On New Year’s Eve, local vocalist Ana Santos and Deejay Caston, a member of local rap group The Castons, put together a show and showcase that closed off the year with uplifting, grassroots creativity titled Blank Canvas. This event was the first in a series of multi-faceted events celebrating and showcasing artistic expression and excellence in the Lower Mainland region.

The duo debuted the event at 648, a local arts studio in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver that is a reflection of the independent, artistic and grassroots nature of the neighbourhood.

The event featured works by Qeyonnia Caston, a local independent artist specialising in stunning silhouette art, and performances by local singer-guitarist-songwriter Ty Koch, The Castons, and Ana Santos throughout the duration of the night’s programme. 

Blank Canvas fostered community collaboration and partnership in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Ana and Deejay Caston not only brought together a community of artists that enjoy artistic collaboration and experimentation, but created a multi-faceted experience that celebrates various forms of expression and art through audio, visual, and sensory experiences. As a result, not only did the audience experience swoon worthy serenades from Ty Koch and Ana Santos, but also, jazz inspired collaboration between Ana Santos and The Castons. Finally, the night hit an energetic peak with rap performances by The Castons – who really knew how to light up the stage and pump the crowd up for the New Year.

The end result? A night to remember. It is more than clear that Ana Santos and The Castons have a vision of what grassroots collaboration in music means. They allow ample space for the creation and cultivation processes – allowing possibilities to emerge through, and for meaningful memories to be created. Everyone in the crowd was buzzing with conversation after each set of performances. For me personally, I’ve been to hundreds of shows as a festival operations manager, arts administrator and music journalist. Never have I seen the crowd so engaged in the performances and then go to internalise them together in a group process.

Clearly, then, Ana Santos and Deejay Caston are onto something here: not only are they creating a new form of artistic expression in the city, but they’re redefining what community connection and community in general mean. Their music extends far beyond into the audience, allowing them to truly move and transform those whom they touch with their performances.

If you were unable to catch Blank Canvas’ last iteration, they are performing tonight, Friday, February 10th at Buddha’s on 109 East Hastings. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets are $10. This event seems to have expanded in its capacity of vendors and performers, including: Left Hand Minivan, Gabe Regerh, Ana Santos, Jonelle, Polo Brian and The Castons, iterating that the event organisers are growing this series into one that the City is responding positively to.

We can’t wait to see you there.