Free concerts to grace intimate venues across the North Shore be merry
With summer nights at the PNE, starstudded shows at BC Place, a stellar line up at Rogers Arena and enough gigs scattered around the more intimate venues, we aren’t hard-pressed to find great live music in town.
There is a catch though: most require shelling out a small fortune and, a torturous task come summertime for North Vancouver residents, travelling across the bridge.
Answering the call for live music that requires little more than a short jaunt and not a single dime is the annual Live and Local concert series, back for another year And unlike all those other ostentatious concerts, it comes with an added bonus: an imbued sense of community spirit
Spanning 50 events across locations throughout North Vancouver, the annual series checks off outdoor concerts, market tents, artist sessions and family-friendly activities (think giant Jenga and Twister).
On the bill are a mix of local, household
names and aspiring artists, including the likes of Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) rock band Bitterly Divine, sevenpiece band R&B Conspiracy, and bassist and composer Colin Sankey
Sabrielle McCurdy-Foreman, a vocal powerhouse regularly seen on popular pub stages and at community events throughout Vancouver, said Live & Local harnesses music’s inherent ability to bring people together
“It helps us connect to ourselves and each other, encourages us to feel and explore
the depths of the human experience… and sometimes it’s just simply fun and enjoyable,” she said. “It gets people out of the house and having an enjoyable experience together.”
McCurdy-Foreman, who played a Live & Local Artist Session July 9, was one of over 200 artists to apply to take part in this year’s event The competition had been fierce, said event programmer Robin Wilson, and selecting those for the final cut hadn’t been an easy task.
This year the programming team focused
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A free, outdoor concert series is taking place at various venues throughout North Vancouver
The rise and rise of North Van’s brewery scene
■ MINA KERR-LAZENBY Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Few things in life are finer than kicking back with a cold one – just ask the hundreds of thirsty folk that flock to North Vancouver breweries each week, or the fleet of brewery owners that are pouring the pints. There’s plenty to pick from. They are now in their double digits.
Not only rivalling bustling brewery hubs like that of Port Moody and East Vancouver, the mushrooming North Van brewing scene is growing to become one of the most notable in the country.
While its epicentre Brewery District lies just off Lonsdale Avenue and the Shipyards, on Esplanade East, where favourites like House of Funk, Shaketown Brewing, and La Cerveceria Astilleros reside, the takeover is quickly growing to encompass a much larger portion of the North Shore.
Matt Beere, (yes, his real name) opened Beere Brewing in 2017 at a time when the
scene was less a scene and more of a hint of what was to come
“We were the only ones in this area when we opened, and in that short time it has quickly changed,” he says.
The only other brewery in Lower Lonsdale at the time was the now-closed Green Leaf Brewing, one of four or five scattered across the entire North Shore.
Now, there are 13 breweries, and six in the Brewery District alone Beere puts much of his initial success down to North Vancouver residents simply needing a place to wet their whistles at a time when the city was less built than it is now
Yet the North Shore’s collective need for a cold one doesn’t explain why breweries are blossoming at a time where classic pubs seem to be part of a dying breed. In just the past year, long-standing establishments like Toby’s Social and the Black Bear have faced the axe. Are we just looking for a more elevated way to get merry?
There’s certainly something far more
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Image: DennisHa
Beva Brewing & Blending taproom manager Morgan Miller enjoys a brew and sandwich on the deck of Beva’s Pemberton Avenue location
civilized about sitting with a craft beer in a bright brewery at 2 p.m. on a Friday afternoon then there is knocking back a pint in a dank public house Perhaps it’s the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or the lack of dingy carpet Or, points out Beere, perhaps our preference for breweries over pubs stems from our heightened desire to know the exact where, how and when of the products we consume
“People really like to be connected to the people that make their food and their drinks,” he says. “At our brewery, our tanks are six feet behind the bar, so you can see when you walk in exactly where the product you’re drinking was made I think that has a big appeal.”
Craft beer might cost a few more bucks than your average draft of ubiquitous international swill, but its price is its price for a reason, he adds. Those extra few dollars are representative of the quality of the beer, and, if the awards bagged in the last few years are anything to go by, that quality is second to none
their kids and casually relax without having the more inappropriate setup of being in a bar,” says Graham Elliott, owner of Pemberton Avenue’s Beva Brewing and Blending
Beva opened earlier this year as the newcomer to the scene, but hasn’t found it difficult to cement itself among some of the top dogs. Located in Norgate, it sits outside of the Brewery District, but that hasn’t done much in the way of diminishing its foot traffic, says Elliott
“Word of mouth has spread and we’re making great strides already The community is incredibly supportive of local business,” he says. “There’s a lot of young families and there’s a lot of outdoor recreation that happens here, so at the end of your bike ride or your walk, it’s nice to be able to go and sit somewhere cool, enjoy a beer, connect with the community. It lends itself to that.”
“Breweries offer a very family friendly kind of experience, where people can take their kids and casually relax without having the more inappropriate setup of being in a bar.”
As Beva joins the growing list of breweries in the area, it’s easy to wonder whether there’s competition among owners. With new businesses coming in on the turf of the old, is there tension among managers?
This May Shaketown Brewing Co took home a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup for its Pre-Prohibition Pilsner, last year La Cervecería Astilleros’ nabbed a gold at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards for its summer staple El Valle Salado Salted Lime Lager, and the year prior, Wildeye Brewing won the best Czech Pilsner at the BC Beer Awards.
Most brewery owners tend to argue such fine beer requires a drinking experience that’s more akin to that of a sommelier than a son celebrating his 19th, and that makes for a far more refined setting that people want to sit in for longer
“We put a lot of high quality ingredients into our beers, and maybe our customers drink a little bit less, but that’s OK,” says Beere. “It’s nice to see that kind of responsible consumption.”
As a result, breweries have become family friendly havens, a place of community rather than debauchery. Kids and babies are not only welcome but encouraged, and with the growing number of families living on the North Shore, it provides a place for them to squander long afternoons without fearing a call to social services.
“Breweries offer a very family-friendly kind of experience, where people can take
“There’s no competition there,” laughs Beere, explaining how the managers get together once a month to have a pint and “chit chat” about business.
“Everybody gets along and there’s a really great relationship there, it’s a nice community of business owners. ”
That said, Beere does have concerns that the North Shore may be teetering on its limit
“I think that there is a carrying capacity, and I’m sure we’re around it or above it,” he says. “Now, I think maybe there’s a bit of a diminishing return because we have to divide all the customers by 10 or 11.”
With breweries extending their late licences – council has granted later opening hours for House of Funk Brewing, and Streetcar Brewing applied earlier this year – it’s no longer a question of whether the brewery scene will grow, but how much livelier it will become
While less than ten years ago you would be hard pressed to find a craft beer in a sunlit brewery on the North Shore, now there’s options aplenty and even the opportunity to stay there until the wee hours, should you wish. Port Moody and East Van, who?
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative
FOUNDINTHE MOUNTAINS
learn
The pledge will see people vowing to respect the land, water and wildlife and leave the natural environment as it was found and, respect all cultures that reside on the North Shore
North Shore’s ‘Like A Local’ campaign encourages sustainable
and respectful travel
■ MINA KERR-LAZENBY Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Much in the vein of countries like Iceland, Finland and New Zealand, and global destinations like Aspen and Amsterdam, North Vancouver has introduced a tourism pledge that encourages visitors to be on their best behaviour when hopping across the harbour
Whether it’s reminding people of the negative impacts of feeding local wildlife or the correct precautions required when taking to local waters, the North Shore Like a Local campaign is a guide on how to best enjoy the local mountains, trails and waters while leaving them undisturbed.
The sweeping online guide, put together by Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association, encourages visitors to consider how a local would live, learn and play in their own backyard.
If they were to camp locally, what fire safety regulations would they consider? If
they were to embark on a hike through the Cypress, Grouse or Seymour mountains, what essentials would they pack?
“It’s about having this sense of respect for the North Shore, and protecting its longevity,” said the association’s Farah Stéen. “We live in a pristine area, and North Shore residents want to protect it They can be stewards of that.”
Those who tick the three, separate boxes pledge to commit to keeping themselves and others safe by “preparing adequately before going on any nature outings, and knowing the safety protocols of the activities” they take part in.
They vow to respect the land, water and wildlife and leave the natural environment as it was found and, finally, they pledge to respect all cultures that reside on the North Shore and acknowledge they are on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
be merry learn
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Within those three pledges are common expectations from many destinations around the world, including environmentally focused requests like using public transport, not leaving trash behind and recycling wherever possible
Others are far more place specific, like understanding avalanche conditions before adventuring into the backcountry, or educating oneself on local First Nations culture.
“Try
countries don’t even know what that is. So if a resident is educated, even in a basic way of understanding in respecting that they live and play on these lands, when their visitors come in, they can then share that,” she said.
The locals themselves should be leading by example, said Stéen, in terms of both First Nations education and caring for the North Shore environment
not to take your
guests to overcrowded places, like Quarry Rock on the weekend, and make sure you respect the people that live in those local communities, especially in the summertime.”
The association has worked closely with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to provide educational resources and activities to better educate tourists, but much of the onus, said Stéen, should really be on the locals themselves.
“In terms of reconciliation, many
“If you’re going to take your guests up the Grouse Grind, don’t go in flip flops, and be well prepared,” she said. “Try not to take your guests to overcrowded places, like Quarry Rock on the weekend, and make sure you respect the people that live in those local communities, especially in the summertime.”
Stéen said she wants visitors and North Shore residents to feel proud to take the pledge, to be a steward of sustainable and respectful travel in one of Vancouver’s most hotly sought after areas to visit
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heavily on “bringing much more diversity” to the concerts, and including new acts that hadn’t previously graced Live & Local stages, she said.
With artists like rock pop singer songwriter Matthew Presidente and social justice-oriented group Queer As Funk, a regular fixture at pride festivals, there is a strong LGBTQ+ presence among this year’s performers. Wilson said she wants to ensure the community feels as though they are accurately represented, and that locals of all backgrounds, ages and cultures feel welcome
“I love performing in smaller venues, because of the intimate and immediate feedback you get from your listeners,” she said. “As an artist, there’s less pressure to be overly performative, or to play ‘crowd-pleasers’.”
Rather, artists can focus on telling their own stories, holding the space and really connecting with the audience, she added.
“I love performing in smaller venues, because of the intimate and immediate feedback you get from your listeners.”
“We want everyone to feel like they are a part of something,” she said For such musician activists, performing in venues that are smaller in size than those usually found at free, outdoor concerts ensures their message is delivered to the community more accurately and personally, said McCurdyForeman. It allows for a better connection between performer and viewer
Small venues with community-driven crowds are also the best places for burgeoning artists to cut their teeth, she said, especially at a time when exposure and support for up-and-comers can be so hard to come by
“The Vancouver area can be a tough place for artists to live The gig economy isn’t great. Expenses are high and it feels like there isn’t a huge market for original music,” she said. “I was so excited to see that the city was prioritizing local, original music with this series. Music is an important part of our community.””
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative
Destination brunch: The best North Shore
■ MINA KERR-LAZENBY Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Whoever said breakfast is the most important meal of the day clearly didn’t understand the value of a quality lie-in. Why force-feed yourself a lacklustre bowl of cereal at 7 a.m. when you can roll out of bed whenever you please and prop yourself in front of a more adequately sized, more filling, and frankly more fetching plate of food? Better yet, why waste time and energy in the kitchen when there are more than a few adept chefs serving up a multitude of fine dishes at establishments that are far more happening than the living room sofa?
We don’t pretend to have all the answers here at the North Shore News, but we certainly have the ones that matter - and that’s where to find the best brunch here on the North Shore. Whether sweet or savoury, all manner of best brunches can be found in our round-up below
It might be a newcomer but it is by no means struggling to capture the attention of locals
Merèon
Douce Diner’s Panko Crust Chicken Sammy pairs well with the restaurant’s housemade hot sauce.
- Merèon in its short six months has already made an indelible mark on the North Shore’s food scene The West Vancouver-based French bistro is authentic and unstuffy, and it’s an ethos that translates to its plates with ease Think French onion soup and light quiches, sunny-side up croque monsieurs and oozing egg croquettes Close your eyes, and you might just be able to convince yourself you’re sitting, swallowing brunch bites by the Seine 1479 Clyde Ave, West Vancouver ➞ mereon.ca
JamCafe
If you like your fare flavourful and your serving sizes colossal, then you’ve likely already been part of the lively throng that awaits outside Jam cafe’s doors on a Sunday morning The cafe, one of four locations across Vancouver, has gained cult status for a reason: its seriously stacked plates are so delicious, you’ll be throwing
aside all sense of courteousness to tackle them Bruce-from-Matilda style Especially noteworthy are the pancakes, which, full warning, often require a return to bed after consumption.
100 1st St E, North Vancouver ➞ jamcafes.com
TheBakehouse
You’ve got the window seat, a sun-drenched spot at an antique wooden table Outside, people stroll past with market vegetables in tow or freshly bought flowers In front of you sits a sour cherry tart Or a fluffy cinnamon peach scone Or even a hefty slab of lemon buttermilk pie Breakfast at The Bakehouse is an experience reserved for lazy mornings where schedules are slim and cravings are of the sweet variety. (The menu traverses all manner of savoury brunch options too, but the baked goods are really the cream of the crop.)
2453 Marine Dr, West Vancouver ➞ bakehousedundarave.com
DouceDiner
Head chef, and Top Chef Canada alum, Dawn Doucette wants us to reconsider everything we think we know about the classic diner experience. Vintage diners shouldn’t have to equate to greasy plates and sticky floors, sometimes they can even be pastel-hued, adorable, and homes of fresh and flavourful food. Green Goddess salad bowls sit alongside thick-cut French toast, french onion grilled cheeses, stuffed breakfast sandwiches, and bowls of housemade granola.
1490 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver ➞ doucediner.com
Tommy’sCafe
To those who recoil at the word ‘brunch’ do not fear, you’ll find no smashed avocado toasts, mimosas or phone wielding influencers here. Laid back and welcoming, the family owned and operated Tommy’s Cafe tends to specialize in unfussy sammys, fry-ups, sweet plates and burgers Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though. The retro-themed pit stop has been a staple of the
community since 1990 thanks to its affordable prices, incredible service, cozy atmosphere and downright delectable classics.
1308 Ross Rd, North Vancouver ➞ instagram.com/tommyscafe
Catch122
If you’re looking to treat yourself to an especially decadent brunch (and why the hell not), look no further than Carrie Cates Court newcomer Catch 122. At once familiar and novel, the dishes served up here are like classics that have been carefully curated within a Willy Wonka factory. Sure, you’ve had a Snickers bar, but have you had Snickers pancakes with peanut and pumpkin seed nougat? Malt? peanut chocolate wafer? You’ve likely eaten chicken and waffles, but what about rosemary maple chicken waffles drenched in honey chipotle butter? An oat latte, but with house-made lavender syrup? Memorable dishes, to say the least 28 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver ➞ catch122.ca
VISIT VISIT
