Yes, 2013 was that celebratory year when Rob Ford apparently lost his mind, when twerking was added to the dictionary, when we got even more desperate for oil money, when Snowden tattled on the NSA, when we actually began to think that trap rap was a good thing and when Beyonce went undercover and then sold a billion records.
But in a bid to predict the future while maintaining a bridge with the past, we asked around, and got some crystal ball-like revelations of our glorious coming year.
Heather Redfern, executive director
Photographer S.D. Holmans exhibit Butch: Not like the other girls challenged traditional gender roles in April. Usually we get around 50 people in attendance, but this time there 200 lesbians in leather. We ran out of beer in an hour!
The Cultch also had a monumental impact on The Drive by refurbishing and reopening the York Theatre Dec. 6. Mayor Gregor Robertson, financier Bruno Wall, Bard on the Beachs Christopher Gaze, the Arts Clubs Bill Millerd all mingled in new foyer of the former 1913 vaudeville theatre.
In 2014: Were excited to have the play Miss Julie performed at the Cultch in the New Year, says Redfern. This will be only one of two Canadian performances.
Gord Knights, general manager
Vancouver is becoming an epicenter for music musical acts are now using Vancouver as their North American venue of choice. We used to be tied with Pacific Northwest tours, now were a start and end point for bands.
An outstanding emotional performance in October by local heroes 54-40 at their 50th show at the Ballroom marked their humble beginnings in a career that has spanned three decades in Vancouver It was a pretty big milestone for everybody.
In 2014: Singer-songwriter Serena Ryder will be playing one of her only dates in Western Canada next April at the Ballroom, as will the Mercury Prize-winning Alt J.
Glencora Twigg, founder/designer
The clothing boutique on South Main Street celebrated 10 years in business this year.
2013 also marked Twigg and Hotties major contributions to Vancouvers Eco Fashion Week in early October. Eco Fashion is dedicated to promoting sustainable and ethical fashion brands, something that Twigg fully supports.
In 2014: We want to continue making a smaller carbon footprint. We want people to look at the label, and vote with their dollars when theyre trying to shop ethically. Were also trying to change peoples minds about sustainable materials like hemp in the coming year.
Lisa Tant, VP fashion editor
Fashion isnt really as dictated as it used to be, thanks to street style. People are more interested in personal expression. That may explain the continued popularity of punk-infused haute couture. Another 2013 trend was the graphic print.
In 2014: Throw in some pinks and pastels and youve got the look of the spring. The powder pink blazer will be especially arresting in the February rain.
And dont forget to look at least interested in being trim. Active wear is a rising trend, both for men and women. Not necessarily sporty or outdoorsy, but definitely looking fit is going to be in.
Sonu Purhar, media relations specialist
Bollywood came to Hollywood North in April, as Vancouver hosted the Times of India Film Awards. The events stars lured 40,000 people to BC Place.
The city continued to strengthen its relationships across the Pacific, partnering artistically with Wanting Qu, a Chinese singing sensation in China but a virtual unknown in Canada. This new cultural diplomat has been positioned to attract more Chinese tourists to cosmopolitan Vancouver.
In 2014: We can look forward to hosting the NHL Heritage Classic, marking a century of Canadas sport. The Ottawa Senators will be venturing into BC Place on March 2 to face off against the Canucks.
Paige Chan, marketing manager
Another year, another face-lift, as Celebrities re-opened its doors in March. A steady stream of club favourites poured through the doors, including Disclosure, Le1f, and Sneak Sound System.
It was another huge year for Davie Villages Pride Week as well, with a marathon six night live show run at Celebrities followed by a 13 hour HISTORY party. Jinx Monsoon, winner of RuPauls Drag Race and Seattle native was on hand to host the festivities.
So thats that, 2013. Your presence has been appreciated and given us plenty to talk about at our New Years parties. From the team at WE, heres hoping all of your plans and resolutions come true in 2014, and that you make headlines in all the right ways. Cheers!
