The glory of this no fun city is that some of the funnest parts of it are the smallest and most hidden. A glorious home to both education and entertainment, Blim remains one of those Vancouver institutions that not everyone knows about but whose influence is just about everywhere in the city.
Masterminded by Yuriko Iga, Blim is tucked away off a side street on main and is about as inconspicuous as they come for havens of art and culture. Many years and a location change later, I’ve been able to play shows there, screen print t-shirts and watch a guy almost pass out while playing the shakuhachi.
Eclectic without shamelessly pandering, Blim has served as a hub for Vancouver’s burgeoning ambient and experimental music community. I’ve played there as part of my band Gunshae and been able to see the likes of Coin Gutter, Frozen Rabbit and Secret Mommy over the years.
With classes that range everywhere from screen printing and sticker making to DIY Luchador mask making, Blim has always been a hub for the tangibly creative types as well. Lord knows how much I’ve spent on their t-shirts over the years.
Integrated deeply into the heart of the Main street community, Blim can even been found representing at craft fairs around the city and at the celebration of the local Japanese Canadian community that is the Powell Street Festival. They truly are a core home that brings people together.