4pm to 9pm

Get real home advice from trusted home experts at the Vancouver Fall Home Show. With hundreds of experts all under one roof and appearances from celebrities, including HGTV Canada’s Bryan Baeumler of Island of Bryan and Tori Wesszer of Fraîche Living. [$14]

Empty Spaces by Jordan Abel book launch at Massy Arts Society | October 1 | 2pm

Join Massy Arts, Massy Books and McLelland & Stewart for the launch of Jordan Abel’s Empty Spaces, a bold and profound new vision of history that decenters human perception and forgoes Westernized ways of seeing. Moderated by author Mercedes Eng. [Free]

The Zombies at Massey Theatre | October 1 | 7:30pm

2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Zombies are back with their long-awaited new album, Different Game. [$53.50]

Danny & The Deep Blue Sea at The Nest | September 26-October 1 | 4pm and 7pm

Blue iRadio Presents Danny & The Deep Blue Sea, an Apache Dance by John Patrick Stanley. On now at The Nest Theatre on Granville Island. Use promo code code GS5 for $5 off. [$17.31]*

American Graffiti & The Muppet Movie at VIFF Plaza | October 1 & 2 | 5pm & 3:30pm

Join us in downtown Vancouver as we kick off VIFF 2023 with free outdoor film screenings, food stalls, giveaways, and more from VIFF and our partners. [FREE]*

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

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SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM CENTRE

VIFF begins today!

The lineup of 130+ films showcases some of the most visionary filmmakers from Canada and around the world. VIFF Talks gives you a behind-the-scenes look at epic films like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Dune. And VIFF Live invites you to experience one-night-only live cinema shows. Explore the program now.

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