5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (January 23-29)

Your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

1. Get Into Some (Un)Civil Discourse at The Phil Lind Initiative Speaker Series

January 26

Award-winning author of eleven books and staff writer for The New Yorker, Masha Gessen is the first guest in The Phil Lind Initiative 2023 speaker series taking place at UBC. Titled (Un)Civil Discourse, this series takes a poignant look at the major factors fueling the rancor and divisiveness in American politics with first speaker Gessen bearing insightful and searing commentary on Russia, LGBTQ2+ rights, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and the rise of autocracy in his talk What is Politics For? Moderated by journalist, commentator and author Carol Off.

When: January 26
Where:  Frederic Wood Theatre
Cost: Free
More Info: lindinitiative.ubc.ca

2. Enjoy Some Experimental Drums and Electronics with Joby Burgess

January 25-26

Looking for a concert-going experience that’s all about percussion and electronics and inspired by texts ranging from the poetry of Robert Graves to novels by Michael Ondaatje? (I can appreciate how niche that question is… but it sounds pretty cool, right?) Join percussionist extraordinaire Joby Burgess as he performs his new album A Percussionist’s Songbook: a collection of specially commissioned ‘songs without words’ from John Metcalfe, Tunde Jegede, Dario Marianelli, Yazz Ahmed, Graham Fitkin, Dobrinka Tabakova and Gabriel Prokofiev. This concert is presented by PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and presenting partner Music on Main.

When: January 25-26
Where: Annex
Cost: From $39
More Info: musiconmain.ca

3. Check Out the Theatrical Premiere of Haiti Betrayed

January 28

Endorsed by Noam Chomsky himself and making its theatrical debut at this year’s VIFF, the documentary Haiti Betrayed, from award-winning Nanaimo-based filmmaker and photojournalist Elaine Brière (Bitter Paradise: The Sell-out of East Timor), outlines the role Canada had in the 2004 coup d’état in Haiti that brought an end to a decade of democracy and progressive reforms. If you’re looking for a deeply moving and political piece to check out, this could be the flick to pick. And if it’s good enough for political savant Chomsky himself, it’s good enough for us! Still not sure? Check out the trailer here. 

When: January 28
Where: VIFF Centre Vancity Theatre
Cost: $12
More Info: eventbrite.ca

4. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Heritage Food Tasting and Live K-Pop and Cantopop

January 28

Looking to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit (and eat some good food while you do it)? At the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, ring in the Lunar New Year with a heritage food tasting. Come learn the cultural significance of each dish from the neighbourhood’s talented chefs— everything from a signature roasted mini pig from Chinatown BBQ to White Rabbit cookies from Kouign Cafe. And what party would be complete without some music? Starting at 7 p.m., the theatre will transform into your own private Cantopop and K-pop concert—just don’t forget to reserve your tickets as spots are limited.

When: January 28
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Cost: $35 ($25 for CSC members)
More Info: chinatownstorytellingcentre.org

5. Get Revved Up at the Ace Moto Show

January 27-29

For all you motorheads out there (not to be confused with Motörhead fans… though there’s probably some crossover here, honestly), Vancouver’s first annual custom motorcycle and moto art show is coming to East Van. Check out all the latest and coolest on two wheels while you mix and mingle with tuners, racers, and builders, celebrating everything to do with riding, living and modifying bikes.

When: January 27-29
Where: 140 W Hastings
Cost: From $25
More Info: acemotoshow.com