Message from Mark Takeshi McGregor, outgoing Artistic Director

Well, the Weekend has come and gone — and what an amazing weekend it was! Powell Street Festival, our country’s largest expression of Japanese Canadian arts and culture, rang in its 40th year on July 30 & 31, making us the longest running community event in Vancouver. We celebrated with an expanded site, more food booths, more children’s activities, and two solid days of live performances that, thinking back, still bring a smile to my face. We were beyond thrilled to host the PSF debuts of Diyet, whose powerful voice and stirring songs brought our Diamond Stage audience to its feet; koto sensation Miyama McQueen-Tokita, who wowed audiences at the Firehall Arts Centre with a performance that deftly juggled tranquility with crackling virtuosity; and Chordophone, whose unique brand of electronica entranced capacity crowds on our new Alexander Street Stage. And of course, Powell Street Festival is nothing without thundering taiko, historic and contemporary dance performances, myriad crafts, beautiful and thought-provoking displays, and of course tonnes of delicious food. To all our performers, artists, vendors, organizers, and of course our inspirational volunteers: THANK YOU!

That all said, I guess it’s understandable that I have a lot of mixed feelings as I announce my departure from the position of Artistic Director of the Powell Street Festival Society. I'm entirely thankful for the experience: over the course of two seasons I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the complex history of my Japanese Canadian heritage; I engaged with artists and communities I would never have had the opportunity to otherwise; and I learned how important it is for an artistic director to be surrounded by good, patient, informed, and inspired people. I'm happy and humbled to pass the bachi to the incredible Leanne Dunic, whose background in the literary, visual, and musical arts will energize and inspire the Society as it moves into its fourth decade. And of course, I look forward to remaining involved in the Society’s activities, so I expect to see many of you at future PSF events!

Mark Takeshi McGregor

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