What better way to begin the new year than with live music? 2015 is off to a rockin’ start with an impressive lineup of concerts hitting Vancouver this month, and whether you’re into country, electronic, or grunge, there is something to suit every taste.
Splurt
You may know Splurt as the media and marketing director for Major Lazer, but the man behind the screen is also an accomplished MC, DJ, and producer in his own right. Fusing the sounds of reggae, hip hop, and house, Splurt creates a colourful mix that spans sonically all the way from Sweden to Jamaica.
Splurt
- When: Friday, January 2 at 9 p.m.
- Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street
- Tickets: Available at Blueprint for $10 (19+).
Joseph
Joseph is comprised of three sisters who hail from a small town in Oregon. On tour in support of their debut album, Dream Native Kin, the group delivers hazy folk-pop that will haunt your dreams and prompt you to go play in the cool shores of the Pacific Northwest.
Joseph
- When: Thursday, January 8 and Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Electric Owl - 926 Main Street
- Tickets: Available at Timbre Concerts for $12 (19+).
Smoke DZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ds-42ktEc
Harlem native Smoke DZA has made a name for himself as a street storyteller who has worked his way up from the underground through hard work and an authentic approach to his craft. The rapper, who has toured alongside Snoop Dogg and Method Man, has just released the latest album of his collaborative project R.F.C., The Outsiders.
Smoke DZA
- When: Tuesday, January 13 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Electric Owl - 926 Main Street
- Tickets: Available at Timbre Concerts for $15 (19+).
Bryan Adams
This Canadian rock legend — who needs no introduction — has sold over 65 million records and hit number one on music charts in more than 40 different countries. The Vancouver native is on tour in celebration of the 30th anniversary of his Juno winning and Grammy Award nominated album, Reckless.
Bryan Adams
- When: Wednesday, January 14 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way
- Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster from $29.14 (all ages).
Yukon Blonde
Vancouver-based indie rockers Yukon Blonde recently announced that they’re putting the finishing touches on a brand new studio album. The group, whose latest offering, Tiger Talk, is out now, is playing the Biltmore Cabaret’s 7th birthday party.
Yukon Blonde
- When: Thursday, January 15 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street
- Tickets: Available on TicketWeb $20 (19+).
Steel Panther
Parody glam metal band Steel Panther are notorious for hilariously obscene lyrics and over-the-top stage antics. The Los Angeles jokesters are bringing out their biggest hair and tightest spandex to Vancouver this month for two totally outrageous nights.
Steel Panther
- When: Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
- Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster from $40.25 (19+).
War Baby
With anguished vocals, fuzzed-out riffs, and melodic, sludgy basslines, it’s no wonder that Vancouver’s favourite grunge noisemakers War Baby have merited comparisons to Nirvana.
War Baby
- When: Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street
- Tickets: Available on Northern Tickets for $10 (19+).
Aaron Pritchett
A Canadian Country Music Award winning artist who has toured with heavyweights Alan Jackson and Toby Keith, BC boy Aaron Pritchett has enjoyed much success both locally and internationally. He plays two shows here at home this January — one downtown and the second in Langley.
Aaron Pritchett
- When: Sunday, January 18 and Monday, January 19
- Where: The Roxy Cabaret – 932 Granville Street (January 18) and Gabby’s Country Cabaret – 20297 Fraser Highway (January 19)
- Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster (19+).
The Vaselines
Formed in Scotland in the mid 1980s, alternative rock legends The Vaselines were famously idolized by Kurt Cobain who once called them his “favourite songwriters in the whole world.” The band released their latest and third studio album, V is for Vaselines, earlier this year.
The Vaselines
- When: Friday, January 23 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street
- Tickets: Available on TicketWeb for $20 (19+).
Beacon
Brooklyn-based duo Beacon have quickly carved out a corner for themselves with their intelligent arrangements of moody electro-pop. The group is on tour in support of their new record, L1.
Beacon
- When: Saturday, January 24 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Electric Owl – 926 Main Street
- Tickets: Available on TicketWeb for $12 (19+).
Feature Image: Marco Maas
