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Jeni’s Picks for the week aheadDear Picks People… Sunshine! Spring! And a super selection of events around town this week. 2018 Vancouver International Jazz Festival is upcoming (June 22-July 1). Buy your tickets before they are gone! More info here As usual, before you venture out, please check with venues for any last minute changes/cancellations. Enjoy!!  Libra Room – Big Top By DonationThis event runs from January 9, 2018 until June 12, 2018.
Guitarist/composer Scott McLeod brings his band Big Top to the Libra Room most Tuesdays.A musical dedication to the life and times, both past and present, of the roustabouts, carnies, rubes, misfits and performers of the circus. A Roots Americana soundscape.  Vancity Theatre – CardinalsApril 24, 2018 8:40 pm
Presented as part of Canada Film Week… Cardinals Sheila McCarthy (I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing) returns in her best movie role in years as Valerie, a middle aged mom looking to pick up the pieces of her life three years after she was incarcerated for killing a man in a drunk driving accident. To her daughters’ dismay she seems largely unrepentant. Complicating matters, the son of the man she killed has questions, if only Valerie can be coaxed into answering them… Tickets $13/11  Provence Marinaside – Hip Pocket plays Wes Montgomery Free eventApril 25, 2018 6:00 pm
Hip Pocket Trio plays selections from the album Wes Montgomery in Paris Adam Rohrlick: alto saxophone Brent Gubbels: acoustic bass Jason de Couto: keyboards  VPL Central Branch – Incite: The Boy on the Beach Free eventApril 25, 2018 7:30 pm
On September 2, 2015, a photo of a little boy’s body on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea went viral, alerting the world to the cold, devastating reality of the Syrian refugee crisis. The boy’s name was Alan Kurdi, nephew of author and refugee advocate Tima Kurdi. Discussing The Boy on the Beach with journalist Kathryn Gretsinger, Kurdi takes us back to the streets of Damascus to follow a family’s flight from the war-torn borders of Syria to the suburbs of Vancouver, and their persistent search for safe harbour in a shattering time of war. In the Alice MacKay Room. Free. Register here to ensure a seat.  Tangent Cafe – Jeff Younger and the Sensitive Gentlemen By DonationApril 25, 2018 8:00 pm
Jeff Younger and The Sensitive Gentlemen Jeff Younger has a deep love of beautiful melodies, touching lyrics and quirky, creative imagery. Best known as an improvising guitarist and composer, in singer-songwriter mode Jeff sings original tunes about the beautifully flawed, the oh-so-close’s, ,unicorns, evil clowns, small dogs, getting wasted and, of course, broken hearts. For this special concert, he’ll be joined by stalwart Vancouver vets Ron Samworth (guitar), Russell Sholberg (bass) and Toronto’s Joe Sorbara (drums) A few choice covers for extra fun. With Andre Chrys Andre Chrys is a Vancouver singer-songwriter who delivers roots rock songs that blend eclectic influences from rock, classic pop, Americana, blues, and soul.  China Cloud – White Poppy + Malcolm Jack Pay-what-you-canApril 25, 2018 9:00 pm
STAR SYSTEM CURATION SOCIETY presents: INVISIBLE TASTE W E D N E S D A Y S WHITE POPPY: Crystal Dorval has been making music as White Poppy since 2011. The project has become a candid culmination of Crystal’s DIY experiments, and a vessel for constant introspection. Her music lands on a liminal space between pop perfection and enveloping drone. More info here MALCOLM JACK: Malcolm Jack is a Vancouver born and raised composer, producer and performer with a total awareness of the here and now. Touching on the concepts of modern myth, offline living, ecology and alienation, he has created a one of a kind world that is as inclusive as it is unique, allowing peers to peer into their own lives and environments with stunning magnification. More info here  Vancouver World Music Festival April 26-29, 2018This event runs from April 26, 2018 until April 29, 2018.
4th Annual Vancouver World Music Festival! Various events including a launch party with flamenco and music, 2 evening concerts with 5 high energy bands at the Imperial, and a daytime event with 4 bands at Trout Lake Community Centre Mazacote, Zimbamoto, Locarno, Kutapuri, Las Cafeteras, The Boom Booms and more.. Individual tickets $20/25 or an all weekend pass $50  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Willie Jones III QuintetThis event runs from April 26, 2018 until April 27, 2018.
With an unparalleled style of rhythmic expression, drummer Willie Jones III is one of the world’s leading jazz drummers. His music honours his monumental influences – the late greats Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey, and Billy Higgins – with bold articulation and constantly innovative sense of swing are results of his life-long musical experience. Don’t miss this powerhouse quintet at Frankie’s Jazz Club with an all-star lineup: Eric Reed piano, Gerald Cannon bass, Ralph Moore tenor sax, and Jeremy Pelt trumpet. Cover $30  Rogue Folk Club – April in Paris April 26-28, 2018This event runs from April 26, 2018 until April 28, 2018.
12th Annual April in Paris: A Celebration of Gypsy Jazz Django Reinhardt’s Gypsy jazz has been described as “the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on”. This will be proved three times over at April in Paris! This wonderful event features Vancouver perennial favourites Van Django and the Company B Jazz Band, Seattle imports Ranger & the Re-Arrangers and Pearl Django, Hornby Island’s Marc Atkinson Trio, Michael Dunn’s latest outfit The Lawless Hot Club, and local upstarts Django’s Jewels. A fantastic time is bound to ensue. Tickets $24/28  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – The Collective By DonationApril 26, 2018 8:30 pm
Led by drummer Nicholas Bracewell, this group plays mostly obscure compositions from important jazz composers. Their rhythmic interplay and harmonic nuance make even well-known standards sound new. Nicholas – drums, Winston Matsushita – keys, Chris Fraser – guitar, Daniel Howard – bass  Vancouver Ukulele Festival April 27-29, 2018This event runs from April 27, 2018 until April 29, 2018.
Vancouver Ukulele Festival 2018 | 2 Full Days of Day Ukulele Workshops & a Gala Ukulele Concert!  Blue Martini – Vince MaiApril 27, 2018 6:30 pm
Early dinner show….As a trumpeter, Vince has appeared on hundreds of recordings for TV, feature films, commercials, and albums. Artists he’s shared the stage or recording studio with include – Sarah McLaughlin, Divine Brown, Michael Buble, The Powder Blues, Tom Jones, David Clayton Thomas, David Foster, Phil Dwyer, Don Thompson, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, Eddie Daniels, Buddy Miles, Robben Ford, Long John Baldry, Danilo Perez, Sheldon Reynolds (of Earth Wind & Fire), Soulstream and many others. Vince’s studio work has included TV shows like DaVinci’s Inquest, Chris Isaak Show, Lonesome Dove, McGyver and Ed, Edd, & Eddy. ** Cover charge sometimes in effect**  St.Paul’s Labyrinth – Clarity: Celtic Harp and Vocals Free eventApril 27, 2018 7:00 pm
Walk the labyrinth to the soft, sweet melodies of Celtic harpist and vocalist Clarity. Be inspired by beautiful, original compositions played with soulful grace. The labyrinth at St. Paul’s is a walking meditation space. Based on the medieval floor pattern at Chartres Cathedral in France, it features a singular path into the centre of the space and back out again. On the last Friday of the month, it hosts some of the best contemplative musicians in Vancouver, drawing from many spiritual and musical traditions. Walk and reflect or sit and contemplate to soothing, live music.  Libra Room – Hot Club of Mars featuring Deanna Knight By DonationApril 27, 2018 7:00 pm
Early show … Hot Club of Mars featuring Deanna Knight. Sultry vocals and hot gypsy swing  Vancity Theatre – Grace Jones: Bloodlight and BamiApril 27, 2018 7:50 pm
This electrifying journey through the public and private worlds of pop culture mega-icon Grace Jones contrasts musical sequences with intimate personal footage, all the while brimming with Jones’s bold aesthetic. A larger-than-life entertainer, an androgynous glam-pop diva, an unpredictable media presence – Grace Jones is all these things and more. Sophie Fiennes’s documentary goes beyond the traditional music biography, offering a portrait as stylish and unconventional as its subject. Taking us home with her to Jamaica, into the studio with long-time collaborators Sly & Robbie, and backstage at gigs around the world, the film reveals Jones as lover, daughter, mother, and businesswoman. Tickets $13/11 ** On several other dates at different times**  The Notional Space – Song Roots: Night of MusicApril 27, 2018 8:00 pm
A fundraiser for Song Roots Summer Camp, a magical 5-day immersive singing camp that takes place on Gambier Island open to all levels. More info here An evening of performances by talented local musicians, to raise money for bursaries. Performers include.. The Tanglewood Trio – The Tanglewood Trio got its start in bluegrass and roots, performing a mix of original songs by Karla Mundy and covers from jazz to French Canadian music. The three women’s voices blend together seamlessly to create breathtaking harmonies and playful interlocking rhythms. Vostok – Vostok is a vocal trio singing music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. “Vostok” means “The East” – Eastern European music, from East Vancouver. Vostok is also the house band for local theatre company The Troika Collective, providing both recorded and live music What It Is – What It Is are four unique voices whose creativity and passion blend into a powerhouse of captivating a cappella soul. Their distinct arrangements are steeped in the soulful sounds of such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Etta James, and Laura Mvula …. and more Tickets $10-20 sliding scale  The Toast Collective – Fake Cascade + OtraApril 27, 2018 8:00 pm
Alex Scott’s Fake Cascade and Otra will be playing together this Friday at the Toast Collective. $5-$10 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. The Toast Collective is a collection of collectives operating “The Toast” an art, event and food-centric space in East Vancouver.  The Heatley – Rollaway By DonationApril 27, 2018 8:30 pm
Rollaway, one of Vancouver’s foremost purveyors of contemporary Southern blues, jazz, and rock & roll, is coming to the Heatley. Built from four-part vocal harmonies, virtuosic solos, deep grooves, and epic poetry, the band’s sound been described as “magisterial” (Vancouver Sun), “backwoods choir elegance” (The Georgia Straight), and “dirty-southern-gothic-rock-country-folk” (Discorder). Rollaway will be playing tunes from the vault as well as songs from upcoming releases. Rollaway is: Benton Roark (rhythm guitar, vocals), Adam Tryczynski (lead guitar, vocals), Jen Lewin (keyboards, vocals), Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud(vocals and percussion), Michael Vaughan (bass), and Max Marceau Ley(drums). More info here  Brentwood Church – The Watermill Project: Spring Concert By DonationApril 28, 2018 2:00 pm
물레방아 “mullebanga”, the Watermill Project was born out of the imaginative writing of vocalist Sara Kim and her love for traditional Korean vocal music and jazz. Through the blending of two distinct musical genres, the quartet explores and interprets Korean folk songs, telling stories of life, love, longing, and hope featuring Sara Kim – Vocals Dan Reynolds – Piano Eli Davidovici – Bass Mili Hong – Drums  Enigma Urban Eatery – Flora Scott TrioApril 28, 2018 7:00 pm
Enigma has renovated and is having live music again. This week the Flora Scott Trio. Flora – guitar/vocals, Brent Gubbels – bass, Nick Apivor- vibes/percussion  Frankie’s Jazz Club – Saul Berson Quartet Plays Johnny HodgesApril 28, 2018 8:00 pm
Vancouver native Saul Berson is one Vancouver’s most sought-after alto saxophone players. He has performed throughout Canada, Europe, the Mid-East and South Africa releasing five albums in the process. Expect an evening of compelling original compositions and jazz standards by saxophone great Johnny Hodges. Hodges was the lead alto player and a featured soloist in Duke Ellington’s orchestra and was amongst the most influential sax players in the history of jazz. With Sharon Minemoto on piano, Steve Holy on bass, and Buff Allen on drums. Cover $15  An evening with Delta Jackson Unplugged, and special guest FionnApril 28, 2018 8:30 pm
Canadian singer-songwriter Delta Jackson (known to many of us formerly as jazz singer Jaclyn Guillou with a new name and a new sound) is on tour in support of her debut Double EP release distributed by AWAL on April 20th. She performs songs from this release in an intimate and unplugged setting. Think alternative-country-meets-folk-pop singer/songwriter. With special guest Fionn. The first EP was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World studio in England. The second EP was recorded at Puerto Records in Spain. More info here Tickets $15 at Highlife, Red Cat, online and at the door  China Cloud – Freedom*Muzik Pay-what-you-canApril 28, 2018 9:00 pm
Freedom*Muzik, a curated free improv performance with a different roster of musicians bi-monthly. Two sets. In the first half musicians play in duos, trios and quartets. In the second half the musicians assemble to create an improvised “suite”. This performance features… Peggy Lee – cello Joshua Zubot – violin Lisa Cay Miller – piano Colin Edward Cowan – bass Kenton Loewen – drums Lee Hutzulak – electronics JP Carter – Trumpet/FX Giorgio Magnanensi – Electronics/Piano Cole Schmidt – Guitar John Paton – Saxophone  St.Andrews Wesley Jazz Vespers – Dutch Robinson Quartet By DonationApril 29, 2018 4:00 pm
Gifted singer and songwriter, Dutch Robinson began his amazing career as the lead singer of the 1967 version of The Ohio Players. He left the band 10 years later to undertake several successful solo projects.He moved to Canada in the 80’s and lived in Nova Scotia, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver …leaving a trail of great Soul Music behind him! Among other things, he played the role of Marvin Gaye in the musical Dream of a Lifetime,recorded songs for the Cirque Du Soleil on Zumanity and Alegria, and has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career. With Ron Johnston on piano, Cameron Hood on bass and Buff Allen on drums.  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – *From Edmonton* Jerrold Dubyk By DonationApril 29, 2018 6:00 pm
Saxophonist Jerrold Dubyk plays with a clean warm sound rooted in the tradition of tenor sax, but with a modern adventurous approach. With David Blake – guitar, Paul Rushka – bass, Jesse Cahill – drums  Vancity Theatre – Too Darn Hot:Musical Mischief from Classical HollywoodApril 29, 2018 6:30 pm
The heat is on at the Vancity Theatre when Vancouver film scholar Michael van den Bos presents a provocative program of red-hot musical numbers from classic movies. Michael has whipped up a seductive selection of sultry songs and desirous dance clips that span the naughty era of early 1930s pre-Code Hollywood through the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s when moviemakers pushed risqué rhythms as far as they dare. Too Darn Hot! is a reminder that sensuality expressed through stylish songs and sassy-classy choreography is sexier than 50 shades of anything else in films of today. This is cinema when it sizzles! Tickets $15/13  Rio Theatre – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, MissouriApril 29, 2018 6:45 pm
One of the most talked about films from this year’s Academy Awards THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI is a darkly comic drama from Oscar-winner Martin McDonagh (IN BRUGES). After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter’s murder case, Mildred Hayes (two-time Oscar winner Frances McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson, in an Oscar-nominated turn), the town’s revered chief of police. Tickets $10 advance $12 at door  Libra Room – Jesse Waldman & friends By DonationThis event runs from January 7, 2018 until June 10, 2018.
Every Sunday guitarist/singer/songwriter Jesse Waldman and special guests…. (expect great musicians like Marc L’Esperance, Noah Walker and Paul Pigat)  Libra Room – John Korsrud Latin Jazz Band By DonationThis event runs from January 8, 2018 until June 11, 2018.
Monday Latin Night returns to Libra Room… trumpet player/composer/band leader John Korsrud (Goma Dura/Hard Rubber) will bring some of Vancouver’s finest players to the Drive most Mondays.  West Point Grey Legion – WOW Jazz Orchestra By DonationMay 1, 2018 8:00 pm
Great large band music celebrating swing style bands of the 40s and 50s led by Jack Stafford, with Derry Byrne, Sharman King, Craig Scott, Oliver Gannon, Chris Startup and other well-known local jazz musicians. Playing the arrangements of Paul Ruhland and Jack Fulton. For listening and dancing if you wish. |
"Jeni's Picks" is a curated list of eclectic events that I feel are of particular interest to my readership. If you know of an event of interest, let me know and I'll consider it for inclusion.
Jeni Mastin, JenisPicks.com
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