Public Disco announces DJs and activities at free Downtown Block Party at Bentall Dunsmuir Patio on September 7

photo credit: Gabriel Martins

Vancouver, B.C. – Public Disco announces a lineup of local and international DJs Apt E, Mother Mary, Lerma, and The Ryze for their Downtown Block Party on Saturday, September 7. The event will transform Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir Patio at 1055 Dunsmuir St into a vibrant, fully licensed event venue and day party from 2pm to 10pm. The block party is an all-ages, free admission event, and the final event of Public Disco’s 2024 Summer Series presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea. 

“We are thrilled to produce the final day party of our Public Disco Summer Series, featuring an incredible lineup of talented local and interenational DJs on September 7,” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco Society. “Hosting this event at a hidden gem Downtown plaza aligns with our mission to connect people through music in re-imagined urban spaces. We are grateful to over 10,000 event attendees, as well as our sponsors, volunteers, and staff who have supported our first year as a non profit organization.”

The Bentall Dunsmuir Patio features a multi-level wave cedar deck design, as well as lush native foliage and five LED canopy umbrellas that illuminate in the evening. The patio was designed by landscape architect firm Hapa Collaborative, and the umbrellas were developed by Tangible Interaction. This is Public Disco’s first time producing an event at the newly-developed, unique, downtown Vancouver location.

Public Disco’s Downtown Block Party features local and Seattle based DJs providing an open air showcase of underground electronic music spanning genres of house, techno, balearic, world, and dub. DJs include Apt E, a duo from Seattle made up of tondiue and Resonance Advisor. Local DJs include Mother Mary,  Lerma, and The Ryze.

The Downtown Block Party will be fully licensed with pop-up bars offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, kids activities from 2pm to 6pm courtesy of Petite Foret Play Cafe & Viva Entertainment. There will be unique and lounge seating and hang-out areas throughout the event space.  The main level of the venue can be accessed via wheelchair from the entrance near Dunsmuir and Thurlow. This level includes access to the bar, sponsor booths, washrooms, and a viewing area of the dance floor.

Public Disco is grateful for the financial support of the Downtown Vancouver, Bentall Centre and the Province of British Columbia.

For more information on the Downtown Block Party click here

Public Disco Unveils First Mural Project in Collaboration with PCI Developments

Photo by Mavreen David

Vancouver July 2024 - Public Disco is excited to announce the unveiling of its inaugural mural project at the 2024 Pride Block Party on Saturday, August 3rd. This mural has been made possible through the generous support of PCI Developments, whose commitment to local arts initiatives underscores their dedication to enhancing the cultural fabric of our city.

This vibrant, multi-piece mural, created by the talented artists Christina Hryc (CeeBoots) and Ciele Beau, is prominently located in the laneway at West 3rd Avenue and Ontario Street. It is a striking addition to the Mount Pleasant landscape, adding a splash of colour to PCI Developments 4th and Ontario project pre-development.

Photo by Mavreen David

The piece, curated by Steff Love carries the theme of emergence. “The lens in which I view the world is intricately through economics and policy and how access to resources governs our everyday lives. Through this time of economic survival and recovery, the queer community has continued to remain resilient and vibrant and I wanted to create a theme that reflects that light in the face of severe economic pressures and challenges," said Steff. "Emergence is triumphant and hopeful, and I think this event is the perfect embodiment of a celebration of that."

Public Disco's first foray into mural creation highlights its ongoing dedication to enriching Vancouver's cultural landscape and providing platforms for diverse artistic expression. This mural project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the laneway but also serves as a symbol of unity and pride in a world that’s increasingly divided.

Artist Statements

Photo by Mavreen David

From Ciele: “My approach was to bring in various flowers into the designs that are symbolic of the queer community in different ways. The rose is the ultimate floral symbol of love, and that includes queer love. The rose was the flower of Eros, the Greco-Roman god of passion and erotic love. The green carnation is featured, as a nod to Oscar Wilde, who made the wearing of the green carnation on ones lapel popular, as a way to signal to other gay men that you were also gay in a time when homosexuality was not accepted. I've included daisies and buttercups as a reclamation of these flower names which were originally used as derogatory terms for queer people. But in spite of that discrimination, we continue to blossom and thrive. You will also see two hands holding violets which is the flower symbolic of love and relationships between women. The violet has been associated with lesbian love since the 6th century, made popular by the Greek poet Sappho. The pairings of hands and flowers al represent different types of queer relationships.”

Photo by Mavreen David

From Christina: “I chose to depict pollinators and florals in my piece to highlight the rich tapestry of the queer community. Just as a garden thrives through the diverse contributions of bees, ladybugs, and flowers, the LGBTQ+ community flourishes through its many unique individuals. Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, symbolize the dynamic and vital roles people play in spreading ideas, love, and support throughout the community. Flowers represent the beautiful diversity and growth that results from this interaction. Ladybugs, often seen as protectors of the garden, echo the advocates and allies who work tirelessly to safeguard our rights and wellbeing. Each element in a garden, much like each person in the LGBTQ+ community, is essential in creating a vibrant, interconnected, and resilient whole.”

Public Disco hosts outdoor PRIDE party ft. Shaun J. Wright and Sappho in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, August 3

Vancouver, B.C. – Public Disco’s third annual PRIDE celebration takes over an industrial Mount Pleasant laneway at West 3rd & Ontario Street for an open-air, all-day celebration of queer dance music on Saturday, August 3 from 3:00 to 11:30 p.m. This 19+, ticketed event features international house music DJs Shaun J. Wright from Chicago and Sappho from Portland and is curated by local DJ Nancy Dru. The industrial laneway will be transformed into a vibrant event space featuring new temporary murals by queer artists Ciele Beau and Christina Hryc and is part of Vancouver Pride Society's Canada Pride 2024 programming.

“As a queer-run organization, Public Disco is thrilled to produce our biggest PRIDE event to date,” says  Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco Society, a registered non-profit organization, “Public Disco events pay homage to the rich and diverse history of dance music, rooted in the pioneering efforts of Black, Queer, and Trans communities in Chicago and New York. This event celebrates the resilience of these communities, honouring their commitments to dance music culture, and their ongoing work to bring people together through music.”

Public Disco’s PRIDE Block Party will also feature sets by local DJs Sam Steele, Adam 2 and DJ Grooveheart, as well as gogo dancers from Vancouver’s kiki Ballroom Scene. The Ballroom scene traces its roots to 1920s ballroom culture, an underground community that emerged in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance as a safe space for queer people of colour.

“The Vancouver Pride Society is proud to partner with local organizations like Public Disco to expand Canada Pride programming throughout Vancouver,” says Madison Holding, Co-Executive Director of Vancouver Pride Society. “Canada Pride is a momentous occasion that not only highlights the vibrancy of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQAI+ community but also underscores our city's dedication to fostering a culture of acceptance and celebration.”

The Public Disco PRIDE Block Party invites attendees to dress to express as they celebrate Pride 2024. The event will be fully licensed with pop-up bars offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food from Good Dogs Plant Foods and Mom’s Grilled Cheese food trucks, and shaded social hangout spaces. The block party is accessible, located on flat concrete, and will have wheelchair-accessible washrooms, quiet areas, and picnic tables available for seating. Good Night Out will also provide harm-reduction services on-site. 

Early entry tickets are on sale now for $23.10 plus fees. Tier 2 general admission tickets are on sale now for $33.60 plus fees. Tickets for the event are over 60% sold out.

Click here to head to the ticket page.

Public Disco and SLAB host outdoor day party ft. Justin Martin and NALA in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 20

Vancouver, B.C. – Public Disco has partnered with SLAB to produce an open-air day party on Saturday, July 20. Programming will include live DJ sets from international DJs Justin Martin and NALA. The event is 19+ and ticketed, and will run from 3 pm to 10 pm at the City Centre Artist Lodge in Mount Pleasant. The venue was transformed into a 17,000 square foot event space featuring 75 artist studios in 2022, and is slated for future re-zoning and development. 

“Public Disco can’t wait to create a vibrant event space that showcases an incredible lineup of international and local DJs, food trucks, pop-up bars, and social hangout areas,” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco Society, a registered non-profit organization, and previously of Vancouver Mural Festival. “The City Centre Artist Lodge is a unique event space and creative hub in Mount Pleasant that has hosted many cultural events since 2022. We are excited to be bringing a new concept to this one of a kind site before its future re-zoning and development.” 

 The Public Disco x SLAB Block Party will be the first 19+ ticketed event in Public Disco’s 2024 Summer Series presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea. The event, curated by Max Ulis of Bass Coast Festival and SLAB, will be the perfect opportunity to reunite with friends and experience the festival vibe back in the city. It will take place the weekend after the annual Bass Coast Festival in Merritt, BC. International artists include perennial Bass Coast favourite Justin Martin, a key player in the San Francisco underground house music scene, as well as NALA, an indie dance, house & techno producer and singer based out of Los Angeles. Additional DJ’s include Dane (Vancouver), Just Sheila (Squamish), and G-Luve (Vancouver). 

“SLAB is thrilled to partner with Public Disco to bring Justin Martin and NALA to Mount Pleasant for an epic summer party,” says Max Ulis, Founder and Producer of SLAB Events. “Attendees can expect infectious house grooves all day long and into the evening courtesy of some of the best DJs the West Coast has to offer.”

The Public Disco x SLAB Block Party will be fully licensed with pop-up bars offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food from Good Dogs Plant Foods and Meet 2 Eat food trucks, open artist studios, and social hangout spaces. The block party is accessible, located on concrete with a gentle slope, will have wheelchair-accessible washrooms, quiet areas, and picnic tables available for seating. Good Night Out will also provide harm-reduction services on site. 

Tier 3 tickets are on sale now and are $52 plus fees. Tickets for the event are over 80% sold out.

Click here to head to the ticket page

Public Disco Announces Vendors and DJs at PoMo Summer Art Market on July 5 and 6

Port Moody, B.C. – Public Disco announces vendors and DJs for the free PoMo Summer Art Market presented by PCI Developments on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at 3006 Spring Street in Port Moody (next to Moody Centre Skytrain Station). PoMoArts & GRIT Studio have curated the art market, featuring 11 vendors selling visual art prints, jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and will feature music by local Tri-Cities DJs including Popmisfit, Costa Besta, HATAW, EtOH, and Justkawz.

“PoMoArts is thrilled to curate the PoMo Summer Art Market with GRIT Studio. The market will showcase unique artists, featuring local to Port Moody, and are sure to inspire summer vibes,” says Deanna Kayne, Executive Director of PoMoArts, “Public Disco’s PoMo Summer Art Market aligns with our commitment to create art experiences that engage our community and create opportunities for connection in the City of the Arts.”

The PoMo Summer Art Market will feature a market curated by PoMoArts & GRIT Studio. Vendors include Dilyarts, Flavia, Georgie DAN, Le Rendre Vivant, MAE Studio, Maira Gimenes, Murset Gems and Jewellery, Resilient Spirit Studio, Sisi Sote Jewelry, Tessaameryart, and Twentytwodecor. The event is licensed and will feature a pop-up bar selling beverages from local craft beverage makers Parkside Brewery, Rewind Beer Co, and NiceLife Cocktails.

“Public Disco is committed to producing value-aligned events that resonate with the community,” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco. “Working with local arts organizations like PoMoArts and GRIT Studio, local media outlets Tri-City News, Tri-Cities Dispatch, and 604Now, and bar sponsors Parkside Brewery, Rewind Beer Co, and NiceLife Cocktails allows us to ensure the event is for the community, by the community. We hope you can join us on July 5 and 6 in Port Moody!”

The PoMo Summer Art Market will feature snacks by Gabi & Jules, kids activities with Pattern Nation, and an interactive mural painting facilitated by local artist Angie Quintanilla Coates. The PoMo Summer Art Market is accessible, located on flat concrete, and will have an accessible washroom and tables available for seating. Next door at 3008 Spring Street, the Bogart Institute will provide an outdoor short film screening beside the “Sculptureaday” (SAD) outdoor photo exhibit that was conceived by Port Moody artist Sara Graham and art writer Bryne McLaughlin in 2008. 

The PoMo Summer Art Market is produced by Public Disco Society, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to connecting communities through events in unconventional spaces. For more information about the PoMo Summer Art Market, please visit the event website.

For press images, please visit this link.

Public Disco Announces Free PoMo Summer Art Market in Port Moody on July 5 and 6

Port Moody, B.C. – Public Disco announces the PoMo Summer Art Market presented by PCI Developments on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at 3006 Spring Street in Port Moody (next to Moody Centre Skytrain Station). The free, two-day event will be held on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The PoMo Summer Art Market is produced by Public Disco, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to connecting communities through events in unconventional spaces.

“We are excited for the PoMo Summer Art Market to bring the community together to support local artists and businesses in Port Moody,” says Brad Howard, Director, Development for PCI Developments. “This event will transform a warehouse into a vibrant event space featuring an art market, live DJs, kids activities, and more. The PoMo Summer Art Market showcases our dedication to PCI Developments’ core values of integrity, excellence, genuine relationships, and a passion for community.”

The PoMo Summer Art Market will feature a market curated by PoMoArts & GRIT Studio, seating areas, games, and snacks. Port Moody artist Angie Quintanilla Coates will facilitate an interactive mural painting inside the warehouse. Pattern Nation, a Tri-Cities based artist collective, will host interactive kids activities. The event will also feature a pop-up bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from local craft beverage makers. 

“Public Disco is thrilled to expand our events to the creative and passionate Port Moody community,” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco. “The PoMo Summer Art Market will create a warm and inclusive atmosphere where attendees can support a diverse range of local artists and businesses. Thank you to the presenting sponsor, PCI Developments, for making this event possible!”

The PoMo Summer Art Market is accessible, located on flat concrete, and will have an accessible washroom and tables available for seating. The full line-up of vendors and DJs will be announced in June. Public Disco is currently accepting applications for local DJs to perform at the event. 

For more information about the PoMo Summer Art Market, please contact nick@publicdisco.ca. To apply as a DJ, fill out the application form.

For press images, please visit this link.

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Public Disco announces DJs, market vendors, and activities at free Granville Island Block Party on June 8

Vancouver, B.C. – Public Disco announces a lineup of local DJs, dancers, food trucks, a kid’s zone, and market vendors at the Granville Island Block Party on Saturday, June 8. The event will transform Lot 55 behind Granville Island Brewing into a vibrant, fully licensed event venue from 2pm to 10pm. The Granville Island Block Party is an all-ages, free admission event that will kick off Public Disco’s 2024 Summer Series presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea. 

“We are so excited for the Granville Island Block Party to kick off our 2024 Summer Series, and contribute to our goal of bringing people together to connect through music in public space” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco Society, a registered non-profit organization. “We are grateful to host this event in partnership with Granville Island, marking the start of a summer full of outdoor cultural events throughout the island!”

Public Disco’s Granville Island Block Party is curated by Cazimi Houdini, a multi-faceted creative producer and curator of live music and dance events. The event will feature a powerhouse roster of local DJs and dancers that span generations. DJs at the Granville Island Block Party include J Squeezy, founder of Bside Radio out of the Beaumont Studios, plus Maxey, La Zonida, Chi & Ro Lee, Table Tutors, and DELACRU. Music will span a mix of genres including hip hop, funk, house, disco, reggaeton, baile funk, and remixes of favourites. The event will also showcase street dance performances by Jamn Camrn, Maria Belen, and Amy Zhang.

The Granville Island Block Party will be fully licensed with pop-up bars offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food from Meet 2 Eat and Indish food trucks, local market vendors, kid’s activities courtesy of VIVA Entertainment, and face painting provided by Pattern Nation. This event also serves as the launch of Granville Island Brewing's 40th-anniversary festivities. The block party is accessible, located on flat concrete, will have wheelchair-accessible washrooms, quiet areas, and picnic tables available for seating.

For more information, sign up for the Public Disco e-newsletter at publicdisco.ca. 

For high-resolution images related to this press release, please visit this link.

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Event Information & Media Enquiries:
Nickolas Collinet
Executive Director
Public Disco Society
604-418-9230
nick@publicdisco.ca

Public disco announces 2024 summer series music lineup

Get ready for a summer full of music and fun at the 2024 Public Disco Summer Series Presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea! This year's lineup promises to transform Vancouver's urban spaces into vibrant open-air music venues, featuring both local talent and international DJs, all within safe and welcoming licensed environments.

The excitement kicks off on June 8th with the Public Disco Granville Island Block Party at Lot 55, located behind Granville Beer. Join us for a spectacular showcase including Fiona P, Tabletutors, Sharon Lee, JP7949, Zzzonida, Maxey Taxey, and Vancity Moarrr, curated by none other than Vancity Moarrr. Best part? It's free and all ages are welcome!

In July, mark your calendars for Public Disco x SLAB on July 20th at the City Centre Artist Lodge, featuring headliners like Justin Martin, Nala, Dane, G-Luve, and Just Sheila, curated by SLAB YVR and Max Ulis. Tickets are available now for this must-attend event!

August brings the Public Disco Pride Block Party on August 3rd at 3rd & Ontario St in partnership with Vancouver Pride Society. Dance to the sounds of Shaun J. Wright and DJ Sappho alongside local favorites like Sam Steele, Adam 2, and DJ Grooveheart all curated by Nancy Dru. Secure your tickets for this celebration of pride and music!

Closing out the series with a bang, don't miss the Public Disco Downtown Block Party on September 7th at Bentall Centre's Dunsmuir Patio. Featuring APT E (Resonance Advisor & Tondiue), Mother Mary, Lerma and The Rryze, curated by Adam 2, this event promises to be the ultimate summer finale.

Get ready to groove and dance your heart out under the summer sun. We can't wait to see you on the dance floor! ☀️

Public Disco Announces 2024 Vancouver Summer Series of Free and Ticketed Events

Public Disco 2023 Photo by Caroot_ee

Vancouver, B.C. – Public Disco announces two free, all-ages block parties and two 19+ ticketed outdoor music events as part of their 2024 Summer Series presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea. The series will transform four unconventional urban spaces in Vancouver into cultural event spaces. Public Disco events showcase local and international DJs, are fully licensed, and create safe and welcoming atmospheres for all attendees.

“I am excited for this year’s Summer Series to return bigger than ever with four events throughout Vancouver in 2024,” says Nickolas Collinet, Executive Director of Public Disco Society, a registered non-profit organization. “These events continue to fulfill our mission of combating social isolation by creating shared cultural experiences that foster a collective sense of belonging. Offering both free and ticketed events removes barriers and allows everyone to enjoy the unifying rhythm of dance music.”

The series begins Saturday June 8th with Public Disco’s free, all ages Granville Island Block Party at Lot 55 behind Granville Island Brewing. The event marks the start of a busy summer full of outdoor cultural events on Granville Island. Public Disco’s Downtown Block Party closes out the series at Bentall Centre on Saturday, September 7th. Block Party performers will be announced closer to the event dates.

Ticketed, 19+ events include the Public Disco x SLAB Block Party at the City Centre Artist Lodge in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 20, and the Public Disco Pride Block Party at West 3rd Avenue and Ontario in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, August 3. The Public Disco x SLAB Block Party is curated by Bass Coast Festival co-curator Max Ulis, and features San Francisco based house music DJ and record label owner Justin Martin, as well as producer, DJ and vocalist NALA from Los Angeles. The Public Disco Pride Block Party is hosted in partnership with Vancouver Pride Societies Canada Pride 2024 and will feature performances by Chicago house music DJ Shaun J. Wright, and DJ, producer and multimedia artist Sappho from Portland. Tickets for these events go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 10 a.m.

For more information and to get access to presale tickets, sign up for the Public Disco e-newsletter at publicdisco.ca.

For high-resolution images related to this press release, please visit this link.

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Event Information & Media Enquiries:
Nickolas Collinet
Executive Director
Public Disco
nick@publicdisco.ca