(Adobe Stock)
There’s a special place that I want to tell you about. Cafe Deux Soleil was the place where magic happened. It lived up to its name by being a little ray of sunshine in mine, and I know a lot of people’s lives. It’s where I first stepped onto a stage in front of an audience, where I truly discovered Vancouver’s music scene, and where I stumbled upon the wild world of slam poetry. Before I set foot in that space, I had no idea slam poetry even existed. Then one night, I watched someone take the mic and absolutely ninja their way into my heart with their rhythm and fierce, captivating words. I was hooked.
I remember my first open mic there like it was yesterday. I was 17, nervous as hell, and barely able to hold my guitar steady as I played some covers I had obsessively practiced for weeks. My hands shook the entire set, and I still don’t know how I got through it. But when I finished, the crowd erupted into applause, and I was showered with compliments and “good jobs” from everyone around me. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
What made Cafe Deux Soleil so special wasn’t just the performances; it was the community. It was a place that always felt packed, yet the crowd was diverse, open, and supportive. Everyone was genuinely invested in each other’s art. Whether you were a musician, poet, or performer of any kind, the vibe was always the same: we were all there to celebrate one another and the unique things we brought to the table.
There are plenty of open mics in Vancouver, but nothing ever quite captured the same feeling as Cafe Deux Soleil. It had a special, undeniable energy that made it stand out. Even though it’s gone, that spirit lives on in the corners of every venue in this city.
A little piece of sunshine, always.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca