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 agenda 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…

ART

It’s time to dip in to the piggy bank because Emily Carr’s 38th Annual Student Art Sale goes down this weekend and it’s one of the best ways to score original art from talented local artists before they’re discovered. There will be paintings, photographs, prints, ceramics, sculpture, wearable works, housewares and more. Have a look here.
Concourse Gallery | Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Friday, November 4 12 – 8pm
Saturday, November 5 12 – 5pm
Sunday, November 6 12 – 5pm

Yes, this week the Contemporary Art Gallery of Vancouver holds its annual Art Auction and Gala. Items to bid on include works by Marcel Dzama, Ryan Gander, Roy Arden, Ian Wallace, Elizabeth McIntosh, Federico Herrero, Andrew Dadson and Jeff Wall. Beat that! Get a sneak peak at some of the incredible artworks available here.
Saturday, November 5 | 6:30pm | Rosewood Hotel Georgia | $250 (what, you thought it’d be cheap?)

Ooh, and then how about this one? The Contemporary Art Society of Vancouver is presenting a talk with Kamloops-raised, New York-based sensation Aurel Schmidt this coming week. “Aural makes detailed drawings of surreal figures, combining tiny illustrations of flies, insects, condoms, cigarette butts and other detritus to create the larger image.” Have a read about Aurel’s work here.
Tuesday, November 8 | 7pm |  303 W 8 (Western Front) | Free

LA based artist Colleen Flynn-Lawson has a show opening at the Jennifer Kostuik Gallery. More on that here.
November 10 | – December 11 | Jennifer Kostuik Gallery (1070 Homer) |

The Ayden Gallery is having an opening this Friday night. They’re celebrating the new exhibition, “Flombagoo”. Yah, you want to say that again: “Flombagoo” “Flombagoo” “Flombagoo.” WTF? Ah, the latest surreal images from local artist Kristian Adam. Check out his beautifully strange style here. Supporting artists include Nomi Chi, Shwa Keirstead, Russell Alton, Megan Majewski, Kelly Haigh and Bling Squared. There will be live music, live paining, and live drinks.
Friday, November 4 | 7-11pm | Ayden Gallery 88 W Pender | Free

Centre A is having a shindig to welcome their new Executive Director on Friday, and you’re invited. We think they’ll probably have booze.
Friday,  November 4 | 7pm | Centre A (2 W Hastings)

It’s a FUSE weekend at the VAG. They are calling this one Covet. “Gather, assemble and converge as FUSE celebrates a night to Covet. Enjoy the collection (and collective) impulse with this conglomeration of dance, performance and installation in the galleries. Artists include Radix theatre, the Plastic Orchid Factory, and more.” Our highlight? Citizen Brand is introducing a novel way to grab some affordable art: PennySmash. It’s a project that “hijacks the souvenir penny press to produce truly affordable works of art. For just $2.01, visitors to FUSE can be among the first to purchase new work by Ken Lum, Jerszy Seymour, Ian Grais and Natalie Purschwitz.” I’m partial to the Ken Lum, but I gotta say, Natalie Purschwitz has a particularly cool design. Might have to spring for two. Hell, what am I thinking? All four will still come in at under ten beans. Done deal. Check it out.
Friday, November 4 | 8pm-1am | Vancouver Art Gallery | $17.50

CULTURE

The Regional Assembly of Text is holding their monthly Letter Writing Club. How much fun is that? Tonnes, that’s how much. Dig it.
Thursday, November 3 | 7pm | 3934 Main Street | Free

Inside Stories is happening at the Vancouver Public Library this Thursday (November 3). I’m pretty curious, because… “Inside Stories is a groundbreaking web experience that fuses art and community. Join us – artists, storytellers and activists – as we screen the web stories and discuss how and why we created them. Add your two bits. Can art + community = social change?” The event is moderated by award-winning filmmaker Nettie Wild. Reserve your seat on Eventbrite: insidestories.eventbrite.com
Thursday, November 3 | 7pm | Central Library, 350 W Georgia | Free

The Raincity Chronicles crew are holding their latest event at the Grandview Legion: “…reflect upon the duties that bind us to our communities, to our country, and to each other. In advance of Remembrance Day, as you don your poppy, come out and share your own story about what duty means to you in this modern age.” Sounds uniquely worthwhile. Details.
Thursday, November 3 | 6pm | Grandview Woodland Legion Hall | $10

You can thank the swell folks at the Vancouver International Writers Festival for two phenomenal literary opportunities this week. First of all, they’ve wrangled David Sedaris. If you’ve ever read his stuff or (better) heard him read it, you likely already have tickets. Hilarious and wicked clever. It doesn’t happen all the time people, so take full advantage. There’s no way that you won’t walk away from this event a better person for it, with a belly full of latent giggles to boot. David Sedaris. Funny dude. More here.
Saturday, November 5 | 8pm | The Centre For Performing Arts (777 Homer) | $50

Next up, the Writers Fest crew have convinced Wade Davis to come to town. The scientist, anthropologist, and best-selling author will be at St. Andrew’s–Wesley Church to chat about his latest book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest.
November 10 | 7:30pm | St. Andrew’s–Wesley Church (1022 Nelson) $21

How about a little Hoopla? Author (“Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery.”) and crafter Leanne Prain is setting up at VPL on Monday night to talk about yarn bombing and knit graffiti. Not only will she shed light on this strange international phenomenon, but following her talk Leanne will lead participants in an optional Photo Feelism embroidery project. She’ll teach you how to add a tactile element to your photographs by embellishing them with embroidery. “Stitch a rainbow into a landscape or a moustache onto a baby. If possible, please bring a photo, postcard or card to embellish.” More here.
Monday November 7 | 7pm | Central Library, 350 W. Georgia | Free

GLUTTONY

It’s the Gold Medal Plates! Crowds of Vancouverites will descend upon the The Westin Bayshore this Friday night to watch some of Vancouver’s best chefs compete for the opportunity to go to the Canadian Culinary Championships (held in Kelowna later this winter) The line-up of talent competing is mind blowing. Of course, the $350 price-tag makes it a fun Friday night for not too many people. But like I said, impressive line-up:

Ned Bell – YEW restaurant + bar & Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
Rod Butters – RauDZ Regional Table, Kelowna
Lee Cooper- L’Abattoir Restaurant
Tim Cuff – Aura, Whistler
Rob Feenie – Cactus Club Restaurants
Mark Filatow- Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar, Kelowna
Dale MacKay – ensemble Restaurant
Alana Peckham – CRU
Adam Pegg – La Quercia
Neil Taylor – Cibo Trattoria
Joël Watanabe – Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie

Friday November 4 | 5pm | The Westin Bayshore (1601 Bayshore) | Reserve Tickets  ($350): 604-646-3580

There’s a long table Fall gathering of locally harvested delectables going on at Nelson The Seagull this weekend. Sounds like a solid way to spend Saturday night! Attendees will be treated to a five course meal featuring local food from producers such as Klipper’s Organic Acres, Cawston; Golden Ears Cheeseworks, Maple Ridge; Shalefield Organic Garden, Cultus Lake; SOUL Food, D.T.E.S. Vancouver; Coastal Black Meadery, Black Creek, Vancouver Island and Glorious Organics, Langley (vegetarian options available). There will also be live music (Tim Tweedale of Headwater will be playing the steel guitar), flower and interior living installations for added ambience and the usual super-awesome peeps that run and frequent Nelson The Seagull. For tickets, contact [email protected]
Saturday, November 5 | 7pm | Nelson The Seagull | $50

The Arts Club has a sweet little cooking class going down this week. “Let renowned Vancouver chefs inspire you with their passion and expertise as they teach you the secrets to their culinary masterpieces. Each class is held in a gorgeous private home and features a three-hour interactive cooking demonstration. You will delight in a four-course dinner, complete with specially paired wines.” This coming week: Jason Liezert, the talented chef from Gastown’s Boneta, will be pairing his food with Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery wines. Find out more here.
Wednesday, November 9 | $125 per person/per class.

Like to scarf and tipple? Check out “Bittered Sling Bistro”. The new event kicks off with with a cocktail reception accompanied by paired hors d’oeuvres before chef Jonathan Chovancek (Kale & Nori) goes to town with a three course menu inspired by the feature spirit’s wide range of notes and character. Each course is accompanied by an expertly paired cocktail by the guest bartender. The series starts out with Jay Jones of Market. Following the dinner, guests are invited to rate the bartender’s presentation and pairing skills. There are only 36 tickets available per event, so don’t sit on this too long. Here’s why: Oyama Schinkenspeck-wrapped Farmhouse brie cheese with celeriac purée and tarragon; crispy macaroni and aged cheddar cheese balls with smokey tomato dip; sablefish boudin, quince mostarda, smoked pepper duck yolk, sea lettuce/sesame crisp; Makers BBQ pork shoulder, raw cocoa and coconut chocolate terrine; caramelized pineapple mousse, salted caramel crunch. Just sayin’.
Tuesday, November 8 | Legacy Liquor Store in Olympic Village | $60 *Vegan option available

How cool would it be to hang out at the Vancouver Aquarium after hours? No view-hogging children (damn them!) or toe-crunching strollers, just gentle darkness, the soothing sounds of water and fish. I know, how could it get better? But it does: add a little wine and some food. Bingo! Next week is Toast to the Coast. Guests will enjoy canapés from leading Ocean Wise restaurants, sample the best local wines, “jive to live music from DJ Leanne and leave with finds from the silent auction and fashion showcase.” Best part: 100% of the evening’s proceeds going to support the Aquarium’s commitment to effecting the conservation of aquatic life and waterways. I was just kidding about the children and strollers. But not really.
Friday November 4 | 7:30pm | Vancouver Aquarium | $85

We do tend to equate November with the beginning of cold, wet everything. As the girls at House Wine point out, “It’s time to cozy up by the fire with rib-stickin’ fare like meat stews and pasta accompanied by fuller bodied reds.” They’ve lined up a selection of some of their favourite new wines to fit the change in season. “Think Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, hedonistic Zinfandel, the structured beasts of Portugal, full-throttled offerings from Spain’s south and much more.” What are you waiting for? Tickets here.
Wednesday November 9 | 6pm-8pm | The Vintage Gallery, O’Doul’s (1300 Robson) | $40

The Salt Cellar has A Taste of Spain and Italy going on next week. The team plan to pair Spanish cheeses to Spanish wine and Italian charcuterie to Italian wine, complete with matching condiments. Bonus: fresh bread and crackers. Tickets here.
Tuesday November 15 | 7pm | Salt Cellar (Blood Alley, Gastown) | $40

MUSIC

There’s something about Fall weather that calls out for Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven flute quartets, amirite? Lucky thing for Music On Main and their Tuesday evening gigs at The Cellar! This coming Tuesday, spend an intimate evening with four exceptional musicians playing classical music for you as it was meant to be heard: “up close and personal, and on Classical-period instruments.” The evening programme includes: Mozart’s Flute Quartet in C Major; Beethoven’s Serenade in D Major; Haydn’s Divertimento in G Major and Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D Major. Visit the Music On Main site to find out more (see you there).
Tuesday, November 8 | Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club (3611 W Broadway) | $25 

Speaking of classical music, ward-winning British guitarist Michael Partington sneaks into the basement of a Kitsilano church to play his guitar on Saturday night. That doesn’t happen every day. At least, I don’t think it does. I have no idea. Anyway, If you’re interested in attending (why wouldn’t you be?), check clickety.
Saturday, November 5 | 7pm | St. Mark’s Anglican Church (1805 Larch) | $20

Speaking of guitars, there’s a freakin’ guitar show going down at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Sunday (coincidentally, church day). Find out about that here.
Sunday, November 6 | doors 10pm | Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial)

The Eastside Culture Crawl (November 18, 19, 20) officially kicks off on Saturday night with Echo Chamber, a special event at The Waldorf Hotel featuring music, theatre, and performance art. Echo Chamber is the Eastside Culture Crawl’s way of bringing exposure to some of the non-studio based artists, performers and cultural producers eager to share their work with an audience leading up to the 15th annual Eastside Culture Crawl. This year’s Echo Chamber line up will include: Mezamazing, Naomi Steinberg, Blackberry Wood, DJ Michael Fraser (with his violin), Carnival Band, Four Maladies, and Synthcake to name a few.
Saturday, November 5 | 8pm | The Waldorf Hotel (1489 E Hastings) | $15

Holy shit! Real Estate at the Biltmore Tuesday on night. The psyche-pop band from New Jersey are on tour to support their upcoming (fantastic) new release “Days” and Vancouver is on their list of cool places to stop and play a few sets. Phew. You can find more info about Real Estate by visiting their myspace page, and you might want to, they’re kinda awesome. We interviewed their frontman last week, too.
Tuesday, November 8 | 9:30pm | Biltmore Cabaret | $13

They Might Be Giants are at the Venue, also on Tuesday.

Elliott Brood is playing the commodore Wednesday night.

And Zulu Records is having another one of those rad in-stores that you keep kicking yourself for missing. This one is with artists Big Troubles. “The handsomest boys in Jersey are stopping by after their show with Real Estate (at the Biltmore) to play an all-ages set among the finest collection of vinyl and CDs Vancouver has to offer! Rock and Roll in the record shop – don’t miss it”
Wednesday November 9 | 6pm | Zulu Records | Free

BUY LOCAL

The Festive Collective opens this week. This pop-up shop is stocked with piles of handmade trinkets made by local indie designers like Astrosatchel, Daub & Design, Filou, Even Designs, Lotus and more. Get in on the opening party this Friday (November 4th 7-10pm) or wander by the next time you are in the hood. More.
November 2-27 | Tuesday-Saturday /11am-5pm + Sunday / 12pm-5pm | 196 Kingsway

Obakki is having a warehouse sale. Find out about that here.

Dace is also having a sale. Their’s is online. Check it
Now – Saturday, November 5 

Thank the theoretical heavens, Winter Farmers Market is back. Shoot over to 30th and Ontario to load up on all of those healthy local fruits and veggies that will keep you strong and happy in these dark times (remember, we lose an hour of daylight this weekend).
Saturdays, November 5 – April 28, 2012 | 10am – 2pm | East Parking Lot of Nat Bailey Stadium – 30/Ontario

CITY

It’s election time! So, for the love of everything you hold dear, please engage. Figure out who who wants to do what and whether or not you agree with any of it before you vote. There are all sorts of “All Candidates” gigs going on around town, so check with your local community centre or library to see what they know. Our ‘big guns’ event? The Mayoral Candidates Debate on Homelessness and Affordable Housing at St. Andrew’s next week that fits the bill. This gig is sure to get you going one way or another. Yup, incumbent mayor and Vision Vancouver candidate Gregor Robertson and NPA mayoral candidate Suzanne Anton will go head to head on the issue of homelessness. Don’t worry, things won’t get out-of-hand (damn), as the debate will be moderated by level-headed CBC personality Stephen Quinn. More here.
November 7 | 7 pm | St. Andrew’s–Wesley Church (1022 Nelson) | Free

If you’re interested in civic identity (and who wouldn’t be in the city?), you’ll be wanting to snap up tickets to Ideas That Move the City at the Playhouse next Wednesday, November 9th. “Judy Illes of the UBC Brain Research Center is an expert on how startling discoveries about the brain are forcing us to rethink ethical assumptions; Peter Klein, former Producer of 60 Minutes, is uncovering how the war on drugs is starving poor countries of medical morphine leaving sick people without pain relief; Dale MacKay is the winner of Top Chef Canada; Setty Pendakur helped develop the plans for False Creek and saved the Roundhouse and now serves as Advisor to China at the highest level; Harvard trained Dr. Shimi Kang is unraveling the tangle of concurrent disorders; John Korsrud founded the Hard Rubber Orchestra and will demonstrate how four trombones can explore emotions in astonishing ways; Shannen O’Brian is a young woman from Vancouver who has single-handedly provided education and hope to hundreds of young women in rural Ghana, and Max Cameron who is bringing wisdom of the ancient philosophers to improve our modern society.” These folks (and more) have agreed to present – in seven minutes – some of their most poignant insights into Vancouver, and presumably life itself.
Wednesday, November 9 | doors 6:30pm, presentation 7:30pm | Vancouver Playhouse (Hamilton/Dunsmuir) | $20 

This fall, the City of Vancouver is undertaking a planning process to determine some direction for the development of the “Eastern Core/Viaducts” areas. We’re all invited to get involved, and I hope that you do, especially if you’re an artist, belong to an arts or cultural group, or are an art supplier/manufacturer of any kind. “The planning process for this area is expected to result in a high level strategy that will go to City Council in late spring 2012. The City would like to hear from you about challenges and opportunities for this area from the perspective of the cultural community and creative economy. Please join us for a presentation and discussion on the Eastern Core Planning work.” To attend the November 7 event, an rsvp is required. Email Chisaki Muraki at [email protected]. Find out more here.
November 7 | 4:30 – 6:30pm | Woodward’s Heritage Building (111 W Hastings)

FILM

The Rum Diary opens this week. We suggest catching it at the Rio. Details.
November 3 – 10 | 7; 9:30 | Rio Theatre | $12

Blu-Ray is for sissy’s. Get a taste of old school film at Pacific Cinémathèque this weekend: “As part of our ongoing public programming as a cinematheque, Pacific Cinémathèque takes pleasure in showcasing the important preservation and restoration work being done by other cinema archives, film studios, and specialty distribution companies around the globe — providing our audience not only with rare big-screen access to cinema’s greatest classics and treasures, but also the even rarer opportunity to see them projected from beautiful, pristine celluloid prints — the way they were meant to be seen!” This week, it’s a sample selection from the biennial UCLA Film and Television Archive’s Festival of Preservation.
November 3, 5-7 | Various times | Pacific Cinémathèque | $10.50

Finally, DOXA Documentary Film Festival’s annual fundraiser goes down this weekend. Not only will there be screenings of five food-themed documentaries, but Vancouver chefs from establishments such as Diva at the Met, Salt Tasting Room and Subeez Café will be on site with dishes inspired by the films. How cool is that? More here.
November 5 | 7 pm | Roundhouse Rec Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews) | $40

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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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