Black Van Club - On The Mic

Black Van Club

Welcome to "Black Van Club - On The Mic," the podcast that shines a spotlight on the vibrant Black events, talent, and culture in Vancouver, Canada. Join us as we delve into the heart of the city's thriving Black community, uncovering the events, stories, achievements, and unique perspectives that make this culture so rich and diverse.Tune in to get inspired, informed, and connected with the pulse of Black Vancouverites. Join the conversation and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Black culture right here, in the heart of one of Canada's most dynamic cities.

Episodes

  1. Fanny Kearse

    MAR 17

    Fanny Kearse

    March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. In this episode of Black Van Club - On The Mic, we sit down with the talented poet, multidisciplinary artist, and community tender, Fanny Kearse. Fanny shares insights into their creative journey and their collaboration on “Glimmers”, a powerful docu-series and upcoming live event that explores the healing power of poetry, art, colour, and community. As a Black, queer, Jewish, disabled individual, Fanny’s work emphasizes themes of grief, joy, self-reclamation, and healing, and they discuss the importance of accessibility in creative spaces. Join us as we dive into Fanny’s artistic process, the challenges of navigating health, identity, and community, and the beauty of collaboration in their creative practice. With special guests like poets Adonis Critter-King and Brandon Wint, and the musical talents of Kinfolk Nation, this episode is a celebration of healing through art and the power of showing up as your authentic self. Don’t miss Fanny’s upcoming poetry and music show on March 27 at Performance Works on Granville Island! Check out more information and ticket links on blackvanclub.com - Glimmers Event Link Follow Fanny on Instagram @fannykearse Follow us on Instagram @blackvanclub  Alt Text Episode Cover Image: Fanny Kearse, a Black, queer, Jewish artist, speaking into a microphone at a poetry event. She wears a denim jacket and a white turtleneck, smiling as she engages with the audience. Podcast Intro Podcast Outro

    47 min
  2. Ahsia

    10/24/2024

    Ahsia

    What if one song could capture the essence of resilience, community, and empowerment? Join us for an inspiring conversation with the extraordinary Ahsia, a gifted singer, songwriter, producer, educator, and poet. With Nigerian and Congolese roots, Ahsia’s journey from her early days in Philadelphia and upbringing in Vancouver paints a vivid picture of dedication and musical passion. She opens up about her formative musical influences, and the rich musical landscape that has molded her unique style of R&B, soul, jazz, afrobeat, and poetry rap. In our conversation she reflects on her evolution as an artist, including a career pause during the COVID-19 pandemic and musical influences by artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé and more. Her powerful track, “Black Woman,” released on Juneteenth, won Best Song of the Summer from Unsigned BC. Our discussion takes a poignant turn as Ahsia shares the story behind her award-winning anthem, "Black Woman." Written spontaneously with a bass guitar, this song boldly confronts the microaggressions and subtle forms of racism faced by Black women, particularly in places like Vancouver. Her lyrics resonate deeply, offering validation and visibility to the Black community. AHSIA discusses navigating the Vancouver music scene and invites listeners to her upcoming shows at Guilt & Co on October 26 and the Grey Cup Festival in November. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, resilience, and embracing one’s true self. Check out Ahsia here: Website: ahsia.ca IG: ahsia.wav Intro Featured Single : Black Woman by Ahsia . Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/track/13NtwFhTw1gQ2CEdEWJ4vZ?si=WBl3UOD7Q_6xU2E_Pd2iTQ Give this playlist a listen: Vancouver’s Finest https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3lYocr5871zoe9ASQnHfNa?si=lmo9gXWxTbC2VDNqHyszvA&pi=u-KMDtbK75T8Sv Stay Tuned: Subscribe for engaging and insightful interviews with Vancouver's finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. Connect with Us: - Instagram & TikTok: @blackvanclub - Website: blackvanclub.com Black Van Club is more than a platform; it's a movement dedicated to spotlighting the incredible talent and cultural richness of Vancouver's Black community. From artists and entrepreneurs to unmissable events, we're your guide to what's trending in our vibrant city. Support us by liking, sharing, and commenting. Your engagement helps our community grow and brings more captivating content your way.   Podcast Intro Podcast Outro

    31 min
  3. Omari Newton

    03/26/2024

    Omari Newton

    In this episode of Black Van Club, we welcome Omari Newton, a luminary in Vancouver's arts scene and Head of the Acting Department at Vancouver Film School. Known for his work from Marvel's Black Panther to directing "Red Velvet," Omari discusses his artistic path, emphasizing Black culture and identity. He highlights the importance of representation in the arts and his influence on Black cultural narratives in Canada. 0:00-0:36: Introduction of Omari Newton, covering his diverse career from voice acting for Marvel's Black Panther to his directorial work and his position at the Vancouver Film School. 0:37-1:10: Overview of Omari's latest directorial project "Red Velvet," which explores the life of Ira Aldridge, a pioneering Black British actor. 1:11-2:49: Omari shares about his early interest in the arts, despite a childhood vocal condition, and how his passion for performing arts blossomed after a successful surgery. 2:50-3:09: Discussion on Omari's love for hip-hop and his transition into writing and directing, highlighting his tours to schools for Black History Month. 3:10-4:35: Omari recounts his upbringing in Montreal, his parents' emphasis on exposing him to the arts, and their support of his creative aspirations. 4:36-6:26: Omari speaks on the barriers he faced starting out in the arts, turning his experiences into motivation and gratitude for his career. 6:27-7:16: Insight into Omari's selection process for projects, focusing on themes that resonate with him personally, especially concerning race and black identity. 7:17-8:42:  Discussion on the collaborative nature of Omari's work with his wife, Amy Lee Lavoie, and how their diverse backgrounds enrich their storytelling. 8:43-10:04: Omari talks about the significance of "Red Velvet" and its relevance to today's discussions on diversity and inclusion in the arts. 10:05-11:55: Advice from Omari to emerging Black artists on navigating the industry, highlighting the importance of reaching out and building a supportive community. 11:56-13:57: Omari shares his rehearsal experiences with the cast of "Red Velvet" and reflects on the joy of bringing such a powerful story to the stage. 13:58-17:08: Discussion on the need for more representation and support for Black creatives in Vancouver's film and TV industry, emphasizing access to resources and institutional support. 17:09-19:30: Omari emphasizes the role of established institutions in facilitating access to resources and amplifying Black stories and talent. 19:31-22:10: Final thoughts and Omari's gratitude for the platform to discuss his work and the importance of supporting Black creatives. Stay Tuned: Subscribe for engaging and insightful interviews with Vancouver's finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. Connect with Us: - Instagram & TikTok: @blackvanclub - Website: blackvanclub.com Black Van Club is more than a platform; it's a movement dedicated to spotlighting the incredible talent and cultural richness of Vancouver's Black community. From artists and entrepreneurs to unmissable events, we're your guide to what's trending in our vibrant city. Support us by liking, sharing, and commenting. Your engagement helps our community grow and brings more captivating content your way.  #Vancouver #BlackInVancouver #BlackVanClub #VancouverEvents Podcast Intro Podcast Outro

    30 min
  4. Feven Kidane

    02/13/2024

    Feven Kidane

    Join us as Black Van Club hosts a captivating conversation with Feven Kidane, an Ethiopian-Eritrean-Canadian composer, trumpeter, and bassist from Vancouver. Feven's music, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Black American Music - often referred to as jazz - breaks new ground and crosses genre boundaries. Episode Breakdown: - 0:00-1:49: Reflections on Black History Month celebrations at the VIFF. - 1:50: Feven shares her journey, from her early days in Langley, BC, to her initial encounters with jazz music. - 5:35: Exploration of the documentary "Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes" and a look into the "Celebrating Black Futures Event" on February 8th, featuring Feven Kidane Sextet Live, presented by VIFF & The Vancouver Art Gallery. - 9:15: Insight into Feven's creative process, her collaborative efforts, and her advice for emerging musicians seeking community in the often solitary landscape of a city. - 12:52: A dive into Vancouver's local music scene, Feven's performances, collaborations, her band, and her aspirations for a dream collaboration in Vancouver. - 18:05:Announcement of Feven's upcoming performances. Stay Tuned: Subscribe for engaging and insightful interviews with Vancouver's finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. Connect with Us: - Instagram & TikTok: @blackvanclub - Website: blackvanclub.com Black Van Club is more than a platform; it's a movement dedicated to spotlighting the incredible talent and cultural richness of Vancouver's Black community. From artists and entrepreneurs to unmissable events, we're your guide to what's trending in our vibrant city. Support us by liking, sharing, and commenting. Your engagement helps our community grow and brings more captivating content your way.  #Vancouver #BlackInVancouver #BlackVanClub #VancouverEvents Podcast Intro Podcast Outro

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to "Black Van Club - On The Mic," the podcast that shines a spotlight on the vibrant Black events, talent, and culture in Vancouver, Canada. Join us as we delve into the heart of the city's thriving Black community, uncovering the events, stories, achievements, and unique perspectives that make this culture so rich and diverse.Tune in to get inspired, informed, and connected with the pulse of Black Vancouverites. Join the conversation and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Black culture right here, in the heart of one of Canada's most dynamic cities.