Leonard Cohen at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Nov 12 2012. Christine Redmond photo/thesnipenews.com.
Many music fans – and, dare we say, Canadian music fans especially – are still mourning the death of Leonard Cohen. The Montreal-born-and-raised singer’s death at 82 (announced Nov. 10) came to a shock to many, even though he seemed prepared to go, at least according to statements he made in an interview around the release of his 2016 album You Want It Darker.
As people have coped with the news, tributes have been pouring in. And Vancouver musicians and fans have begun planning their own salutes to the poet/writer/singer/songwriter. Here are two December events, a special movie screening and a musical tribute,that have been announced in the wake of his passing. If you know of any more, please leave a comment below so we can add to this post.
Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man/McCabe & Mrs Miller (Dec. 5 at the Rio Theatre, 1660 E. Broadway) – In honour of Cohen, East Vancouver’s premiere (and only) arthouse cinema presents a documentary and one of the first films made in Vancouver. Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man is a 20o5 film featuring interviews with Cohen at his home. Jarvis Cocker, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Antony Hegarty, Beth Orton, Nick Cave, and U2‘s Bono and The Edge also make appearances to sing his praises. In addition, the Rio is screening McCabe & Mrs. Miller, a movie that’s been called a “revisionist Western.” Robert Altman shot the film in and around West Vancouver. It stars Warren Beatty and Julie Christie, features a soundtrack of Cohen songs. For tickets visit riotheatre.ca.
Tower of Song (Dec. 15 at the Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St.) – This musical tribute features Vancouver musicians such as Adrian Glynn, Colleen Rennison/No Sinner, Courtney Webber, Jim Cummins, Kevin House, Louise Burns, the Belle Game and more. Advanced tickets are $12 at eventbrite.com. Proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross (one of Cohen’s favourite charities, according to the write-up for the event’s Facebook page).
