Rock &Amp; Alternative Music entertainment in Canada
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A
Rickshaw Theatre
This recently renovated old venue has been completely revamped from its grungy old self (it used to be called the Shaw), showing that Eastside gentrification can be positive. In fact, the Rickshaw has quickly become the stage of choice for local and visiting punk and metal bands – acts like Propagandhi and Dillinger Escape Plan, plus BC lads 3 Inches of Blood – that are more used to playing in dive-bar hellholes when they hit Vancouver. Expect a mega moshpit experience with plenty of action.
reviewed
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B
Malkin Bowl
Formerly used only as the summertime venue for Theatre Under the Stars musicals, this smashing Stanley Park stage has become an increasingly popular spot for alfresco live music. Elvis Costello, Franz Ferdinand and the Flaming Lips have had audiences (and those skulking around the fences outside) jumping up from the grass to punch the air…or partake of the aroma of naughty BC cigarettes wafting through the crowd. Check the website for this year's Concerts in the Park menu and book ahead.
reviewed
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C
Biltmore Cabaret
One of Vancouver's best alt venues has only been open in its present incarnation for a few years but it's already a firm favorite. The SoMa crowd comes for its nightly-changing smorgasbord of Vancouver and visiting indie bands that can range from the Wintermitts to Tribal Soiree and Attack in Black (what do you mean you've never heard of them?). When there are no bands, DJ, poetry and film nights keep things lively, as well as Sunday's highly popular Kitty Nights burlesque show.
reviewed
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D
River Rock Show Theatre
Handily located on the new Canada Line, the River Rock Casino's swanky on-site theater specializes in nostalgic music acts from the easy listening and older rock periods of music history. If you're wondering where Nazareth, Chicago or Robert Cray play when they hit town, this is it. The menu here sometimes includes a few surprises, like Blondie, just to show that you're turning into your parents. Visiting comedians including Jay Leno and Tim Allen have also appeared here.
reviewed
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E
Wise Club
This comfortably grungy former church hall is a friendly neighborhood gem that's close to the heart of in-the-know locals, who flock here to catch live ska, salsa, improv shows and the occasional hip-hop DJ night – check the eclectic schedule for events or just hang out in the lounge (ask the bartender to sign you in as a guest). It's a great place to mix with cool East Vancouverites; the bouncy floor here brings out the moshpit desires in the most reluctant of dancers.
reviewed
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F
Media Club
This intimate, low-ceilinged indie space tucked underneath the back of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre books inventive local acts that mix and match the genres, so you may have the chance to see electro-symphonic or acoustic metal groups alongside power pop, hip-hop and country bands – although probably not on the same night. A great place for a loud night out (earplugs not supplied), this rivals the Railway Club and the Rickshaw for catching up-and-coming Vancouver acts.
reviewed
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G
Cobalt
Vancouver's punk, hardcore and metal fans almost swallowed their tongue studs in anger when the owners of this insalubrious Eastside hotel kicked out the legendary Wendy Thirteen, promoter of the city's alternative music scene, who had been scheduling acts here to great, spit-lobbing acclaim for years. The 'new' venue has yet to take off with the old crowd but it still schedules live acts – not all of them hardcore – almost every night.
reviewed
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H
Commodore
Up-and-coming local bands know they've finally made it when they play the city's best mid-sized music venue, a lovingly restored art deco ballroom that still has the bounciest dance floor in town – courtesy of stacks of tires placed under its floorboards. If you need a break from your moshing shenanigans, collapse at one of the tables lining the perimeter, catch your breath with a bottled Stella from the back bar then plunge back in.
reviewed
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I
Anza Club
This wood-built community hall – which has the ambience of a worker's club without the edge – is popular with East Vancouver hipsters and old-school hippies who have been coming here for years. Along with its eclectic roster of quiz and darts nights in the Tiki Lounge, there's a popular filmmaking club in the main hall plus regular DJ and live-music events – check the website for calendar details.
reviewed
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J
Pat's Pub
Saved from gentrification annihilation by its grungy location, the recently revived Pat's Pub was once a hopping jazz club. Now focusing mostly on thrasher, rockabilly and ska bands (do the names Raygun Cowboys and Napalm Willy ring any bells?), there's also a surprisingly good bar and beer menu (the own-made Pat's Classic Lager is always cheap). Music is mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.
reviewed
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