BeyondRobson | Posts by Ami

Concert BReak Meets Whistler Music and Vancouver Folk Festival

Ami — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:57:21 PDT

Concert BReak returns (and with a bang)! Miss me? For those just joining me, Concert BReak is where you can find Vancouver's best beats, from stadium concerts at GM Place to indie shows at 1067.

This week, the Whistler Music Festival and the Vancouver Folk Festival are are running at the same time—that's my kind of dilemma! Thievery Corp., The Roots, James Taylor, Mark Farina, Girl Talk and many more after the jump. Enjoy the music and the sunshine!

Thursday, July 17
♦ The Bloody Beetroots @ Caprice: Italy's the Bloody Beetroots spin with Expendable Youth and Paul Devro.
♦ Dubmatix @ Fabric Night Club: Toronto reggae and drum and bass.

Friday, July 18
♦ James Taylor @ GM Place: I didn't realize this Sanyal family favorite had put out a new album last year (titled "One Man Band"). I wonder if he can still fill stadiums.
♦ Mark Farina @ Commodore: House lovers are going to be out with a vengeance as downtempo beats stir up the Commodore.
♦ Guilty About Girls @ Biltmore: Vancouver's own Guilty About Girls is a trio of local alt pop boys.

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Concert BReak Meets Vancouver International Jazz Festival Part 2: June 26 - July 3

Ami — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:49:38 PDT

Feel it in the Air Tonight (Live) - Naturally 7

As the Vancouver International Jazz Festival brouhaha draws to an end, venues all over Vancouver explode with music. Remember: there are many more events listed on the official VIJF Calendar, and there are many free ones to take advantage of.
Comment on your picks and thoughts!

Thursday, June 26
♦ Naturally 7 @ The Centre for Performing Arts (VIJF): These guys are a pretty cool a cappella group. That's right, cool a cappella. It's not stuff I'd listen to every day, but I'd be impressed by this live show.
♦ Harris Eisenstadt Vancouver Quartet @ The Western Front (Day One - VIJF): Eisenstadt is a drummer and a composer who was born in Toronto (and is now based in Brooklyn).
♦ Oliver Gannon Quartet @ The Ironworks (VIJF - 8pm): I was waiting for a jazz-guitarist to slip into CB, and Vancouver-based Oliver Gannon fits the bill!
♦ Tony Wilson 6tet The Ironworks @ (VIJF - 11pm): Wilson's compositions range from rock, to experimental jazz, to mournful ballads.
♦ Eccodek @ Performance Works (VIJF): Chill to the sounds of Canadian dub.
♦ Forest City Lovers @ Little Mountain Studios: A refreshing little Canadian indie group.
♦ Tea @ Yew York: Vancouver soul.
♦ The Constantines @ Commodore: Arts and Crafts alt-rock quintet is joined by Vancouver's Ladyhawk.
♦ The Dodos @ Bourbon: A psychedlic folk duo.

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The Cheaper Show: Less Dollars, More Sense

Ami — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:41:33 PDT

I was able to drop by The Cheaper Show Saturday night after Pink Martini's show at Orpheum Theatre. While I only caught the last twenty minutes of the show, I was extremely glad I was able to see what it was all about.

The Cheaper Show is a single-night exhibit (in it's eight year) that featured 300 pieces of art for a set price of $200.00 each. The idea behind it is straightforward: accessibility. Inexpensive prices enable more people to afford high-quality art. To add to this, newer artists are given a rare (equal) presentation alongside more established peers. An international array of 150 artists from many mediums were featured in the event. It was cool to see Basco Five's work back in town!

The Cheaper Show No.8 took place at the old Storyeum. I never went to the actual Storyeum, but the venue fit the exhibit well. I really enjoyed the evening and took note of some great artists. DJ Rico Uno played some cool mixes and the place was packed with funky people.

I really like what the organizers of the exhibit are doing and am already anticipating The Cheaper Show No.9. They say it best: "Buy Art Not Cocaine".

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Vancouver International Jazz Festival: Crowd Laps Up Pink Martini

Ami — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:41:33 PDT

Pink Martini is a band out of Portland, Oregon—a Liberal city dubbed "Little Beirut" for it's regular anti-Republican demonstrations. A vociferous town requires citizens that are responsible for how they communicate, and Pink Martini has communication down to an art.

Thomas Lauderdale, the dynamic founder of the 'little orchestra' aptly describes the members of his group to be "musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern."

Taking to the Orpheum's beautiful stage, Pink Martini started into a rendition of "Bolero"—an intelligent first choice, as the piece built the anticipation for what was to come. The group changed gears quickly, bringing primary vocalist China Forbes to the stage for "Tempo Perdido"—a song that transported listeners to humid Latin nights of an imagined past.

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Concert BReak Meets Vancouver International Jazz Festival: June 20 - 26

Ami — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:06:49 PDT

Since as far back as I can remember, jazz has had a way of drawing me in and making me feel music. This week 1800 musicians are coming in from all over the globe to play at Vancouver's award-winning International Jazz Festival—a jazz lover's paradise! The festival runs from June 20 - 29 and has a special Canada Day date on July 1. While the selection includes true legends from the jazz world, there are a few non-jazz acts in the mix as well. As always, free concerts are available at many venues around the city. Check Coastal Jazz & Blues for a complete listing.

This is a big week for Vancouver music, so please add shows in comments as you see fit!

Friday, June 20
♦ Shout Out Out Out Out @ Commodore (VIJF): This dance-punk group out of Edmonton may seem like an unlikely feature for a jazz fest, but VIJF is a Festivus for the Rest of Us.
♦ Herbie Hancock @ Orpheum (VIJF): One of those legends I was talking about, Herbie is known as an experimentalist who still managed to convey his music to pop audiences.
♦ Beady Belle @ Performance Works (VIJF): This Norwegian group is led by female vocalist Beate S. Lech and bassist Marius Reksjo.
♦ Blind Tiger, Tiger @ Hoko's: Edmonton based alt-pop. With My Robot Unicorn.
♦ Danny Echo @ Waldorf Hotel: Echo is a Burnaby-based musician who is a bit like Sam Roberts with folkier influence.vocals.

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Concert BReak: June 12 - 19

Ami — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:27:08 PDT

This week has fewer big-name acts but tons of quality independant performers. Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.

Friday, June 13
♦ Holy Hardstock!!! @ Christ Church Cathedral: This is a benefit for Scott Harding: a local musician and producer who was injured in a hit-and-run in February.
♦ Old 97's @ Richard's: Texas boys playing alt-country. You can often pick out the band's influences in their tunes (e.g. Johnny Cash, The Kinks, The Beatles, The Pixies, and David Bowie).
♦ Styrofoam @ Bourban: Wiki dubbes Arne Van Petegem's musical style to be "glitch electronica". I'm not sure if I agree, but I like the phrase!
♦ E.S.L. Band @ Western Front (Day One): Believe me, I'm not trying to stir up old arguments! This local group of music-making foreigners are hosting a CD release with The Fits and Cornerstone.
♦ The Jolts @ Cobalt: The Jolts are a Vancouver-bred punk group.
♦ The Awkward Stage @ Biltmore: Vancouver's Shane Nelken has worked on projects with some pretty cool people, including A.C. Newman (The New Pornographers). The Awkward Stage is his story.

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Concert BReak: June 5 - 12

Ami — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:22:17 PDT

So Music Waste (~~has~~) will come to an end this week. How did you like it? Steve Louie ~~was~~ is all over it, so be sure to check out his photos!

Thursday, June 5
Go to the last Concert BReak for tonight's shows.

Friday, June 6
♦ Brooke Fraser @ Media Club: This singer-songwriter from New Zealand will be performing tunes from her new album, "Albertine".
♦ Honda Civic Tour @ PNE Forum: Panic at the Disco dropped the circus fetish for this tour (they've also dropped the exclamation mark from their name). The Hush Sound, Motion City Soundtrack and Phantom Planet will also be playing.
♦ Crystal Castles @ Richard's: This is the last 1/2 Alive Friday at Richard's on Richards. They'll be taking control of Pat's Pub every Friday from here on out.
♦ Erykah Badu @ Commodore: This year, Erykah Badu released her first full-length album since 2000. From what I gather, she doesn't wear the African head-dress anymore, but goes for other "distinctive" (i.e. terrifying) style choices. Freaky or not, she can still sing!
♦ Wassabi Collective @ Media Club: This band from Nelson plays hip-hop with mellow, grooving bass-lines. Who knew people in Nelson play hip-hop?
♦ Kingsway @ Fairview Pub: RC Joseph leads his merry band of local folk and rock musicians.

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Concert BReak Meets Music Waste: May 29 - June 5

Ami — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:09:36 PDT

Did New Music West leave you a little unsatisfied? Fear not! While the folks at NMW figure out how to make their idea work, Only Magazine's Music Waste Festival arrives this week and lasts from Wednesday, June 4th - Sunday, June 8. Music Waste was created in 1994 as a protest against NMW. Fourteen years later, many people still regard the Music Waste as a better alternative to NMW. This year's festival features over 60 (mainly local) independent acts.

There are also some big-name acts in town this week to balance out all the indie that's coming your way. Continue past the jump for more listings and a video on the local indie scene.

Thursday, May 29
Last week's Concert BReak still has a little life in it...check it out for tonight's shows.

Friday, May 30
♦ The Long Blondes @ Richard's: This UK group is known for their post-punk style and glamorous looks.
♦ Smokey Robinson @ Red Robinson Show Theatre (Day One): One of the biggest names to come out of Motown Records, Smokey Robinson is back on tour. Old-school R&B lovers will have fun with this one!
♦ Felix Cartal @ Celebrities: This local dance-music-maker will be joined by Expendable Youth and Paul Devro.

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Concert BReak: May 22 - May 29

Ami — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:26:55 PDT

With The Cure, M.I.A., R.E.M, The Foals, and Taj Mahal in town there's something for everyone in this week's Concert BReak! As usual, I'd love to hear your ideas and opinions on CB and the shows you go to; share them with me through comments and email! You can email me at ami [at] beyondrobson [dot] com.

Thursday, May 22
Here are tonight's concerts.

Friday, May 23
♦ R.E.M. @ Deer Lake: It looks like it's going to be a good day for a concert at Deer Lake! Modest Mouse will join these 90's-rock pioneers.
♦ The Breeders @ Richard's: Meet LA's The Breeders as they let loose with tripped-out alternative rock.
♦ Nas @ Plush: Nasir Jones is hitting Vancouver before the album release of his "Untitled" album, so I'm sure his setlist will be full of new tunes. Due out July 1, "Untitled" was going to be named "N**ger" before Nas changed his mind.
♦ Ladytron @ Commodore: These electric pop-rockers from Liverpool will also be playing new songs from their recently released album, "Velocifero". Datarock will be starting the fun.
♦ Sleepercar @ Media Club: This band is the sideproject of Jim Ward from the band Sparta. They'll be joined by Arkells
♦ Young and Sexy @ Biltmore: Join this local alt-pop group for their CD release with the Alchemists.

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Concert BReak Meets New Music West: May 15 - May 22

Ami — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:26:59 PDT

New Music West has officially begun. I enjoyed a great show last night and am hoping for another tonight. The first half of this week's CB is dominated by NMW so I thought I should throw in a link to the festival's schedule. Video and more dates after the jump (included non-NMWers).

Thursday, May 15
Here are tonight's concerts.

Friday, May 16
♦ Brasstronaut @ Media Club (NMW): You may have seen Jon mention these guys, or you may have seen them here on CB. An offshoot of a group called The Clips!, this band mixes modern indie pop with jazz. They'll be on with Pete Samples,Chantel Upshaw, Jason Crocker, Winston, and Aaron Nazrul.
♦ Anna Vandas @ Backstage Lounge (NMW): A local singer-songwriter, Anna will be joined by Aeroplane, GhostBrothers, Eileen Rothe and My Dearest Friends.
♦ Jarimba @ Fairview (NMW): A Mix of world music and jazz will be featured at the Fairview this Friday. Jarimba (as you might have guessed) is a local African world-music group. You can expect Dilvog, Diano Garcia, Fur Bearing Animals, Sinistrio and Dirty Bottom to play as well.
♦ FreeFlow @ Penthouse (NMW): These six locals play a mix of reggae and pop. Also on: Arkells, Kuba Oms, Redeye Empire and St. Alvia Cartel
♦ Missing Starla @ Purple Crab (NMW): There's upbeat folk-pop going on at the Purple Crab. You can mingle with Caroline Spence Band, Paul Filek, Jupiter Sunrise and Honey & the Money.
♦ Nat Jay @ The Libra Room (NMW): This local songstress has claimed minor success of late. She can be seen with Ali Milner, Dani Jean and Cindy Davis
♦ Kay Kay and his Weathered Undergound @ Royal Unicorn (NMW): This talented and eclectic Seattle group will be joined by fellow Americans: Chicane Theory, Stuporhero, The Color Bars and Portugal The Man.
♦ Tokyo Police Club @ The Plaza (NMW): Part two of the Vancouver segment of their tour.

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NaRai at New Music West

Ami — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:57:56 PDT

In a recent post, Jon expressed his opinions on NMW—a Vancouver festival that featured 265 independent musicians. After experiencing the festival first hand, I find myself agreeing with many of Jon's points. Overall, the festival strikes me as a good idea with marks off for execution. The main problems revolve around the lack of artist and festival promotion. NMW provides no descriptions or sound-clips of their line-ups, and most people don't want to Google 265 Myspaces. The lack of festival advertising is realized by the fact that most Vancouverites don't even know what NMW is. That's pretty inexcusable for an eighteen-year-old festival.

Lucky for me, work here at BR allowed me to learn about the festival and have an idea of what to expect from many of it's featured musicians. I found myself drawn to the Plaza on May 14th, where the NMW kick-off was to begin with a local r&b artist named NaRai. The night's line-up also held some other promising acts, including Tea; so it was no-brainer for me to attend.

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Beyond Robson's Flickr 500

Ami — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:56:30 PDT

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Beyond Robson is privileged to have such an excellent Flickr pool. Every day the pool expands it's collection of local images that are artistic, humorous, inspiring and provoking. Sometime this week we'll be welcoming our 500th member to the group! This benchmark is a great opportunity to further develop the group into a secondary BR discussion place. By increasing ideas, questions, tips, networking, collaborations and games, we can make our group even more valuable. If you're into Flickr games, check out a game that I recently started up!

I'd like to thank all those who have contributed images to the pool. Our Flickr group welcomes all Vancouver-related images (and video) from artists of all skill levels (from amateurs to professionals). Pictures from the Flickr pool are often featured (with credit to the photographer) in Beyond Robson articles.

This post includes images from Beyond Robson's Flickr Pool by Avienda Once, gwacdotca, Pisces Dreamer, John Goldsmith, Brendan Wilkinson, Mark Klotz, Kenny Louie, and Leigh Righton.

*Edit: My apologies to Jim Hejl for removing the credit to his great Tilt Shift shot!

Concert BReak: May 8 - 15

Ami — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:22:16 PDT

Last night, I was lucky enough to be a part of Beyond Robson's staff meeting at the Cambie. I had a great time, and am pleased to know we all have heads larger than 1cm tall!
...and with that, I bring you (a New Music West infused) Concert BReak.

Thursday, May 8
Here are tonight's concerts.

Friday, May 9
♦ NOFX @ Commodore: These satirical punks have been at it since the early 80's.
♦ You Say Party! We Say Die! @ Astoria: Abbotsford's dance-punksters unite with Better Friends than Lovers and Wintermitts for a Vancouver indie extravaganza.
♦ Dawntreader @ Railway Club: This bunch of locals are celebrating their album release with Cinderpop, The Top Drawers and Empire Alley.

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Concert BReak: May 1 - 8

Ami — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:06:43 PDT

Another Thursday means a new Concert BReak, where you can find Vancouver's best local and imported live music. Hit me in the comments with your thoughts, suggestions and additions.

Thursday, May 1
Tonight's listings.

Friday, May 2
♦ Yoav @ Plaza: You may remember Yoav from a previous CB. Check there for his video of "Club Thing".
♦ Devotchka @ Richard's: A mix of world music (i.e. Greek and Mariachi) with North American indie. Each member of this four-piece is a multi-instrumentalist, and songs include trumpets, stand-up basses, violins and sousaphones.
♦ Better Friends than Lovers @ Little Mountain Studios (Day One): This local group play indie rock with a youthful spark. They will be joined by Doers.
♦ The Martyr Index @ Cobalt: Punks out of Calgary.
♦ Doug Hoyer @ Hoko's: Doug Hoyer is a singer-songwriter from Edmonton. He often plays the ukulele or the accordion.
♦ Amy Honey @ Railway Club: This country-folk songstress' song "Old Reliable Death" can often be heard on the waves of CBC Radio 3. It has a way of making me want to sing along in joyful misery.
♦ Kensington Prairie @ Media Club: Meet Aldergrove's Rebecca Rowan and listen to live renditions of songs from her new album "Captured in Still Life".
♦ Steve Aoki @ Celebrities: DJ Steve Aoki Kid Millionaire is one of the people responsible for jump-starting Bloc Party's success. The Cobrasnake and Paul Devro’ll join him.
♦ Rye Rye @ Richard's: It's 1/2 Alive night at Richard's and Rye Rye is going to "shake it to the ground".

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Concert BReak: Apr 25 - May 1

Ami — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:32:37 PDT

Dan Mangan with Dave Ward

Don't worry, it's here!

Friday, Apr 25
♦ Hardstock '08 @ Commodore: A benefit for Vancouver guitarist/producer Scott Harding featuring many of local musicians.
♦ Shelby Lynne @ Richards: Pop, jazz and folk fuse into one with California's Shelby Lynne
♦ Christian Hansen and The Autistics @ Hoko's: This Edmonton dance-pop group are joined by their Vancouver ~~rivals~~ equivalents, The Sessions. I went to elementary school with Martin from The Sessions and have had the pleasure of going to several of their shows—I'd recommend you check them out!
♦ Adaline @ Biltmore: Vancouver's Adaline is the Hush Sound meets Fiona Apple. Join her for her CD release party before she takes off for her first tour.
♦ Run Chico Run @ Backstage Lounge: Experimental and independent musicians from Victoria.
♦ Language-Arts @ Cafe Deux Soliels: More hip-hop meets indie-folk and classical guitars.

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