The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit.

The Scout List is our carefully considered first rate list of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. From our calendar to yours…

MUSIC

WINTERRUPTION

There are some stellar acts performing at this year’s Winterruption on Granville Island. Catch a little spoken word with Sal Ferreras, Ivan E Coyote, Shane Koyczan (the spoken word dude from the Olympic opening ceremonies), Ariana Waynes and Skeena Reece during a literary evening that “shifts beyond words and music into a brave new artistic realm” or be enchanted by Veda Hille (piano and vocals) playing with Peggy Lee (cello) and Skye Brooks (drums). Check out the full list of options at the Winterruption site.
Feb 19 – 27 | | Various times | Performance Works (Granville Island) | Various prices – including FREE

JANE COOP

When Music on Main announced Jane Coop was playing at the Cellar, tickets went fast. A second show has been added, and if you hurry you can still snap up a ticket to that one. Music on Main knows why: “When pianist Jane Coop performs at the Cellar, it will be a rare, intimate encounter with one of Canada’s most prominent and distinguished artists. Her programme includes, J.S. Bach’s Partita No.5 in G Major, Beethoven’s Sonata Op.28 (“Pastoral”), two Impromptus by Chopin, and Mendelssohn’s Fantasy Op.28.” A different night out, guaranteed.
Feb 22 | 8pm | The Cellar (3611 West Broadway) | $30

JULIE DORION

If you don’t know who she is – get the Wiki here, flip over to her website here or better yet, YouTube her. She’s awesome and you shouldn’t miss the chance to see her. For free. Twice!
Feb 23 | 8pm | Live City Downtown | FREE
Feb 24 | 7:30pm | Atlantic Canada Kitchen Party (Granville Island) | FREE

COMMUNITY

CANADA vs USA

Community on a big scale: Team Canada (hopefully with Roberto Luongo in goal) goes up against the USA for the final preliminary-round in Olympic ice-hockey. Like you needed us to tell you. More information at www.vancouver2010.com
Feb 21 | GM Place | 7pm | $ If you can find a ticket to this – you’ll be payin plenty

WATER

Head to the Drive for a talk about river ecosystems and government proposed hydroelectric projects at the Wet Coast Water Fest. Not everyone’s idea of a mid-Olympics Friday night, but someone has to stand up for clean water and protecting ecosystems, and hell, better you than us.
Feb 19 | 7pm | Britannia Centre | FREE

FISH

The Wild Salmon Circle presents a rally to highlight the negative impacts that Norwegian fish farms may be having on B.C.’s wild salmon featuring speeches by former Department of Fisheries and Oceans biologist Otto Langer and chair of First Nations Leadership Council Aquaculture Working Group chief Bob Chamberlin. More information here.
Feb 20 | 1pm | Vanier Park | FREE

FREE STUFF

I think the Rhizome Free Store is an awesome idea.  Here is the scoop –  each month, the Rhizome Cafe hosts a ‘Free Store’ allowing people share their resources with each other. Each month the ‘store’ has a different ‘theme’. This month, it’s all about sharing arts and crafts supplies. Rhizome invites you to bring crafts supplies–and ideas on how to use them — to the cafe where you can browse the free store, and choose some new (to you) items to take home. The motto is: “Share what you have! Get what you need!”
Feb 21 | 5 – 8pm | Rhizome Cafe | FREE

FASHION

It’s time to think about weaning yourself off of the red hoodie/jersey with a little style – there are some cool fashion-oriented events this coming week…

VANCOUVER MUSIC AND FASHION FESTIVAL

“A truly eclectic mix of music, fashion, and beauty fused into one event, VMFF is set to take the stage at Barcelona Ultra Lounge in downtown Vancouver. Posed as a global marketplace for music, fashion, and beauty afficionados…As outstanding bands bring the house down, upcoming and seasoned designers show off their stuff.” I don’t know – that’s what the media release says, I don’t write the stuff. I’m mentioning it because Flora and Fauna is showing their new line and we are big fans of F&F’s simple designs and soft textiles. Check out the full schedule here.
Feb 18-21 | Varuious times | Barcelona Ultra Lounge | $25 single show \ $50 full day \ $100 full week

BLIM

Blim is throwing down at Heritage Hall on Sunday. There will be 48 vendors, music, hot food, beverages, entertainment and – as always – hip fashion and accessories will play a big role. Expect to find oodles of jewelery, locally made clothes, cool vintage, and a wide array of trinkets and bobbles.
Feb 21 | 11am – 5pm | Heritage Hall | by donation

GO SLEEVELESS

Not everyone is into hockey. If you’re one of those people and you’re kind of bummed that the whole city is fixated on the Olympic semi-finals on Monday night, don’t despair. There’s plenty of cool stuff going down. Case in point: Jessica Maros is a Vancouver-raised Nashville-based designer (as well as songwriter and singer) who is bringing her wares home for a West Coast debut. Maros, who began her designing career with clothing, is now creating accessories. Maros, together with co-designer, Nashville wardrobe stylist Kyah Hillis, has branched out to launch a line of bold accessories: Sleeveless (promotional image for which is pictured in our Scout List banner this week). Think “handcrafted leather cuffs adorned with rare crystal brooches and classic silver and gold chain…restored using a variety of specialized techniques, and re-invented in edgy, sophisticated designs.” This is where Figmint comes in – in the late afternoon/early evening (read: before the puck drops for the men’s semifinals) of Monday you can go cutting-edge swing by Figmint Restaurant & Lounge to check out the Sleeveless trunk show.
Feb 21 | 4-7pm | Figmint Restaurant & Lounge, 500 West 12th Ave | FREE

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives by the beach in Vancouver and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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