The live music scene in Vancouver is always changing. But whether you’re looking for great bands, swinging jazz or DJ mixes, you’ll always find something happening in our hood.
Alexander Gastown
91 Powell Street
Alexander Gastown can be found in a stunning heritage space on the corner of Powell & Columbia. The hotspot was re-tooled, re-purposed, and carefully curated by experienced industry veterans, making it a great spot to gather. Over the last year, they’ve welcomed the likes of Denzel Curry, Masta Ace, Kawehi and even David Duchovny while he was in town filming the X-Files reboot. Yes, he’s a musician too. Join them every week for Hyphy Fridays or pick up tickets for a special event. Coming next month, Dave East.
Lamplighter Pub
92 Water Street
The Lamplighter is a place for everyone. This community pub, located in the historic Dominion Grand Hotel, is one of Vancouver’s busiest with a lively atmosphere that caters to those who prefer a causal night out. The Lamplighter features resident DJs for FKYA Fridays and Vice Saturdays. Visit their events page.
The Portside Pub
7 Alexander Street
Craft beer, whisky, and friendly maritime hospitality is a good way to sum up The Portside Pub. Think eastern seaboard. The multi-level space even resembles the inside of a large ship. There’s craft beer on tap and whisky flowing, and on the weekend, The Portside features their ‘Good Music’ series with resident DJs Rhek, Relly Rels and The Stuntman spinning nothing but good, dance-inducing music.
Guilt & Company
1 Alexander St.
A popular hangout and anchor in Vancouver’s live entertainment scene, Guilt & Company is vivacious, eclectic and a hip place to spend a night out. What makes Guilt & Company a unique gem is the intimate atmosphere, friendly service, and nightly live entertainment from a bevy of talented local performers. Belly dancing, neo burlesque, soul, swing – there’s something different happening almost every night. From the Jen Hodge All Stars to their soul era Harlem Cabaret, it’s a mix of regular, returning performers and fresh talent. Check their calendar to see what’s happening this month.
The Blarney Stone
216 Carrall Street
Eat, Drink & Party like the Irish. The Blarney Stone is a Vancouver Institution for Irish food, entertainment and atmosphere. It’s also a good place for some rip roaring, foot stomping good times. Energetic live bands rock the house with a mixture of Celtic, folk, rock, funk and top 40’s. They’re partnered with a DJ who progresses from classic rock anthems to top 40 to all varieties of electronic music as the night pumps on.
The Revel Room
238 Abbott Street
Looking for live music every day of the week? The Revel Room delivers. Drop by for the ‘Sour Hours’ from 4 to 6pm, and evening shows on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Sundays, the Do-Rites play a mixture of folk, old country, & blues, and feature special guest star Kelly Haigh. Tuesday Bluesday features Maple Blues Award Winner Steve Kozak & his West Coast All Stars. On Wednesday, the house band, The Revellers, shake things up with texas swing, jump blues, & rockabilly. And Boogie Woogie King, Mike Van Eyes rips up the ivories on Thursdays. Shows typically run from 7-10pm, but it never hurts to call ahead to check for details and reservations are highly recommended. For more info on music, click here.
M.I.A.
350 Water Street
M.I.A. offers an inclusive space for alternative & avant strains of electronic dance music – whether rooted in r&b, hip hop, house or techno – all presented in a well-heeled setting. Guests tunnel into the space from Water Street to be greeted by a lush room boasting a mix of futuristic yet timeworn details. Head down for FVDED Fridays and Deep Down Inside with the likes of Mike Snow, Jai Wolf or Grum. Check out their calendar.
Pourhouse Restaurant
162 Water Street
Pourhouse purveys century-old styles of drinking and dining. Set in a century old building, Pourhouse is furnished in antiques of the era. Every piece has a story, including the bar, which was handcrafted from 120 year-old planks of reclaimed Douglas Fir. The cocktails have an old-fashioned soul, in variations both plain and fancy – the catalyst for the entire concept. On Sunday nights, the place goes full jazz with performances by the Alvaro Rojas Trio, Braveheart, 2-Bit Horse and more. It’s the perfect way to end the week – and this post. Cheers.
