Said the Whale at the Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, April 6 2013. Kirk Chantraine photo.
Looking for some live music to warm your chestnuts? December is traditionally a slow one for concerts, but a few worthwhile shows are coming through town over the next few weeks. They include a couple of legendary acts in small venues, some of the biggest names in dance music at a massive two-day stadium extravaganza, and even a group of nice young men performing seasonal favourites.
An Evening With the Tenors at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie St.) -Formerly known as The Canadian Tenors, the pop-opera group is bringing its 70-city North American Christmas show tour to Vancouver. Tickets: $39 – $99. Reserved seating/all ages. Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Lee Renaldo and the Dust at the Biltmore Cabaret (395 Kingsway St.) – Founding member of Sonic Youth, Lee Renaldo comes to town with his new band, which includes another SY member, drummer Steve Shelley. The group has a new album, Last Night on Earth. Listen to the song “Lecce, Leaving” here. Tickets: $15 at ticketweb.ca. Dec. 7, 8:30 p.m (early show).
Pere Ubu at the Biltmore Cabaret (395 Kingsway St.) – Now in its 35th year, Pere Ubu is on tour for a new album, Lady From Shanghai. According to a review on The Quietus, the album is the experimental rock group’s “best record since 2002’s St Arkansas and marks a return to the more electronic-oriented sound of the band’s earlier records.” Listen to the song “Waiting for Mary” from the 1989 album Cloudland here. Tickets: $15 at ticketweb.ca. Dec 14, early show, 8 p.m.
Public Enemy at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St.) – Another legend, Public Enemy celebrates 25 years of aggressive, political hip-hop with a tour that brings the act to the Commodore Ballroom just a few days before Christmas. Tickets: $49.50 at ticketmaster.ca. Dec 22, 9 p.m.
Flavor Flav with Public Enemy at the Garrick Theatre, Winnipeg, May 21 2010. Ailsa Dyson photo.
Contact featuring Skrillex at B.C. Place (777 Pacific Blvd.) – Have yourself a merry post-Christmas dance party with major knob-twiddlers like Skrillex, Kaskade, Dada Life, Diplo, Bingo Players, Baauer, Flosstradamus, Dirty South, Cashmere Cat and Makj. Tickets: $99 (early bird) – $225. Dec. 26 & 27, 5 p.m. both days.
Said the Whale at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St.) – Local band Said the Whale bring their feel-good folk pop to the Commodore for two shows. The first is all-ages, the second 19+. Tickets: $23 at ticketmaster.ca. Dec 28, 5 & 9:30.
