The Prince Edward Renters Collective (PERC) threw a proper Block Party

By Keir Nicoll

The Prince Edward Renters Collective (PERC) threw a proper Block Party this September 4, tagging off the end of the Labour Day weekend. The day included a number of tables, such as pottery, Spartacus books and the Vancouver Tenants Union and there were are series of six performances and speakers over the course of about six hours. First was Future Star. Celina was dressed all in pink and played a Hohner organ and sang about not wanting to die yet. Adan was next, with long flowing black braids, a laptop with drum and bass loops and who switched between bass and guitar and singing. His style was very current reggaeton meets cosmic trance-space jams. Una and Sara played next with a singer-songwriter style that suggested the folkiness of Tracy Chapman or Jewel or the like. After the first set of performers, there were a number of speakers, giving voice to the ongoing struggle of renters with landlords, including my recent tenancy win! Next was Michael, who sounded for all the world like Bruce Cockburn, with his intricate guitar parts and eloquent voicings. Last, the Pluviophilles headlined, which is Heather Haley and myself. We played our post-punk folklorique styled songs with a certain aplomp. All of the performers' sets were about a half an hour and ranged over the map of East Van Inner-Urban Folk Rock! All in all it was a raging success and there were about 100 people there at the peak of the party! Many free hotdogs were eaten and the vibe was good and high! Another Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood convention strikes again!