Nardwuar

On July 12, the Khatsahlano Block Party (formerly Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival) will burst onto West 4th Avenue with expanded entertainment that celebrates both the heritage and future of this distinct neighbourhood. Launched in 2011, Khatsahlano is Vancouver’s summer highlight and largest free music and art festival. Last year saw an attendance of 118,000 people – all enjoying the party from Burrard to Macdonald Streets!

West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Block Party

Produced by the Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association in association with John Donnelly & Associates, Arrival Agency, and Zulu Records, over 50 musical acts are set to perform on eight stages.

Headlining the event is the Poppy Family Experience. Born of the counterculture that flourished along 4th Avenue in the 60’s and 70’s, The Poppy Family released a slew of international hits that had a huge influence on Vancouver songwriters and continue to do so to this day.

Susan Jacks, alongside original Poppy Family members Craig McCaw (guitar) and Satwant Singh (percussion), will perform hits from their storied catalogue and will be joined on stage by Vancouver’s own Black Mountain, Destroyer, and The New Pornographers.

“Susan Jacks is one of my favourite singers of all time and I’m so proud to be working with her. I first approached her about the project three years ago and it has finally come together. I’m amazed at the support we’ve received from some of our city’s top musicians, everyone is thrilled to help make the Poppy Family Experience happen,” according to Thomas Anselmi, Arrival Agency impresario.

Combining the best of local music with an international reach, other headlining musical acts include the Grapes of Wrath, electronic-pop duo Humans, Vancouver’s first punk band the Furies, synth-pop duo Lightning Dust, prog-rock outfit Bend Sinister, experimental-folk act Aidan Knight, Nardwuar’s band the Evaporators, accordion player and provocateur Geoff Berner, and 2013 Peak Performance Project winner Rykka.

Bend Sinister
[Joseph Blood of Bend Sinister]

Also check out Cool, Flyin’, the Graham Brown Band, the Greater Wall, Hard Rock Miners, Holy Hum, Inherent Vices, Jay Arner, Jody Glenham, Mac Pontiac, Mesa Luna, Mu, Nicholas Krgovich, Nü Sensae, Phil Western, Piggy, Project Pablo, Rook Milo, Shawn Mrazek Lives!, Sly Business, Star City, Sunday Morning, Synthcake, Tough Age, the Wayward Hearts, White Poppy, the Wild North, Willie Thrasher, Woolworm, Young Braised, Young Liars and more to be announced.

One stage will be dedicated to the first appearance of this year’s Peak Performance Project Top 12 bands (to be announced on June 11).

2012 Khatsahlano Festival-43

“West 4th Avenue has always been a hotbed of independent culture. We truly believe this festival is a reflection of the values, attitudes, and lifestyles of the residents and businesses in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Kitsilano,” says Susan Braverman, Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association president.

An outdoor exhibition of seminal Vancouver punk artist Jim Cummins (aka I, Braineater) will headline arts programming at Khatsahlano this year. Titled Return to Planet X: The Underground World of Jim Cummins and I, Braineater, the spectacle will feature a retrospective of his four decade-long career as well as live action painting and musical performances by I, Braineater.

Khatsahlano

“In keeping with the values of Khatsahlano being a true celebration of indie art and music, Jim Cummins is a perfect fit. He’s embodies the DIY ethos and has had a tremendous impact on Vancouver culture over his 40 year career,” says Grant McDonagh, Khatsahlano creative director and Zulu Records owner.

Other festival highlights include beer gardens sponsored by Mill Street Brewery, restaurants with extended patio licenses, a long boarding competition, some of the city’s best food trucks, children’s activities, and countless performances and happenings.

West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Block Party

“This year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever. There’s something for everyone at the Khatsahlano Block Party and we look forward to seeing the whole city come out to celebrate Vancouver’s music and arts scene along vibrant West 4th Avenue,” says John Donnelly, Khatsahlano producer and John Donnelly & Associates president.

Indeed, something for everyone (check out my previous Khatsahlano photos here). Let’s hope that the sun gods shine down on West 4th for this very special day in the city.

West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Block Party

Date: Saturday, July 12, 11 am to 9 pm

Location: West 4th Avenue between Burrard and MacDonald
Admission: Free

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