Vancouver Culture Picks for February 2020

Talking Stick Festival

DATE February 18 to 29
VENUE Various venues
PRICE Varies, some events free or pay what you can
talkingstickfest.ca

“Nobody was coming to Indigenous work of any kind at the beginning,” says Talking Stick Festival founder Margo Kane. In 2001, Kane says, she started the festival with “little support from the local arts community.” Unlike other fests, hers didn’t stick to singular Western forms of art: dance, music, theatre, film, spoken word and powwow were all welcome. “In the past, there has been no place for us,” says Kane, “so we created a venue for any kind of artistic expression to be shared.”

Now in its 19th year, Talking Stick has been a slow build, with growth rooted in support from the local Indigenous community (support that’s exhibited in the 2020 theme chéńchenstway, Squamish for “upholding each other, lifting each other up”). The festival has expanded to include international acts from Australia, Mexico and New Zealand, but still focuses on local voices, and the inspirational, educational and healing qualities they offer within the Indigenous community. And today, there’s no lack of interest: “We think that maybe our festival is too short!” says Kane

Kim’s Convenience

Date February 13 to March 28
Venue Multiple venues
Price Price varies by location
artsclub.com

Suburbs, rejoice: the hilarious play following Canada’s favourite Korean shopkeeper is travelling to a theatre near you. (We’re talking North Van, New West, Coquitlam—see online for full tour.)

BIG Sister

Date February 19 to 29
Venue The Cultch
Price From $26

This one-woman comedy is part of the Cultch’s Femme Series, and tells the story of one sister’s 70-pound weight loss through another sister’s eyes.

Uncle Janes Crystal Queer Comedy

Date February 21
Venue Little Mountain Gallery
Price $5
jflnorthwest.com

There’s plenty of celebs in the JFL Northwest lineup, but we suggest catching a show starring the local, queer-identifying funny folks of Uncle Janes, as a treat.

Dear Evan Hansen

Date February 25 to March 1
Venue Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Price From $90
vancouver.broadway.com

You know what they say: a hit Broadway musical needs a strong cast—and if you didn’t get that great joke, all the more reason to see the show.

Alma Deutscher

DATE February 29
VENUE The Orpheum
PRICE From $22
vancouversymphony.ca

Fourteen-year-old Deutscher wrote her first concerto at age 12 and has been charming the world in the style of Mozart ever since.

Singing Can Be a Drag

Date February 29
Venue Red Gate Revue Stage
Price $35
vancouvermenschorus.ca

The Vancouver Men’s Chorus transforms into a choir of queens for this drag extravaganza. Expect ballads, showtunes and a whole lotta hair.

ARCHIVE Consignment Pop-Up Sale

Date February 28 to March 2
Venue Chinese Cultural Centre
Price Free
heyarchive.ca

Shop smarter and greener at Vancouver’s largest three-day consignment pop-up—one grandpa’s sweater is another gal’s shabby-chic pullover.

Paper Animation Workshop

Date March 7
Venue The Cinematheque
Price $12
thecinematheque.ca

Transform your own drawings into paper animations (and learn what the heck thaumatropes and zoetropes are) at this beginner’s workshop.

Curry Cup

Date March 9
Venue Heritage Hall
Price $69
chefstablesociety.com

Now in its seventh year, the Curry Cup is our city’s hottest family-style meal competition. Come hungry—admission gets you a taste of the curried creations of eight of Vancouver’s top chefs.