Vancouver, British Columbia
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
With its close proximity to Seattle, just 150 miles north on I-5, and legion of show opportunities, Vancouver, BC is a city that touring bands would be loath to neglect. Warmer than other Canadian locales, Vancouver is an eclectic hub of bona fide cosmopolitan cool that boasts scores of clubs, bars, cafes and other alternative spaces, as well as a vibrant music community with a taste for all genres. Spawning groups like The New Pornographers, No Kids, Destroyer, Skinny Puppy, Ladyhawk and Nickelback, Vancouver also plays home to the New Music West Conference, Music Waste and can’t-miss annual folk and jazz fests. Crossing the border is a cinch, as long as band members bring a passport or photo ID plus birth certificate, and contracts, work permits or other gig documentation. Join the American Federation of Musicians (www.afm.org) or check with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (www.cic.gc.ca) for paperwork needs — then get ready to rock the socks off America’s northerly neighbor.
Guide to Gigging in Vancouver
Book a Gig: Venues
Richard’s on Richards
1036 Richards Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 3E1
(604) 687-6794
www.richardsonrichards.com
Crowds flock to this popular downtown nightclub nearly seven nights a week to catch the latest indie tastemakers. For booking, email richardsonrichards@ gmail.com or call (604) 683-8876 at least three months in advance.
The Media Club
695 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 2P1
(604) 608-2871
www.themediaclub.ca
Chic downtown lounge fits 150 and welcomes all, particularly indie, punk and rock bands, for shows just about every night. Fill out a website submission form or send a MySpace link with bio, date requests, etc. to bookings@themediaclub.ca.
Biltmore Cabaret
395 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC Canada V5T 3J7
(604) 676-0541
www.biltmorecabaret.com
Décor that oozes cool drapes this 350-capacity venue, which caters to all genres, especially acts drawing UBC campus crowds, two to four nights a week. Contact Shannon Martin at booking@biltmorecabaret.com three to four months in advance.
Railway Club
579 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 1V4
(604) 681-1625
www.therailwayclub.com
This former haven for railway workers offers a cozy spot for all types of bands, from rock to jazz, nearly every night. Email janetforsyth@shaw.ca (send links if available) two months ahead.
The Plaza Club
881 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 1K7
(604) 646-0064
www.plazaclub.net
Upscale downtown club features marquee rock, electronic, house, hip-hop, R&B and singer/songwriter acts up to seven nights a week. Contact David Hawkes at david@plazaclub.net no less than two months in advance.
Pat’s Pub
403 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1P6
(604) 255-4301
www.patspub.ca
Scandinavian fisherman once lingered in this brewhouse haunt, which hosts live indie, rock and rockabilly mostly Thursday through Saturday. For booking, contact Fireball Productions at info@fireballproductions.com or (604) 874-7906 about six weeks in advance.
The Cobalt
917 Main Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 2V8
(604) 764-7865
www.thecobalt.net
Hardcore punk paradise favors all things heavy, loud and extreme. With some nights devoted to metal and hip-hop, booking varies (check www.myspace.com/ churcheen), but for Friday or Saturday shows, send an email to wendythirteen@thecobalt.net.
The Yale Hotel
1300 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 1M7
(604) 681-9253
www.theyale.ca
With history dating back to the late 19th century, this venerable rhythm and blues, funk and jazz venue has hosted legendary artists. Mail hardcopy portfolios to entertainment coordinator, Joe Luciak.
Promote a Gig: Media
The Georgia Straight
1701 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 1Y3
(604) 730-7000
www.straight.com
Free alternative weekly. For show preview consideration, contact Mike Usinger at least one month in advance at m_usinger@straight.com; follow-up call recommended. For calendar listings, send info at least two weeks ahead to timeout@straight.com.
CiTR - 101.9 FM
#233-6138 SUB Boulevard
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1
(604) 822-8733
www.citr.ca
University of British Columbia radio. Contact Luke Meat at citrmusic@club.ams.ubc.ca six to eight weeks in advance for CD (preferred) and show info submissions. For in-studios, email Ben Lai at benlai@citr.ca at least six weeks ahead.
RecordStores
Zulu Records
1972 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 1M5
(604) 738-3232
www.zulurecords.com
Quintessential independent record shop with popular bulletin board (restricted consignment services for touring bands). Cranky neighbors limit in-stores, but contact manager Nick Bragg at info@zulurecords.com to inquire.
Gear/Repairs
Not Just Another Music Shop
2415 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3G5
(604) 733-6526
www.njams.net
Knowledgeable staff and choice selection of guitars and related equipment. Takes walk-ins, with repair techs on duty daily. Standard 24-hour turnaround. Open Monday to Friday 10-9, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-6.
Long & McQuade
368 Terminal Avenue
Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 3W9
(604) 734-4886
www.long-mcquade.com
Think Canadian Guitar Center — reliable for last-minute needs. Open Monday to Wednesday and Saturday 10-6, Thursday and Friday 10-9.
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