Friday November 7, 7pm
Gallery Gachet, 88 E. Cordova
Free
Roar with laughter and amazement at this evening of magic and comedy: join host David Granirer; comics from Stand Up for Mental Health, including our favourite local funny guy Paul Decarie; with special guest the inventive and witty Merlin and his hilarious comedy and amazing magic. A magician of many years-standing, Merlin brings fun and fantasy, comedy and emotion to his awe-inspiring magic. Stand Up For Mental Health was founded by award-winning counselor, stand-up comic and author David Granirer who teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness. David and his comics look at the lighter side of taking meds, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed and surviving the mental health system. For more info: www.standupformentalhealth.com.

“Girl with Flowers” by Adrienne Macallum

Friday November 7, 2pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
Welcome to an exciting new feature for the Festival and for the Carnegie Theatre Workshop! Downtown Eastside residents Adrienne Macallum and Jim Dewar, of no mercy productions, present their first-ever theatrical adventure, Who Stole the Spirit of the Carnegie, a mystery detective play that takes place in the Carnegie Community Centre. Playwriting workshops and rehearsals have been ongoing every Friday since September. Come on out and enjoy this work-in-progress, an original and fun event.

Thursday November 6, 8pm – 11pm
Fortune Sound Club, 147 E. Pender
Tickets at the door $15
Enjoy a night of great music and inspiring images from Indigenous artists as Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival (VIMAF) pulls the community together for a fall party! On stage: provocateur, rapper and singer Kinnie Starr and Bohemian-Métis pop artist Janet Panic. Live Stock Room: self taught electronic bass music DJ Kookum and guests. On screen: Haida Raid series Just Say No, inspiring stop-motion from Indigenous filmmakers confronting oil culture. Produced by VIMAF and Salish Coast LIVE. Presented by W2Media, Co-op Radio, Late Night with Savages, Think NDN, with the DTES Heart of the City Festival.

No guest lists; everyone’s a VIP tonight. Ticket includes appetizers, photo booth and door prizes! Advance tickets $12.50 – panicstarr.eventbrite.ca; at the door $15.

Thursday November 6, 7pm
Chapel Arts Theatre, 304 Dunlevy
Free
Vancouver by another name: Huam Siu Fao (Salt Water City), the name Chinese immigrants called Vancouver back in the day, retains a memorable place in the hearts of Chinese Canadians. Sid Chow Tan, longtime east-sider, videographer and community activist, hosts this evening of stories, music, video and tribute to those who came before – the mighty Lo Wah Kiu (old overseas Chinese). Special guests include Faye Leung, retired realtor, native Strathconian and personality extraordinaire; artist, educator and filmmaker Karin Lee, whose interest in Chinese Canadian identity informs her work; and Sean Gunn, longtime activist and singer/songwriter performing on electric bass.

Sid Chow Tan and Sean Gunn, photo – David Cooper