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SCENE AND HEARD showcases the independent music scene here in Vancouver. We post weekly guest playlists comprised of Vancouver artists and ‘Last Week in Music’ highlights some of the best concerts happening around the city... |
With the Sasquatch Music Festival happening this past weekend in Washington, it feels like the start of the summer festival season. Between outdoor concerts in parks across the city, to out-of-town festivals, to free street parties, there is a LOT to take in in the coming months!
I'm going to attempt to run through them here...if you have another suggestion of a music-based festival happening this summer, please tweet me and I'll add it into the list!
First up let's start with Vancouver's backyard, the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park...lots to look forward to including Mother Mother playing an all ages show on the 15th of June, and the Sheepdogs on August 30th! Check out all the info by clicking here, and here's a shot from concerts past: The Decemberists (thanks to Leigh Eldridge for the pic!):
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival runs from June 21 to July 1st and includes both free events and tickets ones...check out the schedule for all the details. I recommend the downtown Georgia stage, which will host lots of free shows by some amazing local talent:
The first out-of-town festival is a doozie, the Tall Tree Music Festival in Port Renfew, BC...or more specifically, on the side of a mountain in Port Renfrew! Last year was a mud-filled good time, make sure you bring some gum boots just in case - June 28th, 29th and 30th!
So from Tall Tree head back to Vancouver for the week and then pack your bags and head east for the Keloha Music & Arts Festival from July 5th to 7th. It's got a stellar line up this year between BC acts and international artists, plus it's on the waterfront, so it's hard to beat! Here's a shot from last year by Carly Gregory:
Back into Vancouver, celebrate the culture of West 4th with Khatsahlano! on July 13th - more than 50 bands playing on stages on the 10 blocks of closed off street, vendors galore and extended patios. It's had glorious weather for its first two years running, so bank on sunblock and stay hydrated!
Are you still with me? In "Festival Mode" yet?
You better be, because next up is the Vancouver Folk Music Festival! There are some big names playing this year, from Vancouver's own Hannah Georgas, to Hayden, and Kathleen Edwards, and so much in between. The festival runs from the 19th to the 21st of July and you can get your early bird tickets now!
Deer Lake Park is hosting several "Concerts In The Park" this summer, a party on Canada Day, and the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival (August 10th) - check out the website for more details, and here's a shot of the Sigur Ros show from this past Monday the 27th:
Don't forget about SHOREfest!, the free shows during the Celebration of Lights. Music, fireworks, beaches...do I even have to sell this to you? It runs July 27th, July 31st, and August 3rd...they've announced that Serena Ryder, and local musician Greg Drummond are performing so far (full lineup June 18th!).
The Lonsdale Quay held "Summer Fest" from June to September last year, having bands play for free on the Quay on weekends and holidays...no word on if it's coming back again, but keep an eye on the website!
Live At Squamish received a new name and a new weekend this year; now billed as the Squamish Valley Music Festival, and running from August 8th to 10th, it has a great balance of local names and big acts. From Dan Mangan to Queens Of The Stone Age, it's got something for everyone, and is a can't-miss.
Summer's not over in September, and neither is festival season! Finish it off in style at Rifflandia - September 12-15th in Victoria - with shows at both outdoor stages, and within the venues in the city. I had a massive migrane last year (possible side-effect of "Festival Mode") and I STILL went out to as many shows as I could, that's how worth it it is...that and the Rifflandabrau.
Other Festivals/Events - click on the name to be taken to the websites for line ups and more information!:
- Music Waste - June 6th to 9th at venues around Vancouver
- Campbell Bay Music Festival - June 21st and 22nd on Mayne Island, BC
- Vancouver Island MusicFest - July 12-14 in Courtenay, BC
- Rock The Shores - July 13-14 in Victoria, BC
- Harmony Arts Festival - West Vancouver arts and music festival August 2 - 11
- Shambala - the electronic music festival in Salmo, BC from August 7th to 12th
- Otalith Music Festival - Aug 23 and 24th in Ucluelet, BC
- Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival - Labour Day weekend in Rock Creek, BC (Aug 30 - Sept 1)
- Sunshine Music Festival in Powell River, BC on Aug 31st and Sept 1st
- Golden Sound Festival - September 7th in Golden, BC
My wonderful friend Natasha sent me this link too: http://exclaim.ca/Upcoming/Festivals - Exclaim Magazine put together a guide and all you have to do is narrow it down to BC and which month you'd like and boom!
(Thanks to everyone who helped me compile this list!)
