Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival
1 The Pack A. D., for starters. But the blues- rock duo is just one of more than 50 bands playing this year’s 10- block street party, which is getting bigger every year. ( The first was in 2011; last year’s reportedly drew over 80,000 people.) Other music highlights include the hard rock band No Sinner, the unclassifiable Brasstronaut and roots- rock performer Rich Hope as well as up-and-coming acts like Rykka and Sunshine. Also featured: anexpanded electronicstage, including long-walk-shortdock and Cyclist. 2 Meatball- eating contest. Hosted by Italian restaurant Trattoria, this could be fun — although we’d like to see some equal time given to our vegetarian friends. Maybe someone could host a tofu dog eating contest? Anyway, there will also be edibles from 35 food cart vendors and, of course, other West 4th restaurateurs will be showcasing their wares. 3 Bob Masse. Masse has been creating gorgeous posters for rock ’ n’ roll shows since the ’ 60s. The Saltspring Island- based artist’s work will be exhibited as part of This Happened Here, an art installation of 10 shipping containers on 4th near Trafalgar. Other containers feature work by photographer Bev Davies, who has documented the early days of the Vancouver punk scene, and animator Marv Newland of Bambi Vs. Godzilla fame. 4 Acid flashbacks. Remember back in the good ol’ days, when you would put on your love beads and head down to Kits to visit the head shops for some rolling papers and the latest issue of Zap Comix? No? Then you’ll want to don your sheer Luon yoga pants and school yourself in What Happened Last Summer, a documentary chronicling the Kitsilano hippie scene of the ’ 60s. The film, by Stan Fox and Jamie Reid, will also be part of This Happened Here. 5 The Afterfest Freak- Out. Once you’ve experienced the eye- blasting wonder of West 4th on a ( hopefully) sunny Saturday afternoon, head indoors for a time warp of light and sound. Formerly the Kitsilano Theatre, and home to many a psychedelic show of the past, the Russian Hall hosts an after- party that includes mind- bending sounds from The High Drops and Sinoia Caves. There will also be DJ sets, including one from Rodney Graham & John Collins, who will dig into their crates for rare Vancouver psyche sounds. West Coast Sonic Lantern Company provides the light show. Sock it to us!