Book Reading & Music
IF I FALL, IF I DIE Michael Christie
Thursday November 5, 7:30pm – 11pm
SBC Restaurant, 109 E. Hastings
Free
Come to a fun evening with a writer, with musicians, and with skateboarders!

The Carnegie Branch/Vancouver Public Library is pleased to present local author Michael Christie for an interview, book signing and reading from his first novel If I Fall, If I Die (2015). Prior to earning an MFA from UBC, Michael was a sponsored skateboarder and travelled throughout the world skateboarding and writing for skateboard magazines. The VPL gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Canada Council.

At 9pm, following the reading, the bar will open and the Festival and SBC Restaurant are pleased to present: Murray “Cretin” Acton of Dayglo Abortions in a rare appearance with his three-piece roots/country/blues band Hearts of Stone; and seasoned Canadian songwriter and storyteller Shiloh Lindsey who will offer an intimate, acoustic glimpse into her music.

Hosted by the SBC Restaurant, located in the former Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret and now the home of the DTES Skateboard Society.

Gallery Show and Auction
CULTURE SAVES LIVES!: SLAX’IN [MEDICINE] PROJECT
Wednesday November 4, 7pm – 10pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall
Exhibition November 4 to 7, Gallery hours 1pm to 5pm
Free
Located on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, Culture Saves Lives provides space for community members, especially First Nation people oppressed by the mechanisms of colonization, to rediscover and celebrate their roots. The Festival is honoured to support this vital program (Portland Hotel Society, lead Patrick Smith, community artist Larissa Healey) and the Slax’in [Medicine] Project Gallery Show, which features over thirty 4ft tall wood feathers uniquely painted by community artists, and then sold via live auction at the gala. Funds raised will support the artists, future Cultural Saves Lives street level programs, and contribute to a community memorial fund. Learn more at culturesaveslives.com

Showcase
Wednesday November 4, 7pm-9:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free
The Downtown Eastside is alive with talent and the Festival brings together a widely diverse evening of music, comedy and storytelling. Carl McDonald aka Mr. McBinner has a taste of musical comedy for us; singer-songwriter Andy Kostyniuk sings of the urgency for free love, free drugs, and g*dd*mn freedom; stand-up artist John Cameron brings his brilliant dry humour; the Shawn Giroux Band will punk your socks off; and storyteller musician Yvon Paul Chartrand will make you groan from fear with stories of trolls and strips of flesh. We are thrilled to present the band MSG, led by long-time Carnegie music program leader and stellar guitar-player Steve Edwards. Steve will also join Cliff (Chico) Gibson and his guitar ‘Goldie’, in Chico & the Band for a rousing selection of R & B blues, funk and soul. It’s sure to be a memorable boys’ night out! Everyone welcome!

Panel Discussion
Tuesday November 3, 7pm – 9pm
UNIT/PITT Projects, 236 E. Pender
Free
Representatives of five community-driven arts organizations in the Downtown Eastside present their perspectives on the last and the next forty years and ask: looking at the past, what kind of future do we want to build? What would a future that takes into account cultural diversity, community history, and social and environmental justice look like? What is the role of the arts and of community in building this future?

Panelists: Michael Clague (Community Arts Council of Vancouver), Andrea Creamer (SFU’s Office of Community Engagement), Keith Higgins (UNIT/PITT Projects), Terry Hunter (Vancouver Moving Theatre/Heart of the City Festival) and Cecily Nicholson (Gallery Gachet). Moderator: Mariane Bourcheix-Laporte (UNIT/PITT Projects).

An open invitation to discuss the history of arts and community; present a reflection on the challenges that are faced by community arts organizations in the Downtown Eastside; and elaborate a framework to sustain the communities and practices driving these organizations. Co-presented by UNIT/PITT Projects (part of 2055 public programs) and the Heart of the City Festival.