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RIVER DISTRICT

GUIDE TO LIFE & STYLE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT

MURALS & MUSIC

LOCAL BUSINESSES & EVENTS PETS & PEOPLE

RIVER DISTRICT

L I V I N G

www.riverdistrictliving.ca

riverdistrictliving.ca@gmail.com

@riverdistrictliving

@riverdistrictlivingmagazine @riverdistrictlivingrealestate

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize and acknowledge that River District is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Contributing Photographers / Artists

Spencer Pidgeon

Grady Mitchell

Rachel Sanvido

Gillian Epp

Drew Young

Ro Farmer

Yoel Ortega

Julie Solvstrom

Happenstance Collective:

Ann Fu

Allison Chow

Heather Tsang

Ris Wong

Confetti Curio

Yasemin

Erica Leong

Madhuvanthi Mohan

Cover Art

Mural by Spencer Pidgeon

Melissa Van

Katherine Hall

Mads Higginbotham

Ogi Radoicic

Homa Khosravi

Keerthy Raghavan & family and friends, Prakriti Raghavan

Jagathi Raghavan

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Katherine Hall

Features

Contributing Writers

Spencer Pidgeon

Juliana Silva Gillian Epp

Samantha Scholefield

Keerthy Raghavan & family and friends

Melissa Van

Katherine Hall

Ogi Radoicic

Juliana Silva

Advertising Sales

Elijah Hess

OGI RADOICIC

Lucky Taco

GILLIAN EPP

Gnubees

SPENCER PIDGEON

Graphic Designer & Illustrator "Everything is Connected"

MELISSA VAN

Proud Pawrent of Nyx, Hero, & Hops

JULIANA SILVA

River District Mural Tours with Curated Tastes

KEERTHY RAGHAVAN

Percussionist & Composer

Dear Neighbours

Somehow, it’s September! We have enjoyed a wonderful Summer in River District and are now preparing for Fall’s arrival

We have five beautiful new murals along the river walk path, so be sure to read about them in this issue and of course go check them out yourself if you haven’t already!

Lucky Taco River District has recently announced that their wonderfully inviting patio is now pet-friendly, and we have a Bark-B-Q party hosted by local residents to look forward to this month as well. A great time to be a pup in River District!

We also highlight local residents and businesses in this issue as always. We love to showcase the abundance of talent in our community.

September is shaping up to be an amazing month - oh, and be sure to read all the way to the end because we are doing another Mega Giveaway and it is super easy to enter!

Sincerely,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

KatherineHall

DONATE BLOOD IN VANCOUVER

Love for River District

Painting my mural right next to the river allowed me to feel connected with nature while still feeling close to the city.

- Spencer , Graphic Designer & Illustrator

When I first moved to the River District, I was pregnant and immediately fell in love with the neighbourhood. It's a great place to raise children We love taking walks or bike rides along the river, going to the small beach, and skipping rocks with my daughter. We have all the necessary amenities within walking distance. We used to visit three different playgrounds and were excited about the opening of a new one that looked amazing Living here feels like residing in a quiet little town within the city.

- Juliana , River District Mural Tours

We love being part of a growing community, especially one as engaged as River District. It’s great to walk around the neighbourhood on a weekend and see all the families out and about enjoying fun community activities and events.

- Ogi , Lucky Taco

We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this wonderful community. The River District has truly been a blessing, with its beautiful outdoor trails, parks, and activities. We’re eager to connect with our neighbors and share more about our beloved pets.

- Melissa, Pawrent to Nyx, Hero, & Hops

Being part of the River District community is a privilege we treasure. Our factory by the river is not just a workplace but a source of inspiration, reminding us of our commitment to nature and sustainability. We love supporting local events and initiatives, and we’re proud to be neighbours with so many who share our values.

- Gillian , Gnubees

River District is a serene, pet-friendly haven in Vancouver. Its diverse community thrives with convenient amenities like nearby transit and grocery stores. The Fraser River's beauty and the unique charm of seasoned wooden logs create a captivating atmosphere. This clean, cosmopolitan neighbourhood offers a perfect blend of urban living and natural tranquility.

- Keerthy , Percussionist & Composer

Mural Artist Spotlight: Spencer Pidgeon

WRITTEN BY SPENCER PIDGEON

ARTWORK BY SPENCER PIDGEON

MURAL STATEMENT

Each

shape is inspired by the natural environment that surrounds us, the built environment we've created and the metaphysical environment of the mind.

"Everything is Connected" explores the connection between the physical and metaphysical worlds. Each shape is inspired by the natural environment that surrounds us, the built environment we've created and the metaphysical environment of the mind. The motifs are arranged in such a way that allows the viewer to create their own connections between these seemingly disparate worlds and get lost in the process.

PHOTO BY RACHEL SANVIDO

PHOTO BY GRADY MITCHELL

Instagram: @spencerpidgeon

Website: www.spencerpidgeon.com

ARTIST BIO

Spencer Pidgeon is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Vancouver, Canada, working alongside brands and founders to bring their creative visions to life through bold, thoughtful and expressive work. Spencer draws inspiration from nature and human connection, and he approaches each project with curiosity and a sense of humour.

Lucky Taco

Lucky Taco is a semi-authentic taqueria in t heart of the River District. We offer delicious tacos and small plates prepared with wellraised meats, sustainable seafood, local seasonal produce. We have 25 cozy spots inside, and another 30 seats on our bright and vibrant dog-friendly patio; lots of space for neighbours and furry-friends alike!

Our bar serves an excellent selection of Mexican and local beers, as well as an impressive list of tequila & mezcal served straight up, in flights, or with freshly pressed juices in Vancouver’s very best margaritas. Bright delicious flavours, exceptional values and fantastic daily specials make Lucky taco as good as casual, Mexican gets in Vancouver.

Walking through the doors of Lucky Taco will transport you to your favourite vacation spot where worries and the stresses of everyday life just seem to melt away, aided by the colourful themed interior decor using vivid, tropical hues and rich textures.

When we opened the first Lucky Taco in Kits it was in part because we ourselves were looking for this local watering hole-type place that was not only fun, bright, and high-energy, but also offered great eats and drinks. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Walking through the doors of Lucky Taco will transport you to your favourite vacation spot where worries and the stresses of everyday life just seem to melt away

8547 River District Crossing www.luckytaco.ca Instagram: @luckytacoyvr

River District Dogs Fall Bark-B-Q

Sunday, September 15

1 pm to 3 pm

Riverfront Park

Join us for an afternoon Hot Dog Bark-B-Q at Riverfront Park. Bring your furry friends and family to enjoy delicious hot dogs, games, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. It's the perfect opportunity to meet fellow dog owners, let your pups make new friends, and soak up some fall sunshine. Everyone is welcome to this paws-itive community gathering! For a little fun, try our dog agility-parkour course!

Hot dogs and veggie dogs will be served for people and treats will be available for dogs. Make sure you grab a name tag so you can learn the people names as well as dog names!

Do you have any dog gear you aren't using? Bring it for our dog swap table!

This will be rain or shine! Dress for the weather! Riverfront Park is an on-leash park. To keep all dogs safe, we ask that all people and dogs be respectful (ask about greetings and watch dog’s body language). See you there!

Thanks to Neighbourhood Small Grants South Vancouver for their support for this event! Event hosts: Samantha, James, & Katherine

River District Mural Tours

WRITTEN BY JULIANA SILVA ARTWORK & PHOTOS AS CREDITED

I am an artist from Colombia living in the vibrant River District, and I am excited to collaborate with Curated Tastes to lead mural tours in my neighbourhood. With a background in art education, I am passionate about sharing the stories and inspirations behind each piece of art. It is a privilege to discuss the work of fellow artists, as it deepens our collective appreciation and understanding. I loved seeing these murals brighten up our streets in the neighbourhood.

I loved watching the artists create their murals during past Vancouver Mural Festivals I used to ride my bike along the paths and stop to admire the artists at work Leading the mural tour this year allowed me to learn more about each mural, the artists behind it, the history of our neighbourhood and the beginnings of the Vancouver Mural Festival.

For instance, I learned that the festival originated in Mount Pleasant, and other neighbourhoods wanted to showcase public art and enhance their placemaking efforts. The festival has expanded to areas such as the North Shore, Coquitlam, New Westminster, River District, and Vancouver Island.

This year, five female artists were selected for the River District They focused on the portrait theme, which led to a change in the format; the panels are now vertical instead of horizontal Each artist had the opportunity to approach the theme differently; for instance, Ro Farmer, one of the artists, expressed in her artist statement, "I wanted to play with the idea of typical portraiture and its formality. Photographic portraits are often a formal affair. Whereas Photo Booth portraits can be interpreted as a more casual and impromptu experience. They are also normally a situation shared privately, capturing a more intimate and joyful moment".

PHOTO BY KATHERINE HALL

ARTWORK BY DREW YOUNG

PHOTO BY YOEL ORTEGA

"Photo Booth Friends"

It is heartening to know that the River Dis have become a place for artists to expe grow. Many create their first murals h experience and confidence before moving projects For example, some me Happenstance Collective had their first ti a mural while they learned from their p collective It was fascinating to see such di with different backgrounds. For inst Solvstrom is an illustrator and letter artist, her is Homa Khosravi, who has background. The contrast in their style precise lines of Julie to the expressive Homa, made the tour a truly enjoyable exp

"I wanted to play with the idea of typical portraiture and its formality.

Photographic portraits

are

often a formal affair. Whereas Photo Booth portraits can be interpreted as a more casual and impromptu experience. They are also normally a situation shared privately,

"Home to All / Your Usual Suspects"

ARTWORK BY RO FARMER

PHOTO BY KATHERINE HALL

ARTWORK BY JULE SOLVSTROM

PHOTO BY KATHERINE HALL

ARTWORK BY HOMA KHOSRAVI

PHOTO BY KATHERINE HALL

"Pink Glitter"

As I mentioned before, I teamed up with Curated Tastes. I first got to know them through their founder, Miret Rodriguez, who is deeply involved with local artists. Our shared Latin American heritage led Miret to contact me last year after learning that I lived in the River District She invited me to one of her Latin American art classes, where I discovered that Curated Tastes offers much more than just mural tours

Attending one of their gallery hops left me deeply inspired as I explored new galleries, met artists, curators, and gallerists, and learned about local artists and Vancouver's rich history. This experience made me eager to join the Curated Tastes team, as their unique approach is vital for building connections between artists and Vancouverites.

I highly encourage you to join one of our mural tours and keep an eye out for the next gallery hop in September. The art history classes are also fun and interactive, providing a fantastic way to engage with art and the community

ARTWORK BY HAPPENSTANCE COLLECTIVE:

ANN FU

ALLISON CHOW

HEATHER TSANG

RIS WONG

SHIYEON

CONFETTI

YASEMIN

ERICA LEONG

MADHUVANTHI MOHAN

ARTWORK BY MADS HIGGINBOTHAM

PHOTO BY KATHERINE HALL

Gnubees

WRITTEN BY GILLIAN EPP

PHOTOS BY GILLIAN EPP

Nestled near the serene banks of the river, Gnubees is more than just a business; it’s a proud member of the River District community. If you take a stroll along the water, you might catch a glimpse of Autumn, our co-owner, enjoying a run during her lunch break, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us This peaceful setting serves as a daily reminder of the values we hold dear: health, sustainability, and a deep connection to the community we serve.

The name "Gnubees" carries a deeper meaning that reflects our mission and values. The “Gnu,” a resilient and determined wildebeest, symbolizes our relentless pursuit of nutrition providing wholesome, nourishing options that fuel the body and mind. As for the “Bees,” it’s a tribute to the essential pollinators that sustain our ecosystems. Our commitment to protecting bees and the environment is woven into every aspect of our business, from the ingredients we choose to the packaging we use.

Our journey began with a simple idea: to create a healthy beverage that kids would love, packed with protein and fiber to support their growing bodies But as we evolved, so did our vision Today, Gnubees is not just for kids; it’s for the kid in all of us. With the introduction of Gnubees Plus, we’ve expanded our reach to ages 9 to 99, offering a delicious, nutritious drink that’s perfect for everyone. Whether you’re packing it in a lunchbox, grabbing it for a post-workout boost, or enjoying it as a mid-day snack, Gnubees is there to keep you energized and satisfied

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Gnubees. As a father-daughter team, we’ve always been driven by a shared passion for making the world a better place. This passion is reflected in our business practices, from our small-batch production methods to our choice of environmentally friendly packaging We believe in staying small-scale, even as we grow, to ensure that we can minimize waste and maintain the highest quality in every product we make.

www.gnusante.com

Instagram: @gnusante gnubees

TikTok: @gnubees

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Keerthy Raghavan River District's Rhythm Keeper

SOURCE: KEERTHY RAGHAVAN

PHOTOS BY FRIENDS & FAMILY OF KEERTHY RAGHAVAN

GorurKeerthyRaghavan

MridangamArtiste

Founder&Director-ShrutiLayaBhedam

(AVancouverbasedKarnatikClassicalEnsemble)

Family

Keerthy Raghavan is a percussionist and composer of percussion ensembles hailing from the quaint town of Gorur in India's southern expanse Born into a family steeped in the rich heritage of music and literature, his artistic journey was inevitably shaped by this profound cultural heritage.

Music

Karnatik music is a classical music tradition originating from South India. Known for its intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and emphasis on improvisation, it is one of the world's most sophisticated musical systems. Steeped in ancient Indian philosophy and aesthetics, Karnatik music offers a profound and spiritually enriching experience for both musicians and listeners.

Musical Journey

Keerthy Raghavan’s musical quest commenced under the tutelage of Shri Rajakesari, a distinguished All India Radio artist and disciple of the legendary Guru Karaikudi R. Mani. Nestled within the prestigious Shruti Laya Kendra Bangalore Chapter, Raghavan’s foundational training was steeped in the rich tradition of the Mridangam.

Renowned for his intricate rhythmic patterns and powerful yet nuanced strokes, Guru Karaikudi Mani’s unique style, known as "Mani Bani," is a cornerstone of Karnatik percussion. Raghavan was fortunate to receive direct guidance from the maestro himself, mastering the intricacies of this fine art form.

Experience

Keerthy Raghavan is a seasoned percussionist who has captivated audiences for over two decades with his virtuosic performances across India, the Middle East, and Africa. His dedication to his art is evident in his extensive involvement in diverse musical landscapes and community initiatives.

Renowned for his contributions to prestigious events like the International Yoga Day at the United Nations in Nairobi and Indian High commission Kenya, Raghavan has solidified his position as a cultural ambassador. Since his relocation to Vancouver in late 2022, he has seamlessly transitioned into the local music scene, gracing stages at events such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Day of Music and the South Asian Music Festival at PNE and many more.

Raghavan is a passionate advocate for “World Peace” and unity, using music as a powerful tool for social change He curated thematic music calling for World Peace and performed at Oakridge Adventist Church, Vancouver in February, 2024. His ensemble, "Shruti Laya Bhedam," is a testament to his commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, as he brings together local artists to create innovative and thoughtprovoking musical experiences. Beyond performance, Raghavan is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians through his teaching and workshops in rhythm theory, Mridangam as percussion and also conduct lecture demonstration for passionate dancers His ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian percussion with contemporary influences has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following.

Upcoming Events & Exciting News!

MarkYourCalendars!

We’rethrilledtoannouncetheupcoming“MushtariBegum FestivalattheMasseyTheatre,NewWestonSeptember28th, 2024,at7:00PMPDT.“Thisprestigiouseventcelebratesthe richandvibranttraditionsofIndianclassicalmusicanddance. Don'tmissthisopportunitytowitnesscaptivatingperformances

Formoreinformationandtickets, pleasevisitlinkhereorscanthe QRcode.

LookingtoexploretheworldofrhythmandMridangam?We're excitedtoannouncetheopeningofaformalSchoolforRhythmand Mridangamlessonsforchildren(5+years),grown-upsandseekersin Fall,2024!Thisisyourchancetolearnfromexperiencedinstructorand delveintothiscaptivating,transcendingartform.Detailsabout enrolmentandprogramofferingscontact:rhythm.raghavan@gmail.com

Contact Info: E mail: rhythm raghavan@gmail com

Facebook: Rhythm Raghavan

Instagram: @rhythm raghavan

YouTube: ShrutiLayaBhedam and Gorur Keerthy Raghavan www.layapriya.ca (coming Fall 2024) byrenownedartists.

Pets of the Month

WRITTEN BY MELISSA VAN

PHOTOS BY MELISSA VAN

Hi Everyone,

It’s a pleasure to introduce our little pack to the community! We’re Nyx, Hero, and Hops, and we’ve been happily living in the River District for about three years now.

First, let me introduce Nyx, our smallest and eldest pup. At around 13 or 14 years old, Nyx is a seasoned adventurer. We adopted her from California, and she’s always been the friendliest little explorer you could imagine. In 2017, she hiked a remarkable 18km up Allouteete Mountain with us! Despite her golden years, Nyx remains spirited and enjoys basking in the sun on our patio, which is a favorite pastime for her

Next is Hero, our medium-sized white and brown pup who also joined our family from California. Hero came from a tough situation involving neglect, so he has a bit of doggy PTSD. But don't let that fool you Hero is the most affectionate dog you’ll meet. At around 12 or 13 years old, he’s a swimming enthusiast and could spend hours in the water if we let him. He adores swimming so much that it’s truly an understatement to say he loves it. Hero is also a big fan of snuggles and would love to give you the warmest hugs

Lastly, we have Mr. Hippity Hops, or just Hops for short. Hops is our relaxed and loving bunny. We keep him cage-free, and he’s even box trained, which is quite impressive! Sometimes, you might spot him hopping around Pierview Crescent on a leash, having a great time with his pups He’s a chill little guy who brings a lot of joy to our home

Looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of this amazing community!

Warm regards, Nyx, Hero, Hops, and their humans

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