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 sweet things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. From our calendar to yours…

Support Local Designers

Head over to Main Street’s Narcissist tonight for an evening of food, refreshments and the official unveiling of the stores ‘new look’ with a peek at the gorgeous Fall collection and a new line of bath & body products.
Aug 20 | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | FREE (and 25%* off all clothing in store during the event)

Dead Weather

Jack White (White Stripes) brings his new project – Dead Weather – to town this Friday and Saturday night.  You won’t be able to pick up tickets at the usual places – most everyone is sold out, but there are still some out there for the truly committed try Craigslist. From a recent Culture Bully post: “Completely flipping the script on those who thought White was in need of some much-needed rest after his tired performance on Conan O’Brien’s final Late Show (myself included), White sounds anything but in the band’s first two songs. The group’s lead single, “Hang You From The Heavens,” rolls by with a harder, snarling guitar, and a grind that offers up the perfect soundtrack for a two-day tequila binge. The song’s b-side is an oddball compared to “Heavens,” for it’s a churning cover of Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric?” that is plastered in reverb and sounds a bit like the Raconteurs—had the band been around in the mid-1960s.”
Aug  21 & 22  | Commodore Ballroom | At least $65

Cates Park Concert Series

Cates Park is a beautiful North Shore waterfront space worth a visit in its own right, but if it (and it’s adjoining beach) weren’t enough to get you there, it has a Wally Burger concession and – beginning this weekend – the park is hosting free public concerts. Organisers suggest that you take a picnic with so you can chow down as you listen to original, local bands and artists playing in the park for free. That’s a nice idea, but we’ll be a Chuck Wagon burger, yam fries and a chocolate milkshake. This week, look forward to local artists Aaron Cadwaladr (Folk Rock / Alternative / Indie “distinctive blend of progressively alternative folk-rock”) Benjamin Keith (Acoustic / Pop / Rock “compared to the likes of Matthew Good, Jason Mraz, and Rob Thomas.”) and Stef Lang (Pop / Rock / Acoustic )
Aug 22 | 4 – 7 pm | Cates Park | FREE

La Traviata

Opera Pro Cantanti will perform Verdi’s wonderful La Traviata (The Lost One) on Sunday night. Come on, a little opera will do you good (and Andrew swears by Verdi).
Aug 23 | 7:30 pm | Cambrian Hall | By donation

Buy Stuff

Spend on Trend pulls together Canadian designers like Catalyst Reaction, Nate Organics, Filou Designs, Two of Hearts, and Davie and Chiyo (just to name a few) for their seventh annual show of local talent. “Check out new designs from fresh and established Canadian designers, before they hit the hottest boutiques in town. Spend on Trend is a fashion event showcasing Canadian independent designers of clothing, accessories and jewellery.” Word on the street is that the first 25 people through the door each day will score a bag filled with cool stuff. Friday night will feature a fashion installation show and DJ.
Aug 21, 22, 23 | Friday  5-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm | Scotiabank Dance Centre |

Feast of Fields

This weekend is the 1st annual Okanagan Feast of Fields, and it’s gonna rock.  How can something billed as a “25-course, wine-paired, wandering tasting menu” go wrong? Scout is a proud sponsor of the event, and it all goes down on Summerland’s beautiful Valentine Farm on Sunday. I was going to extract a few participant names from a list in order to whet your appetite – but too many were too good. Check out the whole deal here. We hope to see you there. Tickets are on sale at Choices Market in Kelowna, online at www.feastoffields.com or by phone at 1.888.730.0452. Last time I checked, there were only 15 tickets left. UPDATE: It’s just sold out.
Aug 23 | 1-5 pm | Valentine Farms | $85 for adults and $15 for children

Dinner At Diva

Sounds like a pretty good way to spend a night: emcees Dawn Chubai and Free Lee, a silent auction, Olympians and Canadian athletes in attendance, jazz, and an eight-course locally-sourced menu served with organic wine. with all of the proceeds go to the Clean Air Champions charity. More information at www.zeroenergydinners.com

On The Bike