Author Archives: Eric Chan

VanDusen presents: Spring Strings

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(video: @vancouverparkboard6282, youtube.com)

Did you know the rich used to throw concerts right on the garden lawn? Just to enjoy some music while smelling the roses. I was reading about it during my visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Apparently, there was a string orchestra that used to play on the lawn as a kind of party. I stood there staring at the grass for a while, imagining how magical it must’ve been… music in the open air, flowers all around, just chilling with good vibes.

Now, I’m not gonna pretend I’m some symphony or classical music fan. Honestly, I’m more into the rock stuff. Give me Led Zeppelin, maybe some Beatles, or even a little Metallica. And today I saw this!



(photo: City of Vancouver, vancouver.ca)

VanDusen presents: Spring Strings
Live music on the lawn. Two shows. On May 25.

And what songs do they play? As it was quoted from the official website: Ranging from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, and more—reimagined entirely on cellos.

WHAT? 


(video: @LowStrungYale, youtube.com)

What makes it cooler, the performer Low Strung is a group of classically-trained cellists from Yale who ditched the orchestra life to play rock and pop on 12 cellos. (YES, 12!) They’ve been doing it since 2006 and they even played at Montreux Jazz Festival and recent tours through Asia and the U.S.

Wait? what?

This seriously feels like someone cracked open my daydream and made it real. VanDusen is already one of my top choice of dreamiest spots in town, and now they’re adding music I actually want to hear? On the lawn? Among the pretty plants and flowers? 

And adding more fun to the whole experience, you’re encouraged to dress up!

The event page literally says it’ll feel like a scene out of Bridgerton. Costumes and Regency attire encouraged.

Now, I’m not saying I’ll show up in a full costume and wig, but I will probably put my flip flops away. 

For real, this sounds like such a good time. Music, flowers, and a bit of a fantasy world for the afternoon. I never get tired of VanDusen — and this might be one of their coolest events yet.

For more information and ticketing:
https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vandusen-presents-spring-strings.aspx

 

Let’s talk about pickleball

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(photo: Pickleball Canada, pickleballcanada.org)

Let’s talk about a sport that came out of nowhere, literally.

All of a sudden, the city was flooded with pickleball players before we realised and pickleball courts are everywhere, slowly eating away all the tennis courts. Sound familiar?

I was at a 5-star resort last summer with my cousin. I was kinda feeling like a game of tennis, but he was insisting I should give pickleball a try instead. I was like WHAT? Sorry, I’ve been living in a music cave for years and had no idea what pickleball was… All I knew was, it’s popular, because we had a queue for the booking that afternoon, four courts full while four tennis courts sat completely empty.

The resort was fancy, and they even had a PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) coach to show us the rules and a few tricks. For a big kid like me who mastered ping pong at the age of four, I was flying across the court in no time.

The court was small, the ball was slow, easy to hit, great control — almost too easy! You could spin it nicely if you know how. The serve wasn’t aggressive, and you had to let it bounce back before hitting a volley. I could tell straight away why this game blew up. It’s low impact, super accessible, and both elderly folks and little kids can pick it up in like ten minutes.

We had so much fun that afternoon, I honestly forgot all about tennis.
I mean… who wants to sprint baseline to baseline in the sun when you can just dink and smash in a space smaller than your old school gym?

And that was it. I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve started seeing it everywhere in Vancouver.
Parks, community centres, school gyms — even some old parking lots turned into courts. People showing up with their paddles, calling next like it’s a streetball game. You can hear that plastic “pop” sound of the ball before you even get to the court.

What’s wild is, it’s not just retirees. There are 20-somethings, little kids, even tennis folks getting competitive. And there’s a pro scene. Once in a while I switch my TV to check out the pickleball games, I blame the PPR coach for it. He told us he plays some of those pro games. Well, the pros play it like tennis, it’s always legit.

So yeah, I was late to the party. But now I get the hype.
Easy to learn, hard to master. Chill but competitive. And most importantly it is super fun. That kind of fun that gets you back outside, laughing, trash-talking your cousin, sweating without even realising it.

Fancy a game of pickleball anyone ? 

 

Is Cantonese under threat? And we need Vancouver to help! 

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(photo: University of British Columbia, asia.ubc.ca)

When you walk the streets of Hong Kong and all you hear is Mandarin, you know it’s not the same anymore. Something’s changed.

Now here in Vancouver, one of the largest Cantonese-speaking cities outside Asia, I’m starting to wonder the same…

Are we slowly losing it too?

I came across some numbers recently — back in 2001, about 7.2% of people in B.C. spoke Cantonese at home. By 2021, it dropped to 4.6%. That’s a big drop.

Sure you may think, well it’s Canada, why worry? But if some of our Vancouver locals have been around and have been to other Cantonese speaking countries like Singapore and Malaysia, everyone expects you to be part of the Cantonese gang. And don’t forget the elderlies that we have in the cities, it’s just useful and nice to be able to communicate with them. 

But this isn’t just about stats. I’m a native speaker. I grew up speaking Cantonese at home, in school, on the streets. It’s not just a language — it’s a rhythm, a feeling. It’s swearing at your cousin in the most creative way possible. It’s talking loud and fast at dim sum without missing a beat. It’s home and it’s part of how Vancouver is!

So I gotta say this — if you’re a parent and Cantonese is your mother tongue, teach your kids. Don’t let it fade out. Pass it on. They don’t have to speak it perfectly. Just keep it alive.

And for the younger ones reading this — maybe you understand it, but never really used it. Maybe you only speak it when your grandma FaceTimes. That’s okay. But now’s the time to dive in. Practice it. Use it. Make it yours again.

The good news is, Vancouver’s still got strong roots.

(video: @UBCHongKongStudiesInitiative, youtube.com)

UBC now offers Cantonese classes for credit — that’s huge.

Some Cantonese schools are reopening across the city.

You still hear it every day… at the bakery, on the bus, in Richmond malls, Metrotown, T&T! It’s all around you! My french speaking buddy learnt fluent Cantonese in 3 years and so can you! 

No more excuses. The language is part of who we are — not just in Hong Kong, but right here too. Let’s not wait till it disappears to say we care.

Cantonese has been part of Vancouver culture since the old days. Let’s keep it alive! 

 

 

 

Yohei Takaoka: 100 Games for the ‘Caps

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(photo: Whitecaps FC, www.whitecapsfc.com)

I know I’m slowly flooding articles on Evolution with my whitecaps news but come on the boys deserve every bit of it. Let’s take a second to show some love to our number one – Yohei Takaoka. The man just hit 100 appearances for the Whitecaps. What a milestone!

He joined Whitecaps back in early 2023 from Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan. That year before he came here, he helped his old team win the J1 League title and even got named in the league’s Best XI. We signed him for around $1.25 million, which now feels like an absolute bargain.

Let’s look back at what he said when he first joined the ‘Caps.

“I think it’s going to be a good challenge for me. This is the first time to play out of Japan. I feel last year, I want to improve as a goalkeeper, as a person. And I need a new challenge.”

“I think I am the first Japanese goalkeeper to come here in MLS. I have to show how Japanese goalkeepers are good. I want to make the way for other Japanese goalkeepers.”
 Yohei Takaoka, February 17, 2023

Since 2023, he’s been everything you want in a goalkeeper. Calm, fast, smart with the ball. And always there when we need a big save.

He’s got 100 matches now with the Whitecaps — 26 clean sheets and counting. This season alone, he’s already has 6 clean sheets and made over 35 saves. He’s been a huge part of why we’ve been solid at the back and on this amazing run in both MLS and the CONCACAF.

Right before I wrote this article, I was watching his clips on youtube. One of my favourite moments was that crazy game against LA — when he made that diving stop late in the second half. LEGEND!

Off the field, looks like he’s really settled in Vancouver. Fans even spotted him at Canucks games and out in the city, he is just blending in the community so well. 

Goalies don’t always get the spotlight, but Yohei deserves it. Steady, reliable, and super consistent. Week in, week out and what else can you ask for? 

100 games is a big deal, especially in a league like MLS where guys come and go. He’s been part of some huge moments for the club, and hopefully there’s a lot more ahead.

So congrats, Yohei. Here’s to the next 100 — and hopefully a CONCACAF trophy while we’re at it.

Watch a heartwarming clip from the changing room:
https://x.com/WhitecapsFC/status/1919116874862014772

BC Amateur Championship is coming to Burnaby’s Riverway Golf Course

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(photo: Golf Burnaby, www.golfburnaby.ca)

If you’ve been golfing in Burnaby for a while, you are no stranger to the Riverway Golf Course. It’s got those tight fairways, long par fours, water where you don’t want it — and when the wind picks up, good luck. It’s not easy, but it’s fun after all. One of the best public courses in Metro Vancouver for sure.

And now Riverway Golf Course is stepping up. The 2026 BC Amateur Championship is coming to Riverway next summer — July 6 to 10. First time this course gets to host something this big. Pretty awesome to see Burnaby on the map like this.

If you’ve ever said, “I play better at home,” here’s your shot. That home-course advantage feeling? It’s real. Riverway locals might have the edge. Just maybe 😉

The BC Championship roots dated back like over 100 years and it’s a serious stage for young golfers in BC. Some of the biggest names have come through it. Doug Roxburgh won it 13 times. You’ve probably heard of Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin, both Abbotsford guys, both now on the PGA Tour. More recently, Cooper Humphreys from Vernon has been the name to watch. Won it back-to-back.

But the best part about all this? It’s free to watch. Just show up, walk the course, and enjoy some solid golf. No expensive tickets, just to enjoy the game. If you love golf or even just like being outside on a nice day, it’s worth checking out.

Michelle Collens, BC Golf President summed it up perfectly:

“This is a great opportunity to showcase one of Metro Vancouver’s finest public courses and bring championship-level golf to the heart of the community.”

For the rest of us weekend warriors who’ve played Riverway in the rain, in the wind, or on that one awful 30+ degree day, this one should feel a little personal.

If any of you Evolution readers are actually in the tournament, shoot me a message. I’ll come out and watch. I’ll be the one clapping too loud when you drop that birdie.

 

Is it part of the Masterplan? Liverpool Lose to Chelsea

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(photo: Premier League, www.premierleague.com)

So the English Premier League Champ Liverpool just lost 3-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Not the result you expect right after winning the league, but hey I bet the parties were endless after the last win! 

Chelsea came out strong with an early goal from Enzo Fernández, then got lucky with a weird own goal that bounced off Quansah. Van Dijk tried to pull one back near the end, but by the time Cole Palmer who has scored since his amazing stunts in and before January, stepped up for a stoppage-time penalty, it was done and dusted.

On paper, Liverpool didn’t look too bothered. The lineup had a few changes, some fringe players and clearly not much urgency. And while they kept 65% possession, nothing really clicked up top.

But of course, Liverpool fans being Liverpool fans, the jokes started flying online. Some say the Reds wanted to lose — you know, as a little “revenge” gift to Nottingham Forest, who are sitting just below Chelsea in the table. Let Chelsea have the points, bump Forest a bit closer to the drop, might as well off the Europa wagon, petty, but kind of funny if true.

Others are spinning full transfer market fan-fiction. The theory? Let Chelsea climb up and put pressure on Newcastle. If Newcastle miss out on Champions League next season, maybe their star striker Alexander Isak decides it’s time to move on — and who better to swoop in than Liverpool? (Sorry Nunez, it’s time boy.)


(photo: Premier League, www.premierleague.com)

A bit of a stretch? For sure. But it’s classic supporter talk — always thinking two steps ahead, especially when the transfer window is coming up.

Jokes aside, the real highlight of the night wasn’t even the football. It was the guard of honour. Chelsea lined up before kickoff and clapped Liverpool onto the pitch, that is the tradition for the team that got crowned before the end of the season, no matter where, even in their house! Honestly, it was the best moment of the match. Respect where it’s due. You win the league, you get your flowers, even from your rivals.

I am sure the Liverpool fans are gonna cook more stories up while the Title is already in the bag, I will surely be looking forward to another guard of honours, which is happening at the Emirates. Ah, Liverpool might just win that one for Pep when City is trying to catch up.  

 

The Show 2025: Emily Carr’s Big Annual Grad Exhibition

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(photo, Emily Carr University of Art + Design https://www.ecuad.ca/)

I love checking out graduation shows, especially from art schools and media programs.
There’s something exciting about them. No rules, no pressure to sell. Just raw ideas. Sometimes experimental, sometimes a little weird, and sometimes… something amazing.

More than a dozen times, I’ve been to grad shows at different schools and honestly, I’ve been wowed every time. The new blood, the youngsters, the explorers — this is when they’re still figuring things out, still fearless. No boundaries. That’s when everything gets exciting!

If you’re in Vancouver this month, you’ve got a good one to catch.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is hosting The Show 2025, their big annual grad exhibition. It’s free, it’s open to everyone, and it’s always full of surprises.

Over 420 students are showing their work this year — painting, sculpture, animation, video, sound art, graphic design, film, you name it. 

Here’s the info:

  •  Where: Emily Carr University, 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver
  •  When: May 7 to 21, 2025
  •  Tickets: Free. No RSVP. Just walk in.

Opening Night is May 7 from 6PM to 11PM— there’s a DJ, snacks, a photo booth, and usually a big crowd. If you want the buzz, that’s the night to check out.

There are also special screenings for film and animation students:

  • May 10 + 11 at Reliance Theatre on campus
  • May 15 at Vancity Theatre (that one needs a ticket)

If you’re curious about what the next generation of artists and designers of Vancouver are up to, go check it out. Support the new talents. Catch them in town before the rest of the world does. You never know who you’ll discover!!

More info:
https://www.ecuad.ca/events/the-show-2025

 

What does it take to watch a World Cup 2026 match at BC Place?

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(photo: FIFA World Cup, www.fifa.com)

Yes, World Cup 2026 is happening right at our door in Vancouver, but what does it take to get you a ticket to the stadium to cheer for our national soccer team?

I got you covered here, and mind you… it’s not your regular soccer match price.

First off, let’s talk about how to get a ticket. FIFA opened up pre-registration for tickets on their official site, fifa.com/tickets. You had to sign up, wait for the lottery, and hope the football gods smiled upon you. If you missed that boat, you’re not alone… many of us did.

Now, onto the prices. For the group stage matches, ticket prices were expected to range from $15 to $230, depending on the seat category. But that’s if you got them at face value. On the resale market, it’s a different story. For example (as of the day of writing), tickets for the June 13 match at BC Place Stadium are starting around $2,053, with an average price of $6,729. And that’s just for the group stage!

If you’re thinking about the knockout stages, brace yourself. Tickets for the July 2 match in Vancouver are starting at $2,628, with an average price of $8,613. By the time the tournament rolls around, prices might have gone even higher.

So, if I start saving now, I may not even be able to afford the ticket by June 2026. My piggy bank is already shaking in fear. Chances are, Football gods gonna bless me with the remaining lotteries.


(photo: FIFA, www.fifa.com)

As for the matches in Vancouver, here’s what’s on the schedule:

  • June 13 – Group Stage Match
  • June 18 – Team Canada Group Stage Match
  • June 21 – Group Stage Match
  • June 24 – Team Canada Group Stage Match
  • June 26 – Group Stage Match
  • July 2 – Round of 32 Match
  • July 7 – Round of 16 Match

That’s seven matches right here in our backyard. But with these prices, I may stick with my TV for now. It’s got a great view, no lines for the bathroom, and the snacks are way cheaper.

Canada has been doing well on the international stage. Under head coach Jesse Marsch, we’ve been preparing for the big event. However, there’s been some drama. Alphonso Davies, our star player, suffered a torn ACL during a match against the United States. Bayern Munich, his club team, wasn’t too happy about it and even considered legal action against Canada Soccer. Coach Marsch addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of communication and player welfare.

So, unless I win the lottery or find a golden ticket, I’ll be cheering from my couch. But hey, at least I won’t miss a single replay.

 

Sidney Crosby is Back — Team Canada Just Got Serious

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(photo: International Ice Hockey Foundation, www.iihf.com)

Ok, first thing, I am not a big hockey fan but Sidney Crosby is back in a Team Canada jersey this got to mean a lot and I mean all the hockey fans should be hyped up already.

It’s been 10 years since Sid last played in the IIHF World Championship — way back in 2015, when he captained Canada to gold. Now, at 37 years old, he’s getting ready again for the 2025 tournament, and it feels like the start of something special.

“Just to get the opportunity to play for Canada,” Crosby said, “it’s been a long time and any chance you get to do that, it’s huge. Obviously [to be] part of this group, too. It’s a special group.”

His old Penguins teammate Marc-André Fleury is joining him. Fleury just wrapped up his 21st NHL season and is finally getting his first shot at the World Championship. And sounds like he is pretty excited:

“I’ve never played in the World Championship. I haven’t played with Sid in a while, obviously, so I think it’ll be fun to go spend some time together and yell at him in practice a bit.”

Between the two of them, they’ve got three Stanley Cups, two Olympic golds, and tons of playoff experience, way more than most countries altogether. Having them on the roster may just mean an instant gold for Canada?! 

Dean Evason, who’s stepping in as Canada’s head coach, knows what’s at stake:

“It’s always a tremendous honour to represent Canada. I’m humbled and grateful to have this opportunity. We’re going to do everything we can to win.”

The tournament kicks off May 9 with Canada facing Slovenia, and runs until May 25. This year’s event is split between Herning, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden.

We’ve seen some great Team Canada lineups over the years, but there’s something special about seeing Crosby wear that maple leaf again. A little throw back time of 2010 and 2015 when he led the team to some memorable moments. 

So yeah — Crosby’s back. Fleury’s in. Canada’s looking solid and us fans will be rooting for them on this side of the globe. 

 

Curlers Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant named to Canada’s 2026 Olympic squad

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(photo: olympics, www.olympics.com)

We are not quite half way through 2025 and winter was just over a few months ago. But 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Winter Olympic is here to kickstart with the first 2 athletics being named in the Canadian team.

Curlers Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, the husband-and-wife team based in Chestermere, Alberta will represent Canada in mixed doubles curling at the Winter Olympics, Curling Canada, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

Their journey so far has been very impressive, they won the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Trials title in Liverpool, Nova Scotia back in January. Going undefeated throughout the tournament. In a thrilling final, they edged out the team of Rachel Homan and Brendan Bottcher with an 8–7 victory.

The pair competed at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Fredericton, New Brunswick. They delivered some impressive performances and secured Canada’s spot in the Olympic mixed doubles event. 

Jocelyn Peterman said:

“To be an Olympian once is amazing, but to have the opportunity to do it twice, and also to do it with my husband as a teammate, will be a true privilege, and we just can’t wait to be in Italy next year.”

“We’re excited about the road in front of us, and we will be doing everything we can to prepare ourselves for the Olympics.” 

Brett Gallant said:

“Since Jocelyn and I started playing mixed doubles, it’s been our dream to represent Canada at the Winter Olympics as teammates, and we’re going to embrace this opportunity. We appreciate that Curling Canada adjusted its qualifying process for mixed doubles in order to provide more time to get ourselves ready for the Games, and we’ll be using that time to the best of our ability to be in peak form in Italy,”

(photo: Curling Canada, www.curling.ca)

Canada is well set for curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics — not just in mixed doubles but also spots for both the men’s and women’s team events too.

As for who’s actually going to play on those teams? We’ll find out later this year. The big matches are happening in Halifax from November 22 to 30, so mark your calendars if you’re a curling fan.

Since curling came back to the Olympics in 1998 (Nagano, remember that?), Canada’s done pretty well — 12 medals in total, with six of them being gold.