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Thursday, May 11
Arts
The Happy Film Stefan Sagmeister of The Happy Show presents his latest self-documentary about his quest to find fulfillment followed by a discussion with Dr. Sean Pritchard and UBC’s Professor of Psychiatry, Andrea Grabovac. 7pm at the Museum of Vancouver. Tickets $17 USD at
Traces of Words Curated by Fuyubi Nakamura, this opening night exhibit boasts art and calligraphy from Asia such as Sumerian cuneiform inscriptions to modern graffiti from Afghanistan. 7pm at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Free.
Swagger From French filmmaker, Olivier Babinet, comes this vivid docudrama centered upon the youth of Parisian suburb Aulnay-sous-Bois where tensions between race, class, and school life are examined. 12:30pm at The Annex. Tickets from $9 at
Music
Paul Rushka’s Present Past The renowned jazz bassist presents an evening of smooth harmonies and complicated rhythms inspired by Canadian-born composer and trumpeter, Kenny Wheeler. 7pm at the Roedde House Museum. Tickets from $12 at
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Friday, May 12
Arts
VanAFRICA Awal Alhassan joins the city’s best African musicians and dancers in this performance that will take audiences on a musical journey through six different ethnic groups. 8pm at the Roundhouse Performance Centre. Tickets $20 at or $25 at the door.
Music
Chris Hadfield Canada’s first astronaut to walk in space shows off his singing chops in this special tour celebrating the nation’s 150th birthday. 8pm at the Orpheum. Tickets from $25 at
O.T. Genasis The California rapper joins Rico Uno, Yurie, and LeChance in ringing in 8 years of Happy Ending Fridays. 10pm at Fortune Sound Club. Tickets $20 at
U2 Bono, the Edge, and the boys return with their fifth album,The Joshua Tree, featuring a collection of hard-hitting American and Irish rock songs. 7pm at BC Place Stadium. Tickets from $100 at
Social
Sins of the City Discover the seedier history of Chinatown, Gastown, and the DTES in this walking tour through the eyes of a 1920s police officer. 11am at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Police Museum. Tickets from $14 at
Spectac! From thrilling stunts to acrobatic feats, the Royal Canadian Family Circus tours their famous show across Canada in their 50th year. 4pm at PNE. Tickets from $25 at
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Saturday, May 13
Arts
birds sing a pretty song The Chutzpah festival presents a live music and dance performance that uses visuals and sound to emulate the confining reality of technology. 8pm at Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets from $29.47 at
Muscle/Memory Local artists Carla Tak, David Robinson, and Tiko Kerr present a collaborative new exhibition that speaks to the way technology has revolutionized the way their art is seen and sold. 2pm at Parker Street Studio. Free.
Music
Here I Stand In honour of International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases, soprano Jacqueline Ko performs a repertoire of crowd pleasing favourites from Puccini to Hamilton’s The Tales of Hoffman. 7:30pm at Marpole United Church. Tickets from $20 at
The Eisenhauers Former Vancouverites turned Kaslo dwellers, Jeremy and Sheree debut their rustic grassroots album, The Road We Once Knew. 8pm at St. James Hall. Tickets $22 at
The Smugglers After 17 years the legendary live band reunites for one epic night of grunge rock and pop funk tunes. 7pm at the Commodore Ballroom. Tickets $25 at
Social
Best Day Ever Kids can enjoy family-friendly activities, music, and games all under a massive 2,000 square foot blanket fort in this event presented by the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. 11am at Telus Garden. Free reservations at
Brenna Innes Memorial Soccer Tournament Dust off your cleats and participate in this fun competitive fundraiser in memory of the UVIC student and soccer player. 9am at UBC Thunderbird Stadium. Registration and donations at
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Sunday, May 14
Arts
MOM=WOW Treat mom to a show on her special day in this Mother’s Day inspired comedy performance by the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»TheatreSports League. 4pm at the Improv Centre. Tickets $25 at
Music
Emel Mathlouthi Known for her powerful voice and lyrics, the Tunisian singer-songwriter performs Kemti Horra (My Word Is Free) – the unofficial anthem of Tunisians during the Arab Spring. 8pm at the Rio Theatre. Tickets from $23 at
Marian Schreiber Suzuki Festival Concert Students of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Academy of Music demonstrate their passion for music and camaraderie in this afternoon performance. 2pm at the Orpheum. Free.
Eclectica The Cyrilika Slavic Chamber Choir carry on the Eastern European Choral Tradition with a selection of Slavic folkloric chorales, Renaissance madrigals, and modern era repertoire in eleven different languages. 7:30pm at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Playhouse. Tickets $30 at
Social
Mother's Day at VanDusen Botanical Garden Take mom on a spring stroll through a 55-acre display of lilacs, dogwoods, and azaleas. Price includes admission for two adults and a Spanish lavender plant. 9am at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Tickets $20 at
430 House Tour A Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Design Week event, tour the renovated Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Special and meet with D’Arcy Jones architects and designers at this stylish garden party. 1pm at 430 East 20th Avenue. Tickets $10 at
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Monday, May 15
Arts
Song to Song Two struggling songwriters in love become entangled in the fast-paced and seductive world of the Austin, Texas music scene. 3pm at Vancity Theatre. Tickets $10 at
Music
The Flaming Lips Masters of the eclectic, the Oklahoma City psychedelic rock band debuts their new album, Oczy Mlody with special guests Klangstof. 7:30pm at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets from $20 at
Alex Flock Trio The skilled acoustic guitarist emulates melody, bass, and percussion with his fingertips in this high energy solo performance. 9:30pm at Guilt & Company. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door.
Social
East Van Bike Polo Women and genderqueer folk are invited to participate in this fun quirky bike sport that takes the posh game to the streets. 6:30pm at Grandview Park. Free.
The Living Room From a panel of established playwrights like Tetsuro Shigematsu and Quelemia Sparrow, learn what it takes to put your story onstage in this engaging talk. 7pm at the Rumble Theatre. Free.
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Tuesday, May 16
Music
KONGOS Brothers from South Africa, this multi-faceted alt-rock band blends African drum beats with country accordion sounds. 7pm at the Imperial. Tickets from $25 at
Comedy
Russell Howard The British stand-up act and television presenter delivers big punchlines and huge laughs from absurd observations of the everyday. 8pm at the Rio. Tickets $29.50 at
Social
Impact Red Assemble your trivia loving friends and register your team at United Way GenNext for burgers and beers in support of Lower Mainland after-school programs. 5:30pm at The Butcher and Bullock. Tickets from $20 at
Voices of the Street Now in its seventh year, this creative night of storytelling will feature prominent writers from community magazine, Megaphone. 6:30pm at SFU Woodwards – World Art Centre. Tickets from $15 at
Food
Cupcake Decorating Class Learn to create fondant pearls, flowers, and ribbons in this sweets masterclass from local baking authority, Cupcakes & Other Good Stuff. 6pm at Cupcakes on Broadway. Tickets $75 via registration at [email protected] or by phone at 604-974-1300.
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Wednesday, May 17
Music
Terell Stafford The world-renowned trumpeter from New York brings his improvisational talent to the stage accompanied by local musicians. 8pm at Frankie’s Jazz Club. Reservations $20 at
Comedy
Gerry Dee Star of the CBC show, Mr. D, the Scarborough comedian and author shines with his dry humour and awkward impressions. 7:30pm at Vogue Theatre. Tickets from $39 at
Stephen Lynch The multi-talented performer blends his penchant for singing and comedy into one hilarious show on his My Old Heart Tour. 7pm at the Rio. Tickets $30 at
Social
BC Mining Week Community Fair Learn about BC’s mining industry and the importance of minerals in everyday life in this interactive family-friendly exhibition. 9:30am at Creekside Community Recreation Centre. Free.
Cory Doctorow Get to know the Canadian journalist and bestselling author in this talk about the future of tech and the oppression of authority systems. 7:30pm at Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema. Tickets from $22 at
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Thursday, May 18
Arts
Island Earth The controversial issue of GMOs in Hawaii is explored from the perspective of a young indigenous scientist. Screening includes a post-film talk with director Cyrus Sutton. 6:30pm at Patagonia Vancouver. By donation.
Life Drawing Open to artists of all levels, sketch a live model while sipping craft beer in this judgement free art session. 7pm at Strange Fellows Brewing. Registration $12 via [email protected]
Living In My Skin This moving student-written play sheds light on the issue of teen anxiety from perfectionism to loneliness and encourages audiences how to pursue a path of healing. 7pm at Waterfront Theatre. Tickets $15 at
Music
Mike Farris Boasting a blend of bluesy rock and gospel, the American artist awes with soulful melodies and rich vocals. 8pm at St. James Hall. Tickets $36 at
Social
Super Science SlamIn front of a panel of the city’s top scientific authorities, competitors give their most engaging presentation of a topic for the title of Science Slam winner. 7pm at the Museum of Vancouver. Tickets from $13 at
