Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ENTERTAINMENT
Gastown is more about the bars but Chinatown is home to some decent
entertainment options, including a couple of local-fave live venues. Con-
verse with a few Vancouverites and ask for recommendations about
what's coming up and who's about to hit the stage.
RICKSHAW THEATRE
LIVE MUSIC
(
www.liveatrickshaw.com
;
254 E Hastings St; 14)
Revamped from its grungy 1970s incarn-
ation, the funky Rickshaw shows that Eastside gentrification can be positive. The stage
of choice for many punk and indie acts, it's an excellent place to see a band. There's a
huge mosh area near the stage and rows of theater-style seats at the back.
Check the schedule to see who's on: many nights there are several bands on the
roster.
FIREHALL ARTS CENTRE
THEATER
(
www.firehallartscentre.ca
;
280 E Cordova St; 4)
One of the leading players in Van-
couver's independent theater scene, this intimate, studio-sized venue is located inside a
historic former fire station. It presents culturally diverse contemporary drama and
dance, with an emphasis on emerging talent. A key venue during the annual Dancing on
the Edge festival (
www.dancingontheedge.org
)
, it also has a convivial licensed lounge
on-site, where visiting drama fans can discuss the scene.
Check out the artworks lining the brick walls before you go in for your show: there's
typically a focus on great local artists.
COBALT
LIVE MUSIC, DANCE
(
www.thecobalt.ca
;
917 Main St; 9pm-2am; 3)
A favorite underground dive venue, the
dark and shady Cobalt has transformed from being a grungy live venue to being a
grungy live venue that's also a big part of the local gay scene. Alongside bands, you'll
find an ever-changing menu of drag shows and raucous dance nights.
