It’s been said that it’s a good life if you don’t weaken, but that may be easier said than done come Saturday evening.
Ahead of what is likely to the last Tragically Hip show ever, the Courier has compiled a listing of places to view Saturday’s final curtain call in the band’s hometown of Kingston, Ont. Earlier this year, it was announced that singer Gord Downie had incurable brain cancer and would embark on a final cross Canada tour.
Billed as The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, the show will be televised nationally on CBC and begins at 5:30 p.m. PST on Saturday, Aug. 20.
As of Friday morning, 420 locations were set to screen the show across Canada. Here’s a list of Vancouver venues broadcasting the concert. Call ahead, or check online, to ensure start times and availability.
The Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St.
Six hundred tickets are available for free on a first-come, first served basis at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre box office starting on Friday, Aug. 19 starting at noon until 2 p.m. Tickets are limited to two per person. For those who get tickets to Saturday’s event, doors open at 3:30 p.m., Olympic broadcasting starts at 4:30pm and the concert is live at 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast in its entirety. The event is 19 plus and alcohol will be served. Info: http://bit.ly/1kv7a6R.
Timber Gastropub Vancouver, 300 Robson St.
Tickets cost $40 and include a supper and concert viewing event beginning at 5 p.m. Twenty-five per cent of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Info: http://bit.ly/2bzv2dd.
The Imperial, 319 Main St.
Admission by donation, with all proceeds going to the Sunnybrook Foundation’s Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. Doors at 4:30 p.m., 19 plus. Info: [email protected].
Woodward’s Atrium, access via 128 West Hastings St. or 108 West Cordova.
Kicking off at 5:30, the free screening will be broadcast on a six-metre LCD screen and a beer garden will be offered. Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society will be in attendance, accepting donations. Info: http://bit.ly/2bolCEo.
The Park Theatre, 3440 Cambie St.
Show time is 5:30 and free tickets are available in advance and on the day at theatre box office only, based on availability. A four ticket maximum policy will be in effect. Info: http://bit.ly/2bPRsLP.
The Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St.
Must be 19 years of age or older. Free reservations are sold out.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway.
Must be 19 years of age or older. Entry by donation to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. According to the Rio’s website, the event is at capacity but there will be very limited rush seating available at the door. Lineup starts at 4 p.m.
For more information, go to cbcmusic.ca/posts/12529/the-hip-screening-locations.
