Tuesday - October 20, 2026
Doors: 8pm
Show: 8:15ish
$10/$20/XX/FREE
The first album release of the 8EAST Recording Project and the launch of this new recording project by the NOW Society. Please bring cash to purchase a CD! The 8EAST Recording Project aims to create recorded documents of select performances that happen at the space 8EAST. These documents might be in the form of digital recordings and/or physical media. This first project was supported by the City of Vancouver's Cultural Learning and Sharing Grant with mentor's Jesse Zubot and Nichole Mitchell facilitated by Matthew Ariaratnam. The first recording for the project was made on April 11th, 2026.
Live at 8EAST: April 11, 2026, is a collaboration between friends Feven Kidane, Nebyu Yohannes, Matthew Ariaratnam, Nikko Whitworth, and Adrian Avendaño joined together in an improvised meeting that takes place at 8EAST. A space on the corner of Pender and Carrall between Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. Run by the New Orchestra Workshop (NOW) Society that has hosted many nights, workshops, and festivals of improvised music from musicians all over the world and is home to a diverse community of improvisors in Vancouver, BC. This will be a first release on the 8EAST Recording Project that is archiving recordings at 8EAST and other performances curated by the NOW Society.
Feven Kidane – Trumpet, Nebyu Yohannes – Trombone, Matthew Ariaratnam – Guitar, Nikko Whitworth - Double Bass, Adrian Avendaño - Drums
Artwork - marcela oñate-trules, Design - Jocelyn Sanchez, Recording - Thomas J. Hoeller, Mixing and Mastering – James Meger
Two Sets:
Feven Kidane – Trumpet
Nebyu Yohannes – Trombone
Matthew Ariaratnam – Guitar
Nikko Whitworth - Double Bass
Adrian Avendaño - Drums
~ 8EAST ACCESS STATEMENT ~
The 8EAST social space for new culture is a project of the NOW Society, located on the Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səlil̓wətaʔɬ Peoples, in Chinatown, in the DTES, in Vancouver.
We are committed to making 8EAST a safe(r), welcoming and more accessible space. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, neuro a-typicality, disability, place of origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate racism, sexual aggression, assault, or harassment which can include unwanted touch or comments that objectify or sexualize. We adopt and follow the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.
We can accommodate a variety of needs, including assistance dogs, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact now@nowsociety.org.
We recognize that access is an ongoing and evolving discussion, and acknowledge that this statement may be insufficient. Concernts or suggestions can be addressed, discussed or expressed anonymously by emailing safety@nowsociety.org. 8EAST ventilation: Open windows and door, 3 HEPA air purifiers and UV lights on return air in the HVAC system. Mask wearing is recommend and masks will be available. Seating, wooden stackable chairs without armrests, is movable.
Seating is generally arranged in groups of two or threes with space between groups for easy mobility. Wheelchair seating is easily accommodated. The 34 inch wide main entrance to 8EAST has a threshold of approximately 0.5 inches high. There is no door automation. During events, the door is open or can be opened by the Front of House person. There are no ramps or stairs to navigate. Internal floors are smooth concrete. Outdoor plaza events are held on concrete pavers, some are uneven. Paths and hallways are kept free of impediments.
8EAST has a wheelchair accessible, non-gendered toilet on site with a door width of 35 inches. Additional public toilets, not wheel chair accessible, are located in the adjacent hallway. The NOW Society emergency evacuation procedures are in place for all individuals. The Front of House person or a staff member onsite is trained in naloxone administration and will be the contact person in case of emergencies.
GETTING THERE AND PARKING:
8EAST is located within 50 meters of buses 004, 007, 019, 022, 209, and N19 on Pender Street. Stops for buses 003, 008, 014, 016, 020, N8, N20, and N35 are located within 250 metres on Hastings Street. Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station is approximately 400 metres away. General metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. A passenger drop-off zone without a curb is located within 50 metres at 531 Carrall Street. To arrange for HandyDART transportation and accompanying assistants, please contact now@nowsociety.org.
There is a bike rack on the SW corner of Pender and Carrall Street, viewable while inside 8EAST and on the Plaza. Covered bike parking is available at the Main Street – Science World Skytrain Station. From there, one can take the #3 bus, then walk West down Pender to 8EAST (c. 5 mins), walk to 8EAST (c. 15 mins) or ride one skytrain stop to Stadium – Chinatown and walk Northwest to 8EAST (c. 5 mins). The closest Bike Locker to 8EAST is located at VCC Clark. From there, one can take trains to Stadium – Chinatown Skytrain Station and walk NorthWest to 8EAST.