by Michelle Sproule | 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…

Get Lectured | Not only is Tuesday night ‘pay by donation night’ at the VAG but renowned photographer and Audain Prize winner Marian Penner Bancroft will also be on hand to speak on the evolution of her practice. That’s like candy for photogs!
Tuesday, July 10 | 7pm | Vancouver Art Gallery | By donation | Details 

Fresh Air Cinema | The season of the outdoor movie screening is upon us. Grab a picnic dinner and a blanket and get yourself down to Second Beach for the long haul. Enjoy a little sunshine on your face and sand between your toes, watch the sun set and then relax for an outdoor movie. This week: Zoolander!
Tuesday, July 10 | Dusk | Second Beach in Stanley Park | Free

Get schooled | Think ahead and take advantage of all of the amazing fruits and vegetables that we have available right now. But before you throw some in a mason jar or shove it in the freezer, make sure you’re doing whatever it is justice. We love a good food preservation workshop and this weekend it sounds like KJM Country Garden is planning to deliver just that. Wander down to the Southlands Flats and learn about a whack of different preservation options including fermentation, pickling, water bath and pressure canning as well as freezing and drying. It just makes sense.
Tuesday July 10 | 6pm-8pm | KJM Country Gardens | $20 | Details

Flick | Beasts of the Southern Wild opens at the Fifth Avenue this week. Have you seen the trailer for this? Looks like a fine film.
Friday, July 13 | Various times | Fifth Avenue Cinemas | $12.75

Folk Fest Time | The 35th annual folk fest goes down this weekend. We love folk fest! Get an eyeful of this line-up: The Barr Brothers, Mark Berube, the Cave Singers, the Head and the Heart, Hey Rosetta, Veda Hille, Dan Mangan, Lucinda Williams and Royal Wood. And that’s just a quick handful of performers. There’s something quintessentially Vancouverish about this three day event. Even if you’re not into the genre, a summer evening at Jericho with music flowing, patchouli and weed in the air, and a little sand between your toes…flat out awesome.
July 13,14, 15 | Jericho Beach | $80 – 165 depending on your commitment | Details

Fifth Element | “It’s the year 2257 and a taxi driver has been unintentionally given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure the survival of humanity. The Fifth Element is filmed in a futuristic metropolitan city and in a French comic book asthetic by a controversial British, French and American lineup.” Basically the best flick going down this week. It deserves a big screen and a proper bag of popcorn. Head to the Rio.
Friday, July 13 | 11pm | Rio Theatre | $8

Photojournalism | Award-winning photojournalist Jonathan Taggart is talking about his work at Emily Carr this week. Have a look at Taggart’s website here. Powerful photos.  “He currently lives in Vancouver where he is focusing his personal work on creating awareness of the challenges facing Aboriginal communities, both urban and rural. He is a founding member of Boreal Collective, a national assemblage of documentary photographers, and teaches photography to at-risk Aboriginal youth as a volunteer with the Urban Native Youth Association.” He sounds like a pretty wise person with some real information to communicate. Solid use of a Thursday night.
Thursday, July 12 | 7pm | Emily Carr Lecture Theatre – Room 301? | Free | Details 

Premier | “Hicks On Sticks” is premiering Thursday night. This film chronicles a team of friends who tow a 5,000 pound portable skateboard park nearly 3,000 km with the goal of inspiring youth in rural areas by exposing them to skateboarding and music they wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to experience. “The film features the skateboarding of the late Canadian legend Josh Evin, along with Eugene Voykin, Mike Evans, and Shane Wallace. It also tracks the dramatic peaks and valleys of Comishin’s skateboarding company. Combining original footage of the tour with old home videos and recent interviews, the film spans two decades in the lives of these young men.” The show is screening twice: the 7 pm show is “all ages” while the 10 pm show will have licensed alcohol available.
Thursday, July 12 | 7 & 10 pm | One night only at the Rio Theatre | Details 

Enchanted Evenings | Looking for something to occupy your Friday night? How about an outdoor concert in a beautiful setting? Local Gypsy Jazz band Van Django is playing the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Enchanted Evenings Concert Series Friday night and we’re betting it will be pretty sweet. Afterwards you can stroll through the Chinatown Night Market, grab a bite at Wild Rice or Bao Bei or a cocktail at the Keefer – perfect Friday night.
Friday, July 13 | 7:30 pm | Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens | $25

Edible Containers Workshop | Summer is now well underway. Take advantage of the sun and grow something to eat. Not sure about where to begin? Hook up with Aloe Designs for an Edible Containers Workshop. Learn how you can grow your own grub, even if you’re working with a small space. ‘Edibles are a great way to inject colour and texture into a conventional garden. Join in and get creative assembling your own edible container. Participants leave with a reclaimed wood planter box & 3 edible plants of choice.’ Gardening gloves suggested – you’ll be working with dirt after all.
Sunday, July 15 | 10am-11:30am | Aloe Studio 1443 E Pender st | $35 Kids $15 | Details 

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended 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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