The Smilin' Buddha Cabaret sign still looked cool in the daylight, here it is seen in 1958 above a bustling Hastings Street.

For decades the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret was a legendary music venue in Vancouver. In the 1960s artists like Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane headlined there, then in the 1970s and 80s it became a favorite spot for legendary punk bands like DOA, Black Flag, The Ramones and countless others. Vancouver’s own 54-40 even played their very first show there. Subsequently when the venue closed down in the late 1980s the sign went into storage. The band, recognizing the value of the iconic Buddha sign, rescued it from its dusty corner and after naming an album after it took it on tour. 54-40 then later donated it to the Museum of Vancouver, where it is currently housed. Immediately making them one of the coolest bands of all time.

Help us celebrate the musical history of Vancouver and it’s colourful legacy as one of the world’s most prominent neon cities by winning one of these pins! For more information on the how BOB and the City of Vancouver are working to relight the inner-city in the proud vibrant neon it was once renowned for go here.

Regardless of fabric or colour these pins will make any clothing item look and feel that much more awesome(r), as is clearly demonstrated by this photo of the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret pin which is firmly attached to my cardigan.

What do you get for the man who has everything? How about for that special lady with refined tastes? Might we suggest the Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret pin, brought to you by BOB and The Museum of Vancouver. Available through this special one time offer, Facebook message checkers are standing by.

Cute as a button but a thousand times cooler