36 concerts in Vancouver to check out in October

October’s here, which means it’s time for fall jackets, pumpkin spiced-everything, and some highly-anticipated concerts to look forward to. From the calmness of Norah Jones to the chaos of Kanye West, there’s a little something for all musical tastes this month.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the shows Vancouver!

DJ Shadow

Josh Davis is back in Vancouver! The man better known as DJ Shadow has been taking the electronic world by storm since he emerged in the early 90s. He released his fifth studio album The Mountain Will Fall in June, and is the follow-up to 2011’s The Less You Know, the Better. The album featured Run the Jewels, Nils Frahm, and others. The legendary producer is known for his live performances, so don’t miss it.

When: Sunday, October 2 at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $32.50. 19+

Tegan and Sara

Everything is awesome for The Quin twins in 2016 – they just released their eighth studio album Love You To Death to rave reviews and their fall tour is selling out quickly. Fans can expect the 100-minute show to include new singles “Stop Desire” and “White Knuckles”, both of which were produced by Greg Kurstin of Sia and Adele fame.

When: Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street
Tickets: Available online from $36 to $46. All ages

Flight Facilities

One of our fave Aussie electronic duos return to Vancouver this month. After the surprise release of their debut album Down To Earth, Flight Facilities show no sign of slowing down and we’re in for this ride. Their versatility has been one of the most refreshing takes in the electronic world, as proven by their live album Live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. And live is what they are great at!

When: Wednesday, October 5 at 8 pm
Where: The Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $28. All ages

Tokyo Police Club

Toronto’s Tokyo Police Club are on a fall tour coinciding with the two-party self-released Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness , which features the leading single “Not My Girl.” This collection of songs is the first batch of tracks from the group since they launched their 2014 LP Forcefield.

When: Wednesday, October 5 at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $26.50. 19+

Danny Brown

Detroit’s Danny Brown is no stranger in today’s hip hop scene. From touring with A$AP Rocky, to his tracks like When It Rain – from his yet-untitled new record- Brown continues to build his fan base. It will be no surprise if he is hip hop’s next massive thing.

When: Thursday, October 6 at 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St
Tickets: Available online at $42.50. All ages

Seven Lions

Electronic producer Seven Lions starts The Journey Tour right here in Vancouver this month. One of the America’s biggest music exports, Seven Lions has played massive tours globally, including SXSW, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival. $1 from each ticket sold on Seven Lions’ The Journey Tour will be donated by Seven Lions Music LLC to Fuck Cancer, a very important cause to Seven Lions.

When: Thursday, October 6 at 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Sold out in advance, limited tickets will be available at the door. 19+

Blueprint 19 Year Anniversary

The annual Blueprint Anniversary is back, and this year it’s celebrating its 19th year during the Thanksgiving Long Weekend – which means, it’s party time! Guests this year include Dillon Francis, RL Grime, GRiZ, What So Not, and Rezz!

When: Saturday, October 8 at 7 pm
Where: Pacific Coliseum – 2901 E Hastings Street
Tickets: Available online from $104.80 to $126.40. All ages

Phantogram

New York dream pop/electronic band Phantogram are touring their upcoming release, Three, which is out on October 7. Following the success of their two previous studio albums, Voices and Eyelid Movies, the band toured immensely for a few years. They also kept busy with their side project Big Grams, which if you’re a fan, you should definitely check out.

When: Sunday, October 9 at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Sold out

Grouplove

Might want to sleep at the Commodore if you’re checking out Phantogram, because the next night, Grouplove takes over the venue. (Ok, we are kidding. Please don’t sleep over at the Commodore.) The indie pop band made us all dance and smile with their catchy single “Tongue Tied” back in 2011, and they continue to do so with their latest album Big Mess.

When: Monday, October 10 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $30.50. 19+

The Proclaimers

Another set of famous twins are set to rock Vancouver this month, as Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers will take over the Commodore Ballroom on October 11. The dynamic duo have released ten albums over the course of their 30 year career, but we have it on pretty good authority that “500 Miles (I’m Gonna Be)” will be included in their set.

When: Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online for $35. 19+

Glass Animals

After two sold-out shows in Vancouver over the past two years, Brits Glass Animals are back and playing a much larger venue. Glass Animals have a talent for layering instruments and sounds. The result is a distinct sound heard throughout their debut album, Zaba, along with their latest release, How to Be a Human Being.

When: Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street
Tickets: Available online for $35. All ages

James Blake

Three albums and world domination, James Blake is one of the biggest names in the electronic music world. The award-winning musician has been featured in many music projects from Drake to Frank Ocean and Beyonce. With his dance/bass styles incomparable to anyone else in the industry right now, we won’t be surprised if this one sells out – especially considering this is the perfect venue for Blake.

When: Thursday, October 13 at 9 pm
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street
Tickets: Available online from $49.50 to $55. All ages

I Mother Earth

The Strumbellas with The Zolas

Toronto folk rockers The Strumbellas released their third studio album in April and are on the road until next April to promote it. First single “Spirits” made a nice dent on Canada’s Alternative music chart and followup “We Don’t Know” is destined to do the same. Vancouver’s own The Zolas will open for the band on both nights.

When: Sunday, October 16 and Monday, October 17 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St
Tickets: Available online for $29.50. 19+

Ziggy Marley

One of the biggest reggae musicians in the world is coming to Vancouver. Ziggy Marley, son of famed reggae artist and international icon Bob Marley, is bringing his signature sound as part of a mega-tour across the US and Canada.

When: Sunday, October 16 at 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online from$59.50 – $65.50. All ages

Kanye West

Kanye’s got some explaining to do to his Vancouver fans. Not only did he cancel his 2013 Rogers Arena concert with just one day’s notice – he did it again a month or so later. But that hasn’t stopped his October 17 show from becoming a near-sellout, and fans with floor tickets will have the chance to dance underneath West as his stage floats above them.

When: Monday, October 17 at 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way
Tickets: Available online from $70 to $170. All ages

Purity Ring

The Edmonton natives are back, after a sold out show in the summer of 2015. With the release of their latest “Another Eternity”, the electronic duo make a stop in Vancouver with Hana. Purity Ring’s electro-synth beats are distinct, and their fan base has grown since their 2012 single “Obedear,” so this show is bound to sell-out.

When: Tuesday, October 18 at 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $30. All ages

Norah Jones

Norah Jones has sold 50 million albums, collected nine Grammys, and has no intention of slowing down any time soon. Her latest album Day Breaks drops October 7, less than two weeks before her Vancouver concert, and the singer’s website describes Day Breaks as a “kindred spirit” to her stunning debut album Come Away With Me.

When: Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton St
Tickets: Available online from $55 to $95. All ages

Honne

British electronic duo Honne emerged in the scene in 2014 with their single “Warm On A Cold Night,” and have since released a debut studio album with the same name. Check them out as they hit Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret.

When: Tuesday, October 18 at 8 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street
Tickets: Available online at $16.50. 19+

Alice Cooper

School’s back in session for Alice Cooper. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer spent the summer touring with supergroup Hollywood Vampires and is back to solo gigs this fall. Fans who shell out the big bucks for the “Front Row Insanity VIP Experience” get a prime seat, a meet & greet, and a backstage tour where they can snap photos with their heads inside Cooper’s personal guillotine.

When: Wednesday, October 19 at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street
Tickets: Available online from $45 to $99.50 All ages

How to Dress Well

Tom Krell is the talented songwriter behind his solo project, How to Dress Well. In 2014, How to Dress Well’s single “Repeat Pleasure” was on repeat on many music blogs. Since then, he’s been on the road and has very recently released his latest album Care – which includes his 2016 single “Lost Youth/Lost You.”

When: Thursday, October 20 at 8 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street
Tickets: Available online at $18. 19+

Tom Odell

English singer/songwriter Tom Odell might be known for his single “Another Love,” or his recently released video for “Here I am” which features Kevin Spacey. The talented young musician’s latest studio album Wrong Crowd came out earlier this year, and Odell is now on the road with our lucky stop this month.

When: Friday, October 21 at 8 pm
Where: Imperial – 319 Main Street
Tickets: Available online at $20. 19+

Schoolboy Q

LA rapper Schoolboy Q is bringing his Blank Face tour to VanCity. On October 22, the Top Dawg Entertainment artist will take to the PNE Forum with guest Joey Bada$$ to promote Q’s fourth studio album Blank Face LP. This is one epic rap double bill!

When: Saturday, October 22 at 7 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street
Tickets: Available online at $71.35. All ages

Pet Shop Boys

UK pop sensations Pet Shop Boys are celebrating the 30th anniversary of debut album Please with a world tour that has them playing in Vancouver on October 24. The duo released their 13th album Super this year and teamed up with producer Stuart Price, who will also serve as musical arranger on their tour.

When: Monday, October 24 at 9 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton St
Tickets: Available online from $46.50 to $99.50. All ages

M83

Electronic pop artist Anthony Gonzalez is on tour to support his latest release Junk. Junk is M83’s seventh studio album. Gonzalez’s album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming was one of the most successful electronic albums in 2011, with its single “Midnight City” really making waves that year. We can’t wait for this one.

When: Monday, October 24 at 7 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street
Tickets: Available online at$65.70. All ages

Against Me!

Punk rock outfit Against Me! is touring their seventh album Shape Shift With Me, which Pitchfork describes as both “vicious and heartbreaking”. It’s the band’s second album since singer/guitarist Laura Jane Grace was inspired to came out as transgender in 2012; their last studio album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, appeared on many critics’ annual “best of” lists that year.

When: Tuesday, October 25 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online for $25. 19+

Chance The Rapper

Chance is back! Following the release of Coloring Book mixtape back in May (which features guest appearances from Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Future), the Chicago-based Rapper is on the road for the Magnificent Coloring World Tour. His first show is sold-out but tickets are still available for day 2.

When: Tuesday, October 25 & Wednesday, October 26 at 8 pm
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
Tickets: Available online from $39.50 to $69.50. All ages

Gallant

One of the most soulful voices is in Vancouver this month. Hailing from Washington, D.C, Gallant has emerged as one of the best new artists last year with his huge single “Weight in Gold.” His shows have been selling out across North America, and this one is no exception.

When: Wednesday, October 26 at 9 pm
Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 E Pender Street
Tickets: Sold out.

Young The Giant

Young the Giant captured everyone’s attention in 2010 with their singles “My Body” and “Cough Syrup.” Fast Forward five years and three albums, the boys are back in town touring Home of the Strange. They are in town with back-to-back shows, as the October 27 show is sold-out!

When: Wednesday, October 26 & Thursday, October 27 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $29.50. 19+

The Naked and Famous

LA-based electronic pop band The Naked and Famous return to Vancouver, on tour to support their latest release Simple Forms which comes out on October 14. The Kiwi band is known for their energetic concerts and massive sing-a-longs to their singles “Young Blood” and “Punching in a Dream.” So get ready to sing.

When: Friday, October 28 at 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $39.50. All ages

Sum 41

Multiplatinum punk rockers Sum 41 are bringing their Don’t Call It a Sum-Back Tour to the city this month. The Ontario boys announced plans to release their sixth full-length album, 13 Voices. The new album coincides with their latest North American tour. Are you ready for some Fat Lip?

When: Friday, October 28 at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online at $30.50. 19+

Boy & Bear

Sydney’s Boy & Bear will say “g’day” to Vancouver on October 29. The band has topped the charts in their native country with all three of their studio albums and have collected 5 ARIA awards (the Australian equivalent of the Grammy) since 2011. Please note – this is an early show.

When: Saturday, October 29 at 6 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St
Tickets: Available online for $25. 19+

Post Malone

Rapper Austin Richard Post (aka Post Malone) scored a modest hit last year with “White Iverson” which led to a spot opening for Justin Bieber on his Purpose Tour. Malone and Bieber have since collaborated on “Deja Vu”, the lead single from his upcoming album Stoney. Jazz Cartier, who Pitchfork referred to as “Toronto’s first post-Drake rapper”, will open for Malone on his fall tour.

When: Sunday, October 30 at 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online for $36.50. All ages

Majid Jordan

OVO duo Majid Jordan are finally back in Vancouver in October after their sold-out show last winter at the Alexander. Majid Jordan (composed of singer Majid Al Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman) released their self-titled debut LP earlier this year, the follow-up to their 2014 EP A Place Like This. And just like last year, this show is sold-out.

When: Sunday, October 30 at 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Sold out.

Bush

It’s been a relatively quiet year for Gavin Rossdale (save for that album Gwen Stefani wrote about him), but he and the other members of Bush have embarked on a fall tour that touches down in Vancouver on Halloween night. Fans can expect to hear hits like “Machinehead” and “Mouth”, in addition to “People At War”, a new song the band released on World Refugee Day in June.

When: Monday, October 31 at 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
Tickets: Available online for $49.50. 19+