This week was filled with quality musicians, both local and from afar. If you didn't see any of these shows, you're crazy. I mean, look at this:
Anyways... Sweetheart kicked off the beginning of May with a show at The Bourbon (post huge Canucks win...remember that one?):
I had to make a choice on Wednesday...and so did most of the people that love indie music in Vancouver. Go see Hollerado (and Besnard Lakes) at the Media Club or Said The Whale (and Plants & Animals) at the Commodore.
For me it was motivated by the fact that I hadn't see Jake, Menno, Nick & Dean for almost a year and who could miss a Hollerado show?
The boys delivered an excellent performance per usual, although, compared to their last trip to Vancouver it was a little quieter. Most of the crowd was there to see Besnard Lakes, who produce a sort of music that I could only assume would be more enjoyed with an illegal drug working its way though your system. There was a lot of swaying.
But many Hollerado faithful showed up and sang along to their songs...including myself. And yes, I found a tie back to Vancouver...listen to the second verse of Walking On The Sea and you'll know what I refer to.
Thursday was hot at St. James Hall. I'm not sure if the heater was broken or if it was the teenage girls screaming for Zach and Tom, but it was a sweaty night.
Brasstronaut was having its official (all-ages) CD Release Party at St James Hall, with The Zolas opening up the evening...
When Brasstronaut was up, a procession marched through the middle of the floor including a huge ensemble band (yes, even more than normal), lead by a monk, whom later on handed out bubbles, activated the fog machine and spotlighted the crowd.
The music itself was superb, and a highlight of the night was learning that bass player John Walsh had become a dad that very day...(it's a boy!). If you ever get a chance to hear this band, do it...they'll blow you away. Oh, did I mention there were lasers?!:
The week of amazing performances couldn't have been topped off any better than Dan Mangan playing a sold out show at the Vogue Theatre. The love VIA and Vancouver have for Dan is pretty well known... so I'll let my pictures do the talking:
(Surprise! Ivan E Coyote came out and told a love story during Dan's Pine For Cedars)
ALL Photos Copyright Christine McAvoy
