Live Music entertainment in Vancouver
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A
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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B
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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C
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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D
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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E
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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F
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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G
Jericho Folk Club
Hosted by the Jericho Folk Club in this convivial beachfront sailing center, local folkies start their regular Tuesday-night event at 7:30pm with a fun drop-in jam session. The evening then progresses to an open-mike hour – make sure you bring your tambourine – and concludes with a headline act that’s guaranteed to have your toes tapping and your beard growing.
reviewed
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H
Main on Main
Complete with a restaurant serving good Greek comfort food, the warm and welcoming Main is one of Vancouver’s liveliest folk and roots music venues. Professional performers – usually heartfelt local soloists or guitar-wielding singer-songwriters – hit the stage Thursday to Saturday, delivering an ideal accompaniment to your souvlaki or moussaka.
reviewed
