Mike Jackson is a long time small business owner in Vancouver with a loyal following. To learn more about his now 30 years in business, check out our previous feature on what he did to celebrate 30 years in business. Today, we want to tell you about how Mike has reinvented himself one more time. I’d say this is his swan song, but with Mike you just never know. Mike’s been pretty busy, these last 6 months creating Jackson’s General Store which officially opens any day now at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) at Knight. It’s located right next to the White Spot you can’t miss it. Some of you may remember this space as Franks Y Parts & Service. We got a sneak peak of this totally reworked space and we have to stay it’s pretty darn cool. It is a general store in the front with a focus on supporting small independent businesses. The majority are Canadian and local and throughout the store you will find some of the coolest vintage items. We were particularly fond of the working PayMaster Ribbon Writer. Many will recognize some local East Van businesses including Sriracha Revolver, ChopValue coasters and Plenty + Spare soaps and skincare. You will also find wallets, t-shirts, ball caps, sunglasses, mugs, totes and some very unique books. There is a cooler section not yet fully stocked, but we did find some Kaylin & Hobbs Pickles. For kids of all ages, there is a great retro candy counter, think Popeye Candy Cigarettes, gum in the Gold Rush bags and candy necklaces. If you are looking for fun unique gifts, there is lots on offer at Jackson’s General Store with a distinct East Van flavour. Show some East Van love and stop in and say hello once they officially open. We’ll give you a heads up as soon as that happens. In the meantime, you can also find Mike on Facebook and Instagram.
East Van artist, 
If you love improv, you will want to check out the great line up coming to The Cultch this month. The Cultch is hosting the Vancouver Improv between September 24 to 28, 2019. There’s a whole lot of talent hitting the stage. From the local talent pool, you can expect to see The Sunday Service, Nasty Women, Little Mountain Improv and Shakespeare After Dark. From further afield, comes talent from Portland, Los Angeles, Toronto and as far away as Israel. Reminder to those attending, the shows are all ages, but some are rated 14A due to the mature themes and strong language. Shows take place in the Historic Theatre as well as the Vancity Culture Lab in The Cultch. Tickets range between $18 and $22. To see the full line and to grab your tickets, visit 
If you are creative and/or love to make things, or maybe you’d like to introduce some young minds to all the ways in which one can make things. If so, this Saturday is a great opportunity with the Maker Faire which happens at Science World with over 50 artists, inventors, crafters and performers. This is a community-driven festival that showcases all kinds of makers and generally embraces the do-it-yourself spirit. Come and explore the world of making this Saturday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Admission is $27.15 for adults, seniors, student and youth (13-18) $21.70 children 3-12 $18.10 and children under 3 are free. To learn more visit, 
SpeakEasy Theatre’s critically acclaimed production The Shipment is back at the Firehall Arts Centre September 24th to October 5th. Korean-American playwright Jean Lee brings to the stage a modern minstrel show about black identity meant to wake the world to the ridiculous narratives in dominant media. You can expect some brazen mash ups, stereotypes and clichés portrayed throughout what Vancouver Presents calls a “bold, honest and hilarious” production. The Firehall’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer calls Jean Lee “one of America’s most fearless and exciting playwrights.” This is production to watch. For tickets, visit 
In case you haven’t heard, the The Vancouver Fringe Festival kicked off another year on September 5th. There’s a great line of experimental local theatre happening around town. Our contributing writer, Tiva Quinn, went to check our My Name is Sumiko on now at What Lab, 1814 Pandora Street. Here’s what she had to say about this production:
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