The Best of Vancouver’s Best of Vancouver: Multihyphenate performer Dust Cwaine
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We asked some of this year’s Best of Vancouver winners to give us their own best of Vancouver lists. So meta! But not capital-M Meta—we’re mad at that Meta.
Spend enough time at local drag or indie music shows, and you’ll find Dust Cwaine. The non-binary performer does it all: singing, comedy, lip-synching, promotion, organizing, and a touch of good-spirited razzling to boot—all in the name of their quest to uplift Vancouver’s artists. Their presence on the Local Hero list reminds us that working hard and being nice isn’t always easy, but we know it when we see it. In a city that loves to pay creatives dust, Dust refuses to take no for an answer.
Best local band or musician
Houseguest. Just emerging on the scene and they are just *chef’s kiss* perfection. Their music is giving ‘90s alt-rock with a queer indie flair. Their song “Pink Power Ranger” is my local song of the summer 2024!
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Best public artwork
The megaphone at Jim Deva Plaza.
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Best local artist
Photographer Cole Schmidt. Cutting their teeth at drag shows, Cole now leads queer photo walks that are both building skill and community among queer photographers in the city. They are also starting to do some fun work with local musicians such as Non La, Josh Eastman, Kylie V, and myself!
Best Vancouverite
Oliv Howe. A living queer legend. She paved so many paths for us queer artists in the city; she has championed so many causes and lived through so many historical moments. She is a fabulous artist, mentor, philanthropist, and genuine legend without inflation of the word!
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Best live music venue
Hipposonic Studios. The owner Robert [Darch] has an unmatched passion for music, which extends to creating intimate live experiences. The sound is magical, and the vibe is cabin in the woods. Also, if you get a chance to have a conversation with him, you’ll be regaled with some of the most epic local music stories. He is passionate about musical artists and champions them every chance he gets!
Best comedy show
That’s Gay! Sold out every dang show! Host Erin Purghart cultivates a much-needed queer comedy extravaganza. The evolution of comedy in this city is safe in the hands of Erin! If you can get your hands on a ticket you’ll also potentially enjoy the fresh new Little Mountain Comedy space down in Gastown.
Best arts festival
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival: folks from the fringe of arts scenes showcasing their work. Having it all under one roof is such an incredible idea. There’s a performance element to the festival that is also very niche and cool.
Best museum or gallery
Slice of Life. Making a name for themselves as a community space, Slice of Life is surely an East Van must-visit for art folks looking for a small local gallery experience.
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Best place to get a haircut
Barber & Co on Main and 12th. I’ve been going here for years! If you’re a Star Wars nerd, make sure you talk to the manager Donovan about it!
Best vintage shop
Burcu’s Angels. Burcu is a local icon—she can look you up and down, know your size, and know three things in her shop that will fit you. Vintage shopping in Vancouver is not complete without a visit.
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Best boutique
Barefoot Contessa. Eva [de Viveiros, owner] is so sweet, a quintessential Main Street boutique owner: nice, friendly, and tasteful. The shop has everything—tarot, crystals, clothing, frog ceramics, cat ceramics, and niche mints.
Best place to people-watch
Mount Pleasant Park. Dogs, kids, BBQs, people running into each other, community garden. It’s the perfect place for a meet cute!
Best place to crow-watch
The roof of my friend Rachel’s apartment building on Commercial Drive.
Best part of being in Vancouver/anything else you’d like to shout out
My bestie Henry lives here.
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