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…

If you hurry, swing by “there’s no junk at this trunk” jewelery trunk show at Walrus. It’ll be awesome: “Meet the designers, have a drink, be the first to see their newest pieces…and while you’re at it, enjoy a free make up touch up by the gals of beautymark.”
Thursday, September 9 | 6pm | 3408 Cambie | FREE and cool

Once you’re dolled up and properly accessorized, you’ll be ready to hit one of the oodles of opening receptions going on tonight. The Contemporary Art Gallery of Vancouver throws down with Following the A Line. Grace Gallery is opening a show of Jennifer Mawby’s new works (info here). Presentation House Gallery brings you Flakey: Early Works of Glenn Lewis. This exhibition is launched with a Glenn Lewis kimchee cooking demonstration performance. Beat that. Plus there’s an opening for the exhibition showcasing Emily Carr’s Design, Media + Visual Arts Faculty.

Oh, and it’s time for Swarm. In case you haven’t heard of it, Swarm is an annual festival organized by the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centers. There will lots going on, all of it fun.

On the big screen this week, don’t miss 12 Takes at Pacific Cinémathèque: “Douglas Coupland discusses his career as a visual artist interrupted. Carl Newman discloses his fears as he works on the next New Pornographers album. David Burdeny travels the world taking photographs of iconic cityscapes. Shane Koyczan still can’t find love. Also included are profiles of dancers 605 Collective and Noam Gagnon; classical musicians National Broadcast Orchestra; visual artists Reece Terris and Roy Henry Vickers; author/artist Nick Bantock; architect Omer Arbel; and design studio Organelle. ” Get the full scoop (yes, there is more) here.

The Rio is showing the new George Clooney flick…just so you know. And Russell Crowe’s take on Robin Hood plays at the Hollywood.

Cold Cave canceled their gig at the Biltmore. But don’t fret, as Crooked Fingers are playing on Monday night and that will make everything OK.

Modern English is slotted to hit Fortune on Saturday night. Modern English? Wow, it’s been a while.

Scissor Sisters are in Malkin Bowl on Thursday the 16th. Zulu can still hook you up with tickets.

What else? Oh, totally get yourself to the Wild West End for a feast on Friday night. Good times.

An on Saturday afternoon you should make your way to Strathcona Gardens to learn the basics of Vancouver’s chicken bylaw and learn what it would take for you to start getting fresh eggs from your own backyard. “Chicken-coop-builder Duncan Martin will let you in on some tips for building your own coop and introduce you to everything you need to know about basic care, sourcing chickens and supplies, and helpful resources for future reference. Email Duncan for more information: [email protected]
September 11 | 1 – 3:30 | Strathcona Community Garden | Suggested donation: $10-15

There’s a reception and unveiling of the Stanley Park Nature House community quilt on Saturday. If you’re in the park, stop in at the Lost Lagoon Nature House to show you’re support. Over 20 East Side youth worked on the project.
September 11 | 5 pm | Lost Lagoon Nature House – Foot of Alberni | FREE

This year’s Davie Day includes some cool sounding bits that will set Davie apart other neighbourhood celebrations. I’m particularly impressed by the description of the ‘heritage zone’ that will feature old-fashioned lollipops, blacksmith demonstrations and a photographer taking turn-of-the-century pictures. Not your typical facepainting/bouncy castle action. Thanks Davie Street BIA!
September 11 | 11 am on |  Davie Street between Burrard and Broughton | FREE

The 1st Annual Chinatown Youth Street Hockey Tournament takes over the 500 Carrall Street Greenway (between Keefer & Pender St) on Saturday. Street hockey…yay!

SFU tackles the question of Afghanistan (How Did We Get Here? Where Are We Going?) I’m not sure if two hours will cover it, but it’s a start.
September 11 | 1:30 – 3:00 pm | SFU Harbour Centre | FREE

Public Dreams is having a garage sale, and it won’t be your average one. Expect (if you get there early enough) to find art, art materials, baskets, crafts, lanterns, masks, clothes, collectibles, keepsakes, props, fabric, furniture, exotic odds and ends and crapload of books.
September 12,  10 am – 3 pm | #141 – 2050 Scotia Street | FREE to rummage, cheap to purchase

Or head to the Flats for a community event that focuses on horses and a rural lifestyle within the city of Vancouver, pony rides and all. Giddy-up.
September 12 | 10:00am to 5:00pm | Southlands Riding Club

And now for something completely different: renowned spiritual writer Andrew Harvey presents his book, “Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism” at VPL on Monday night.
September 13 | 7pm | VPL Main Branch | FREE

Listen up Foodies, there is an outdoor food-related free movie event in Strathcona next Wednesday that you won’t want to miss. Here is the scoop:  The evening will begin with a  presentation of short food related films by emerging local artists followed by a screening of the award winning Tableland (watch the trailer here) by Vancouver based filmmaker Craig Noble.  Take a blanket and consider stopping in at the nearby Farmer’s Market (at Main St. Station, from 3pm – 7pm) to snag some grub apropos to the event.
Wednesday, September 15 | 7pm | School of Chalk   593 East Georgia St. (corner of Princess) | FREE and COOL

Keeping with the theme of Food On Film – The School of Chalk is organising another free outdoor flick for next Saturday night,  this one will be kid friendly.  RATATOUILLE!  Bring your blankets and your truffle oil- that’s right, there will be popcorn!  
September 18 | 7pm | School of Chalk   593 East Georgia St. (corner of Princess) | FREE and COOL

As always, get your weekly shopping done at a Farmers Market this week. I don’t want to alarm you , but the season is drawing to a close. There are many locations to choose from and each market has a unique line-up of vendors. Here’s a quick round-up of good places to buy locally grown produce from good people!

East Side: Saturday | 9am – 2pm | Trout Lake | FREE
West End: Saturday | 9am – 2pm | 1100 Block of Comox | FREE
Dundarave (West Van) Saturday | 9am – 2pm | Between 24 & 25 on Marine
Kits: Sunday | 10am – 2pm | Parking Lot of Kits Community Centre | FREE
DTES: Wednesday | 3pm – 7pm | Thornton Park | FREE
UBC Farm Market: Saturday | 9-1 | UBC Farm

Bonus for this weekend: Tomato Festival at Trout Lake!! Tomato Festival highlights include a Tomato Beauty Contest, heirloom tomato sample table and a kids tomato scavenger hunt. More info here.

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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 in beautiful Strathcona 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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