Hayes Carll plays the Biltmore Cabaret Aug. 31.
With all the festivals and multi-act lineups, it’s easy to lose sight of individual concerts going on in the summer. Vancouver has plenty to crow about in this regard, and here are six shows we think are worth checking out. They range from the psych-rock engine of King Gizzard to the Mad Magazine of popular music, Weird Al, to B.C. darling Carly Rae Jepsen.
Goodnight, Sunrise (Aug. 17 at the Railway Stage and Beer Cafe, 579 Dunsmuir St.)—Dance-pop band from Toronto on tour in support of their new single “WVV.” Their sound is described as “a hybrid reminiscent of CHVRCHES, Muse, and July Talk.” (Tickets: $12 at showpass.com)
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (Aug. 17 at the Harbour Convention Centre, 750 Pacific Boulevard)—The psychedelic and very prolific Australian rockers return to Vancouver with a new album, Infest the Rats’ Nest. It marks their 15th album in seven years. (Tickets: $36.50 at eventbrite.ca)
Weird Al Yankovic (Aug. 19 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre)—For his latest tour, the master song parodist has swapped his five-piece rock band format for a 41-piece orchestra. The orchestra is made up of local musicians from each of his tour stops. Yankovic is also touring with three backup vocalists. His most recent album was 2014’s Mandatory Fun, which included parodies of Lorde’s “Royals” (“Foil”), Pharell Williams’ “Happy” (“Tacky) and “Handy” (Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy”). (Tickets: starting at $60 at ticketmaster.ca)
Carly Rae Jepsen (Aug. 28 & 29 at the Commodore)—Hometown-by-way-of-Mission girl Carly Rae Jepsen plays two shows. Her latest album is dedicated. (Tickets: starting at $88 at ticketmaster.ca)
Carly Rae Jepseon plays two shows at the Commodore Ballroom.
The National (Aug. 28 at the Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park)—The popular Cincinnatti rock band plays scenic Deer Lake Park in support of their new album, I Am Easy to Find. Toronto’s Alvvays opens. (Tickets: $65 at ticketmaster.ca)
Hayes Carll (Aug 31 at the Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward St.; early show, doors at 6:30 p.m.)—The Grammy-nominated country/rock ‘n’ roll singer/songwriter is on tour for his latest record, What It Is. Says American Songwriter: “… his sixth studio album that finds the 43-year-old settling into his role as master craftsman and truthteller.” (Tickets: $24.50 at eventbrite.ca)
