The second annual Olio festival is taking over downtown Vancouver this weekend (woohoo!), which means hundreds of emerging and established artists will be bringing their own breed of music, comedy, art, and film to a venue near you.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity to see the work/love/passion of 500 relevant artists both local and international,” says Dani Vachon, Olio’s director and music curator. The four-day festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s with 40 events and 500 artists. This has got to change Vancouver’s reputation as “No Fun City”, doesn’t it?
“I think every festival, every artist, every comedian, every musician, and every fan is changing Vancouver’s cultural scene. In fact, your blog is changing the scene, too.”
Aw shucks.
So, of all the Olio artists in all the disciplines, which three are must sees?
“The Very Best (pictured above) is a very exciting cross between world and indie rock. I think the comedy show that’s partnered up with Global Comedy Fest at the Rickshaw Theatre will be good laughs. And I’m really excited to see what Tunde Olaniran (hip hop weirdo from Flint who is opening for Run With The Heard at Venue) will be like on stage,” says Dani.
Oh, and I’d personally like to see the documentary No Fun City. Just ’cause.
Time to break out the New Kids on the Block concert tee and hit the Olio circuit? I think so.
