Event Archives | Foodgressing

Araxi Longtable Dinner 2019 Recap

August 20, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

This past weekend, the ninth annual Araxi Longtable Dinner Series took place in Pemberton, BC. The event is known for being British Columbia’s most compelling and ambitious al fresco dining experiences and this year’s dinner took place at the base of Mount Currie on North Arm Farm.

Araxi Long Table Dinner 2019 at North Arm Farm Pemberton BC

Executive Chef James Walt and Chef Jorge Muñoz-Santos crafted an exclusive four-course menu showcasing superlative regional dishes with renowned Restaurant Director Neil Henderson orchestrating all aspects of service for the event.

The Reception

Guests first enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail reception with live music, passed canapes and beverages.

The canapes included Gazpacho with Herb Oil; Goat Cheese + Beet Caponata; Smoked Yarrow Meadows Farm Duck with BC Corn; and Grilled Octopus with Romesco.

The selection of beverages offered were Steller’s Jay Sparkling Brut 2015; Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2016; North Arm Sour (Gin, Cassis, North Arm Farm Blueberry, Lemon + Apple Juice; and Garden Party Punch (Sherringham Distillery Seaside Gin; Lemon Sherbet, Carrot + Ginger, Soda).

The Dinner

Bar Oso presented Housemade Fresh and Cured Charcuterie. This included Yarrow Meadows Farm Duck Liver Parfait; Smoked Ham Hock and North Arm Farm Vegetable Terrine; Fraser Valley Pheasant and Okanagan Apricot Terrine; The Finest Prosciutto, Bresoola and Chorizo Cured Meats; Il Caminetto Baked Breads, Crostini and North Arm Farm Vegetable Pickles. Paired with LaStella LaStellina Rosato 2018.

Il Caminetto presented GoodField Farms Heirloom Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella “Caprese” Housemade Fresh Pasta, North Arm Farm Leaves and Herbs. These included Jesse’s Tomatoes with Basil Emulsion and Balsamic Pearls, and Fresh Casarecce Pasta with Smoked Goat’s Cheese Fonduto. Paired with CedarCreek Platinum Block 4 Pinot Noir 2014.

Araxi prepared the Duo of RR Ranch Beef Charcoal Grilled Beef Striploin and Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks with North Arm Farm Young Root Vegetables and Tender Shoots. Paired with Burrowing Owl Athene 2016.

For dessert, we enjoyed a Golden Eagle Blueberry + Lemon Chiffon Gateau and Araxi Signature “Harmony Ridge” Chocolate Ice Cream Bars. These featured Aquilini Family blueberries with layered lemon mousse cake and Chef Aaron’s custom blended chocolate ice cream two ways. Paired with Fort Berens Late Harvest Riesling 2017.

Congratulations to all the culinary teams from Bar Oso, Il Caminetto, and Araxi for putting on an unforgettable evening. The Araxi Longtable Dinner will be returning in 2020. For more information, visit araxi.com/longtable/.

Vancouver August 2019 Events, Openings and Menu Launches

August 6, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Here is what is happening in Metro Vancouver during August 2019. If you have an event suggestion, please email foodgressing@gmail.com. This list is updated as more information becomes available so check back regularly!

Vancouver August 2019 Events, Openings and Menu Launches.jpg

August 4, 11, 18, 25: Sunday Seafood Boil Series Continues at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
The award-winning Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar (845 Burrard St.) continues its popular al-fresco Sunday Seafood Boil Series for a fifth consecutive year throughout the summer. Guests are invited to pull up a chair and tuck into a true, East Coast-inspired communal seafood feast of fresh-caught lobster, jumbo prawns, clams, mussels and Dungeness crab piled high on butcher’s paper and served with all the fixings. Tickets are $68 per person (plus gratuity, taxes and service fees) and available online via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/canada–vancouver/boulevard-kitchen/

August 4, 11, 18, 25: Sunday Night Movie Series Continues at Bells and Whistles
Fraserhood hangout and beer hall Bells and Whistles (3296 Fraser St.) gives cinephiles a front-row seat to some classic flicks every Sunday night at 9 p.m. during its Sunday Night Movie Series, which continues this August with screenings of The Goonies (August 4), Tommy Boy (August 11), Wayne’s World (August 18) and Dazed and Confused (July 28). Guests can also take advantage of late happy hour specials from 10 p.m. to close that include $7 Negronis, $5.50 draught beer, $5 classic hot dogs and $7 chili cheese dogs and Chicago dogs.

August 8: Vegan Harvest Dinner at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will add a new twist to its award-winning recipe for culinary excellence when the Vancouver restaurant hosts a pair of Vegan Harvest Dinners on Thursday, August 8 and Thursday, October 3. Spearheaded by Boulevard’s Executive Chef – Signature Restaurants, Alex Chen — Canadian Culinary Champion, Vancouver Magazine Chef of the Year and inaugural winner on The Food Network Canada’s Iron Chef Canada TV series in 2018 — each dinner will showcase the creativity of his kitchen team as he redefines the levels of sophistication and flavour of vegan cuisine. Tickets to each edition of the Vegan Harvest Dinners are available for $85 per person plus tax and gratuity at https://boulevardvancouver.ca/events.

August 8 – September 8: Waste to Wonder
Metropolis at Metrotown will be presenting Waste to Wonder, the largest flip flop animal art exhibit in the world handcrafted by Ocean Sole Africa.

August 11: Ubuntu Canteen Hosts Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm
The team at organic, family focused café and counter-service restaurant Ubuntu Canteen will head out on the road on Sunday, August 11 as Chef/Owner David Gunawan joins forces with fellow locavore-minded Chef Kaylie Barfield (formerly of Vancouver’s Nuba Restaurant Group, currently of Portland, OR’s Tusk restaurant) to co-host an on-the-road edition of its popular Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey. Tickets to the multi-course dinner, which features a whole spit-roasted lamb as the centrepiece and a full menu incorporating as many as 20 of the 40 different kinds of vegetables harvested from the farm on the day, are available for $125 per person plus tax at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sunday-supper-on-the-farm-ubuntu-canteen-and-zaklan-heritage-farms-tickets-65562440023

August 13: Panda & Sons Bar Takeover at Wildebeest
Tristan Ley, Head Bartender of Edinburgh’s famous Panda & Son’s cocktail bar, will be taking over Wildebeest‘s Underbelly bar for a one-night exclusive cocktail event. Tristan will be offering a selection from Panda & Son’s award-winning cocktail menu, as well as a collaborative cocktail with the Wildebeest bar team.

August 20: Hip Hop Trivia Night at Juke Fried Chicken
Whether you’re a Biggie or a Tupac fan, all Eyez are on Juke Fried Chicken when the Chinatown location of the chicken-and-rib joint (182 Keefer St.) gets Ready to Fry by hosting Hip Hop Trivia Night on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Teams of up to six are invited to take part in five rounds of questions on all things Hova, Dre and Wu-Tang with food and drink specials and prizes up for grabs. Sign up as an individual or a team of up to six via email (info@jukefriedchicken.com), Instagram (@jukefriedchicken) or Facebook (/jukefriedchicken) to guarantee a spot. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Related posts:

What to Eat at Richmond Night Market 2019

Things to do in Vancouver Summer 2019

Brewery & The Beast Vancouver 2019 Recap

August 5, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

It was yet another incredible Brewery & The Beast! This year’s event welcomed more than 60 of the region’s top chefs and restaurants from Vancouver, Whistler and the Lower Mainland with ingredients sourced from local and regional producers.

Brewery & The Beast 2019 Vancouver Festival

Partial proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Chef’s Table Society of BC and the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship Foundation.

Partnering sponsors for Brewery & The Beast include Two Rivers Specialty Meats, Phillips Brewing Co, Whole Foods, Napoleon Gourmet Grills, Open Table, Houweling’s Tomatoes and Kerrisdale Lumber.

New this Year

Unique to this year, The Phillips Brewing Company highlighted the adventurous side of beer with a satellite pouring station where two new craft beers, developed exclusively for Brewery & The Beast Vancouver, were showcased.

Also new to this year’s festival were participating restaurants Pourhouse, Tableau Bar + Bistro, Lil’ Ronnie’s Beachside BBQ (Tofino), Bauhaus, and Bartholomew.

Although Brewery & The Beast has traditionally been a meat-forward festival, the event has integrated new partnerships this year to ensure seafood and local produce are also highlighted.

There was live music by Electric Timber Co, wine from producers local to BC, as well as kombucha tea and specialty coffee options.

Participating Restaurants

ARC Restaurant
Atlas Steak + Fish
Au Comptoir
Bartholomew
Bauhaus
BC Kitchen at Parq Vancouver
BigDay Barbecue
Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar
Bowen Island Pizza Co.
Bucha Brew
Burdock & Co. Restaurant
Campagnolo Restaurant / Monarch Burger
Cascade Room
Chicha restaurant
Clough Club
Corduroy Pie Co.
DownLow Chicken Shack
el Santo
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Fiasco Gelato
Forage & Timber
H2 Rotisserie & Bar
Heritage Asian Eatery
Homer St Cafe and Bar / Tableau Bar Bistro
Hook Seabar
Houweling’s Group
HYCS
Johnston’s – Fresh, Local, Quality
Juke Fried Chicken
Juniper Kitchen & Bar
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
La Mezcaleria
La Pentola
Left Field Cider Co
Lil Ronnie’s Beachside BBQ
Maenam
Mamie Taylor’s
Marriott Hotel – Downtown
Medina Cafe
Mile One Eating House
Nightingale
Paella Guys
Peckinpah BBQ
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co
Phillips Soda Works
Pidgin
Pourhouse
Railtown Catering
Royal Dinette
Shangri-La Hotel – Vancouver
Tap & Barrel Vancouver
The Ellis
The Gull Bar and Kitchen
Two Rivers Specialty Meats
Vancouver Community College
West Oak
West Restaurant
Whole Foods Market
Wildebeest

Here are more of my photos from this year’s festival.

Brewery & The Beast 2019: Sunday, July 28, 2019

Metropolis at Metrotown presents Waste to Wonder Exhibit

August 3, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

From August 8 – September 8, Metropolis at Metrotown will be presenting Waste to Wonder, the largest flip flop animal art exhibit in the world handcrafted by Ocean Sole Africa.

This exhibit consists of five life-size sculptures of Canadian at-risk wildlife (the narwhal, orca, bison, grizzly, and caribou) – each of them made from recycled flip flops by Ocean Sole Africa.

More than 6,500 flip flops were used to make the sculptures, requiring 2,500+ hours of work by more than two dozen artists, and is Ocean Sole’s largest exhibit in the world.

Visitors can explore the exhibit, participate in a DIY upcycle workshop, or bring your plastics in for recycling at the Metropolis Plastics Recycling Drive!

I rode the Hendrick’s Gin A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R Hot Air Balloon

August 3, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

UP, UP and AWAY!

Hendrick’s Gin A.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. Hot Air Balloon Vancouver Honda Celebration of Light 2019

This weekend, Hendrick’s Gin is taking to the streets and skies of Vancouver at the inaugural Honda Celebration of Light Downtown.

The Hendrick’s Gin A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. (affectionately known as the Amazing, Whimsical, Enchanting, Voyaging, Astounding, Nocturnal, Ascending, Interstellar, Roamer) is a towering 65-foot hot air balloon adorned in cucumbers and roses.

The balloon is tethered at the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery during the 2019 Honda Celebration of Light August 2 and 3. It cruises at an altitude of 44 ¼ cucumbers into the skies of Vancouver.

I had the opportunity to ride the hot air balloon as a media guest. Check out my Instagram video for a few video highlights:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Areta | Food & Travel Blogger (@foodgressing) on Aug 3, 2019 at 11:44am PDT

While flights are limited to the lucky few Golden Ticket holders, members of the public are welcome to visit the Hendrick’s Gin Air Departure Lounge featuring live music, entertainment, jazz and gin sampling.

There will be live performances on the C.O.R.G.A.N. where real, whole cucumbers generate sound in lieu of traditional keys on an organ. The real cucumbers are changed daily to ensure optimum harmony and the freshest of sound as unusual C.O.R.G.A.N.ists play in the Hendrick’s Gin Air Departure Lounge both evenings.

Guests can also sample Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice – a deeply floral gin inspired by the eternal mystery of nature’s most vivid blooms on the Midsummer solstice, and will be releasing in Canada before Winter solstice in 2019.

Guests bearing a Golden Ticket also have the opportunity to visit renowned Intuitive Specialist Terri-Lynn Decker who shall conduct one-on-one energy readings.

Thereminist Theadora Feu Follet will be playing the most mysterious sonnets of sound on the Hendrick’s Gin Theremin (also known in peculiar circles as the There-gin) without even laying a physical hand on an instrument.

For more information regarding the Hendrick’s Gin A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. or Hendrick’s Gin in Canada, please visit the online press room at hendricksgin.alchemystsinc.com.

Hawksworth Winemaker Dinner Summer 2019 with Tantalus Vineyards

August 1, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Last week, I had the pleasure of being a guest at one of Hawksworth Restaurant’s Summer Winemaker dinners. This was the second of the series and the featured winemarker was Kelowna’s Tantalus Vineyards.

Hawksworth Winemaker Dinner 2019 with Tantalus Vineyards

The four-course dinner took place at Hawksworth’s elegant York Room along two communal 20-person long tables.

The evening featured an exceptional selection of B.C. varietals, paired alongside Chef de Cuisine, Antonio Sotomayor’s, seasonally inspired fmenu created designed to compliment the bold and ambitious flavours of Tantalus Vineyards.

Canapes

Bubbly OVR Riesling | Kusshi Oyster, grapefruit | Tuna tartare, kohlrabi, cilantro

First course

Hokkaido scallop apple, cucumber. Paired with Flagship Riesling 2018.

Second course

Brant Lake Wagyu Beef carpaccio, foie gras, hazelnut and pickled mushroom. Paired with Flagship Chard 2017.

Third course

Salmon, summer squash, potato fondant, radish. Paired with Flagship Pinot Noir 2017 / 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir.

Dessert

Toasted white chocolate, cherry, buckwheat. Paired with 2015 Syrah Ice wine.

What to Eat at Surrey Fusion Festival 2019: Something Sweet

July 20, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The 12th annual Surrey Fusion Festival, Western Canada’s largest multicultural event, is taking place this weekend from July 20 – 21.

Surrey Fusion Festival 2019 Food Holland Park

Featuring 55 cultural pavilions, 200 performers, and 7 stages, this event is one of the festival highlights of the summer. In previous years, it has welcomed over 100,000 attendees.

“Something Sweet” Theme

This year’s theme is “Something Sweet” so expect to see many dessert dishes presented by the food pavilions.

There are 6 pavilion rows which are all named after a dessert: Row 1 – Alfajores; Row 2 – Cassave Pone; Row 3 – Kulfi Falooda; Row 4 – Nanaimo Bars; Row 5 – Puff Puffs; and Row 6 – Sweet Bannock.

Tickets for Food, Drinks and Rides

All food, drink, ride and alcoholic beverage purchased can be made with paper tickets provided on-site. One ticket = $1. Food items usually range from 2 to 10 tickets.

Tickets can be purchased from one of six ticket booths on-site with cash, credit, or debit. ATMs will be located on-site beside each ticket booth for attendee usage

I attended the event as media today and here’s a look at some of the deliciousness that I tried.

Sweet Food Items

Cassave Pone | Jamaica (Row 1)

Cassava Pone is a popular dessert in the Carribean. It is a rich, dense pudding made with sweet cassava root, pumpkin, sweet potato, coconut sugar, nutmeg, butter and milk. Cassava is a nutty flavoured, starchy root vegetable native to South America.

The cassava pone recipe is said to be originated from Trinidad and Tobago, where settlers learned to make this dish from local tribes.

Cocadas (Coconut Smoothie) in a Coconut Shell | Venezula (Row 2)

Kulfi Falooda | India (Row 3)

Kulfi Falooda is a cold dessert with origins from the Indian Subcontinent. Traditionally it is made from mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds with milk and often served with ice cream.

Deep-Fried Nanaimo Bars | Canada (Row 3)

Named after the city of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, the Nanaimo Bar consists of three layers: a wafter and coconut crumb base, custard flavoured butter icing in the middle and a layer of chocolate ganache on top. Enjoy a deep fried version at Surrey Fusion Festival 2019.

Puff Puffs | Nigeria (Row 5)

Puff puffs are a dough-based snack that originated in West Africa. It is popular in Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana. Puff puffs are made of dough containing flour, yeast, sugar, butter, salt, water and eggs, and deep-fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. They are then coated with sugar for sweetness.

Alfajores | Uruguay (Row 5)

Aljafores is a sweet sandwich cookie featuring a layer of dulce de leche or milk jam in the middle of two sweet biscuits and coated with chocolate or sprinkled with powder sugar.

Alfajores is popular in Argentina, Uruguay and Peru, although they can be found in South America.

Deep-Fried Plantains | El Salvador (Row 5)

Taiwanese Wheel Cakes | Taiwan (Row 5)

Sweet Bannock | Bannock Queen (Indigenous Village)

Bannock is a type of fry bread which originated from Scotland but was adopted by the Indigenous people of Canada, particularly the Metis of Western Canada.

Classic bannock has a smoky, nutty flavour blended with a buttery taste while sweet bannock has a taste similar to a donut.

Served by Bannock Queen, the Sweet Bannock features a classic bannock lightly glazed and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Savouries

Jamaican Beef Patty | Jamaica (Row 1)

Tandoori Chicken | Pakistan (Row 3)

Samosas & Chana | India (Row 4)

Vegetarian samosas served with traditionally cooked chickpeas in spices.

Shai Fries with Shahi Sauce | India (Row 4)

Assorted Tapas | El Salvador (Row 5)

Bannock Salmon Burger | Bannock Queen (Indigenous Village)

Things to do in Chilliwack Summer 2019: Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

July 18, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

On August 1, the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival returns for its second year — this time, with a massive field of dahlias to complement the acres of sunflowers. In total, there will be 20 acres of flowers!

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival: Things to do in Chilliwack Summer 2019 — Credit: Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

Every day from August 1 to September 15, visitors can make their way through 35 varieties of peak-season sunflowers — from two-foot Dwarf Sunspots to 12-foot Mammoth Grey Stripes, in varying shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Pick your own Sunrich Orange sunflowers to take home (while supplies last), as well as cut sunflowers and field flowers, sunflower-inspired gifts, and onsite-grown spring bulbs of tulips and daffodils.

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival provides countless opportunities to take perfect keepsake photos and videos.

Throughout the grounds, find swing sets, an operational windmill, a vintage bicycle, face cut-outs, and more.

Plus, this year includes the addition of 54 varieties of dahlias, a giant pumpkin patch, and a field of pick-your-own Chilliwack corn (while supplies last).

Weekends include the added attraction of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser train, which offers free rides through the fields.

Guests of all ages will also love the many outdoor lawn games available to play: bolaball, “giant” Jenga, dominoes, tic-tac-toe, checkers, and more.

Afterward, retreat from the late-summer sun and enjoy cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks in a special covered area. Local food trucks will be on site daily.

On-leash pets are welcome — a water station and complimentary pick-up bags will be available.

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival runs every day from August 1 to September 15 (hours vary; check website for full details). Location is 41310 Yale Road. Ticket and season-pass prices vary for individuals, families and bus groups; children five and under are admitted free.

Visit chilliwacksunflowerfest.com for directions, complete ticket pricing, and more information.

Surrey Fusion Festival 2019: July 20 – 21 at Holland Park

July 16, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The 12th annual Surrey Fusion Festival, Western Canada’s largest multicultural event, is taking place this weekend from July 20 – 21.

Featuring 55 cultural pavilions, 200 performers, and 7 stages, this event is one of the festival highlights of the summer. In previous years, it has welcomed over 100,000 attendees.

Something Sweet

This year’s theme is “Something Sweet” so expect to see many dessert dishes presented by the food pavillions.

Family-Friendy Highlights

Kids can enjoy various activities on-site including:

crafts
face painting
storytelling
toddler zone
sports zone
inflatables and zip line (requires tickets)

Indigenous Village (Métis Pavilion)

The Indigenous Village features Indigenous Artist Trade Show offering authentic Indigenous art created by First Nations and Métis artists.

The Bannock Queen will serve a variety of tacos including salmon, baked egg frittata, veggie and chilli tacos, with your choice of the following toppings: lettuce, onion, red & green peppers, black beans, cucumber, tomatoes, with old cheddar cheese.

Surrey Fusion Festival
July 20 & 21, 2019: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Where: Holland Park
www.surreyfusionfestival.ca

What to Expect at Indian Summer Festival 2019 in Vancouver

July 1, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The 9th annual Indian Summer Festival returns to Vancouver from July 4 – 14, bringing locally and internationally renowned artists to venues across the city. This year’s theme is “Tricksters, Magicians, and Oracles,” and the 2019 festival lineup features futurists, novelists, stand-up comedians, musicians and storytellers from around the world.

The Indian Summer Festival is a leading cultural event in Vancouver with a reputation for unusual pairings of the local with the international and the traditional with the contemporary. By creating a space in Vancouver for local and global conversations, and dissolving cultural borders, Indian Summer Festival challenges and invites artists and audiences to come together in the spirit of dialogue.

Indian Summer Festival 2019 Highlights

Indian Summer Festival Opening Party – July 4 | Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Kicking off the festival is one of Vancouver’s most sought-after summer parties. Sold-out for the past eight years, Chef Vikram Vij invites some of the city’s top culinary magicians (Ancora, Medina, La Bodega, Tayybeh, Blue Water Cafe, La Glace) and a cast of jugglers, fortune tellers and musicians to explore the festival theme of “Tricksters, Magicians and Oracles”.

5×15 – July 5 | Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
The festival plays host for the fifth year running to the only Canadian edition of this ever-popular international speakers series. 5×15 features five eclectic artists who will speak for fifteen minutes, unscripted, on a topic they are deeply passionate about. This year’s all-star lineup will include literary ‘Global Soul’ Pico Iyer, Trickster trilogy titan Eden Robinson, and literary bluesman Arthur Flowers.

Conjuring the Future – July 6 | The Imperial Vancouver
Jarrett Martineau, charismatic host of Reclaimed on CBC curates a galaxy of potent musical voices from across Canada. From Inuit throat singing and traditional rhythms to contemporary sounds and 808-hip-hop beats, this will be an immersive evening of futurist genre-bending music and diasporic dancefloor beats. The night will feature multiple Vancouver debuts by some of Canada’s brightest stars in South Asian, Indigenous, Queer, Filipinx, and diasporic music, movement, and poetry. Watch for PIQSIQ, featuring members of Juno Award-winning Inuit throat singers Quantum Tangle with Ruby Singh’s soundscapes.

Pico Iyer on Life, Love and Mortality – July 7 | Museum of Vancouver
Writer, world-traveller and TED sensation Pico Iyer has spent his life answering the great questions of humankind. Whether in three decades of conversations with the Dalai Lama, or his sleeve notes for Leonard Cohen, Pico Iyer’s voice has always been a place of stillness in the whirlwind of the world. At Indian Summer, he invites audiences to meditate on the age-old question, “What does it mean to be alive? And how do we hold onto the beings we love, even though we know we and they must come to an end one day?”

PAUSE Free Programming – July 8-14 | Vanier Park
Indian Summer Festival’s outdoor programming hub, PAUSE, is a unique architectural installation conceptualized to bring people together with an innovative use of public space. Situated at the site of the village of sənaʔqw (pronounced Sun’ahk), currently known as Vanier Park, the PAUSE Pavilion features free events throughout the festival, including Tiffin Talks (a lunchtime speakers series paired with a tiffin meal), family-friendly programming and workshops, and visual art installations.

Amjad Ali Khan & Sons with Sharon Isbin: Strings for Peace **WORLD PREMIERE** – July 12 | The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
The undisputed living master of the sarod, and one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, Amjad Ali Khan takes the Chan Centre stage alongside his richly talented sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash. In this rare concert, the first family of the sarod comes together with three-time Grammy Award-winning classical guitarist Sharon Isbin. Isbin and the Khans bring together cultural traditions as they present a range of music, from Spanish work for guitar, ragas and folk tunes. These outstanding musicians make an eloquent and impassioned call for harmony – in music, in religion, in cultures, and in the world. Indian Summer Festival hosts the world premiere of this powerful collaboration.

Hari Kondabolu Live in Vancouver – July 13 | Vancouver Playhouse
American comic and creator of the hit documentary, The Problem with Apu, Hari Kondabolu is known for his appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Named one of Variety’s ‘Top 10 Comics to Watch,’ Kondabolu also has a Netflix special Warn Your Relatives. He returns to Vancouver for an evening of comedy exploring the personal and the political. Described by The NY Times as “one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up today,” Kondabolu will have the Vancouver Playhouse audience in fits of laughter in this one- night only event.

Additional highlights include a special SFU Vancouver 30th Anniversary Speaker Series presentation, in collaboration with Indian Summer Festival, featuring literary heavyweight Amitav Ghosh on July 9 at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. Ghosh, one of the world’s great writers, will explore ‘The Great Derangement,’ arguing that future generations may well think we are deranged, given our imaginative failure in the face of global warming.

In ‘The Beats in India,’ Pulitzer Prize nominee Deborah Baker takes us back to the moment when America’s edgiest writers looked to India for answers as India looked to the West. She follows beat poet Allen Ginsberg on his fifteen months in India in the early 60s, a trip that not only changed his life, it helped spawn generations of hippies, hipsters, writers, artists, rock-stars and soul-searchers. This is one of many ways, she argues, that India expanded the possibilities of the western consciousness

The festival will also be the premiere for Trigger Me This, an exciting new stage format of ‘comedy, outrage and debate’ from Richard Side, creator of The Debaters on CBC Radio One. A panel of talented comedians and the audience decide where jokes cross the line and go from being inoffensive to being off-putting and even toxic. This is in an exploration of what makes us laugh, what makes us shudder and what makes us do both simultaneously.

Indian Summer Festival will be collaborating with the Vancouver Art Gallery, Surrey Art Gallery, and Audain Gallery at SFU, including with the festival’s feature artist Sara Khan, Nep Sidhu and a response to ‘Moving Still,’ the Vancouver Art Gallery’s current exhibition.