2024 Heart of the City Festival Schedule
Most Festival events are free of charge, although some require pre-registration. For these, and for paid events, you are register through EventBrite. Links have been provided where applicable.
In case you are not able to pick up one of our printed program guides (available throughout the Downtown Eastside) you can peruse it online HERE (view full screen for the best experience).
Enjoy!
The festival is following current health and safety measures to ensure audiences, artists and staff remain safe during the festival. Indoor events are guided by safety protocols of the hosting venues.
Some online programs require pre-registeration through Eventbrite but it is recommended for all events
Advantages of registering:
• receive Zoom links & participate in chats or Q&As
• links to your online calendar
• get event reminders
• guaranteed entry for events that have limited capacity
ON DEMAND programming can be viewed any time over the duration of the Festival. Links will be posted when the Festival begins.
NEED HELP? Contact boxoffice.heartfestival@gmail.com
Click on the tabs below to browse through our day-by-day schedule and register for events, or view our web-based program guide.
Schedule
WORKSHOP CANCELLED
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR ART-MAKING WORKSHOP
Thursday October 24, 1pm - 3pm
Art Room, Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex, 3690 Vanness Avenue
Free, limited capacity, registration required
Join Ancestral Food Ways in an artmaking workshop for the Día de los Muertos Altar, a main feature of the Día de los Muertos Festival in Strathcona Park on November 2. Enjoy skeleton dressing, mask making, Butoh dancing, and crafting a gigantic skull with balloons and paper mache in preparation for the big celebration ahead. This is a great opportunity for newcomers, registration is required. Yoko Tomita and Ingrid Figueroa will be your facilitators — reach out to Yoko at ytomita@cnh.bc.ca or Ingrid at ifigueroa@cnh.bc.ca for details.
ARTIST TALK
LOUISE NOGUCHI: EYES LOCKED: HUNTER AND PREY
Friday October 25, 6:30pm
Djavad Mowafaghian World Arts Centre
149 W. Hastings
Free. Register at https://bit.ly/3ZFKXBb
For over forty years, Louise Noguchi has been inspired by the contradictions of identity, employing humour, shock, and subtle intellect manifested in a multiplicity of media: sculpture, the moving image, photography, text, drawing, and performance art. In Noguchi’s own words, her “work is a battleground of opposites. The artist as hunter and prey simultaneously.” In conversation with moving image artist Midi Onodera, Noguchi will discuss the context of artmaking in Canada from the early 1980s to the present, the politics of identity, and how she tracks cultural markers in her work. Presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement.
WRITING
TYPEWRITER TALES
Wednesday October 30, 1:45pm - 4:15pm
Carnegie, 401 Main Free
Also November 6 & 9 (at the InterUrban, 1 E. Hastings)
Typewriter Tales is a collaborative community story-writing project where creativity and connection come alive, one line at a time. Open to all, this low-barrier event invites participants to contribute a line to a collective story, creating a tapestry of shared voices, secrets, and imaginings. Listen for the rhythmic click-clack of the typewriter, lay your fingers to keys, and see what springs forth. The typewriter will be present at multiple festival events, culminating in a final collaborative piece, shared by paula luther at the closing evening concert. Join us and be part of weaving the threads of connection! This project is created by Queer community-engaged artist paula luther, based in East Van.
Photo: paula luther.
FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
Wednesday October 30, 2pm - 4pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join Festival co-founders Terry Hunter and Savannah Walling as they express gratitude to fellow artists, residents and community partners; reflect on personal highlights, remember original collaborative productions nurtured at the Festival; and ‘pass the baton’ to new leadership. Special guests include: Elders Bob Baker/S7aplek (Squamish Nation) and Mary Point (Musqueam Nation), Carnegie Elders-in-Residence Marr Dorvault and Leslie Nelson, and Bernie Skundall Williams (Haida); Gerry Sung (Scope G), a Chinese Canadian rap artist and Props Master’s Dream narrator (Vancouver Cantonese Opera); Pavel Rhyzlovsky (accordion) and Leonard Chokroun (violin), two exceptional musicians from Strathcona’s Ukrainian Hall; Carnegie’s lexwst’l:lem Drum Group; and the spirit-lifting Love Medicine drummers, grass dancer Larissa Healey and Pow Wow dancer Pavel Desjarlais. All are welcome. Refreshments.
Photo: L–R: Leslie Nelson, Leonard Chokroun, Larissa Healey, Gerry Sung, Louisa Starr. Photo David Cooper.
OPEN HOUSE
SAINT JAMES MUSIC ACADEMY
Wednesday October 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. James' Anglican Church
303 E. Cordova (entrance on Gore) Free
All are welcome! Please join Saint James Music Academy (SJMA) at their open house featuring a mid-semester glimpse of students' rehearsals. SJMA is a community-based, grassroots organization that provides free, high-quality, classical music education to children living in and around Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Through choirs and orchestras, and so much more, students from grades 2 to 12 experience the joys and challenges of learning to make music together – and of playing an important part in something beautiful that is larger than themselves. To learn more about the program or to get involved, visit www.sjma.ca or call 778-709-7731.
Photo: Saint James Music Academy.
MUSIC
DTES FRONT AND CENTRE: WEAVING STRANDS OF COURAGE AND CONNECTION
Wednesday October 30, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Come to an evening of musical delight on the opening day of the Heart of the City Festival! DTES darling and Festival regular, Heidi Morgan is inviting friends to play with her and set the stage for an evening of music and connection. Recently Heidi came out as “a little bit country” and is looking forward to showcasing her original music. Also catch The Tumbling Tumbleweeds, who have their own unique take on western swing, country, jazz and blues. They have ants in their pants and they want you to dance! A little bit country, a little bit folk: their stories of hope, courage and joy will find us and connect, exactly as we are, already enough. Good times guaranteed!
Heidi Morgan and friends: Heidi Morgan (guitar and vocals), Dustin Simcoe (bass), Chris Murray Driver (drums), Dan Citynski (accordion)
Tumbling Tumbleweeds: Woody Forster (steel guitar/ vocals), Devora Laye (percussion/ vocals), Michael Coury (trumpet), Alex Hallbom (bass/ vocals), Woody Bell Jr. (guitar/ vocals), April Stainsby (violin)
Photo: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
CONVERSATION
BELONGINGS MATTER: WARREN GILL LECTURE
Wednesday October 30, 7pm
Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, 149 W. Hastings
Free. Register at https://bit.ly/3N3c0yy
Nick Blomley presents some findings of a Canada-wide research project that seeks to document and explain the systematic confiscation and devaluation of houseless people's belongings. Nick will be joined in conversation with Connie Long, an Indigenous advocate for vulnerable communities with lived experience who organizes in Chilliwack and Abbotsford. The Warren Gill lecture series honours Warren Gill’s work to raise new ideas and invoke new ways of thinking about life in the urban context. Before his passing in 2010, Warren Gill dedicated his 33-year career to helping build SFU’s definition of the university as an integral part of our community. Presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
ART JAM
PIANO DECORATING
Thursday October 31, 1pm - 3pm
Kick off the Festival with some hands-on creativity! We’ve graciously received a piano that needs some TLC, and we’re inviting you to help decorate it. Paint, draw, add your personal flair, and leave your mark—this piano will be with us for the entire Festival! Be part of this evolving community art project and see how it transforms over time. Feeling musical? Play a tune or two if the piano calls to you. Creative time is time well spent — let your imagination run wild and be part of this unique experience!
READINGS
DTES WRITERS COLLECTIVE HALLOWEEN EDITION
Thursday October 31, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Classroom 2 (3rd Floor), 401 Main Free
For this special Halloween writing workshop during the Heart of the City Festival, join the DTES Writers Collective for a fun couple of hours of writing to scare yourself! Then, when you stop quaking in your boots, you are welcome to share your writing. Trick or treat . . . but the best treat is showing up and having fun with a roomful of other creative, sympathetic, and only sometimes scary writers. The muse promises to show up as the ghost of horror writers past.
The DTES Writers Collective meets every Thursday at 1pm in Classroom 2 at Carnegie.
Photo: Ghia Aweida. Photo David Cooper.
MUSIC
BELLS OF ST. JAMES’
Thursday October 31, 2pm
St. James' Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
Come to the corner of Gore and E. Cordova at 2pm, or stop outdoors in the surrounding neighbourhood, and listen for the ringing of the bells from St. James' Anglican Church. The Bells at St. James’, with a full octave range, were cast in 1937 in Loughborough, England, and continue sounding to this day. The tenor bell, weighing two tons, is the bell that’s heard tolling. For special occasions, all eight bells play together.
Photo: St James' Anglican Church by Jeff Wilson.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
October 31, 3pm - 4pm
Also November 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
MUSIC
5th ANNUAL ALAN ZISMAN AWARDS & EVIL CULT SINGALONG
Thursday October 31, 4pm - 5pm
MacLean Park, 710 Keefer Free
Yes, it's the 5th Annual Alan Zisman Awards and Evil Cult Singalong! Come out in your costumes to MacLean Park and enjoy a rousing good time with music composed for instruments built from Strathconally grown wood. Dance to protest-folk-rock, join in the pledge and become a part of a larger, completely benevolent corporation. Will Alan Zisman win all of the cultural achievement awards as he does (almost) every year? Who can say? Starring: Magic Triangle, the Legion of Flying Monkeys, and of course, multi-award winner and MacLean Park Music producer, Alan Zisman! With host Drag Satan, what could possibly go wrong? *Caution: children will be exposed to humanist and socialist lyrics.
Photo: Legion of Flying Monkeys.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CARVING
Thursday October 31, 5pm - 7pm
Get into the Halloween spirit with a fun, family-friendly evening of pumpkin carving! Whether you want to carve or decorate, this is the perfect opportunity to create your own pumpkin masterpiece to take home just in time for Halloween! With a limited number of pumpkins available, be sure to stop by early to join in the fun. This event is great for pumpkin carvers of all ages and abilities.
MUSIC
SOLEMN REQUIEM FOR ALL SOULS’
Thursday October 31, 6:30pm
Saint James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
At this service, we shall remember all who have died, among them all who have died of opioid overdose, all who died at Residential Schools, and our own loved ones. Plainsong pervades this Missa pro defunctis (Requiem Mass), both as cantus firmus and paraphrase, but often in very subtle ways. The overall effect acknowledges the poignancy of loss while providing profound solace. Everyone is welcome!
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
CARNEGIE HALLOWEEN DANCE
Thursday October 31, 6:30pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Get ready for a spooky good time at the DTES Halloween Dance. Dress up in your best costume and join us for a night of dancing, music, and a costume contest with awesome prizes! Refreshments will be provided, and the DJ will be spinning great tunes all night long. Don’t miss out on a night of masquerade magic and community fun for friends and families alike — everyone is welcome! Hosted by Lance Lim of the Pigeon Den Art Collective.
RADIO
ARTS RATIONAL
Thursday October 31, 9pm - 11pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Gerry Kowalenko regularly hosts interviews and commentary on the local arts scene. For tonight’s program, at 10pm, Gerry offers a special Festival hour – ”Ode to Jay” – to honour the late Jay Hamburger, longtime host with Arts Rational and the Raw Diaries on Co-op Radio. John McGie and Jacques Lalonde, two former Arts Rational co-hosts and super Jay Hamburger fans, join some amazing guests to celebrate Jay’s legacy in a very raw edition of The Raw Diaries on this memorable Halloween broadcast of the Arts Rational. The celebration continues on Saturday November 9 with The Keep it Raw Cabaret, a tribute to Jay Hamburger at the Russian Hall.
Photo: Jay Hamburger. Photo David Cooper.
WORKSHOP
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS OFRENDA WORKSHOP
Friday November 1, 12pm - 3pm
Carnegie Learning Centre, 3rd Floor, 401 Main
ASL available | Free
For this workshop, Cultural Facilitator CJ Santana and the good people at the Learning Centre call up your loving light to help build a Dia de Los Muertos Ofrenda. Join this collective community creation in elevating the spirits of those we’ve lost, share some deadly treats and make new friends!
Photo: Learning Centre ofrenda. Photo tv13.
MUSIC
WHY BACH MATTERS
Friday November 1, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
JS Bach was born 339 years ago. Incredibly, his music is still performed every hour of every day around the globe. Why? And why does it matter? In this special concert narrated by Charles Barber, with recordings and video, and joined by renowned violinist Chloé Meyers and harpsichordist Alexander Weimann, the glory and beauty of Bach is explored and explained. There will be old favourites, new surprises, and by the end, you will have learned to sing one of Bach’s great chorales!
Photo: JS Bach.
FILM
WAYFARING STRANGER
Friday November 1, 6pm
Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema, 149 W. Hastings
Free. Register at https://bit.ly/3ZJ8rW7
Wayfaring Stranger (2024, 69 mins), a film by Andrea Luka Zimmerman, charts the life of an itinerant character, embodied by seven performers, across seven days, representing seven decades. Running from the city, through post-industrial edge lands and manicured enclaves, they find themselves in forests, farms, mountains and the shore. Along the way, they undergo a transformation, moving through seasons and changing geography, both physically and emotionally, from youth to elderhood, and from a single, alienated being into an accepted element of the wider world. Each ‘day’ is a ‘station’ that signifies a turning point in the character’s emotional development: from escape, through loss, grief and waywardness, to solidarity and co-existence. Presented with SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and Reel Causes.
CULTURAL SHARING
OPEN HOUSE AT BILL REID GALLERY
Friday November 1, 2pm - 5pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free
Drop by the Bill Reid Gallery to visit their current exhibitions, GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap, and Formline : Calligraphy - The Creative Synergy of Bill Reid and Bob Reid. Enjoy crafts, songs and storytelling with members of the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program and the lexwst'i:lem Drum Group. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with Elders.
MEDIA ARTS & AUDIO TOUR
A JOINT PROGRAM, Ritual-Spective–RE: turning 迴融: 迴歸 & Chinatown Stories Audio Tour:
Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
Friday November 1, 6pm – 9pm (Opening event 7pm) | Also November 2 & 3
Chimerik Chinatown Art Space | 155 - 288 E. Georgia Free
Ritual-Spective–RE: turning 迴融: 迴歸
A multi-series, experimental, interactive media arts installation that honours the life of painter Jackson Chien 簡志雄, the father of Sammy Chien. This project investigates, from the lens of an artist child of immigrants, an intergenerational dialogue around artistic, cultural and spiritual legacy. The project also explores love during the unspoken times of colonial oppression, Western globalization and diaspora. Produced by Chimerik 似不像 (Sammy Chien & Caroline MacCaull) in partnership with Dreamwalker Dance Company.
Chinatown Stories Audio Tour: Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
‘Walk with’ five intergenerational pairs whose conversations about significant places, events and people were recorded while roving the streets of Vancouver’s Historic Chinatown. Meet Lori, who grew up on Shanghai Alley; Alger, an emerging interdisciplinary artist; Lynda, who recently moved to Vancouver to connect with the place where her late mother grew up; and more. Audio tours are accessed for playback on your personal device via QR code. The tour is co-created by dance artist Andrea Nann (whose grandmother was born in Shanghai Alley) with a circle of collaborating artists,and produced by Dreamwalker Dance Company (from Firehorse and Shadow in Community). Presented at this year’s Festival in partnership with Chimerik 似不像 and plastic orchid factory.
Photo top: Sammy Chien, Jackson Chien 簡志雄. Photo David Cooper.
Photo bottom: Lynda Sing, Kelsi James, Beverly Nann. Photo David Cooper.
CULTURAL SHARING
LA LLORONA
Friday November 1, 7pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Enjoy this special Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration featuring the enchanting story of the Mexican icon, La Malinche, as told through the singing of the song La Llorona, shadow puppetry, and traditional dance. Directed by Gerardo Avila with puppeteers Hazel Bell-Koski and Dana Wilson, storyteller Steven Schwable and heart-stirring music and dance performance by Calle Verde.
Photo: La Llorona – Calle Verde. Photo David Cooper.
COMEDY
FAMOUS LAST WORDS, HALLOWEEN EDITION
Friday November 1, 8pm- 10:30pm
LanaLou’s, 362 Powell
Tickets: $12 advance; $15 at the door, https://bit.ly/3N6sTIK
Presented by Death Rides a Unicorn, Famous Last Words features raconteurs attempting to win their way into the heart of the master of ceremony through games to test their literary and comedic merit. With the assistance of the audience and trusty sidekick, Uni the Unicorn, the mistress of mirth will decide which poet performs best during six rounds of a faux competition, silly fun and prizes. For this Halloween show, audience members and cast are encouraged to dress up in costume.
MUSIC
IRONFEST V, Night One featuring Asrar Quartet & Jessica Ackerley Trio
Friday November 1, doors 7:30pm, show 8:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets: $35 + fees, https://www.coastaljazz.ca/event/ironfest-v-night-1
Night One of IronFest V features the Asrar Quartet. Iranian folk and classical music luminaries Ali Razmi (tar/setar/vocals), Saina Khaledi (santour/vocals) and Ali Sajjadi (oud/vocals) bend Persian musical tradition with the addition of veteran Vancouver drummer Kenton Loewen. Ali Razmi’s sublime compositions, set with the words of mystic poets Rumi, Khayyám and Hafez, bridge old and new in a patient crescendo that speaks to the intensity of a screaming timeless world with an open hand of peace.
And, the Jessica Ackerley Trio. Jessica Ackerley is a Canadian guitarist/improviser/composer currently on tour promoting their latest release, All Of the Colours Are Singing, out on AKP Recordings. Their music is a hybrid musical language drawing on the influences of Black American Music and avant-garde improvisers, as well as the culture of the thriving New York City rock and noise scenes. Featuring Jessica Ackerley (electric guitar), Walter Stinson (upright bass), and Aaron Edgcomb (drums).
Presented by Coastal Jazz in collaboration with the Heart of the City Festival.
Photo: Asrar Quartet, Jessica Ackerley.
WALKING TOUR
OLD SHORELINE WALKING TOUR WITH
JOHN ATKIN & JEFF WILSON
Saturday November 2, 10am - 12pm
Limited capacity. Sliding Scale, $0 - $20, Registration required https://bit.ly/3zUdYOR
Standing on Pender Street between Carrall and Columbia, it’s hard to imagine that 125 years ago you’d be standing at the water’s edge of False Creek. At high tide the waters extended all the way to Clark Drive, abundant with fish and shellfish. “When the tide is out”, Salish people said, “the table was set.” Over the intervening years, the edge of the Creek has been altered and reshaped for sawmills, gasworks, railyards and a world's fair. Join historian John Atkin and geologist, Jeff Wilson on this walk to explore the extraordinary changes to False Creek’s shoreline and look at what the future might hold.
THEATRE
THE MAYOR OF OZ
Saturday November 2, 10:30am
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
ASL available | Free
Join us for this special retelling of The Wizard of Oz, set in the Downtown Eastside community. Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion travel down the yellow brick road, from somewhere over East Hastings to City Hall. They are in search of the Mayor of Oz, with a mission to seek help for the unhoused. Along the way, they tangle with the Wicked Witch of the West End and her sidekick the Blue Monkey. Fortunately, the Good Green Ganja Witch Glinda is there along the way. This play was written, created, and performed by members of the Carnegie Learning Centre, who have spun this classic tale in a brand-new setting. Group members: Betsy Alkenbrack, Max Campbell, Kevin Conrod, Emily Hunter, Parnit Kaur, Lorena Leal, Lance Lim, Stephen Lytton, Yvonne Marcus, Alexandra McDougall, Michael Nardachioni, Nahida Osman, Teddy Parray, Zahida Rahemtulla, CJ Santana, Annemarie van Dijk, Diane Wood.
Artwork Annemarie van Dijk.
OPEN HOUSE
FIRST SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS
Saturday November 2, 12pm - 5pm
Various locations in the neighbourhood Free
First Saturday Open Art Studios is a monthly event that began in 2010 and can be found across the Lower Mainland, Victoria and the Gulf Islands. During the Heart of the City Festival, visit studios in the Downtown Eastside where individual artists and art collectives open their workshops for you to enjoy! Be inspired by original art or buy your new, favourite piece directly from a local artist. Learn about the artistic process, explore working studios and hear amazing stories behind the work. See a diverse range of mediums including painting, assemblage, jewelry, fibre art, woodworking, collage, photography and more. Plan an art adventure! To view artists profiles and learn who will be open, visit www.firstsaturday.ca.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
THREADS OF SUPPORT AND RESILIENCE:
Celebration and Procession
Saturday November 2, 12pm - 8pm
Trillium Park & Strathcona Park
Free
Ancestral Foodways and EartHand Gleaners Society are partnering up for an afternoon and evening that celebrates our community threads of connection and honours our ancestors for Día de los Muertos. The afternoon begins at Trillium Park North (Malkin and Thornton) and evening events include a shrine and performances for the ancestors in Strathcona Park (857 Malkin).
12pm - 1:30pm MENDING CIRCLE
Trillium Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton
limited-capacity, registration required
https://bit.ly/3ZNCQT7
During our lives, cloth acts as our second skin and when someone dies their clothing can be the closest physical link that remains. The intention of this mending circle is to gather, converse, and care for our loved ones through the act of repairing their garments. Bring your chosen garment to the circle (clean is best for mending). Handspun and dyed wool and botanically printed linen are available for stitching and darning, with instructions for visible repairs. An EartHand Gleaners event hosted by Jennifer Brant & Anna Heywood-Jones. Outside under cover, dress for the weather.
1pm - 4pm COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: THREADS OF SUPPORT AND RESILIENCE
Trillium Park, corner of Malkin and Thornton
Join EartHand Gleaners for an afternoon of spinning, weaving, mending and storytelling. Opening welcome at 1:30pm with Martin Sparrow, plus storytelling with Rosemary Georgeson, soft basketry weaving with Amy Walker and Sharon Kallis, and weaving mats from post-consumer linen with local weaver Corrina Hammond. Traditional nourishment provided. Assist with finishing the mats and lanterns being made for the ancestors' shrine created by Ancestral Foodways.
At the end of the afternoon (approx. 4:30pm) join in the procession to the shrine led by artists from Still Moon Arts Society. Outside, dress for the weather!
4pm - 8pm DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Strathcona Park, 857 Malkin
Celebrate the Day of the Dead this year with Ancestral Foodways; dedicate the Altar to the memory of water! Immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of tradition and culture with music, dance, flowers, ceremonial fire, and harvests that connect the living with our ancestors. The beautifully decorated altars, adorned with food and photos, honour loved ones who have passed, creating a joyful reunion across time. Everyone is welcome, food will be shared with the public. Outside, dress for the weather!
PANEL DISCUSSION
TOWN HALL: LEARNING FROM OUR DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE VICTORIES
Saturday November 2, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
What would our DTES neighbourhood be like if people hadn’t fought to get CRAB Park, Insite, Carnegie Centre, Aboriginal Front Door? How did we get vacancy control and sprinklers in the SROs, keep condos out of the Oppenheimer area, and get shelter rate housing over the Strathcona Library? A panel of folks who worked on these victories will talk about how they did it and what we can learn from our past victories going forward. Panelists include Don Larson, Wendy Pedersen, Chris Livingstone, Ann Livingston, and Phoenix Winter. Q & A to follow.
MEDIA ARTS & AUDIO TOUR
A JOINT PROGRAM, Ritual-Spective–RE: turning
迴融: 迴歸 & Chinatown Stories Audio Tour: Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
Saturday November 2, 1pm - 5pm
Also November 1 & 3
Chimerik Chinatown Art Space, 155 - 288 E. Georgia Free
Ritual-Spective–RE: turning 迴融: 迴歸
A multi-series, experimental, interactive media arts installation that honours the life of painter Jackson Chien 簡志雄, the father of Sammy Chien. This project investigates, from the lens of an artist child of immigrants, an intergenerational dialogue around artistic, cultural and spiritual legacy. The project also explores love during the unspoken times of colonial oppression, Western globalization and diaspora. Produced by Chimerik 似不像 (Sammy Chien & Caroline MacCaull) in partnership with Dreamwalker Dance Company.
Chinatown Stories Audio Tour: Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
‘Walk with’ five intergenerational pairs whose conversations about significant places, events and people were recorded while roving the streets of Vancouver’s Historic Chinatown. Meet Lori, who grew up on Shanghai Alley; Alger, an emerging interdisciplinary artist; Lynda, who recently moved to Vancouver to connect with the place where her late mother grew up; and more. Audio tours are accessed for playback on your personal device via QR code. The tour is co-created by dance artist Andrea Nann (whose grandmother was born in Shanghai Alley) with a circle of collaborating artists,and produced by Dreamwalker Dance Company (from Firehorse and Shadow in Community). Presented at this year’s Festival in partnership with Chimerik 似不像 and plastic orchid factory.
OPERA
THE PROP MASTER’S DREAM
Saturday November 2, 2pm & 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton
Tickets: $40 – $60
2pm: https://bit.ly/3B8rO0w
7:30pm: https://bit.ly/3B8rO0w
For community tickets, contact: boxoffice.heartfestival@gmail.com
The Prop Master’s Dream is a two-hour innovative fusion opera that delves into the extraordinary life journey of Gwan Wah-Kwan. Born to a Chinese father and an Indigenous mother in Vancouver, Wah-Kwan was taken to China by his father at the age of one, leaving his mother behind. A year later his father passed away, and Wah-Kwan was adopted by Phoenix, a Cantonese opera artist. At 18, Wah-Kwan returned to Canada, facing numerous challenges, including identity issues. Through Cantonese opera, Indigenous drumming, and modern jazz music, his life stories reveal the historical and cultural legacy of Vancouver's Chinese community. The Cantonese opera cast is joined by multi-award nominated Haudenosaunee/Irish actress and singer Cheri Maracle, Chinese Canadian rap narrator Gerry Sung, lighting by award-winning designer Itai Erdal and projections by filmmaker Anthony Lee. Produced by Vancouver Cantonese Opera.
《돛야댕師돨夢拳》角寧꼬兩鬼時돨鱗틔，흙決討죄關華웸렷럴돨훙쩠넋。關華웸놔異溫며華돨華훙만親뵨覩遼췽캡親。當儉寧歲時，만親帶儉쀼돕櫓國，즛苟죄儉돨캡親。寧쾨遜，만親혼各，關華웸굳粵劇빻뎀鳳뽐澗養。18歲時，關華웸쀼돕속컬댕，충臨관윅룀問題瞳內돨諸뜩鯨戰。繫過粵劇、覩遼췽뮬樂뵨現덜얽却稜樂，儉돨삶믐慤쌀刻죄溫며華華훙區돨歷袈뵨匡뺏遺產。《돛야댕師돨尋몽夢》댕膽뒈路劤詮釋粵劇藝術近駕，從랍敲顯놔굅詩伽華훙與覩遼췽長씹鹿來돨關係。믐慤鹿連結、쾀쓱、堂誼뵨歷袈為寮題。這꼬劤탰粵劇繫過藝術將훙們團結瞳寧폅，並進寧꼍蕨坎咎뵨꼇坎咎粵劇돨훙嵐刻놔這寧門藝術近駕。
COMEDY
FUNNY SIDE UP: STAND UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Saturday November 2, 4pm - 5:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join award-winning counselor and stand-up comic David Granirer, with comedians from Stand Up for Mental Health, as they look at the lighter side of taking meds, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed, and surviving the mental health system. Stand Up for Mental Health teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness, www.smhcomedysociety.org. The Festival is tickled to welcome Stand Up for Mental Health back to the Carnegie stage.
Photo: David Granirer.
ART TALK
ARTIST TALK WITH SAMMY CHIEN & ANDREA NANN
Saturday November 2, 5pm - 7pm
Left of Main, 211 Keefer Free
Special gathering at Left of Main to meet, mingle and dialogue with the artists, along with project slideshows, video and hospitality. Co-presented by Dreamwalker Dance Company, Chimerik 似不像, and the plastic orchid factory.
MUSIC
IRONFEST V, Night Two featuring Kevin Romaine's Salience Network & Brodie West Quintet
Saturday November 2, doors 7:30pm, show 8:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets: $35 + fees, https://bit.ly/4ehVFlz
Night Two of IronFest, features Kevin Romain’s Salience Network, a modern jazz ensemble led by drummer/composer Kevin Romain. Dramatic, spontaneous creation and razor-sharp precision come together on stage with Romain’s longtime collaborators Jeff Gammon (bass), John Nicholson (tenor & soprano saxophones), and Feven Kidane (trumpet). Through dense polyrhythms and snaking melodies, they explore Romain’s hyper-fixations on the neuroscience of emotion, circadian biology, coffee extraction theory, cool animals, and anti-colonial resistance.
And, the Brodie West Quintet led by Toronto-based saxophonist/composer Brodie West is a tireless creative force, both within jazz spheres and well beyond them. He’s one of those rare artists whose practice encompasses tremendous breadth but whose singular, eccentric voice is irrepressible. West’s quintet features two drummers – Nick Fraser and Evan Cartwright – along with pianist Tania Gill and Josh Cole on bass. The group plays West’s rhythmically charged compositions, presenting an intricate rhythmic matrix at times meditative, buoyant and wrapped with lyrical melodicism and virtuosic improvisation.
Presented by Coastal Jazz and Blues in partnership with the Heart of the City Festival.
Photo: Brodie West Quintet. Photo Martin Reis | Kevin Romain. Photo Diane Smithers.
OPEN MIC
HEART OF THE CITY POETRY SLAM
November 2, 7:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free. Sign up begins at 7pm (15 poets max)
Join us for an electrifying evening of poetic prowess and raw emotion at this year’s Heart of the City Festival Poetry Slam. Whether you’re an aspiring poet, seasoned wordsmith, or simply a lover of lyrical expression, this is an opportunity to witness the power of spoken word in its purest form. There will be a 3-minute time limit for each poetry performance with cash prizes for the top three highest scoring poets and prizes for everyone. Sign up 7pm at the event. Your host is RC Weslowski, a Canadian Poetry Slam Champion, co-host of Wax Poetic on Co-Op Radio, and author of My Soft Response to the Wars from Write Bloody North Publishing, www.writebloodynorth.ca.
WALKING TOUR
HOW WE COULD END HOMELESSNESS IN THE DTES
Sunday November 3, 11am
Meeting spot - Front stairs of Carnegie Centre
401 Main Free
The Carnegie Housing Project estimates that about 4,000 people in Vancouver are homeless. Your hosts will lead a tour of specific Downtown Eastside sites that could be used to stop the loss of low-rent housing, build new housing that low-income folks can afford, and temporarily shelter people who have no housing at all. Be part of the conversation regarding important policy solutions, what DTES groups are doing to provide housing, and how we can all work to get our governments to end homelessness.
Photo: Sarah Blyth.
MEDIA ARTS & AUDIO TOUR
A JOINT PROGRAM, Ritual-Spective–RE: turning
迴融: 迴歸 & Chinatown Stories Audio Tour: Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
Sunday, November 3, 11am – 3pm
Also November 1, 2
Chimerik Chinatown Art Space
155 - 288 E. Georgia
Free
Ritual-Spective–RE: turning 迴融: 迴歸
A multi-series, experimental, interactive media arts installation that honours the life of painter Jackson Chien 簡志雄, the father of Sammy Chien. This project investigates, from the lens of an artist child of immigrants, an intergenerational dialogue around artistic, cultural and spiritual legacy. The project also explores love during the unspoken times of colonial oppression, Western globalization and diaspora. Produced by Chimerik 似不像 (Sammy Chien & Caroline MacCaull) in partnership with Dreamwalker Dance Company.
Chinatown Stories Audio Tour: Roving Conversations Between Intergenerational Pairs
‘Walk with’ five intergenerational pairs whose conversations about significant places, events and people were recorded while roving the streets of Vancouver’s Historic Chinatown. Meet Lori, who grew up on Shanghai Alley; Alger, an emerging interdisciplinary artist; Lynda, who recently moved to Vancouver to connect with the place where her late mother grew up; and more. Audio tours are accessed for playback on your personal device via QR code. The tour is co-created by dance artist Andrea Nann (whose grandmother was born in Shanghai Alley) with a circle of collaborating artists,and produced by Dreamwalker Dance Company (from Firehorse and Shadow in Community). Presented at this year’s Festival in partnership with Chimerik 似不像 and plastic orchid factory.
Photo top: Sammy Chien, Jackson Chien 簡志雄. Photo David Cooper.
Photo bottom: Lynda Sing, Kelsi James, Beverly Nann. Photo David Cooper.
FILM
IN THE HEART OF A CITY: THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE COMMUNITY PLAY SCREENING
Sunday November 3, 1pm - 4pm
Carnegie Classroom 2 (3rd Floor), 401 Main Free
In 2003, “In the Heart of a City: The Downtown Eastside Community Play” thrilled audiences during a two-week run at the Japanese Hall. Join us for a special screening of a video recording of the play followed by a discussion about what lessons were learned and how things have changed in the twenty years since the play was produced. Hosted by musician Jim Sands, an alumni of the Community Play. Sausage rolls included!
Photo: Harriet Prince. Photo Terry Hunter.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Sunday November 3, 1 pm & 2 pm
Starts at InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans-style jazz and blues. Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, the band is composed of enthusiastic Downtown Eastside-involved musicians Dennis Esson, Adrian Smith, Mark Boreen, Al Zisman, and Gary Wildeman. Nothing beats the rhythms of the Hastings Street Band!
Photo: Hastings Street Band.
CONCERT
TAPESTRY: A CONCERT OF SONG, MUSIC, AND DANCE
Sunday November 3, 3pm - 5pm
Ukrainian Hall, 805 E. Pender
$25, ages 6-12: $15, under 6: free
Tickets: www.auucvancouver.ca
Music can be a connecting thread between people, communities and cultures! Come and join the Vancouver Ukrainian Folk Orchestra, Dovbush Dancers, Barvinok Choir, and Dovbush School of Ukrainian Dance, with guest performers Zeellia, a Slavic Soul ensemble, and original songs by LittleFox. Weaving Ukrainian culture into the Canadian mosaic, the show will bring together performers new to Canada and those who have performed in the Downtown Eastside for many decades. Honouring the Festival theme Threads of Connection, the concert hopes to connect us all through the beauty of music.
Photo: Vancouver Ukrainian Folk Orchestra.
DANCE
THREADS OF CONNECTION: DEER DANCE & KAREN JAMIESON CARNEGIE DANCE TROUPE
Sunday November 3, 3pm - 4pm
SFU Woodward’s, Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, 149 W. Hastings Admission by Donation
This double bill features Deer Dance along with a performance by the Carnegie Dance Troupe.
Deer Dance is the debut choreographic work of Deborah Charlie, a current and longstanding performer of Karen Jamieson Carnegie Dance Troupe. In honour of the Spirit of the Deer and the struggle to return to our true nature, this performance features RavenWing (Lorelei Hawkins), Heather Blais and Deborah Charlie with production support by Lance Lim (Pigeon Art Collective).
The Carnegie Dance Troupe presents a live showing of a work-in-progress. As the group transitions from Karen Jamieson’s eighteen years of leadership to new and mentoring facilitator Rianne Svelnis, the material of this year’s piece is a weaving together of past repertoire with new creation by participants, inspired by the theme of this year’s Heart of the City Festival: Threads of Connection.
Photo top: Deer Dance, Heather Blais, Deborah Charlie.
Photo bottom: Carnegie Dance Troupe L-R: Heather Blais, Deborah Charlie, Arlene Bowman, Rianne Svelnis, Lance Lim. Photo Chris Randle.
CULTURAL SHARING
HEARTS BEAT 2024
Sunday November 3, 4pm - 7pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free, ticket information below
Discover a mesmerizing blend of cultures with this special musical exploration that celebrates the shared traditions of drum, dance, and song between Indigenous and Irish communities. Enjoy live performances from the local lexwst’í:lem drum group, Ceol Abú Irish musicians, and much more! Hearts Beat is honoured by the participation of Mary Point of the Musqueam Nation. This unique afternoon captivates and inspires, promotes intercultural understanding, builds new connections, and uplifts both heart and spirit. A collaboration between Carnegie Community Centre Indigenous Programs, DTES Heart of the City Festival, Irish Women's Network of BC, and Carnegie Community Centre Association. Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to witness a vibrant fusion of artistic and cultural expression.
Ceol Abú members: Eilis Courtney, Denise Dalton, Tony Dalton, Sal Gallagher, Peter Kratoska, Rick McDougall, Jennifer White
lexwst’í:lem drum group members: Matt Azak, Nicole Bird, Marr Dorvault, Sam McKay, Pat Mah, Egor Marov, Les Nelson, Raphael San Luis, Louisa Starr, Priscillia Tait
This is a ticketed event. Tickets will be available after October 28 through the Carnegie Community Centre Program Office, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. For Inquiries, please contact Nicole Bird at nicole.bird@vancouver.ca
Photo: lexwst’í:lem drum group, Ceol Abú.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
Sunday November 3, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
WORKSHOP
WOOL NEEDLE FELTING
Sunday November 3, 4pm - 6pm
Come out and create a unique, reusable name tag from wool! Using our handmade, colourful 100% wool felt fabric, participants create their own name or art badges using the easy, popular and cathartic craft of needle felting. Needle felting lets you de-stress and get creative with friends new and old. This activity engages the skills of precise motor control, composition, design, colour, planning, letter and word spacing, and stitching. We recommend this activity for people seven years of age and older as it involves the use of sharp needles. Hosted by Amy Walker of Make Mobile.
Dark Day!
All the lights are off and there are no performances!
STORYTELLING
STORY CRAFTING: WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY GREAT?
Tuesday November 5, 11am – 1pm
RayCam Cooperative Centre, 950 E. Hastings Free
Every week, RayCam Seniors Story Sharing gets together to share conversations, stories, and life experiences. Join Jim Sands for a special Open Session with invited guest speakers, Wing-Siu Wong (Vancouver Storyteller), Susanna Ng (Chinatown Storytelling Centre) and Deborah Williams (The Flame Storytelling Event) and explore the power of storytelling. The event is FREE and lunch will be provided (lunch registration: 604-257- 6949). This event will be in Cantonese and English. Presented in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre, RayCam Cooperative Centre (Seniors Program), and Arts & Health: Healthy Aging Through the Arts (a project of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and Vancouver Coastal Health).
FILM | CONVERSATION
ETUAPTMUMK/TWO-EYED SEEING: WAYS OF BEING AND SEEING
Tuesday November 5, 11am - 1pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Experience the premiere of the film Summer by Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing - the first project in an intergenerational multimedia series by artists Rosemary Georgeson and Lara Aysal. Filmed by Sophia Dagher on Galiano Island at Rosemary’s home, this 2024 installment captures stories from Indigenous knowledge holders about the land’s past, present, and future. The film features Dr. Lyana Patrick, assistant professor and faculty teaching fellow, SFU and Dr. Evan Adams, Coast Salish actor and family physician. Witness the powerful storytelling and celebrate the start of a meaningful new chapter. A conversation with Rosemary, Lara, Dr. Adams, and Dr. Patrick will follow the film screening.
WORKSHOP
WHAT IS OUR MEDICINE? Healing in Ceremony, Connection and Community
Tuesday November 5, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Carnegie Classroom 2 (3rd Floor), 401 Main
Sign up list at Carnegie front desk, limited capacity Free
Come gather with kindred spirits in circle with the shared intention of healing, calling in the support of our ancestors, and inviting the spirit guides to sit with us and hear our prayers. This workshop focuses on meditation, being present, creating a healing intention statement and sharing a song together. If you would like to offer a prayer, territorial acknowledgment, add to the community altar, or have any questions, feel free to contact facilitator Beverly Dobrinsky at zeelliaslavicsoul@gmail.com.
READINGS
9th ANNUAL SANDY CAMERON MEMORIAL WRITING CONTEST AWARD CEREMONY
Tuesday November 5, 2pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Live in the Carnegie Theatre, this exciting and inspiring award ceremony features several of the award-winning writers reading the work they submitted to the contest. Now in its ninth year, the writing contest was established to honour Sandy Cameron, one of the best-loved writers to publish work in the Carnegie Newsletter. Sandy consistently contributed essays and poetry, sharing stories of the low-income neighbourhood's one hundred year struggle for human rights. The contest supports local writers and encourages never-before-published writers to submit their work for publication. The free twice-monthly Carnegie Newsletter is available online at www.carnegienewsletter.org. Everyone is welcome.
Image: Sandy Cameron by Richard Tetrault.
ART
ARTIST MEET AND GREET AT THE HEALTH CENTRE
Tuesday November 5, 1pm - 4pm
Downtown Community Health Centre
569 Powell Free
Come join the artists for a creative afternoon at the Downtown Community Health Centre. Local DTES artists will exhibit some of their work and you’ll have the opportunity to talk with them about themes and techniques. Some pieces will also be available to purchase. The Health Centre runs an inclusive arts program that supports people in the Downtown Eastside.
VIDEO
“WEASELLING, WANKING, CHEATING, CONNIVING, LAPDOG LACKEYS OF THE SOUL-SUCKING CORPORATE CAPITALIST”: RESISTANCE + RESPONSES FROM THE SID CHOW TAN ARCHIVES
Tuesday November 5
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
A new generation of community organizers engage with beloved Chinatown/DTES activist Sid Chow Tan’s vast archive of volunteer-produced video journalism. Reflecting on resistance, victories, celebrations, and everyday lives within DTES and Chinatown communities, respondents from intersecting grassroots struggles respond to documentation spanning over four decades. Fostering intergenerational, cross-cultural connections and knowledge-sharing, this evening is an iteration of an ongoing project, led by Byron Peters, to nurture and sustain the spirit of solidarity, humour, and class-consciousness that animated Sid’s art of activism.
Refreshments will be served. Cantonese and Mandarin translation will be provided. This screening is presented with gratitude and in solidarity with the many friends, organizers, community television volunteers and staff who made possible the production, broadcast, and archive of these videos. Additional program partners: VIVO Media Arts and KPU.
Photo: Sid Chow Tan by David Cooper.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
CONVERSATION
DEATH CAFE
Tuesday November 5, 1pm - 3pm
Registration encouraged https://bit.ly/3XSnJFb
Local DTES artist Tallulah leads an afternoon of reflective conversations on death. The Downtown Eastside is an area that experiences many sudden and unexpected deaths. Many of us have trouble expressing our thoughts and feelings about this taboo subject, which can lead to people feeling isolated when they might need support most. A Death Cafe is a safe and open place for people, often strangers, to gather, drink tea, eat some cake and discuss death, dying and grief. Death Cafes are group-directed, free-flowing discussions. This event is non-faith-based.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
November 5, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
MUSIC
SWEET GRASS
Tuesday November 5, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Join Karen Thorpe, Su Chol Chong (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Steven Seegerts and the Urban Aboriginal Drum Group for music, poetry, a sing-along and just plain fun! Sweet Grass is a tribute to the DTES Heart of the City Festival co-founders Terry Hunter and Savannah Walling, who have braided the many talents of the people of the DTES in community celebration, creativity, reconciliation and justice for the past 21 years.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THEATRE & STORYTELLING
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TOWNES VAN ZANDT
Tuesday November 5, 7pm – 8:30pm
Jim Sands uses songs, storytelling, and poetry to pay tribute to Texas songwriter, Townes Van Zandt (1944-1997). Many words describe Van Zandt: junkie, madman and ne-er-do-well come to mind. So do words like songwriter and musician. Van Zandt was a musical poet whose best songs stand among the world’s finest works of literature. Even if you haven’t heard of Townes Van Zandt before, you surely have heard of the people who have covered his songs and praised his unique approach to songwriting (including luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, Neil Young, Cowboy Junkies, and Sonic Youth). Jim Sands is a Strathcona-based storyteller, songwriter, and musician who has performed both as a solo artist and with a variety of musical groups. This performance also features artwork by Vancouver artist, Ben Roback.
MUSIC
YINPIN NATIVE CHINESE ORCHESTRA
Wednesday November 6, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Festival is pleased to present the orchestra at the Carnegie Theatre! The Yinpin Native Chinese Orchestra is the English name for the SRO Collaborative seniors orchestra. They have a membership of over a dozen musicians and enjoy making music together in their Single Room Occupancy (SRO) homes. The players have a large repertoire of traditional and contemporary selections and offer a humourous and comedic touch to tradition. Have a cup of tea and dim sum, and enjoy the music and dance!
Photo: Yinpin Native Chinese Orchestra by tv13.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
WORKSHOP
NEIGHBOURHOOD MANDALA PAINTING
Wednesday November 6, 1pm - 3pm
Come together to make beautiful collaborative mandala artwork designed in radial symmetry using symbols and images from the DTES neighbourhood. Mandala painting is inspired by a variety of cultural and spiritual practices of image-making and it is also a peaceful way to enjoy connecting creatively together. Some space will be left open for people to paint in their own symbols and images; we paint together and respond to each other. Hosted by Amy Walker of Make Mobile.
PANEL & COMMUNITY DISCUSSION
TOWN HALL: UPLIFTING OR GENTRIFYING THE DTES?
Wednesday November 6, 7pm
Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Free
Last November Vancouver City Council passed a motion titled 'Uplifting the Downtown Eastside and Building Inclusive Communities For All Residents.' The motion calls for City staff to report on many DTES issues, including changing zoning and the social housing definition in the DTES. Would these changes “uplift” or gentrify the DTES? Join panelists Councillor Rebecca Bligh, Norm Leech (Aboriginal Front Door Board chair), Kathy Shimizu (community organizer), Michelle Lackie (past Executive Director of Inner City Exchange), Jean Swanson (Carnegie Housing Project), and Wendy Pedersen (SRO Collaborative) to learn about and discuss the implications of the motion.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
Wednesday November 6, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 3, 5, 7, 8, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
WRITING
TYPEWRITER TALES
Wednesday November 6, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 30, November 9
Typewriter Tales is a collaborative community story-writing project where creativity and connection come alive, one line at a time. Open to all, this low-barrier event invites participants to contribute a line to a collective story, creating a tapestry of shared voices, secrets, and imaginings. Listen for the rhythmic click-clack of the typewriter, lay your fingers to keys, and see what springs forth. The typewriter will be present at multiple festival events, culminating in a final collaborative piece, shared by paula luther at the closing evening concert. Join us and be part of weaving the threads of connection! This project is created by Queer community-engaged artist paula luther, based in East Van.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
ART SALE
LIVE PAINTING & ART SALE
Wednesday November 6, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
An art happening with the DTES Artists Collective, including artwork by Smokey D, Grow Up, Crystal Dawn, Edgar, Ken Dempsey, Anthony Favel McNab, Faith Kuyper, Arnold, Angus Doyle, Evan Mellish, Eric Sparling, Tannah Kupers, Casandra Leon, Matt Birsky, Derick Manik, Izzy Envo, and more! Hosted by Trey Helten. This is your chance to purchase artwork with the funds going directly into the pockets of the artists.
OPEN HOUSE
ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH
Wednesday November 6, 5pm - 6:45pm
St. James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
5pm - 6pm TOUR OF HISTORIC BUILDING
Join a special tour of the historic St. James’ Anglican Church with guides Elisabeth Kwan and PJ Janson, to learn about the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building. Constructed in 1935 by the famed British architect Adrian Gilbert Scott, the church is designed in a style that combines Romanesque Revival, Art Deco, Byzantine Revival and Gothic Revival architecture.
6pm - 6:45pm THE BELLS OF ST JAMES’
Residents in the neighbourhood of St. James' hear the ringing of the bells every day. Here is your golden opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of the Bell Tower, to see the bells up close and have an unforgettable experience. Not wheelchair accessible.
Photo: St James' Anglican Church by Jeff Wilson.
OPEN REHEARSAL
VANCOUVER CANTATA SINGERS
Wednesday November 6, 7pm - 8.30pm
St. James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
St James’ Church welcomes the Vancouver Cantata Singers as they offer an open rehearsal. If you ever wonder how to teach a choir to sing and perform in perfect harmony, this is a great opportunity to hear some beautiful singing and learn from commentary by Paula Kremer, Artistic Director. Vancouver Cantata Singers was founded in 1958 and is one of Canada’s pre-eminent, award-winning choral ensembles. For information about their upcoming concert, visit vancouvercantatasingers.com. All are welcome.
Photo: Vancouver Cantata Singers.
SHOWCASE
POETRY CABARET
Wednesday November 6, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Downtown Eastside is alive with writers, poets and storytellers! The Poetry Cabaret is a monthly open mic night that showcases this vibrant talent, featuring original spoken word, music, and even the occasional joke. DTES resident Diane Wood — artist, poet, community activist, and your Mistress of Chaos — hosts the evening and guides an eclectic mix of performances from familiar faces and surprise first-timers. Whether you're a writer or an audience member, this is the place to celebrate the creative spirit of the DTES. Drop in and witness the passion and artistry of the neighbourhood! Sign up at the event if you want to step up to the mic.
Diane Wood. Photo Jeff Wilson.
DIALOGUE
CANCELLED
10th SYMPOSIUM ON RECONCILIATION & REDRESS
Thursday November 7, 10am - 12pm
Also November 8
Voor Urban Labs studio, 475 Main
In-person or online. Sliding scale $0 – $100
Attend one or both sessions. Limited in-person attendance.
Register for in-person: https://bit.ly/3BsmHs8
Register for online: https://bit.ly/3TXhI9l
Join us for a “Training the Trainers” series on applying decolonizing and redress practices in the arts, conservation, grassroots and NGO sectors, delivered in-person or online. The annual Symposiums bring together Coast Salish cultural leaders and accomplices to share lessons, build settler and Indigenous solidarity practices, and create training opportunities for settlers and migrants who seek to practice place-based redress in their NGO work whether it is in the arts and culture, urban and land-use planning, or other community work. Produced by Voor Urban Labs.
COMMUNITY
EWMA DRAG BINGO
Friday November 7, 12pm - 5pm
Enterprising Women Making Art Studio, 800 E. Hastings
Free
Today the fine folks at EWMA lead the community in fun and games with Drag Bingo. Dress up and expect the unexpected; prizes to be won at everyone’s favourite game of chance - BINGO! The goal of EWMA Studio is to create Safe Space for arts-based wellness activities for anyone who identifies and lives full-time as a woman to express themselves, including trans, two-spirit and intersex women, and/or those who identify with a femme-of-center non-binary gender in the DTES. The Studio allows individuals to make art, learn new skills, and create marketable products, all while having fun and networking; art is an expression of the soul.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
WORKSHOP
CEDAR BARK WEAVING
Thursday November 7, 12pm - 2pm
registration encouraged https://bit.ly/3ZPQZiL
Spend an afternoon with Mary, elder-in-residence at Culture Saves Lives, as she shares traditional cedar bark weaving techniques. Mary, from Ditidaht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island, learned the art of harvesting, cleaning, and storing cedar bark from her mother and grandmother at the wee age of five. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to craft cedar roses and bracelets, connecting with these time-honoured skills. Registration is encouraged.
WRITING
SPONTANEOUS POETRY
Thursday November 7, 2pm - 6pm
Ovaltine Cafe, 251 E. Hastings Free
Meet poet, writer, and activist Gilles Cyrenne for responsive writing at the Ovaltine Cafe, an iconic poem of a place in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Do you have a memory that you want to see on paper? An idea, a care, a feeling about something you are experiencing that you’d like Gilles to spontaneously express? Have a coffee with Gilles and experience how poetry can help us make sense of the world and our place in it.
Photo: Gille Cyrenne.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
Thursday November 7, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
EXHIBITION OPENING
SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM
Thursday November 7, 4pm - 5pm
Carnegie Gallery (3rd floor), 401 Main Free
A creative force in our community, Diane Wood is a Downtown Eastside resident, poet, artist, community activist and gardener. Come meet Diane and celebrate her exhibition opening reception! With a title prompted by the Beatles song "Let It Be", Diane’s embroidery art pieces are inspired by pop culture icons and the festival theme, Threads of Connection. One hundred years ago young women embroidered flowered messages, like “home sweet home” and “God bless... whatever” to embellish textiles. Make sure to see this modern take on an age-old decorative technique. The exhibition will be up through the month of November.
Image: Speaking Words of Wisdom, Diane Wood by Alexandra McDougall.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
FILM
ELEPHANT WARRIORS
Thursday November 7, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Step into the depths of the Mau Forest in this award-winning documentary Elephant Warriors, created by local filmmakers Tallulah and Roberta Staley. They follow Caren Cheptoo, a fearless female ranger in Kenya who leads the charge against ivory poachers and bushmeat hunters. Through her eyes and those of her fellow rangers, experience the pulse-pounding battle for wildlife conservation and gender equality, where every step echoes with the resilience of nature and the promise of a brighter future for elephants and humanity alike. View a cinematic journey that inspires action, ignites passion, and celebrates the unwavering spirit of those guardians of the wild. The film screening is followed by a conversation with the filmmaker Tallulah.
Photo: Elephant Warriors (left to right) Gloria Nyanga, Joy, Fancy Chepkemoi by Tallulah.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
SHORT FILM SERIES
Thursday November 7, 5:30pm -7pm
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of back-to-back short films by talented local filmmakers from the Downtown Eastside and beyond. Perfect for those with short attention spans, these bite-sized films are packed with creativity, emotion, and heartfelt storytelling. Short films prove that a lot can be said in just a little time! Grab some popcorn, settle in, and experience a burst of creativity in one sitting!
VISUAL ARTS
THE PHOENIX: FIRST SHOW IN A WHILE
Thursday November 7
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Phoenix Gallery, 45 W. Hastings entrance in the alley! Free
The Phoenix is pleased to announce their first opening since the pandemic! Come and check out the unique back alley studio space in the DTES to see a diverse range of artwork from thirteen in-house artists, including paintings, textiles, ceramic works and more. The Phoenix was founded by artists Lisa Warren, James Welk and Jolene Simpson.
Photo: The Phoenix.
FILM
UNSETTLED
Thursday November 7, 7pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free. ASL & Subtitles available
Unsettled shares the story of a group of artists who came together over several years to create a theatrical piece around the general theme of "disability." The film illuminates work created, how the process unfolded, and what this project meant to the artists. The piece was created by artists who live with and experience disability, including Stephen Lytton, Nlaka’pamux poet, writer and actor; Sandra Pronteau, artist and community worker; Caroline Hebert, actor and storyteller; and Julia Siedlanowska, former theatre artist and current counseling therapist. The film honours Kat Zucomul’wat Norris, who served as an artist and Elder advisor throughout the creation process of Unsettled, and passed before the film was completed. A project originally developed in workshops at Heart of the City Festival, the film is produced by Theatre Terrific and Lantern Films. Q & A to follow.
Photo: Kat Zucomul’wat Norris by Bill Hawley.
PERFORMANCE
THE BIG TREE
Thursday November 7, 7pm
KW Production Studio, 111 W. Hastings
(enter from Atrium)
Tickets, sliding scale: https://bit.ly/3XG2bMe
Vancouver InterArts Collective (VIC) presents The Big Tree, a provocative sixty-minute structured improvisation that combines music, dance, soundscape, sung and spoken word, real-time visual art, and creative lighting. In the words of Brad Muirhead, The Big Tree utilizes improvisation “to communicate across the boundaries of several artistic disciplines, as a loose allegory for inventing ways (in real-time) to have a multi-language conversation about communicating across communication barriers.” Featuring Brad Muirhead (project lead, trombone), Jay Hirabayashi and Barbara Bourget (dance/movement), DB Boyko (voice), Isaac Rosen-Purcell (clarinet/electronics), Stephen Robb (clarinet), Nick Apivor and Gary Wideman (percussion).
Photo: Brad Muirhead.
WORKSHOP
MAKING MUSIC AT CARNEGIE
Friday November 8, 10am - 3:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Come to Carnegie for a full day of music workshops led by Matthew Ariaratnam. In the morning, Matthew facilitates two Guitar Drop ins: 10am-11am and 11:15am-12:15pm. Drop by and try your fingers on the strings. Everyone at any skill level is welcome. Guitars provided.
In the afternoon, join Matthew from 2pm-3:30pm for Musicking Together. This is your opportunity to play music with fellow community members in a band format. Instruments provided. Everyone is welcome – some skills required.
Matthew Ariaratnam is an interdisciplinary sound artist, composer, guitarist, and listener based in so-called Vancouver. He creates sensory walks, writes dumbpop and chamber music, and frequently collaborates with choreographers, visual artists, and theatre makers. Dumbpop? It’s short pop and long tones, small songs and long drones.
Photo: Matthew Ariaratnam by Diane Smithers.
DIALOGUE
CANCELLED
10th SYMPOSIUM ON RECONCILIATION & REDRESS
Friday November 8, 10am - 12pm
Also November 7
Voor Urban Labs studio, 475 Main
In-person and online. Sliding scale $0 – $100
Attend one or both sessions. Limited in-person attendance.
Register for in-person: https://bit.ly/3BsmHs8
Register for online: https://bit.ly/3TXhI9l
Join us for a “Training the Trainers” series on applying decolonizing and redress practices in the arts, conservation, grassroots and NGO sectors, delivered in-person or online. The annual Symposiums bring together Coast Salish cultural leaders and accomplices to share lessons, build settler and Indigenous solidarity practices, and create training opportunities for settlers and migrants who seek to practice place-based redress in their NGO work whether it is in the arts and culture, urban and land-use planning, or other community work. Produced by Voor Urban Labs.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
OPEN CREATIVE SPACE
Friday November 8, 12pm - 2pm
Embrace your creativity at Open Creative Space: a surprise art jam, facilitated by Key! Everyone is welcome to play and create in a fun, relaxed environment. If the weather allows, we’ll open the carriage doors to let in fresh air and inspiration.
WORKSHOP
FORGOTTEN VOICES/SILENCED STORIES
Friday November 8, 1pm - 2:30pm
nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch, 730 E. Hastings
Free. Limited seating
A workshop led by Renée Sarojini Saklikar that explores how creative writing intersects with historical injustices, particularly as literature and language relate to forgotten voices/silenced stories. This workshop includes facilitated writing exercises and resources from VPL’s Special Collection and Historical Photos Archive. Renée Sarojini Saklikar is the author of five books, as well as numerous poems, stories and short fiction pieces. She was the Poet Laureate for the City of Surrey 2015–2018. Space is limited. Please arrive early to ensure your seat.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
Friday November 8, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
COMMUNITY
TURN BACK TIME KARAOKE
Friday November 8, 5pm - 7:30pm
Here’s one good reason for turning back the clocks! Join us for a night of fun and connection at the latest InterUrban Karaoke night! Sing your heart out, belt your favourite tune with a friend, and even do your best Cher impression. Hosted by Elder Mary and the folks at Culture Saves Lives, this lively event invites you to sing along and enjoy a shared meal. Whether you're serenading your sweetheart or simply joining in for the joy of it, all voices are welcome!
READINGS
MURIEL’S JOURNEY POETRY PRIZE
Friday November 8, 6:30pm - 8pm
Listening Post, 328 Main Free
Join us for a celebration of this year’s Muriel’s Journey Poetry Prize winners at the place where the prize started – the Listening Post! The prize is in memory of Muriel Marjorie, poet, activist, and actor well-known in the DTES. Meet the DTES winner, Phoenix Winter, and other prize winners as we muse poetically on the topic of home and housing. Join us for the open mic, especially if you have poetry on the topic!
Photo: Phoenix Winter by David Cooper.
FILM & COMEDY
NEVER BE DONE: THE RICHARD GLEN LETT STORY
Friday November 8, 6:30pm - 8:45pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
We are excited to present Never Be Done: The Richard Glen Lett Story, Roy Tighe’s powerful documentary that takes a raw and unflinching look at the life of Richard Glen Lett, Canadian comedian, poet, and actor, who lost it all and lived to tell the tale. Richard’s story is both funny and inspiring - don't miss this unique opportunity to hear it firsthand! (100% Rotten Tomatoes). A comedic live performance by Richard Lett will follow the screening, as well as a lively Q&A.
WORKSHOP & PERFORMATIVE STORY-MAKING
RIVER STORIES / OCEAN SONG
Saturday November 9, 10am - 3:30pm
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell
Register for Workshop at: https://bit.ly/3XT473M
Afternoon events at: https://bit.ly/481Ehza
By donation
A weeklong exploration culminates in a public sharing of discoveries. Journey into a deep-rooted exploration that invites cross-cultural exchanges, performative story-making and creative dialogue where ancestral histories and contemporary realities meet. If you’re interested in discovering your culturally storied body in a dance between self and community, today is for you. River Stories/Ocean Song is co-presented with Arrivals Legacy Project (ALP), who centre creative voices of African, Indigenous and racialized artists.
10am - 12pm Personal Legacy Workshop Demo
Find your feet in this immersive ALP workshop, led by founding Artistic Director Diane Roberts.
Register for Workshop at: https://bit.ly/3XT473M
1pm - 1:30pm Arrivals SeedPool Collaborative Platform Presentation
Join ALP’s Creative Producer, Anju Singh, who will share the collaborative process showcased in their digital gallery and the emerging artworks therein.
1:30pm - 3:30pm Village Circle: Narrative Streams
Experience a creative sharing circle led by members of the interdisciplinary research co(lab) that explores how interflowing narrative streams, fed by the legacies of our shared and diverse ancestries, can lead us home.
Afternoon events at: https://bit.ly/481Ehza
Participating artists include Diane Roberts, Sharon Brass, Natalie Gan, Rosemary Georgeson, Mutya Macatumpag, Lopa Sircar, Jude Wong and Heather Hermant.
Photo: River Stories/Ocean Song.
PERFORMANCE | WORKSHOP
HAKKA KIRIN CHINESE UNICORN DANCE WORKSHOP
Saturday November 9, 12pm - 2pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Have you ever seen the Hakka kirin dance 客家舞麒麟? The kirin 麒麟, or Chinese unicorn, is one of the four sacred animals in Chinese mythology, alongside the dragon, phoenix, and turtle. Led by Hakka youth from Kirin Rising 麒麟革命 of Vancouver's Chinatown, this is a rare opportunity to witness and participate in a kirin dance workshop to learn more about the 450-year-old tradition, a deeply significant cultural symbol for the Hakka people 客家 ("guest family"). Despite the enduring historical oppression and genocidal violence towards the Hakka people, particularly from the Cantonese in Guangdong’s Sze Yup 四邑 region, where many in Vancouver's Chinatown trace their roots, the kirin dance continues to embody Hakka resilience and pride.
Photo: Hakka kirin Chinese unicorn.
DANCE
WATER WORKSHOP
Saturday November 9, 1pm - 4pm
Meet at Left of Main, 211 Keefer Free
Water is life! MascallDance presents a rain-or-shine workshop honouring, exploring, and celebrating water with stories, knowledge, and practices from community stewards of water. Bring your friends along, all experience levels are welcome! Spend this Saturday afternoon exploring the elements of water – singing, painting, drawing, dancing, storytelling, playing, laughing, crying, and exchanging water knowledge – past, present, and future. Together we'll honour the water.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
POETRY & PROSE
VOICES OF THE STREET: BREAD, ROSES & SAFE SUPPLY
Saturday November 9, 1pm - 3pm
Join Megaphone Magazine as they celebrate their 2024 Voices of the Street poetry anthology. Hear from a variety of writers as they share their work aloud and discuss the inspiration behind their poetry and prose. The theme, “Bread, Roses and Safe Supply” is explored by twenty-nine different contributors in this 14th edition which is a product of community writing workshops designed to amplify marginalized voices. The anthology is divided into three chapters exploring what writers consider the necessities of life, from food, community, and dignity to healthcare.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
THE NEST COFFEE HOUSE
November 9, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 31, November 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Welcome to The Nest Coffee House—a cozy spot to hang out, sip coffee, and connect! Come by for bottomless refreshments, chat with us about what’s happening at the Festival and check out the daily schedule. Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone, who passed away in 2022, The Nest is a casual, welcoming space to socialize with friends, meet new people, and share your thoughts on the Festival. Whether you’re here to mingle or just want to relax, we’d love to see you!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
WRITING
TYPEWRITER TALES
Saturday November 9, 3pm - 4pm
Also October 30, November 6
Typewriter Tales is a collaborative community story-writing project where creativity and connection come alive, one line at a time. Open to all, this low-barrier event invites participants to contribute a line to a collective story, creating a tapestry of shared voices, secrets, and imaginings. Listen for the rhythmic click-clack of the typewriter, lay your fingers to keys, and see what springs forth. The typewriter will be present at multiple festival events, culminating in a final collaborative piece, shared by paula luther at the closing evening concert. Join us and be part of weaving the threads of connection! This project is created by Queer community-engaged artist paula luther, based in East Van.
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
MUSIC
Mutt Dog
Saturday November 9, 4pm - 4:30pm
Come down and check out a musical set by DTES local band, Mutt Dog! Michael Edward Nardachioni (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Matthew Weber (percussion, bongos) play a variety of tunes that land in the world of folk rock and contemporary 70s, 80s and 90s hits. Be sure to stop by the InterUrban for this toe-tapping down-to-earth performance!
At The Hub
InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings (entrance on Carrall) Free
MUSIC
INTERURBAN MUSIC SPOTLIGHT
Saturday November 9, 7:30pm - 9pm
Come to The HUB at the InterUrban for an inspiring evening of three back-to-back performances! These talented musical artists are ready to share their passion, innovation, and unique sound with the community.
Fronted by three queer femmes, Scarlet Fever creates indie pop rock rooted in their personal experiences and deep care to share their stories with others. Their music inspires inner-city youth to pursue their passions and reminds underprivileged kids that creative ambitions are achievable.
Talon Nadeau, known as “TALON”, is a 21-year-old Piapot Indigenous hip-hop artist who was born and raised in East Vancouver. His lyrics are honest, introspective and passionate; candidly exploring both struggles and triumphs as a youth living on the Downtown Eastside. TALON uses his music to offer healing and empowerment, and aims to inspire youth, providing an authentic voice for those facing similar challenges.
Scope is a Canadian-born Chinese rapper and producer from Vancouver. Blending hip-hop, trap, and boom-bap, Scope delivers gritty flows with sci-fi aesthetics, high-energy performances, and stylized visuals. Recently, he has been exploring an experimental and multidisciplinary approach on stage, incorporating theatrical components, new media and technology. He also supports emerging Asian artists through music programs with Yellow Fire. Performing alongside Scope is his friend and fellow artist 80K.
EXHIBITION TOUR
GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap
Saturday November 9, 1pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free admission from 1pm - 2pm
Walk through the GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕc̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap exhibition with curator Aliya Boubard. Join us for an hour-long tour examining the work of George Clutesi and several contemporary Nuu-chah-nulth artists. The exhibition is an exploration of the life and legacy of Clutesi, whose actions have left an indelible mark on the preservation and celebration of the Nuu-chah-nulth community’s cultural traditions and customs.
PERFORMATIVE LECTURE
THE BRUTAL JOY, JUSTINE A. CHAMBERS
Saturday November 9, 2pm
312 Main, entrance on Cordova Free
In this performative lecture, Justine Chambers speaks, gestures and dances around and with her current choreographic project, The Brutal Joy. The project unfurls Black vernacular line dance and sartorial gesture as intellectual discourse, reverie, and devotion to Black-living. The Brutal Joy explores these diasporic practices as knowledge reservoirs and outward-facing, physically dialogic activations that allow for actualizing oneself at present in a dance of future possibilities. Centring dance and attire as relational and living counter-archives, the work considers movement and personal style as tools for self-determination and the collective reclamation of Black humanitarian value. Co-presented with 312 Main and SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement.
FILM
OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SAY… MR. CHI PIG
Saturday November 9, 7pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Don’t miss Sean Patrick Shaul’s feature-length documentary capturing the life, times and struggles of Ken Chinn, famously known as Mr. Chi Pig. An eccentric singer, lyricist, and artist, Mr. Chi Pig was the frontman of Canadian punk band SNFU. The film tells the story of the prolific frontman through his own words, as well as appearances from some of the biggest names in the independent music industry. SNFU was formed in 1981 in Edmonton and relocated to Vancouver in 1992. They released ten full-length albums and are cited as a formative influence on the skate-punk subgenre. Mr. Chi Pig passed away in July 2020. The film is produced by Prairie Coast Films.
VARIETY
THE KEEP IT RAW CABARET, A TRIBUTE TO JAY HAMBURGER
Saturday November 9, doors 7:30pm, show 8pm
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell
A fundraiser for Co-op Radio 100.5FM
By donation. Tickets https://bit.ly/4eqs3Cu
The KEEP IT RAW CABARET has it all!!! A fresh and exciting evening in tribute to the inimitable Jay Hamburger, recently passed teacher, political activist, radio host, and Artistic Director of Theatre in the Raw. Featuring the award-winning musicians/composers Earle Peach and Songtree, Bill Sample and Wild Blue Herons, with a chorus of accomplished voices including Stephen Aberle, Beverly Dobrinsky, Jim Sands; the stand-up comedy of Ralston Harris; staged theatrical surprises by seasoned thespians including Jason Hunt, Yasmeen Tayob, Giuseppe Bevilacqua, Brian Leslie; a taste of Jay’s original poetry and writings with Sylvan Hamburger; and more to be confirmed! The evening’s co-hosts are Jacques Lalonde (Sesame Street, Lifetime Achievement Award Vancouver Fringe) and Eastside-raised international guest star Kieran Sequoia (Breaking Bad, Disney’s Night at the Museum). Co-produced by Teresa Vandertuin and one crazy Frenchman Jacques Lalonde for the Heart of the City Festival, in association with Theatre in the Raw.
Photo: The Keep it Raw Cabaret by David Cooper.
ART SALE
ART MARKET AT KEEP IT RAW CABARET
Saturday November 9, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell
Come to The Keep it Raw Cabaret and have the opportunity to shop at an art market in the lobby before and during the evening program. Original work for sale includes Native carvings, beaded earrings and jewelry, paintings, drawings, photographs, badges, cards and decorations. The vendors of the Art Market are Downtown Eastside community artists. Drop by, say hello and leave with a new treasure!
DANCE & CONVERSATION
KIN
Saturday November 9, 8pm
KW Production Studio, 111 W. Hastings (enter from Atrium)
Tickets, $0 - $20 sliding scale
https://bit.ly/3B71m7z
Join artists AJ Simmons and Kelty McKerracher for an evening of flamenco dance that explores looping technology and live performance. Kin, part of The Queer Flamenco Project, grew from the artists’ shared desire to queer the form, recognizing the kinship between queerness and flamenco: outsiders building worlds of joy, defiance, and community pride. Witness the ritual of finding the impulses of flamenco through music, dance, and song; body, element, and earth; lineage and chosen family. The performance is followed by a talkback. For many years, Kelty contributed to the festival Barrio Flamenco for the People concerts and workshops. We are delighted to welcome Kelty back, along with AJ, long-time DTES cultural worker and flamenco artist.
Kelty McKerracher, AJ Simmons. Photos Pedro Augusto Meza / Dayna Syzndrowski / Íker Castro.
WALKING TOURS
TWO AMIGOS WALKING TOUR WITH JOHN ATKIN & BOB SUNG
Sunday November 10
Tickets $0 - 20 sliding scale
10am - 11:30am https://bit.ly/3TwLFg8
1pm - 2:30pm https://bit.ly/3TvcNvO
Limited capacity, registration required
The Festival is excited to present two walking explorations this year with the powerhouse duo of John Atkin and Bob Sung. The Two Amigos bring a unique insight to the neighbourhood’s history, culture and architecture. Along the way, you’ll discover what’s in the herbal stores of Chinatown, the fight for neighbourhood preservation, local architecture, and BBQ meats! John is a civic historian and heritage consultant, and Bob hosts cultural and culinary tours of Chinatown.
Photo: Bob Sung by David Cooper.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
MINORI (実り) HARVEST
Sunday November 10, 12:15pm - 3pm
Oppenheimer Park, 400 block Powell Free
Join the Community Celebration of the Minori (実り) Harvest in Oppenheimer Park for a hot meal of butternut squash miso soup followed by a block printmaking workshop where you can make your own stamp and create cards and artwork! The celebration of the harvest season honours the history of Japanese Canadian farmers in BC. Organized by Powell Street Festival Society with support from Oppenheimer Park & Carnegie Centre, VJLS-JH, Yakashiro Farms, WePress, VanCity, and the City of Vancouver.
COMMUNITY
INDIGENOUS EXHIBITION AND CELEBRATION
Sunday November 10, 12pm - 2pm
Carnegie Gym, 401 Main Free
Get ready for an afternoon of dance, culture, and community! This celebration welcomes Indigenous dancers of all ages from across the land to participate and join Larissa Healey (2Spirit Grass Dancer), Pavel Desjarlais (Pow Wow dancer), and other dancers from Dancing Spirit, all of whom come from different tribes across Turtle Island. Everyone is welcome to enjoy beautiful drumming, vibrant dancing, and shared connection at this family-friendly event. Nourishment will be provided. A trade box will be available for those wishing to donate. Carnegie Community Centre Matriarch in Residence, Marr Dorvault, will offer a special welcome. Join us in nurturing community through culture!
Photo: Larissa Healey by David Cooper.
OPEN HOUSE
ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH
Sunday November 10, 12pm - 2:15pm
St. James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
12:15pm - 12:45pm INTRODUCTION TO THE PIPE ORGAN
Join Gerald Harder, St. James’ Director of Music, to learn about and experience the extraordinary sound of the historic Pipe Organ at St. James' Anglican Church.
1pm - 2pm TOUR OF HISTORIC BUILDING
Join a special tour of the historic St. James’ Anglican Church with guides Elisabeth Kwan and PJ Janson, to learn about the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building. Constructed in 1935 by the famed British architect Adrian Gilbert Scott, the church is designed in a style that combines Romanesque Revival, Art Deco, Byzantine Revival and Gothic Revival architecture.
2pm - 2:15pm THE BELLS OF ST JAMES'
Residents in the neighbourhood of St. James' hear the ringing of the bells every day. Here is your golden opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of the Bell Tower, to see the bells up close and have an unforgettable experience. Not wheelchair accessible.
MUSIC & COMMUNITY
THE SOJOURNERS
Sunday November 10, 7pm
St James’ Anglican Church
303 E. Cordova
Tickets $0 - $30 sliding scale
https://bit.ly/3MNpkXN
We are thrilled to welcome back to the Festival, long-standing friends and supporters The Sojourners at our closing festival celebration! The Sojourners’ music honours gospel’s foundations in freedom, social justice and community. Exceptional musicians and artists, The Sojourners sing gospel music that can take a punch and remain standing. Singing praise music with their own special ‘stank’, The Sojourners sound is at home in a road house bar as in a revival tent. Their universe echoes a unique weave of doo-wop, R&B, country and blues. This is real gospel — blessed with a soul that can’t be faked! Featuring Marcus Mosely, Khari McClelland, Will Sanders (singers), Daniel Ruiz (drums), Rob Becker (bass) and Simon Kendall (keys). Other ingredients in this evening celebration include a poetry reading from Typewriter Tales, guest speakers and surprises too! What a way to close this year’s Festival!
Photo: L–R Marcus Mosely, Khari McClelland, Will Sanders.
