By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Be a part of the rhythm nation at Janet Jackson’s show on Sep. 26.
Sep. 26, 2017 It’s music to fans’ ears. Janet Jackson is hitting the road to promote her Unbreakable album—again. The last tour was postponed so the Grammy Award–winning singer could add “mom” to her already impressive resume. Now, the rebooted State of the World tour brings chart-topping hits from across the acclaimed artist’s career, plus hit singles like “No Sleeep” and “Dammn Baby” to Rogers Arena.
By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Get a glimpse of something truly spectacular at the Masters of the Northwest Coast exhibit.
To Sep. 30, 2017 There’s no denying that the Pacific Northwest is easy on the eyes. There are stunning coastlines, majestic mountains and, of course, eye-catching First Nations art. To see works by some of the best Indigenous artists in the West, head to Douglas Reynolds Gallery for Masters of the Northwest Coast. The exhibit features masks, sculptures, jewellery, carvings and more by famed artists like Bill Reid, Beau Dick and Robert Davidson. Pure eye candy.
By JILL VON SPRECKEN
It’s always a roarin’ good time at Steller’s Bay. (Photo: Vancouver Aquarium)
Looking to meet some locals? Then head to the Vancouver Aquarium for an introduction to some of the most sociable West Coasters around: Steller sea lions. Like any true local, they love seafood, sunbathing and ocean swims. Find them enjoying all their favourite things at Steller’s Bay, the Aquarium’s latest exhibit. Not only is it the perfect place to meet and greet these charismatic creatures, but it’s also an active research station that helps scientists understand why wild Steller sea lions are disappearing. We can’t think of a better reason to get up close and personal.
Get a glimpse of Vancouver’s most beloved sculptures without ever leaving the sunshine
By CHLOË LAI + Photos by KK LAW
Vancouver artist Douglas Coupland’s “Golden Tree”, a 13-m- (43-ft-) high sculpture made of steel-reinforced resin and fibreglass with a hand-finished gold exterior, awaits an audience near the Marine Drive SkyTrain station. Step inside this to-scale replica of the beloved 800-year-old Stanley Park Hollow Tree for souvenir snaps that echo through the centuries. (more…)
Collections by local designer Evan Clayton hit the catwalk at Vancouver Fashion Week
By JILL VON SPRECKEN
(L) The Devil In Miss Jones collection was inspired by the sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. (R) Evan Clayton.
Sep. 18 to 24, 2017 Vancouver-based fashion designer Evan Clayton is only 25, but he already has a wealth of experience under his—presumably very chic—belt. His show-stopping collections have ruled the runways at Vancouver Fashion Week for eight seasons, been featured on British Vogue online, and graced the catwalk in Vienna, Austria. (more…)
By CHLOË LAI
Cruise through Howe Sound and find out what lies beyond the city.
If city life doesn’t float your boat, sail away from it all with Pacific Ferries’ day tours through Howe Sound. Your trip to tranquillity begins at 9 a.m., when the sleek foot-passenger ferry launches from Coal Harbour’s public dock. Settle into the open-air viewing area for panoramic views of Stanley Park, Lighthouse Park and Horseshoe Bay, as well as several Gulf Islands. To get the tour guide’s scoop on the scenery, have a seat inside the vessel—windows along both sides mean you won’t miss a thing. (more…)
By CHLOË LAI
Get down with great sounds from A Tribe Called Red at the Westward Music Festival.
Sep. 14 to 17, 2017 If your favourite kind of music is “every kind!” then the Westward Music Festival is your jam. Fourteen genre-busting events feature local and international greats like electro-mashup legends A Tribe Called Red (pictured), rapper Vince Staples, R&B artist Charlotte Day Wilson and punk rockers PUP. Spread across downtown venues within easy reach of each other—one of them open to fans of all ages—this party really is the best of all worlds.
By SHERI RADFORD
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre will be alive with The Sound of Music from Sep. 12-17.
Sep. 12 to 17, 2017 Few folks recall that The Sound of Music started out as a Rodgers & Hammerstein show on Broadway, because the 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews captured hearts so completely. Now the beloved story of Maria, a plucky nun-turned-governess, and Captain von Trapp is returning to its live-theatre roots. It takes over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for six days, filling it with timeless tunes such as “My Favourite Things” and “Edelweiss.”
By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Find the exquisite results of Singletary and Gardiner’s powerful pairing at Spirit Wrestler Gallery.
Sep. 9 to 30, 2017 Two heads are better than one. For proof, go no further than Spirit Wrestler’s Pacific Currents: New Collaborations in Glass and Jade. This creative collab crossed cultures and an ocean, bringing together two far-flung artists: Preston Singletary, a Northwest Coast First Nations glass artist; and Lewis Gardiner, a New Zealand–based Maori jade artist. The result? Traditional stories and designs that find form in innovative new artworks. Now that’s a dynamic duo.
By SHERI RADFORD
Fire up the party with flamenco performances, classes and workshops at Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. (Photo: Audrey Bow)
Sep. 11 to 24, 2017 There’s no need to fly all the way to Madrid or Barcelona to experience the raw emotional power of Spanish dance. The Vancouver International Flamenco Festival features international artists, including headliner La Moneta of Spain, as well as Canadian performers such as Calle Verde (pictured), Flamenco Rosario and Christina Tremblay. The best part? No passport required.
By DANIELLE CUNNINGHAM
Sep. 2017
The Gastown Steam Clock lets off an impressive show of steam and whistle chimes every quarter hour. (Photo: SSUNI/iStockphoto.com)
1. The charming exposed-brick buildings and cobblestone streets that tell stories of years past.
2. Iconic landmarks such as the Gastown Steam Clock, Victory Square and statue of Gassy Jack.
3. Sipping a perfect brew from Prado Cafe, where each cup brims with local roasts from 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters. Soak up the lively atmosphere and fill your plate with sweet waffles, poached eggs, salads and more. (more…)
By SHERI RADFORD
Get a dose of the best medicine when jokesters Demetri Martin and Chris Rock take the stage.
Sep. 9 and 14, 2017 Two funny folks are causing lots of laughs in Vancouver this month. On Sep. 9, Demetri Martin (above left) brings his trademark deadpan delivery to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. On Sep. 14, Chris Rock (above right) takes over the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, filling it with his abrasive but hilarious observations on modern life.