From drag to Afro-diasporic, diverse performers to hit Vancouver Mural Festival's just-announced pop-up stage, August 4 to 22

Event unveils online talks, a documentary launch, and mural tours for later this summer

THE BLACK STRATHCONA RESURGENCE Project’s Celebrating Afro-Diasporic Identities will kick off diverse programming at the Vancouver Mural Festival’s newly announced pop-up stage for later this summer.

The licensed, sit-down outdoor venue located at Main Street and 5th Avenue will take place in a public space decorated with murals and greenery. Its 40-plus shows will focus on emerging local artists from underrepresented communities, running from August 4 to 22.

Events include live music by Aaron Ross and Xhalida August 7; Alternative Drag Show featuring Rose Butch, Hotmale Dotcom, Mx Bukuru, Rogue, August 13; VanVogueJam Ballroom Showcase with Vancouver’s Kiki Houses —Andromeda and Gvasalia, as well as Tigger 007, and The COVEN on August 15; and Insight into Drag with guests like Minor Disappointment, Continental Breakfast, Maiden China, Mx Bukaru, and Boss on August 20. The closing event is Conjure in Colour: A Burlesque Showcase featuring Diasporic Dynasty.

The fest also unveiled a roster of mural tours, as well as free online events and artist talks, including an August 5th film launch for the Blanketing The City documentary and an August 7 Punjabi Market “Murals in the Market” guest-curator Talk by Jas Lally, in conversation with Jag Nagra.

The fest had previously announced 60 murals would come to life in neighbourhoods around the city, including Cambie Village, downtown, Edgemont Village, Hogan’s Alley, Marpole, and the Punjabi Market.

You can find the full lineup here.

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Janet Smith

Janet Smith is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

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