@ www.theotherpress.ca Arts A eall to Otaku! J-Fest returns to Douglas College aa By Angela Espinoza, Arts Editor re you a fan of anime? Have A= affinity for Japanese culture? Enjoy cute things with ridiculously huge eyes? Returning for the first time since 2010, J-Fest will once again be taking place this July at our very own Douglas College New West campus. The Vancouver Anime Convention Society—the current organization behind Anime Evolution—will be prepping the lower halls of the campus for a weekend of costumes, model building, and all around geeky fun! Currently slated for Saturday July 14 (with the possibility of expanding to include Sunday July 15), J-Fest is a semi-annual fan- focused anime convention with the goal of bringing fans of the like together. I recently got to meet with two representatives of J-Fest, David Dru Chan and Brian Ayotte, to discuss the upcoming convention. “Right now, we have about sixteen hours worth of panel content,” Ayotte begins, “and we're still looking for more panelists. We’re running at least one contest officially, which is the SD Gundam model contest, [which] we are hosting [for the] Vancouver Posticular Model Association— they'll be running some panels as well. Another group that’s going to be coming is JP Canada; they are a Japanese sponsorship group, and they’Il be running several panels [focusing on] Japanese culture and stuff like that.” Ayotte then went into detail on the numerous events happening throughout the day. “We'll be taking Weeaboo horror stories and doing [spooky voice] dramatic reading style. We also have eight hours worth of AMVs [Animated Music Videos], which is always a popular event. We actually have a backlog of one the biggest AMV collections out there. We have a dealer’s room, which, rough estimate, is sitting at [around] 50 booths. [And we'll also] have a video room, which we are building a schedule for.” Another fun event Ayotte mentioned will be “Whose Line is it Anime,” which right away offers an abundance of improv and silliness galore. (If the internet has taught me anything, this will prove to be ample opportunity to hone your meme knowledge.) Again, the event will be taking place on the first floor of Douglas College’s New West campus. “We're in the 1600 series [of rooms],” continues Ayotte, “the little hallway downstairs. We [also] have the two lecture theatres, and the three rooms that are across from [them]. [Rooms] 1630 and 1640 [are] going to be our dealer rooms, [and] then we have 1620, [which will] be our gaming room.” J-Fest is sure to be an awesomely fun event for anyone with an interest in anime. Located conveniently by the New West SkyTrain, Ayotte further states that: “It’s not expensive—$10 for [the] day. We also have some spots open for people who want to volunteer. [Volunteering] for at least five hours... to help with set up and take down... will get you in free!” What: J-Fest Where: Douglas College, New Westminster Campus When: Saturday July 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $10 Summer in the city of Vancouver: July Edition By Angela Espinoza, Arts Editor or some, summer is halfway Pitvecen For others, the season is just beginning. While the July weather might not be ideal (let’s be honest, it’s down right crummy), Vancouver’s still the place to be when it comes to summer events. Take the time to enjoy our vibrant and exciting city by checking out any one of these fantastic festivals. Fresh Air Cinema (July 3-August 28) (http:/ / www.freshaircinema. ca/ chevron/ movies.html) Moviegoers and cinemaphiles, it is time once again for Fresh Air Cinema’s free outdoor summer movie events! These screenings happen once a week throughout the summer in Stanley Park. This year’s schedule includes cult classics such as Zoolander (2001) and Labyrinth (1986), so expect to sing-a-long at some point— especially at the Grease (1978) screening on July 31! Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July 13-15) (http:/ / thefestival. be.ca/) The 35" annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is happening once again at Jericho Beach Park. Three days of sun, sand, and some fantastic music—this year’s festival features an epic lineup. This year’s artist’s include Hey Rosetta!, Good for Grapes, Dan Mangan, and K’NAAN—to name only a few. Tickets can be purchased online through the festival’s website or in person at a number of locations throughout BC. (check the website for locations). Khatsahlano! Music and Art Festival (July 21) chttp:// shopwest4th.com/ khatsahlano. aspx) Folk music not in your budget? Well have no fear! Khatsahlano! returns this year with an immense six-stage lineup of artists stretching in and around Burrard Street. Free to the public, this huge and expectedly fun event features musicians such as The Zolas, Ladyhawk, Oh No! Yoko, and Siskiyou, with even more soon to be announced. This is without a doubt going to be one of the best (free) music events of the summer; you won't want to miss out on this one! Caribbean Days Festival (July 28- 29) (http:/ / www.caribbeandays.ca) Yearning for an exotic break from the big city, but can’t afford a cruise? Well the 25" Caribbean Days Festival taking place in North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park should put a smile on your face. For one whole weekend, free to the public, you can flaunt the streets in Hawaiian shirts and bright colours as you please. This event celebrates the exuberant culture of the Caribbean lifestyle with music, dance, food, and activities for everyone! Me if, i Honda Celebration of Light (July 28/ August 1/ August 4) (http:// hondacelebrationoflight.com) Last but not least, we have the ever-popular Celebration of Light. Every summer at sunset on various beaches throughout Vancouver, bright and beautiful fireworks light up the sky for our viewing pleasure. This year’s firework shows are themed on Vietnam, Brazil, and Italy, each of which should be a fantastic show. Be sure to bring your cameras (or smartphones), the Celebration of Light is often one of the most fun events of the summer—just be sure to have a safe way to get home after (the crowds are crazy}).