After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Ryan Fletcher

With a simple and direct writing style and a gift for perspective, Ryan Fletcher writes works built to reach any kind of crowd, whether it be analytical academics or blue-collar workers. With an academic background of English, history, and psychology, and work experience ranging from harvests and landscaping, to warehouses, fast food joints, organic delis, casinos, offices, museums and radio stations, Fletcher knows many voices. He said his ultimate interest lies in "disarming any lies we may be telling ourselves and celebrating the human experience, good and bad." For more, visit the Melodies in Mind Productions website.

The value of fun in music

When a venue consistently has musical masters of energy flow at their location they develop a reputation and become the most attractive venue to see.

Acoustic Roots Part 2: The Door of Perception

No matter what the reality, it is only the perception of what kind of scene we have that makes a difference in our live music life.

Building a healthy local music scene

Vancouver musicians must get out of town and play more often to the suburbs.