2023 Heart of the City Festival Schedule
How to find events
For an overview of the Festival, click on Schedule at a Glance below. Once you find a show you're interested in, click on the day on this page for complete information.
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. Click the Festival Tickets button below for a full listing of ticketed events.
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).
Some online programs require pre-registration through Eventbrite
Live Stream events are available on the website on the date and time of the event. The recording will remain available for viewing on the website and on the Festival YouTube channel.
Advantages of registering: receive Zoom links & participate in chats or Q&As | links to your online calendar | get event reminders
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.
2023 Festival Schedule
FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
Wednesday October 25, 1pm - 4pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Free
2023 is a year of highly significant milestones: the 20th Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival; the 20th anniversary of the Downtown Eastside community play that led to the festival’s founding; and the 40th anniversary of Vancouver Moving Theatre, lead producer of the festival. We are thrilled to invite you to this year’s Festival Opening Ceremony, honouring not one but all three milestones. Three Acts in One!
The Opening Ceremony launches this year’s 20th Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival. Terry Hunter, our festival host, is joined by cultural speakers from the three host nations: Bob Baker/S7aplek (Squamish Nation), Mary Point (Musqueam) and a Tsleil-Waututh speaker tbc; by Carnegie Elders-in-Residence Leslie Nelson and Marr Dorvault; by speakers from the Carnegie Community Centre staff and Association; by the Carnegie’s own lexwst’i:lem Drum Group; and by the talents of up-and-coming rap musician Talon who hails from the music program at Raycam Cooperative Centre.
Our second act acknowledges the 40th Anniversary of Vancouver Moving Theatre, established in Chinatown in 1983 by co-founders Terry Hunter and Savannah Walling. Terry will share a special presentation of their Chinatown-influenced creation Drum Mother, the mysterious, otherworldly masked character created and choreographed by Terry and Savannah. Drum Mother springboarded VMT into two decades of national and international touring.
Our closing act gives tribute to the 20th Anniversary of the 2003 Downtown Eastside Community Play. Jim Sands, a musician in the community play and this year’s Festival Artist-in-Residence, has assembled a special presentation featuring music and spoken word from and about the community play experience. He is joined by fellow community play alumni Priscillia Tait, Kuei-Ming Lin, Savannah Walling and Stephen Lytton, supported by musician Mike Richter. Also joining us is Michael Clague, C.M., former director of the Carnegie Community Centre and a driving force in envisioning a community play created for, by and about the Downtown Eastside.
It goes without saying that the beloved and memorable sausage rolls so often served during community play rehearsals will be served this afternoon. And…be ready for the return of the Downtown Eastside Community Play dragon!
Refreshments. Everyone welcome!
TOUR
TOUR OF HISTORIC BUILDING: ST JAMES’ CHURCH
Wednesday October 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
Here is your golden opportunity to tour the historic St. James’ Anglican Church with guides Elisabeth Kwan and PJ Janson, and 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. At the end of the tour, for those interested, you can climb the stairs to the top of the Bell Tower!
WORKSHOP
Salish Singing and Drumming
Wednesday October 25, 6pm - 7:30pm
SFU Woodward's, 149 W. Hastings
Free Ticket information https://events.sfu.ca
Join in this free workshop for Salish singing and drumming with Russell Wallace, composer, producer, and traditional Lil’wat singer. All folks, regardless of age, experience, or ability, are invited to participate. There will be a limited number of drums available on the day. If you have your own drum, you are encouraged to bring it! This workshop takes place once a month throughout the fall. If you can’t make it on October 25th, make sure to mark your calendars for November 29th. Registration available closer to each workshop date. Co-presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and SFU’s Office for Aboriginal Peoples.
OPEN REHEARSAL
VANCOUVER CANTATA SINGERS
Wednesday October 25, 7pm - 8.30 pm
St. James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
St James’ 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 https://vancouvercantatasingers.com. All welcome.
MUSIC
DTES FRONT & CENTRE: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
Wednesday October 25, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join the Heart of the City Festival for an evening of music with longtime Festival friends! The Downtown Eastside is alive with musical talent and we bring together a few Festival favourites with a fabulous lineup to kick off twelve wonderful days! Heidi Morgan, our MC for the evening, has played at the Festival countless times and is joined by most of the members of the band Las Divas to perform sultry rock, country-ish and blues covers. Shawn Giroux, an artist, community activist and long-time resident of the DTES, will play alternative rock covers, and the Brice Tabish Band and their blues-inspired brand of original hard rock bring the early influence of jazz rhythms on classic rock to our attention. Rounding out the evening are The Mighty Tear Drops, a Vancouver based bluegrass quintet, who serve up gorgeous traditional tunes with sweetness and drive.
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Thursday October 26, 1pm & 2pm
Starts at InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and melancholy 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!
READINGS
DTES Writers Collective
Thursday October 26, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
For the last three years, the Downtown Eastside Writers Collective has continued the tradition established by Thursdays Writing Collective that ran for over ten years. The writers meet and write together to prompts provided by local poets, writers, and storytellers. For this year’s Festival, they will write about what it means to be grounded in community and how we can carry that forward. You are invited to join in, write with them, and share your thoughts.
WORKSHOP
Day of the Dead Decorations
Thursday October 26, 1pm - 3pm
Also November 1 & 2
Carnegie Learning Centre, 3rd floor 401 Main Free
The Carnegie Learning Centre is excited to introduce another year of Dia de los Muertos celebrations alongside Cultural Facilitator CJ Santana. Today’s workshop will create offerings for the altar. CJ will lead a journey to open up grief and will call on those we wish to remember, through story and song. There will be smudging, circle sharing and active listening.
WORKSHOP
Art of Decorating with Paper Flowers
Thursday October 26, 1pm
Evelyne Saller Centre, 404 Alexander Free
Unleash your creative talents and learn how to make paper flower decorations with this hands-on lesson. Discover in one session the art of decorating, flower crafts and pumpkin drawing. Paper flowers are fun to make and will last longer than the fleeting blooms of summer. Evelyne Saller Centre serves clients of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, offering cafeteria services, laundry and free showers. The Recreation Department provides a variety of games and tournaments, health clinics and helpful resources. Supplies provided, everyone welcome!
ARTIST TALK
Leanne Simpson: Listening in Our Present Moment
Thursday October 26, 6pm - 8pm
SFU Woodward's, Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre
149 W. Hastings Free
Note: advance registration is now closed;
tickets may be available at the door | bit.ly/leannes
Hear from Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist who uses Nishnaabeg consciousness to dismantle the present moment. After three years of pandemic, amplified fascism, freedom convoys, extinct glaciers, police killings, children alone in cages at borders, the resurgence of fascist states, open air prisons for entire peoples, and a dying planet, Leanne is asking herself, what does it mean? The talk will be followed by a reception where book sales and signing will take place; debit or credit, no cash purchases will be available. Presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement, the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, and SFU’s Office of Aboriginal Peoples.
COMEDY
Gina Bastone Spaghetti Dinner (bring your own utensils!)
Thursday October 26, 6pm+ (9pm-ish)
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall
Free | Reserve a seat, see below.
Come for the spaghetti, stay for the fun! Gina Bastone passed away two years ago. She was a truly unique theatrical clown who loved to challenge expectations at every turn. Gina had a big impact on us in the Downtown Eastside; those who knew her remember her studio work at Main and Cordova; screaming with laughter at her BASTA! Productions in the Firehall Theatre; and her brilliant creative writing, directing and mask work with the ensemble team for A Downtown Eastside Romeo and Juliet presented by Vancouver Moving Theatre. Join friends and family to enjoy some spaghetti (remember: bring your own utensils!) and reminisce. Your waiters for the evening are Diane, Jim, Gena, Priscillia, and Gerardo. Dress in your favourite attire and bring a toast for Gina! We can only seat so many, so call 778.379.8687 to let us know you’re coming and we’ll save you a spot. If we’re fully booked and have no more seats, send greetings or drop by after 7pm and share a laugh or two in good spirit!
CONVERSATION
Death Cafe
Thursday October 26, 6pm - 8pm
THIS Gallery, 485 Main
Free, Registration required
https://bit.ly/deathcafe_2023
THIS Gallery and local artist Tallulah host an evening of thought-provoking conversations at the Death Café event. The Downtown Eastside experiences many sudden and unexpected deaths, and many of us have trouble expressing our thoughts and feelings about this taboo subject, which can lead to people feeling isolated at a time when they might most need support. A Death Café is a safe and open place for people, often strangers, to gather, drink tea, eat some cake and discuss life, death, dying and grief. Death Cafes are group-directed discussions, and this event will feature the Death Conversation Game by artist Angela Fama. This event is non-faith-based.
MULTIMEDIA
Ironworks IV: The Homeless Project
Thursday October 26, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main
Also Live Streamed: info on Festival website
ASL Interpretation provided Free
The Homeless Project, led by guitarist and composer Tony Wilson, is a multimedia event featuring ten of Vancouver’s finest musicians, photography, narration, sign language interpretation, with film by award-winning filmmaker Michael McKinlay. Tony’s hope is that this event will raise empathy and awareness of the serious housing struggles that people face in the Downtown Eastside and across Canada. With J.P. Carter, trumpet; Josh Zubot, violin; Patsy Klein, vocals; Russell Sholberg, bass; Kenton Loewen, drums; Cole Schmidt, guitar; Michael McNamara, narration; Jessica Heuchert, sign language; and Zsofin Sheehy, projectionist. In association with Coastal Jazz & Blues Society.
SHOWCASE
CONCURRENCE GATHERING #9
Thursday October 26, 8pm - 9:30pm
8EAST, 8 E. Pender Free
Concurrence Gatherings are concerts, talks and story-sharing events, featuring Indigenous artists and emerging DTES Small Arts Grants recipients with NOW Society musicians. Confirmed artists for #9 include poet Zofia Rose; rapper and singer TJ Felix, two-spirit Qelmucw from the Splatsin region of Secwepemculecw; and Kiera-Dawn Kolson, an award-winning multidisciplinary storyteller, singer and spoken word artist. Concurrence Gatherings are curated by Sophie Dow. Presented by O.Dela Arts and hosted by the NOW Society at 8EAST, in partnership with the Carnegie Community Centre.
RADIO
ARTS RATIONAL
Thursday October 26, 9pm - 11pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Gerry Kowalenko regularly hosts Interviews and commentary on the local arts scene and for tonight’s special Festival hour, host Jay Hamburger opens with filmmaker Ryan Sudds, whose film Stop the Sweeps will screen at Carnegie on November 4. Ryan has been on the streets, recording stories from those who may never get a chance to share their experiences with an audience. For the second part of the hour Jay talks with David Gowman aka Mr. Fireman, artist in residence at MacLean Park, where he will lead the fourth annual Evil Cult Singalong with the Legion of Flying Monkeys on October 29. Guest poet Patrick Foley has poems of concern, reaching for love and hope in the Downtown Eastside. Listen to Arts Rational on Co-op Radio!
MUSIC
MAKING MUSIC AT CARNEGIE
Friday October 27, 10am - 3:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Come to Carnegie for a full day of music making led by Matthew Ariaratnam. In the morning, Matthew facilitates two Guitar Drop Ins: 10am-11am and 11:15am-12:15pm. Guitars are provided. Everyone at all skill levels is welcome to drop by and try your fingers on the strings. From 2pm-3:30pm, join Matthew for “Musicking Together”, an opportunity to play music with fellow community members in a band format. Instruments are provided. Everyone is welcome, some skills required. Matthew Ariaratnam is an interdisciplinary sound artist, composer, guitarist, and listener. He creates sensory walks, writes dumbpop and chamber music, and frequently collaborates with choreographers, visual artists, and theatre-makers.
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS STREET POETRY
Friday October 27, 1pm - 2pm
Also October 28 & 29
Carnegie Community Centre outdoor sidewalk 401 Main Free
Following the successful debut at last year’s Festival, Spontaneous Street Poetry returns to the sidewalk outside Carnegie. Poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam host three days of responsive writing. Have you ever wondered what a poet could do with one of your thoughts or ideas? Here’s your chance to find out!
WORKSHOP
Knitting Circle: Cabled Hats & Japanese Patterns
Friday October 27, 2pm - 4:30pm SOLD OUT!
Also November 3 SOLD OUT!
Japanese Hall and Language School, 487 Alexander
Free, Registration required | bit.ly/knitcircle2
Spend two afternoons with Eri Ishii and other knitters discovering the joy of reading visual graphs that Japanese patterns offer, as well as learning the in and outs (or front and backs) of cabling. Known as a painter, Vancouver artist Eri Ishii has been knitting since she was five years old. Eri is a big fan of how Japanese patterns are written as a visual key to a pattern (using symbols and graphs) vs the North American general pattern of written instructions. Participants will knit up a hat designed by Mariko Mikuni that showcases five different cables. Lots of time for questions, idea sharing, feedback, and support as you complete your project. Some experience required: comfortable casting on/off and with knit and purl stitches. A simpler version of the pattern will be available. Yarn and needles not provided; details upon registration.
ARTIST TALK
Art in the Park Project
Friday October 27, 3pm – 4:30pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
Join Elder Marr Dorvault, Elder Les Nelson and artist Jenie Gao for an interactive discussion and celebration of this year’s Art In The Park Project. They will share stories of their experiences working together on this summer’s creative residency in Andy Livingstone Park. Now in its third year, the Art in the Park Project invited community members to draw, bead, create patterns together, and fill the park with art. The initiative aims to reduce stigma related to substance use, and to support connection and resilience in communities that use Andy Livingstone Park. See Visual Arts
OPEN HOUSE
4D Sound Mix at LOBE Studio
Friday October 27, 30 min loops, 5pm - 7pm
Lobe Spatial Sound Studio, 713 E. Hastings Free
Come by Lobe Studio on your way to the concert at RayCam and experience Scarlet Fever and Talon in spatial sound! As a way to prepare you for their performances across the street later in the evening, the artists have mixed a thirty minute program that combines their songs with works from Lobe’s catalogue. This mix is on a repeated loop, so you can come and go from Lobe between 5pm and 7pm. At 5pm, storyteller and musician Jim Sands kicks off this spatial sound event at Lobe with a welcome to the world of music.
DANCE PARTY & ART SHOW
SOMEWHERE Clement Young-Mangin and Douglas Kennedy
RAYCAM LIVE!
Friday October 27, 4pm - 8:30pm (live music 7pm)
RayCam Cooperative Centre, 920 E. Hastings
Free | Limited capacity, first come first serve.
Call RayCam front desk at 604-257-6949 to reserve a spot.
SOMEWHERE 4pm – 8:30pm
“Somewhere” is an exhibition of photographs by Clement Young-Mangin and Douglas Kennedy. We live in an interesting world filled with birds, houses, people, our families, all of nature, cities, and ourselves. And what of dreams and emotions? What is it all about? Black and white images created in a small dark nook at RayCam Cooperative Centre are the photographers’ way of being part of this amazing galaxy with no beginning and no end.
RAYCAM LIVE! 7pm – 8:30pm
It’s RayCam Live! It’s music; it’s a dance party! RayCam is a happening place where emerging young musical artists practice, record, and perform original material. This evening’s lineup includes live performances from participants in the RayCam music program: solo artist Talon (spoken word, rap) and the four piece band Scarlet Fever (indie pop rock); along with singer-songwriter and musician Jim Sands who, among many other activities, leads the weekly singing circle Strathcona Sings! at RayCam. If you want us to save you a spot, call RayCam front desk 604.257.6949.
COMEDY
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Friday October 27, doors 6:30pm, show 7pm
SFU Woodward's, Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre
149 W. Hastings
Tickets: $5-$15 sliding scale
bit.ly/famouslastwords2023
Famous Last Words features five raconteurs attempting to win their way into the heart of master of ceremonies Sara Bynoe through games designed to test their literary and comedic merit. With the assistance of the audience and her trusty sidekick Uni the Unicorn, the mistress of mirth will decide who performs best while facebook dolphining a balloon on their nose, whose picture of a puppy most looks like a famous poet, and whose poem directed at another panelist is most provocative. Taking the stage are Dina Del Bucchia, Elliott Slinn, Hari Alluri, Marie Metaphor and RC Weslowski. Presented by Death Rides a Unicorn, with SFU Office of Community Engagement.
CULTURAL SHARING
Gathering of Song and Dance
Friday October 27, 4pm - 7pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
The Downtown Eastside is home for many Indigenous people from Nations across Turtle Island. Knowing that culture saves lives, culturally specific events bring a sense of belonging and camaraderie to our community. The Festival is honoured to present drummers, singers and dancers who are active in cultural work and create a safe space to breathe and grow in the heart of the Downtown Eastside.
Singer Melanie LeCoy opens with song and welcomes friends from all nations. Three different drum groups share their voices for different styles of drumming: Love Medicine and John Sam with the music of big drum singers; Ian Bee and the pow wow drum group Starchild; and Medicine Creek, a young drum group led by Benjamin & Isaiah Durocher with support from their grandmother Mary Durocher. The big drum played by Medicine Creek was gifted to them by Patrick Smith, a longtime cultural worker in the DTES.
Blessing the ground with their dance are grass dancers Larissa Healey ni.mii makoonz “little dancing bear” and Ryan Wilton wanbi cante Omani “one who carries the eagle heart”. For Larissa, grass dancing is healing medicine that connects to their culture and their two-spirit identity: “You have to dance for your community, not yourself.” Also dancing is the mother and daughter team, fancy dancer Chantel Dustyhorn and jingle dancer Nih-Tanis Dustyhorn.
Everyone welcome; come and dance to the singing and drumming. Snacks and beverages.
THEATRE
BATTLE OF BALLANTYNE PIER THE MUSICAL
Friday October 27, 7pm
Also October 28
Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph
Tickets: $0-20 sliding scale
https://bit.ly/Pier-Musical
Join the playwright, lyricist, composer, songwriter and cast of Battle of Ballantyne Pier for a staged workshop presentation of this new musical about the 1935 Vancouver longshore workers’ strike, and the bloody confrontation known in Canadian labour history as the ‘Battle of Ballantyne Pier’. Book by Sherry MacDonald, songs by Thomas Jones, Sherry MacDonald and Russell Wallace. MacDonald is an award-winning playwright and filmmaker whose work has been produced nationally and internationally; Jones is an actor, songwriter and recording artist with an extensive body of work; and award-winning composer Wallace is a producer and traditional singer from the Lil’wat Nation.
MUSIC
IRONFEST IV - BEATINGS ARE IN THE BODY
Friday October 27, 7:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 plus service fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Coastal Jazz, in collaboration with Heart of the City Festival, presents IronFest IV, a diverse series of expressive music. Beatings are in the Body is a powerful and enigmatic project from three of Canada’s leading figures in experimental music: Vancouver based pianist, composer and improviser Róisín Adams (of Hildegard’s Ghost); Montreal-based experimental vocalist and composer Erika Angell (of Titus Owls); and Vancouverite Peggy Lee, renowned cellist, composer and improviser, who describes this work as “an investigation of how memories, pain and a spectrum of emotions are stored in and continue to be carried in our physical bodies”.
MUSIC
IRONFEST IV - OCEANS AND: TIM BERNE, AURORA NEALAND, & HANK ROBERTS
Friday Oct. 27, 9:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 plus service fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
OCEANS AND is a breathtaking musical journey created by Tim Berne (alto sax) and his newly formed trio with accordionist and multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand (sax/accordian) and Hank Roberts (cello). Characterized by tireless artistic dedication and creativity, Tim Berne’s trio takes the listener on a sonically adventurous journey and delights with amazing musical diversity. “The breathtaking music…can be deservedly and on all accounts deemed: profound, probing, intriguing, distinct, intricate, raw, courageous, mysterious, and thoughtful. An honest crusade of in-depth imagination, this music is a beacon of light in an unsettling world.” (Baikida Carroll). Presented by Coastal Jazz in collaboration with Heart of the City Festival.
ART SALE
ART MARKET IN THE ATRIUM
Saturday October 28, 12pm - 5pm
Also October 29
Woodward's Atrium, 111 W. Hastings
Audiences going to see The Awakening Workshop in the KW Studio have the opportunity to shop at an Art Market in the Atrium before and following the presentation. Original work for sale includes Native carving, beaded earrings and jewelry, paintings, drawings, photographs, badges, cards and decorations. The vendors at the pop-up two-day Festival Art Market are Downtown Eastside community artists. Drop by and say hello!
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS STREET POETRY
Saturday October 28, 1pm - 2pm
Also October 27 & 29
Carnegie Community Centreoutdoor sidewalk401 Main Free
Following the successful debut at last year’s Festival, Spontaneous Street Poetry returns to the sidewalk outside Carnegie. Poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam host three days of responsive writing. Have you ever wondered what a poet could do with one of your thoughts or ideas? Here’s your chance to find out!
OPERA
“The Awakening” Workshop
Saturday October 28, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
KW Production Studio, 111 W. Hastings Free
Vancouver Cantonese Opera presents an immersive workshop of their opera-in-development that celebrates Chinese Canadian history with a tale set against the backdrop of 1939. At the heart of the story lies the historic Sing Kew Theatre, a symbol of the Chinese Canadian community’s resilience and resistance to racism. Guest Lori Chong will share her experiences living next to the Sing Kew Theatre; other guests include jazz composer Peter Tam, and Hong Kong Cantonese opera composer/playwright Leo Lee via video greeting. Meet English playwright Stephen Atkins and Rosa Cheng, founding AD of Vancouver Cantonese Opera. The opera-in-process is performed in Cantonese by VCO cast members and in English by Capilano University Theatre students. Enjoy a special musical performance by Jacky Lam and Rosa Cheng.
劤탰粵劇『今산』묏鱗렌
邏鳳鳴粵劇團커품積極籌備뒤랗꼬劤탰粵劇鱗틔《今산》。乖們誠摯男請퀭參속異枷墩랗枷검휑（槿퍅짇）舉契돨《今산》묏鱗렌，決乞믐慤發瞳1939쾨鉗훙쌍섟廖츰돨『今僑戲牘』돨歷袈교쒼，鹿섟페劇굶뵨稜樂創鱗돨過넋。
묏鱗렌詳헙흔苟：
휑퍅：2023쾨10墩28휑（槿퍅짇）
時間：苟敎1點곕逞3點곕
뒈點：KW Production Studio, 溫며華 毆却땍鮫쌍111號
『今僑戲牘』麟쭝異溫며華鉗훙쌍돨『베쟁』，鹿蘿놔粵劇為寮，쉔異1898쾨，擁唐500林貫，鄧角20各紀놓鉗훙쌍拈삶돨櫓懃。瞳뒤랗늴各썹댕戰퍅間，『今僑戲牘』瞳베棍華훙懃靈櫓곁蘿죄關鍵돨실。
乖們景別男請돕셰賓Lori Chong，롸權劒瞳『今僑戲牘』텃똑過돨古쾨쀼憶。谿時，劇鱗소Stephen Atkins將與퀭롸權與應國鳳묾谿創鱗《今산》劇굶돨북鱗過넋。얽却稜樂鱗혓소譚겟萊冷將為퀭썩說흔부휨북얽却樂뵨粵劇稜樂。
遜，窮멍粵劇編劇소將拷過視頻與觀眾見충。
請踴躍參與，寧谿決乞櫓華匡뺏돨쑹꽈歷袈，
먁肝《今산》帶來돨匡藝裂쳄。
FILM
Forever is Composed of Nows
Saturday October 28, 1pm - 5pm
THIS Gallery, 485 Main Free
THIS Gallery presents local artist Tallulah’s film Forever is Composed of Nows on a continuous loop throughout the afternoon. This short experimental film captures elements of how Downtown Eastside residents deal with loss, death and grief. The DTES has the lowest life expectancy in Vancouver, and has been rocked by a public health emergency with overdose deaths alongside the impact of the Covid pandemic and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The film shows official and unofficial ways that space is created for residents to grieve and remember through memorials and vigils, with the support of religious leaders and Indigenous elders. This event is non-faith-based. The images capture local memorials but do not represent the event's affiliation.
CONVERSATION
Robyn’s Nest
Saturday October 28, 3pm - 5:30pm
Also October 30, 31 & November 3
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone who passed away in February 2022, Robyn’s Nest is a place and a time to mingle, rub shoulders in a casual atmosphere, socialize with friends and acquaintances and make new connections. Robyn loved to talk and engage with people, exchange ideas, listen to and share stories. Join us at the Nest; we’d love to meet, mingle and hear your thoughts on the Festival, and how we can carry it forward. Bottomless refreshments and unscheduled musical performances!
THEATRE
BATTLE OF BALLANTYNE PIER THE MUSICAL
Saturday October 28, 7pm
Also October 27
Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph
Tickets: $0-20 sliding scale
https://bit.ly/Pier-Musical
See Friday October 27 for full description.
CULTURAL SHARING
HEARTS BEAT 2023
Saturday October 28, 4pm - 7pm (doors 3:30pm)
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free | Ticket information below
Come and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Hearts Beat, a musical journey that explores shared traditions of drums, dance, storytelling, and song between Indigenous and Irish cultures.
Join us in person to witness the final version of Hearts Beat: The Film (2022, 17 min), along with live performances by the lexwst’í:lem drum group and Ceól Abú musicians, Indigenous storyteller Joseph Dandurand, Irish storyteller Philomena Jordan, among others. Hearts
Beat is honoured to have Mary Point from the Musqueam Nation and Consul General Cathy Geagon from the Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver as participants.
This afternoon of entertainment promises to foster intercultural learning, ignite new connections, and inspire our hearts and minds. Hearts Beat is a collaborative effort between the Carnegie Community Centre Indigenous Programs, the Irish Women's Network, the Irish Consulate, and the Carnegie Community Centre Association, and is proud to be part of the 20th Annual DTES Heart of the City Festival.
This is a ticketed event and tickets will be available Monday October 23 at the Carnegie Cultural Sharing Program from 6pm. For inquiries, please contact Nicole Bird at nicole.bird@vancouver.ca
MUSIC
IRONFEST IV: JOSH COLE’S KIND MIND
Saturday October 28, 7:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 plus Service Fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Coastal Jazz, in collaboration with the Heart of the City Festival, presents IronFest IV, a diverse series of expressive music. Josh Cole’s Kind Mind is a Toronto-based electro-acoustic chamber ensemble featuring three of Canada’s premier improvising musicians: Karen Ng (alto saxophone/clarinet/synth), Michael Davidson (vibraphone/marimba/pedals) and Josh Cole (double bass/pedals/synth/sampler). The trio explore a fractured, sparse timbral approach reinforced by short compositions and a long history of collective music-making delivered with precision
MUSIC
IRONFEST IV: CRAIG TABORN
Saturday October 28, 9:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 plus Service Fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Presented by Coastal Jazz in collaboration with the Heart of the City Festival, Craig Taborn has been called “One of the best jazz pianists alive” by New York Times Magazine. Brooklyn-based Traborn has been performing and composing piano and electronic music in the jazz, improvisational and creative music scene for over 25 years. Craig explores sounds and silences, ringing overtones, echoes and contrapuntal cascades, creating new music in the moment with poetic imagination and an iron grip on his spontaneously generated material.
WALKING TOURS
Two Amigos Walking Tour with John Atkin and Bob Sung
Sunday October 29
Two Tours:
10am - 11:30pm
1pm - 2:30pm (ASL interpretation available for 1pm tour)
$20 / low income pay what you can
https://bit.ly/twoamigostour
This year the Festival is excited to present two walking explorations 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, and learn about the fight for neighbourhood preservation, local architecture, the Sing Kew Theatre chinese opera house, and bbq'd meats! John is a civic historian and heritage consultant, and Bob hosts cultural and culinary tours of Chinatown.
TOUR
CULTURAL TRIBUTARIES BUILDING TOUR
Sunday October 29, 11am - 12:30pm
Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Benevolent Association Building, 525 Carrall
$20 / low income pay what you can
Limited capacity. Not wheelchair accessible
SOLD OUT!
https://bit.ly/tributariestour
A three-tributaires-in-one tour around the historic Lim Association building and landmark: a guided tour of the building led by Orville Lim on the history of the building, of the Lim clan and of Chinatown; a presentation by current tenants David Ng (Love Intersections) and Jonny Sopotiuk (Union Cooperative Initiative) on the intersection of art, community and labour movements in Chinatown; and a special performance of Drum Mother (weather permitting) by former tenant Terry Hunter of Vancouver Moving Theatre, founded in the Lim Building in 1983.
WORKSHOP
Learning Both Ways
Sunday October 29, 11am - 12:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join hosts Gilles Cyrenne and Angela J. Gray in a space of mutual learning and discussion that includes practical tips on how to work with, or as, a mentor. Alumni and mentors from Vancouver Manuscript Intensive (VMI), including director Elee Kraljii Gardiner, will share brief excerpts of their writing, then speak about their experiences with the mentoring relationship. This connection depends on deep listening and learning from both the mentor and mentee. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions and share their knowledge of the relationship of writing and mentoring.
DANCE
DON’T FEED ‘DA PIGEONS
Sunday October 29, 12pm - 12:30pm
Woodward's Atrium, 111 W. Hastings Free
What is it about pigeons anyway? Each time you shoo them away, they come back stronger and more oblivious to obstacles in their way. Lance Lim has always been fascinated with pigeons ever since he used to feed them in Pigeon Park; sometimes they’re seen as a pest or as invisible, and sometimes they awe us with resilience and determination. In this short dance-in-progress, Don’t Feed ‘da Pigeons, Lance creates movement to explore this contradiction. Lance Lim is a contemporary performance artist, with a background in dance and theatre. Born and raised in Strathcona, he was always a mover. He continues to view the world with a sense of curiosity.
ART SALE
ART MARKET IN THE ATRIUM
Sunday October 29, 12pm - 5pm
Woodward's Atrium, 111 W. Hastings
Also October 28
Audiences coming to Don’t Feed ‘da Pigeons in the Woodward's Atrium will also have the opportunity to shop at an Art Market in the Atrium following the presentation. Original work for sale includes Native carving, beaded earrings and jewelry, paintings, drawings, photographs, badges, cards and decorations. The vendors at the pop-up two-day Festival Art Market are Downtown Eastside community artists. Drop by and say hello!
TOUR
INTRODUCTION TO THE PIPE ORGAN & HISTORIC BUILDING TOUR
Sunday October 29, 12pm - 1pm
St. James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
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. Afterwards, participate in the tour of this historic and unique building – designed by the famed British architect Adrian Gilbert Scott – with guides Elisabeth Kwan and PJ Janson and learn about it’s amazing architecture and beauty. For those interested, a climb up the St. James’ Bell Tower follows the guided building tour.
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS STREET POETRY
Sunday October 29, 1pm - 2pm
Also October 27 & 28
Carnegie Community Centre outdoor sidewalk
401 Main Free
Following the successful debut at last year’s Festival, Spontaneous Street Poetry returns to the sidewalk outside Carnegie. Poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam host three days of responsive writing. Have you ever wondered what a poet could do with one of your thoughts or ideas? Here’s your chance to find out! Warning: heads up for brilliant poetry!
MUSIC
Accordion Crimes - Musical
Sunday October 29, 2pm - 3pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
The Vancouver Squeezebox Circle Orchestra takes us on a musical journey that follows the plot of Annie Proulx's 1996 novel, Accordion
Crimes. As the musical ensemble follows the little green accordion's journey, expect to hear accordion music from Italy to New Orleans, from Quebec to the Mid-West, from Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Texans to Scandinavian immigrants. The Vancouver Squeezebox Circle is a monthly drop-in open to players of all sorts of squeezed instruments, playing all genres of music at any level, and have been meeting for over 15 years. Their performances as the Vancouver Squeezebox Circle Orchestra feature anywhere from three to a dozen accordionists. For more information visit squeezeboxcircle.org.
COMEDY
FUNNY SIDE UP: STAND UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Sunday October 29, 2pm - 3:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join award-winning counselor and stand-up comic David Granirer, with comedians from Stand Up for Mental Health, to look at the lighter side of taking meds, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed, and surviving the mental health system. Special guest is Brenda Prince, a writer, comedian and graduate of the Stand Up for Mental Health program and Laughterzone 101, who performs regularly in local comedy shows. The Festival is tickled to welcome both Brenda and Stand Up for Mental Health back to the Carnegie stage. Stand Up for Mental Health teaches stand up comedy to people with mental illness: www.smhsociety.org.
EXHIBITION TOUR
Bright Futures
Sunday October 29, 3pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free admission from 3pm - 4pm
A walk through the Bright Futures exhibition with curator Aliya Boubard for an inside look at the work of the fourteen featured artists and several unique works by Bill Reid. For more information about the exhibition and the Gallery: www.billreidgallery.ca
FILM & TALKBACK
HATE CAN KILL
Sun Oct 29, 3:30pm - 5pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
Hate Can Kill is an award-winning documentary by Imtiaz Popat that looks at the community response to the 1998 murder of Nirmal Singh Gill, a caretaker at the Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Surrey BC, by five white supremacist skinheads. A shorter version of the video was produced twenty-five years ago in 1998 when the murder took place. The new updated version looks at this event and others that have happened since: events where people have been killed because of hate. This version has won over fifty film festival awards and has been shown around the world. The afternoon screening is followed by a talkback with the filmmaker and guests Gurpreet Singh, Annie Ohana and Michael Rubin.
MUSIC
4th ANNUAL LEGION OF FLYING MONKEYS EVIL CULT SINGALONG
Sunday October 29, 4pm - 5pm
MacLean Park, 710 Keefer Free
Come out in your costumes to MacLean Park for the fourth annual Legion of Flying Monkeys Evil* Cult Singalong! Enjoy a rousing good time with music composed for instruments built from Strathconally grown wood. Dance to protest-folk-rock and contend for awards of all kinds. Be fore-warned: local resident Alan Zisman, for some bizarre reason, wins all the awards. Could there be a repeat!? Join in the pledge and become a part of a larger, completely benevolent corporation. What could possibly go wrong? *Caution: children will be exposed to humanist and socialist lyrics.
FASHION SHOW
Your Style, Your Story, Your Community
Sunday October 29, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Come and cheer on fellow community members as they strut their stuff and walk the red carpet in clothing that has personal meaning to them. Each person’s style can make a unique statement and every style can tell a story. This evening is a time to listen to stories about ‘that particular hat’ or why your friend wears ‘that particular pair of earrings’. Models could be in regalia, a favourite hand-me-down from a family member, something that reflects their faith, or gender - or something that simply makes the model feel good about themselves. A fashion show of DTES style; sure to be lots of fun! Host: Karen Thorpe. Snacks to follow.
FILM & DISCUSSION
INSITE 20: Then and Now
Sunday October 29, 7pm - 8:30pm Online
Registration required | Free
https://bit.ly/insitethenandnow
Insite 20: Then and Now is an online and interactive Speakers’ Corner-style documentary and discussion with community members, drug users, activists, law enforcement and politicians. The discussion will shine light on the impact of North America's first legal injection site that opened its doors in 2003. Post-show discussion with Insite and PHS founders Mark Townsend and Liz Evans, former City Councillor Jean Swanson, and author and former member of Parliament for Vancouver East, Libby Davies. Produced by Illicit Projects.
CONVERSATION
Robyn’s Nest
Monday October 30, 3pm - 5:30pm
Also October 28, 31 & November 3
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone who passed away in February 2022, Robyn’s Nest is a place and a time to mingle, rub shoulders in a casual atmosphere, socialize with friends and acquaintances and make new connections. Robyn loved to talk and engage with people, exchange ideas, listen to and share stories. Join us at the Nest; we’d love to meet, mingle and hear your thoughts on the Festival, and how we can carry it forward. Bottomless refreshments and unscheduled musical performances!
MUSIC
Saint James Music Academy Open House
Monday October 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. James' Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova, enter on Gore
Free
All are welcome to the Saint James Music Academy (SJMA) Open House featuring a performance by the Youth Orchestra and a mid-semester glimpse of the 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 their choirs and orchestras, and so much more, students from grade 2 to 12 experience the joys and challenges of learning to make music together – and of playing an important part in something that is larger than themselves. To learn more about the program or to get involved, visit www.sjma.ca or call 778.709.7731.
OPEN SPACE
OPEN CREATIVE MAKING SPACE
Monday October 30, 6pm - 8pm
Also October 31 & November 1
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
Come and express your inner artist in a creative and welcoming space. The Festival is grateful that the InterUrban Gallery is available for us to play and create. Open to music, craftmaking, live painting, digital art – we’ll surprise ourselves with what we can create in an open environment. Facilitated by Alexandra McDougall. If the weather cooperates, we’ll open the carriage doors. Lots of fun, see you there!
READINGS
FORBIDDEN LITERATURE: READINGS OF BANNED, CHALLENGED OR PERSECUTED WORKS
Monday October 30, 7pm – 8:30pm
nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch, 730 E. Hastings Free
Also Live Streamed: info on Festival website
Issues of censorship and freedom to read are coming into focus these days across Canada and around the world. It seems every time we turn around there is a new threat to freedom of expression affecting people who have been silenced for too long. This event features Downtown Eastside poets, writers and musicians presenting works that have been banned, challenged or persecuted in a variety of contexts. We will feature a cross-section of works illustrating topics such as Indigenous rights, women’s issues, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-pipeline activism. Facilitated by Jim Sands, an East Vancouver-based storyteller and musician.
STORYSHARING
RAYCAM SENIORS STORY SHARING CIRCLE
Tuesday October 31, 11am – 1pm
RayCam Cooperative Community Centre, 920 E. Hastings
Free
Seniors at RayCam meet weekly to share stories and experiences, and to develop their storytelling skills. Sessions are held in Cantonese and English. Today, they open the doors for people of all ages with an interest in telling stories, and welcome special guest storyteller Wong Wing-Siu, a retired elementary school teacher who divides his time between writing, storytelling, singing and playing music with friends. He also loves swimming in the ocean in the early morning with the seals and riding his bike all over the city. He will share a family story and lead a discussion on storytelling structure and techniques. Lunch will be provided. To ensure your lunch order, pre-register by calling 604.257.6949.
ART
MEET & GREET AT THE HEALTH CENTRE
Tuesday October 31, 1pm - 4pm
Downtown Community Health Centre, 569 Powell
Free, everyone welcome
Come join the artists for a creative afternoon at the Downtown Community Health Centre. Artists will exhibit some of their work and you'll have a chance to talk with them about themes and techniques. There will also be art for sale. The Health Centre runs an all inclusive art program supporting people in the Downtown Eastside.
CONVERSATION
Robyn’s Nest
Tuesday October 31, 3pm - 5:30pm
Also October 28, 30 & November 3
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone who passed away in February 2022, Robyn’s Nest is a place and a time to mingle, rub shoulders in a casual atmosphere, socialize with friends and acquaintances and make new connections. Robyn loved to talk and engage with people, exchange ideas, listen to and share stories. Join us at the Nest; we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Festival, and how we can carry it forward. Bottomless refreshments and unscheduled musical performances!
ART IN THE STREETS
BIG DRUM ON THE PATIO
Tuesday October 31, 12pm - 2pm
Carnegie Patio, 401 Main Free
The Festival presents Art in the Streets with music, visual arts and poetry. A number of community performers and artists are taking part, including today’s lunchtime presentation. Today John Sam and Love Medicine bring the big drum and will sing on Carnegie’s outdoor patio. Enjoy the rhythms and protocol of the big drum!
OPEN SPACE
OPEN CREATIVE MAKING SPACE
Tuesday October 31, 6pm - 8pm
Also October 30 & November 1
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
See Monday October 30 for full description
THEATRE AND STORYTELLING
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TOWNES VAN ZANDT & A STORY OF CHEMUKH
Tuesday October 31, 7pm - 8:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join us in the Carnegie Theatre for two original performances: Priscillia Mays Tait shares a magical story about Chemukh, a young girl who can explore the universe in her dreams. Jim Sands, with songs, poetry and storytelling, examines Townes Van Zandt as a musical poet whose best songs stand alongside the world’s finest works of literature. Many words describe the late Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt; junkie, madman, and ne’er-do-well come to mind. So do words like songwriter and musician. Even if you haven’t heard of Townes Van Zandt, you surely have heard of the people who covered his songs and who have praised his unique approach to songwriting. 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.
GAMES
HEART OF THE CITY FESTIVAL SNOOKER TOURNAMENT
Wednesday November 1, 10am
Carnegie Centre Pool Room, 401 Main Free
Games, fun, prizes! Enjoy the art of snooker, a form requiring precision, hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking and perseverance. The Carnegie Pool Room hosts a sixteen-player, single-elimination Snooker Tournament. Sign up at 9:30am in the pool room. First come, first served. The day ends when the game is finished. First, second and third place prizes! Pool room open to the public. Everyone is welcome! For further information: Carnegie Volunteer Coordinator 604-606-2708.
EXHIBITION TOUR
The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act
Wednesday November 1
Two Tours 11am - 12pm & 1pm - 2pm
Chinese Canadian Museum, 51 E. Pender
Free Limited capacity. Registration required
https://bit.ly/papertrailtour
The newly opened Chinese Canadian Museum offers two tours of The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act, led by Elwin Xie, longtime associate with the Heart of the City Festival. This fascinating exhibit by Catherine Clement features hundreds of certificates of identity documents used to track Chinese Canadians during the Chinese Immigration Act. The papers were a constant reminder of second-class status in Canada. Developed in partnership with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum, this community-sourced exhibition with a national focus, probes the nature of paperwork and documentation over the contested terrain of history. A diverse array of families of Chinese descent from across Canada contributed to the exhibition. To learn more, visit www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca
WORKSHOP
Day of the Dead Ofrenda Making
Wednesday November 1, 1pm - 3pm
Also October 26 & November 2
Carnegie Learning Centre, 3rd floor 401 Main Free
For this workshop, Cultural Facilitator CJ Santana and the good people at the Learning Centre will lead the collective creation of an altar. The afternoon will explode in fun while they decorate, create and sparkle frames, sugar skulls and offerings for the Dia de los Muertos ofrenda.
READINGS
SANDY CAMERON MEMORIAL WRITING CONTEST AWARD CEREMONY
Wednesday November 1, 2pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Exciting and inspirational, this award ceremony is presented live in the Carnegie Theatre! Several award-winning writers will read work that they submitted to the contest. Now in its eighth 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 welcome.
MUSIC
SOLIDARITY NOTES LABOUR CHOIR
Wednesday November 1, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Recently, Solidarity Notes has been learning tunes from other activist choirs around the world, including the Bristol Climate Choir and the Sheffield Socialist Choir. Today they will sing some of these songs, along with sing-along zipper songs from past workshops at Carnegie. The Choir will also perform Sandy Cameron's poem Telling Our Stories put to music by conductor Earle Peach: a demonstration of the power of community singing to bring people together and move an issue forward.
EXHIBITION OPENING
COMMUNITY OF WORK: Twenty Years of Photos by David Cooper, C.M.
Wednesday November 1, 4pm - 5:30pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
Join photographer David Cooper at the opening of this new photo exhibit, Community of Work, a retrospective exhibition of David’s photos for the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival since the festival began in 2004. The exhibit features photos of festival artists along with twenty years of festival posters with photos by David. The festival provides copies of their photos to all artists who participate in the festival’s fun, community-building photo sessions. One of North America’s top dance and theatre photographers, David has opened his studio doors each year to the festival artists – one of the many ways that he supports the neighbourhood where he is based. In 2020, David was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian performance photography and dedicated mentoring of emerging artists.
MULTIMEDIA
GRAFFITI+ PRESENTS Digital Art WALL
Wednesday November 1, 6pm - 8pm
Also October 30 & 31
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
Graffiti+ presents a digital wall of interactive art making; click on the paint brush and explore the tool of digital art. It’s a fascinating combination of graffiti art in digital form; full of possibilities. Come and express your inner computer geek using large scale digital tools. If the weather cooperates, we’ll open the carriage doors. Music and lots of fun, see you there!
MUSIC
YINPIN NATIVE CHINESE ORCHESTRA, with EVA CHO
Wednesday November 1, doors 6pm - 8:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
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 Festival is pleased to present the Orchestra in the Carnegie Theatre. The players have a large repertoire of traditional and contemporary selections, and offer a humorous comedic touch to tradition. For today’s performance, they welcome Eva Cho, who sings and performs traditional Chinese folk dance. Have a cup of tea and enjoy the music and the dance.
CONVERSATION
VANDU: Over 25 Years of Resistance and Resilience
Against the War on Drugs
Wednesday November 1, 7pm - 8:30pm
312 Main Free
Since 1997, when the first overdose crisis claimed countless DTES residents, VANDU members have met in Oppenheimer Park to discuss the health and well being of people who use drugs. More than twenty-five years of resiliency and resistance against the drug war have led members to come back to the park for a month-long series of meetings on issues they are facing in 2023. Many issues spoken about twenty-five years ago - ranging from overdose deaths from a toxic supply, ongoing discrimination and stigma, to the need for regulation and decriminalization - remain topics VANDU members are working on today. Join in a discussion with current and former VANDU Board members on drug policy and advocacy in 2023.
ART INSTALLATION
We Live Here II
Wednesday November 1, 8pm - 9:30pm
Also November 2 & 3
Outdoor parking lot at Columbia & Keefer
dress for the weather Free
LIVE MUSIC & LIVE RADIO
RED JAM SLAM ON LATE NIGHT WITH SAVAGES
Wednesday November 1, 11pm - 1am
Live at Brandiz Bar, 122 E. Hastings
Broadcast LIve on Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM Free
Red Jam Slam is live at Brandiz Bar and live on Co-op Radio’s Late Night With Savages, where, as host Gunargie O’Sullivan says, “you don’t need to be Indian to be savage or savage to be Indian ….” Join broadcaster and community activist Gunargie aka Miss G for a fascinating evening of Indigenous musical artists and performers, covering traditional, original and contemporary material. Featuring Anthony Favel Band, Derrick Manic, IZA aka Elvo, DJ Handsome Tiger, Wendy, Locahontas, and more! Listen to Co-op Radio from your sofa at home or come to Brandiz and take part in the excitement!
ART SALE
Art Sale with DTES Artists Collective
Thursday November 2, 4pm - 7:30pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall
Live stream on Facebook | Also live broadcast
5pm - 6pm Co-op Radio, CFRO 100.5FM Free
An in-person art happening, organized by Gunargie O’Sullivan aka Miss G. Art will be on sale, featuring the work of the DTES Artists Collective, including artists Smokey D, Grow Up, Crystal Dawn, Edgar, Ken Dempsey, Anthony Favel Mcnabb, Faith Kuyper, Arnold, Angus Doyle, Evan Mellish, Eric Sparling, Tannah Kupers, Casandra Leon, Matt Birsky, Derick Manik, Izzy Envo, Arnold Rivers, Kadesh, MizGVS AKA Gunargie, and more! It’s your opportunity to purchase artwork with the funds going directly to the artist. Interviews with participants and art collectors will be broadcast live on Co-op Radio from 5pm to 6pm, and we’ll set up the Graffiti+ Digital Art Wall for interactive art making; a fascinating combination of graffiti art in digital form. Music and lots of fun, see you there!
DIALOGUE
9th Symposium on Reconciliation & Redress in the Arts
Thursday November 2, 10am - 3pm
Lunch provided, meet & greet
Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way
Ticket price - $0-$99.31 | https://bit.ly/Redress-Arts
The 9th Symposium on Reconciliation & Redress in the Arts brings 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 the arts and culture context. This year we will present an in-person panel on activating UNDRIP for cultural policies in cities, and present the publication In the Way / Out of the Way: Toolkit for Redressing Arts Policy aimed to mobilize the significant learnings from previous symposiums. Speakers include James Harry, Christie Lee Charles, Cease Wyss, Brandon Gabriel, Tasha Faye Evans, Irwin Oostindie and more.
The past eight symposiums (and resulting videos, 18,000+ views) have brought together experts to deep dive into policy change and share successful strategies that support redress in policies and systems for arts and land-based programming communities of Vancouver and beyond. Produced by Voor Urban Labs and presented by Coast Salish Culture Network and Vancouver Moving Theatre/DTES Heart of the City Festival, National Urban Indigenous Coalitions Council, with the assistance of City of Vancouver and Vancouver Parks Board.
RADIO
Kla How Ya on Co-op Radio
Thursday November 2, 5pm - 6pm
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Radio host Gunargie O’Sullivan provides updates and interviews on news and current events on Kla How Ya. Listen to what people directly involved or affected have to say about challenging issues and possible solutions. Today’s program is broadcast live from the DTES Artists Collective’s Art Sale happening at the InterUrban Gallery. Gunargie talks with artists, participants and art collectors about the state of art in the DTES. Listen to Co-op Radio! www.coopradio.org
COMMUNITY
STRATHCONA SINGS! INDOOR EDITION
Thursday November 2, 10am – 12pm
RayCam Cooperative Community Centre, 920 E. Hastings
Free
STRATHCONA SINGS! is a circle of seniors who meet regularly to celebrate songs that have touched their lives. They sing songs from around the world celebrating water, summertime, Beatlemania and many other topics. This special session is led by local musician Jim Sands who will present My Mother’s Songbook in honour of the 100th birthday celebration of his mother, Gladys Sands. In the 1930s and 40s, Gladys sang in big bands and radio broadcasts in Fort William, Ontario (now known as Thunder Bay) and, at one point, even met Benny Goodman!
MUSIC
BELLS OF ST. JAMES’
Thursday November 2, 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 for All Souls’ Day, the Day of the Dead. 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.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
DAY OF THE DEAD/DIA DE MUERTOS
Thursday November 2, 2pm - 6pm Free
“Day of the dead, a celebration of memory and a ritual that privileges remembrance over oblivion.”
The celebration of the Day of the Dead is an indigenous tradition common to many Latin American countries and cultures. Dia de Muertos came from a mixture of the Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl, with the Catholic influence. Mictecacihuatl is the “lady of the dead” and it is said that she watches over the bones of the dead and swallows the stars during the day. Mexicans have since transformed it into a truly unique holiday that they honour every year on November 1st and 2nd. The most important tradition is the Altar (the ofrenda).
Day of the Dead Community Procession
Thurs Nov 2, 2pm departure
Meet at Watari, 678 E. Hastings
The Watari community will lead a community procession beginning at 678 E. Hastings stopping along the way to visit the altars in the community, including in Oppenheimer Park, and leading to 320 Alexander. “A Day of the Dead altar is the portal from which the deceased crosses back to the world of the living”, said Aldo Cruz, an altarista (altar designer). An altar is decorated and provides an opportunity to leave a gift to celebrate the dead. Various elements include salt, water, candles, sugar skulls, incense, flowers, bread, paper, food and photos of loved ones.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Thurs Nov 2, 3pm - 6pm
320 Alexander
Traditional food, arts and culture, traditional music, and pan de muerto! The Watari community welcomes all to celebrate and honour the Day of the Dead with a small fiesta to eat, listen, laugh, and enjoy a hot chocolate with people who want to remember and honour our dead. Presented by Watari Counselling & Support Services.
CULTURAL SHARING
DAY OF THE DEAD COMMUNITY ALTAR
Thursday November 2, 12pm - 4pm
Listening Post, 382 Main Free
On November 1st and 2nd in Latin America, loved ones that have died are commemorated with beauty, music, love and humour as the living invite the dead to join the party for a few hours before returning to "the other side". Home altars, called ofrendas, are decorated with candles, special food, flowers, harvest vegetables, alcohol, tobacco, sugar skulls and photos of the departed. The Listening Post opened in 2000 to offer an oasis of calm at Main and Hastings and the streetfront window is one of the sites of an ofrenda for our community. Visitors are welcome to come inside and light a candle for people they are remembering.
Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda
Thursday November 2, 1pm - 3pm
Workshops October 26 & November 1
Carnegie Learning Centre, 3rd floor 401 Main Free
The Carnegie Learning Centre invites the community to visit their community altar in honour of Day of the Dead. Help activate the ofrenda where you can share in decorating, offering and remembering loved ones. Music and refreshments for the spirits and for the living. Everyone welcome!
MUSIC
REQUIEM FOR ALL SOULS
Thursday November 2, 6:30pm
St James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
At this service, we remember all who have died, among them: all who have died of opioid overdose and Covid; all who died at Residential Schools; and our own loved ones. The music, Missa pro defunctis (Requiem Mass), is by Italian composer Giovanni Francesco Anerio (c. 1567-1630), the more musically progressive younger brother of composer Felice Anerio, and a bridge between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Plainsong pervades the Mass, both as cantus firmus and paraphrase, and often in subtle ways. The overall effect is one which acknowledges the poignancy of loss while providing profound solace. Everyone welcome!
ART INSTALLATION
We Live Here II
Thursday November 2, 8pm - 9:30pm
Also November 1 & 3
Outdoor parking lot at Columbia & Keefer, dress for the weather
Free
We Live Here II is a breathtaking large-scale outdoor installation of videos that run for twenty minutes on a continuous loop and are projected onto a large wall of a local building. This year the installation features new artwork by local BIPOC youth along with other Downtown Eastside artists. They took inspiration from the phrase “we live here” to create new paintings while an overhead video camera captured their painting process. Those videos are then played back at hyper-speed via large outdoor video projection. Curated by Gunargie O’Sullivan. Produced by Radix Theatre. The Aboriginal Front Door Food Truck will be onsite.
RADIO
ARTS RATIONAL
Thursday November 2, 9pm - 11pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Gerry Kowalenko regularly hosts Arts Rational with in-depth Interviews and commentary on the local arts scene. In a special hour as part of the Heart of the City Festival, fellow host Jay Hamburger engages in a pre-recorded conversation with longtime friends Shon Wong and Elwin Xie, who talk about the upcoming premiere of Once Upon a Time on a Chinatown Night on November 3; and we don’t know what to expect when Jay attends rehearsals of the Carnegie Dance Troupe and talks with Rianne Svelnis in preparation for their November 5 presentation. Patrick Foley returns with poems of concern, creativity and hope for the Downtown Eastside. Listen to Arts Rational on Co-op Radio!
CULTURAL SHARING
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing
Thursday & Friday, November 2 & 3, 7:30pm
Saturday November 4, 3pm & 7pm
Workshop: Sunday November 5, 11am
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova
$15 in advance or by donation at the door
Box Office: 604-689-0926
www.firehallartscentre.ca/event/two-eyed-seeing
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing is a series of cultural gatherings regarding the impact of human-made environmental destruction on Mother Earth. These gatherings invite Knowledge Keepers to share stories to help guide us on our climate journey, and invite activists and academics to bear witness to these stories. By bringing Indigenous and western knowledge into dialogue, the hope is that these cultural gatherings will hold us together as we walk towards what climate justice and action mean to us.
Guided by principles of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing, the conversations take place over four gatherings, with each focusing on the impact of climate change on the four elements of Mother Earth: water, air, fire, and earth. The series culminates in a workshop on Sunday November 5, where participants – who have attended one or more of the gatherings – are invited to share their ideas and actions to address climate change. Etuaptmumk reminds us that we have a compass for this journey, and that we can imagine a different reality together. Guided by Rosemary Georgeson and Lara Aysal, with host Kim Haxton. Produced by The Only Animal, with the Firehall Arts Centre and Vancouver Moving Theatre.
OPEN HOUSE
Vancouver Police Museum & Archives
Friday November 3, 11am - 5pm
Free tours at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
Vancouver Police Museum, 2nd floor, 240 E. Cordova Free
Come visit the Vancouver Police Museum and Archives.Its captivating history will draw you in from the moment you step through the door. Located at Cordova and Gore, the museum is the site of the old Coroners Court, Morgue, Autopsy Suite and City Analyst Lab. Walk through the museum's historic spaces and learn about some of the City's most exciting criminal cases, and the fascinating changes in forensic science and policing in Vancouver. The Museum is pleased to offer activities for all ages during the open house, with mini tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
COMMUNITY
REWEAVING OUR WORDS
Friday November 3, 1pm - 4pm
Trillium North Park, Malkin & Thornton Free
Join the UBC Learning Exchange and EartHand Gleaners Society at Trillium Park for an afternoon of weaving and related activities. Weavers from the fall weaving series will display and discuss their work. Experienced facilitators will lead activities working with wool, plant fibres, and the Land Loom. While your hands are busy, embark on a conversation about experiences of losing language and how we might reweave these hidden words back into our lives. Music and food too! Work zones are covered by tarps, but garden visits, washroom trips, and moving between work-zones require rain gear or umbrellas. Dress for the weather!
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Friday November 3, 1pm & 2pm
Starts at InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and their melancholy 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!
WORKSHOP
An Ear for Dialogue
Friday November 3, 2pm - 4pm
Carnegie Learning Centre, 3rd floor 401 Main Free
The Festival is pleased to offer a writing workshop with Aren X. Tulchinsky, Vancouver Public Library’s Writer in Residence. Have you ever heard of someone having “a good ear for dialogue”? Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and the dialogue felt real and natural? Whether you are writing a play, a novel, short story, memoir or screenplay, your characters need dialogue. In this hands-on workshop, Aren will lead participants in short writing exercises and teach how to write authentic sounding dialogue. Bring a notebook and pen. Aren X. Tulchinsky is a proud East Ender and member of the LGBTQ2S+ community. He is a published author who has worked as a video editor and writer on numerous television shows, has taught creative writing, and is currently a writing mentor at Vancouver Manuscript Intensive.
WORKSHOP
Knitting Circle: Cabled Hats & Japanese Patterns
Friday November 3, 2pm - 4:30pm SOLD OUT!
Also October 27 SOLD OUT!
Japanese Hall and Language School, 487 Alexander
Free, Registration required | bit.ly/knitcircle2
Spend two afternoons with Eri Ishii and other knitters discovering the joy of reading visual graphs that Japanese patterns offer, as well as learning the in and outs (or front and backs) of cabling. Known as a painter, Vancouver artist Eri Ishii has been knitting since she was five years old. Eri is a big fan of how Japanese patterns are written as a visual key to a pattern (using symbols and graphs) vs the North American general pattern of written instructions. Participants will knit up a hat designed by Mariko Mikuni that showcases five different cables. Lots of time for questions, idea sharing, feedback, and support as you complete your project. Some experience required: comfortable casting on/off and with knit and purl stitches. A simpler version of the pattern will be available. Yarn and needles not provided; details upon registration.
OPEN HOUSE
Gallery Drop-In
Friday, November 3, 2pm - 5pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free Admission
Drop by the Bill Reid Gallery to visit their current exhibition Bright Futures. Enjoy some crafts, songs and storytelling with members of the Carnegie Community Centre Indigenous Program and the lexwst'i:lem Drum Group. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with Elders.
CONVERSATION
Robyn’s Nest
Friday November 3, 3pm - 5:30pm
Also October 28, 30 & 31
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall
Free
Inspired by Festival friend Robyn Livingstone who passed away in February 2022, Robyn’s Nest is a place and a time to mingle, rub shoulders in a casual atmosphere, socialize with friends and acquaintances and make new connections. Robyn loved to talk and engage with people, exchange ideas, listen to and share stories. Join us at the Nest; we’d love to meet, mingle and hear your thoughts on the Festival, and how we can carry it forward. Bottomless refreshments and unscheduled musical performances!
MUSIC
Music for Healing and Fun
Friday November 3, 5pm - 7:30pm
Listening Post, 382 Main Free
Bring a song, a poem, an instrument, and some food to share. All are welcome to this beautiful space, the Listening Post. There is a keyboard and a few drums you can play. If you have questions call 604.714.0217.
VIDEO
From the Video Archives of Sid Chow Tan
Friday November 3, 6pm - 7pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
In honour of longtime Downtown Eastside documentarian and organiser Sid Chow Tan, this screening features a selection from his extraordinary collection of volunteer-produced video journalism. Sid’s vast archive depicts four decades of struggles, victories, celebrations, and everyday lives of DTES and Chinatown communities. On this occasion of one year since his passing, these selections honour the creative power of community-based media and the courage to shape our realities together. The screening is presented with gratitude and in solidarity with the friends, organisers, community television volunteers and staff who made possible the production, broadcast, and archive of these videos. Selections compiled by Sid’s collaborator Byron Peters.
DANCE PARTY
“ZABAVA” COMMUNITY DANCE
Friday November 3, doors 7pm, band 7:30pm
Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 805 E. Pender
Adults $30, Children (6-15 years) $20
https://bit.ly/Zabava-Dance
It’s a Zabava! It’s time for a party to celebrate and connect with the Downtown Eastside community. Join the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians for a fun evening at a family-friendly Ukrainian dance party! Dance the night away to live music from the New Wave Band and show off your best moves during the traditional Kolomeyka. Formed in 2006, New Wave plays retro, classic rock, funk, pop, disco and the latest modern Ukrainian and English-language hits, with something to satisfy every listener. Partial proceeds from this event will be donated to Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine. For more information: https://www.auucvancouver.ca
CULTURAL SHARING
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing
Friday November 3, 7:30pm
Also November 2 & 4; Workshop Nov 5
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova
$15 in advance or by donation at the door
Box Office: 604-689-0926
www.firehallartscentre.ca/event/two-eyed-seeing
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing is a series of cultural gatherings regarding the impact of human-made environmental destruction on Mother Earth. These gatherings invite Knowledge Keepers to share stories to help guide us on our climate journey, and invite activists and academics to bear witness to these stories. By bringing Indigenous and western knowledge into dialogue, the hope is that these cultural gatherings will hold us together as we walk towards what climate justice and action mean to us.
Guided by principles of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing, the conversations take place over four gatherings, with each focusing on the impact of climate change on the four elements of Mother Earth: water, air, fire, and earth. The series culminates in a workshop on Sunday November 5, where participants – who have attended one or more of the gatherings – are invited to share their ideas and actions to address climate change. Etuaptmumk reminds us that we have a compass for this journey, and that we can imagine a different reality together. Guided by Rosemary Georgeson and Lara Aysal, with host Kim Haxton. Produced by The Only Animal, with the Firehall Arts Centre and Vancouver Moving Theatre.
MUSIC & MEMORIES
ONCE UPON A TIME ON A CHINATOWN NIGHT
Friday November 3, 7:30pm
STRETCH Studio, 180 E. Pender, 2nd floor
Tickets $30. Advance tickets: bit.ly/chinatownnight
Limited Seating. Tickets at Door.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Once Upon a Time on a Chinatown Night follows the personal journey of Shon Wong and his search for family, identity and purpose as he meets the unexpected and is challenged by mystery. This evening of discovery also holds light on Chinatown’s pandemic experience, honours its resistance and resilience, and celebrates Chinese Canadian heritage. The production weaves together original Chynatruckerfunk music by the Son of James Band, historical projections by Elwin Xie, story by Shon Wong, narration spoken by Ramona Mar, with special guest Chinese Ukrainian jazz guitarist Henry Young. A Son of James production in association with Vancouver Moving Theatre.
FILM & CONVERSATION
BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN
Friday November 3, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Free
All across the globe, Chinatowns are under threat of disappearing – and along with them, the rich history of communities who fought from the margins for a place to belong. Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and an unprecedented rise in anti-Asian racism, the documentary Big Fight in Little Chinatown takes us into the lives of residents, businesses and community organizers that are the heartbeat of a neighbourhood. Directed by Karen Cho (١ل٩إ伦), a Chinese-Canadian filmmaker known for her socio-political documentaries that explore themes of identity, immigration, and social justice. Followed by a conversation with Chinatown community members and activists. Presented in partnership with Chinatown Together.
ART INSTALLATION
We Live Here II
Friday November 3, 8pm - 9:30pm
Also November 1 & 2
Outdoor parking lot at Columbia & Keefer, dress for the weather
Free
We Live Here II is a breathtaking large-scale outdoor installation of videos that run for twenty minutes on a continuous loop and are projected onto a large wall of a local building. This year the installation features new artwork by local BIPOC youth along with other Downtown Eastside artists. They took inspiration from the phrase “we live here” to create new paintings while an overhead video camera captured their painting process. Those videos are then played back at hyper-speed via large outdoor video projection. Curated by Gunargie O’Sullivan. Produced by Radix Theatre. The Aboriginal Front Door Food Truck will be onsite.
WALKING TOUR
Wonder Walks: Vancouver Chinatown
Saturday November 4, 11am - 12:30pm
$20 / low income pay what you can
Limited capacity, registration required
https://bit.ly/wonderwalks
This new walking tour of Chinatown takes you on a journey from past to present, highlighting wonders and big sights in little Chinatown. Based on both historical research and community ties and involvement, your guide, photographer and filmmaker Larry Chin, highlights the significance of community, culture, history, heritage and place. Word of advice: check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. For information about the group visit: www.chinatownwonders.com/wonders
DROP IN DANCE CLASS
ALL BODIES DANCE PROJECT
Saturday November 4, 12pm - 2pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Free, no registration required
All Bodies Dance Project offers an accessible and inclusive dance class – led by Rianne Svelnis and Lance Lim – for adults of all abilities, genders, sizes, experiences, and backgrounds. Drop in to a safe and fun environment where everyone can experience the joy of moving and creating within a diverse community and where differences are celebrated. ASL interpretation is available upon request; Cantonese/Mandarin interpretation provided. Everyone welcome! For more information visit: www.allbodiesdance.ca/classes/carnegie
ART IN THE STREETS
Sounds Fishy Parade
Saturday November 4, 12pm
Begins at InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings Free
The Festival is fortunate to work with so many creative artists in all artistic disciplines. This year, we are excited that Gerardo Avila, long time Festival associate, theatre artist and director, is in town to lead a Sounds Fishy Parade. Gerardo brings an amazing array of fantastic creatures, including the jelly-fish, the octopus, a six foot seagull, and the largest boa constrictor this side of South America! Dress up in your favourite mermaid attire and join the parade – sounds fishy!
OPEN HOUSE
First Saturday Open Studios
Saturday November 4, 12pm - 5pm
Various locations in the neighbourhood
Free
Initiated in 2010, First Saturday Open Art Studios is a monthly event 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! Visit www.firstsaturday.ca to view artists profiles and learn who will be open.
SHOWCASE
DTES POETS
Saturday November 4, 2pm - 3pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
The Downtown Eastside is brimming with people who write every day, by themselves and in writing groups, and who write some of the most powerful poetry we have the fortune to hear. The Festival is pleased to present an afternoon of poetry at the InterUrban and the day begins by welcoming a few of these talented poets. Come for a selection of original poetry read by Joanne Arnott, Stephen Lytton, Brian Nelson, and Shauna Paull, along with host Diane Wood, artist, poet, DTES resident and community activist.
CULTURAL SHARING
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing
Saturday November 4, 3pm & 7pm
Also November 2 & 3; Workshop November 5
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova
$15 in advance or by donation at the door
Box Office: 604-689-0926
www.firehallartscentre.ca/event/two-eyed-seeing
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing is a series of cultural gatherings regarding the impact of human-made environmental destruction on Mother Earth. These gatherings invite Knowledge Keepers to share stories to help guide us on our climate journey, and invite activists and academics to bear witness to these stories. By bringing Indigenous and western knowledge into dialogue, the hope is that these cultural gatherings will hold us together as we walk towards what climate justice and action mean to us.
Guided by principles of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing, the conversations take place over four gatherings, with each focusing on the impact of climate change on the four elements of Mother Earth: water, air, fire, and earth. The series culminates in a workshop on Sunday November 5, where participants – who have attended one or more of the gatherings – are invited to share their ideas and actions to address climate change. Etuaptmumk reminds us that we have a compass for this journey, and that we can imagine a different reality together. Guided by Rosemary Georgeson and Lara Aysal, with host Kim Haxton. Produced by The Only Animal, with the Firehall Arts Centre and Vancouver Moving Theatre.
READING
MEGAPHONE’S VOICES OF THE STREET WRITERS
Saturday November 4, 3:30pm - 5pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
Join Megaphone to hear readings from the writers of this year’s edition of Voices of the Street. Voices of the Street features poetry and prose written by people facing poverty, inadequate housing, substance use and other marginalizing barriers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The book is sold by Megaphone vendors on the street; vendors buy the book for $5 and sell it for $10. This year’s edition is called Losing Hope, Finding Home and it explores the housing crisis, homelessness, finding home and more from the perspective of people with lived experience.
FILM
STOP THE SWEEPS
Saturday November 4, 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Free
Stop the Sweeps – a documentary by Vancouver-based filmmaker and organizer Ryan Sudds – chronicles the violent decampments of the unhoused people in the DTES, and the subsequent community resistance against the ongoing state-sanctioned violence and neglect. Stop the Sweeps acts as a vital document and catalyst for dialogue on acts of dispossession in our community. Followed by an informal townhall conversation moderated by the Stop the Sweeps team; presented with Gallery Gachet.
FILM
SMOKEY DEVIL - UNDERWORLD STREET REPORTER
Saturday November 4, 7:30pm - 9pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Free
Smokey Devil – Underworld Street Reporter, is an insightful and engaging film directed by Nathaniel Canuel that focuses on the life of Smokey D, a locally renowned Downtown Eastside icon and artist known for his murals that depict memorials, the toxic drug crisis, MMIWG2S and other issues. Followed by a conversation with the artist and filmmaker.
POETRY
MURIEL’S JOURNEY POETRY PRIZE 2023 CHAPBOOK LAUNCH
Saturday November 4, 6:30pm - 8pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
Join Gilles Cyrenne, Daniela Elza and other winners in the launch of this year’s Muriel’s Journey Poetry Prize chapbook! Muriel’s Journey celebrates the legacy of Muriel Marjorie, well-known DTES poet, actor and activist who delighted in tackling things from an unusual, makes-you-wake-up-and-listen point of view. There will be an open mic for poets, especially for those who knew Muriel. Organizers: Isabella Mori and Kyle Hawke. MC: Caroline Low.
CULTURAL SHARING
Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Being and Seeing Workshop
Sunday November 5, 11am
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova Free
https://www.firehallartscentre.ca/event/two-eyed-seeing
Over four gatherings this week, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers led circles of conversations with Elders, activists and academics bearing witness to the human environmental destruction of Mother Earth. Each event focused on our impact on one of the four elements of Mother Earth: water, air, fire and earth.
For today’s workshop, Circle Conversation attendees are invited to join a reflection on what was shared in the circles, via embodied creative activities guided by Rosemary Georgeson and Lara Aysal. You will have attended at least one Circle Conversation to attend the workshop. Limited seating. Produced by The Only Animal and presented by the Firehall Arts Centre and Vancouver Moving Theatre.
DANCE
Karen Jamieson Dance & Carnegie Dance Troupe
Sunday November 5, 1pm - 2pm
SFU Woodward's, Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre 149 W. Hastings Free
The Carnegie Dance Troupe presents a live and in-person studio showing of the work that began last year as they gathered again post-pandemic. They are ‘carrying it forward’ with collaborations concentrating on the ensemble as a whole. Under the direction of Rianne Svelnis, the dancers demonstrate the power of collective artmaking that has always been ‘grounded in community’. Since 2006, the principle supporting the Carnegie Dance Troupe is absolute inclusivity. Performances are created through processes of collaboration, seeking to connect us to our body, to our breath, to the energy of the earth, to each other and to our diverse communities. The Carnegie Dance Troupe is part of Karen Jamieson Dance, and partners with the Carnegie Community Centre and SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. www.kjdance.ca
CULTURAL SHARING
Building Community: 20 Years of Friendship
Sunday November 5
Doors & Cultural Displays: 2pm
Concert: 3pm, with reception to follow
Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 805 E. Pender
Tickets Adults $30, Children (6-15 years) $20
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/727350283277
The Festival ends on a high note at the east-end’s historic Ukrainian Hall with an afternoon of soul-stirring music, high energy dance and exquisite costumes. This annual favourite, produced with the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, features the Barvinok Choir, Dovbush Dancers and the Vancouver Ukrainian Folk Orchestra. Cultural speaker and practitioner Bob Baker (S7aplek) of the Squamish Nation opens the concert, with special Festival guests: the musical ensemble Tzimmes, and poet Diane Wood.
Tzimmes is a highly unique and accomplished music ensemble that presents Jewish music with songs ranging in style from European Klezmer to Mid-Eastern Sephardi to North American folk. New settings of traditional repertoire alternate with original creations that reflect an ongoing integration of new materials.
Diane Wood, DTES resident, artist, poet and community activist, will read 100 Years of Struggle by the late Sandy Cameron. The historian, poet, visionary and conscience of a community was deeply involved in the Downtown Eastside. Although Sandy passed away over 10 years ago, the Heart of the City Festival continues to follow his guiding words "Memory is the mother of community."
Following the concert, light refreshments will be served. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle, listen to live music and visit cultural displays commemorating the 20th Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, as well as items from the Ukrainian Hall’s special collections.
For more information: https://www.auucvancouver.ca