10 concerts in the Vancouver area to check out in May

Crank up the good times with these 10 concerts happening in Vancouver this May. Sing along to Elle King, Carrie Underwood, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

See also

• A 3-day Riverdale convention is coming to Vancouver this November
• Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival's fifth annual Sakura Night returns this May
• Vancouver's premier streetwear and sneaker convention returns this June

The River of Light

What: The world premiere of a large scale work for chorus, soloists, and orchestra conceived and composed by Brian Current, one of Canada’s outstanding composers who is the recent recipient of the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music awarded by the Canada Council. Part of Vancouver Opera Festival.

When: Friday, May 3, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

KT Tunstall

What: Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall brings the US tour to Vancouver with special guest Doe Paoro.

When: Monday, May 6, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Imperial – 319 Main Street Vancouver, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Philosopher Kings

What: The Philosopher Kings took the Canadian airwaves by storm during the 1990s, best known for their 1994 hit single, Charms. After taking a 10-year hiatus, the Juno award-winning band has recently regrouped and released their latest album, Return of the Kings.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: Imperial – 319 Main Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Armin van Buuren

What: Dutch DJ, record producer and remixer Armin van Buuren performs at the PNE Forum. All ages with 19+ bar.

When: Saturday, May 18, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $61.65

The Musicianer ft. Petunia and the Vipers

What: The Canadian premiere of the pilot episode of The Musicianer, with by live music by Petunia and The Vipers.A Q&A with Petunia and director Beth Harrington will follow the screening.

When: Sunday, May 19, 2019
Time: Doors 9 pm, show 9:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10, $12 at the door

Elle King

What: Los Angeles singer-songwriter Elle King bring her Shake The Spirit Tour to Vancouver with special guest Barns Courtney.

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Jorja Smith & Kali Uchis

What: Critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Jorja Smith and Kali Uchis team up for a show at PNE Forum. All ages with 19+ bar.

When: Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Time: Doors 6, show 7 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Shane Koyczan

What: Award winning spoken word poet and author Shane Koyczan performs in support of his new book, The Basement In My Attic. Featuring special guests The Tiny Tricycle Poets.

When: Friday, May 24, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Carrie Underwood

What: Seven-time Grammy winner and Pollstar’s three-time top female country touring artist, Carrie Underwood brings The Cry Pretty Tour 360 to Vancouver. Featuring special guests Maddie & Tae and Runaway June.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Steven Page

What: Canadian Music Hall of Famer alongside his ex-bandmates in Barenaked Ladies, singer-songwriter Steven Page performs in Vancouver in support of his latest album, Discipline: Heal Thyself, Pt. II. Featuring guests Port Cities.

When: Friday, May 31, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show at 8:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online