Who?Shred Kelly Where? Electric Owl When? Friday, July 24 Why? Get you most comfortable shoes on, because you'll be stomping and/or dancing all night as one of the most fun live bands in BC says Goodbye July.
Jessica's Pick
Who?SHOREFEST Where? English Bay/Sunset Beach When? Saturday July 25 & Wednesday July 29 Why? A free outdoor music festival followed by big booms of light at one of the most stunning beaches in the world. I'm not trying to oversell this, but there's nothing better. Some old-school throwback music including Randy Bachman, Platinum Blonde and Chilliwack headline but the locals are sure to steal the show. Bend Sinister, Dustin Bentall & Kendel Carson, Sadie Campbell, Tonye Aganaba, Ben Rogers, Sky Wallace, Dawn Pemberton, just to name a few.
Well, I did this last month, so let's try it again, shall we? Here are some of the shows I am excited about in the month of October. It's a pretty stacked month, with lots of great shows announced so far (with a few conflicting ones, too).
Big Sugar with Wide Mouth Masonat the Commodore on October 21st & 22nd.
Top of the list would have to be this show, no question. I was at the Commodore eight years ago for what was, at the time, Big Sugar's final Vancouver show and it was phenomenal. I was thrilled when they got back together, and when they announced Wide Mouth Mason -- who Gordie Johnson now plays bass with -- would be opening? well, their show at the Yale in January has probably been one of my favourite shows of the year, so that's just extra added awesome.
Chad VanGaalenat the Rio Theatre on October 15th
Even though Pop Okanagan is happening this same weekend, I am pretty sure seeing CVG live trumps an entire festival. It will be two years to the day (and, in fact, at the same venue) since I last saw him, which is far too long. (Accompanied video not mine, was taken from the last show, with Julie Fader on keys)
Kathryn Calderat the Biltmore on October 27th
Even though I've seen her a couple times this year, Calder is always incredible live. Her new album is out soon, and I am very much looking forward to seeing her live again.
Dominique Fricot with Sidney Yorkat the Electric Owl on October 14th
Ten and a half months. That's all it took between seeing him at One Night Stand and finally seeing him perform his own material. Which is inexcusable. And of course, there's Sidney. The only time I've seen her was at a venue with sub-par sound, so I am very excited to see her somewhere that will sound good.
And the conflicts? That lies with the aforementioned Big Sugar/WMM show as well as: Sidney York with The Ruffled Feathers & The Belle Game at the Railway on October 20th. Zeusat the Biltmore on October 21st The Zolas & The Liptonians on October 20th at the Electric Owl and October 24nd at St James Hall
So. There's all that. Zeus is a fantastic live band who haven't been here since the (incredible) Bonfire Ball tour. The Liptonians blew me away live earlier this year, and pairing them with The Zolas is perfect. And the show at the Railway has just an excellent lineup. There could be a way to see all the shows, but it might be tough!
Oh, and there's the lastPeak Performance Project showcase with Maurice, Lindsay Bryan, 41st & Home and Rococode on the 6th at the Red Room well as Danny Michel with Jody Glenham at the Biltmore on the 13th, which should be fun, and of course, the Foo Fighters at Rogers Arena on the 25th. But as much as I love the Foos, and as great a live show as they put on, I have a feeling I won't be able to make this show unless I somehow get press, or win tickets...
