Looking for Live Music in West Vancouver? Three spots The Gig is Always Good
I think that one of the best things about living in West Vancouver (apart from the postcard view) is being close to many great live music venues and arts centres. Whether your taste in music ranges from classical and jazz to indie rock and alternative bands, you're sure to find a great spot to sit and listen to some talented artists. Before you pick up a listing guide of live music venues, such as the Georgia Straight, check out my list for a selection of places and events that will get your toes tapping, hands clapping and hips swinging in the West Vancouver area.
The Silk Purse Arts Centre Jazz Waves Fest: For All Those Crazy Cool Cats
Every summer, West Vancouver residents are lucky to have their own jazz festival held at the Silk Purse Arts Centre. This festival features many prestigious performers from around the area and from across the country in the genres of jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and Afro-Cuban / Folk music. Tickets are reasonably priced, from $20 for single performances up to $200 for the entire series. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity due to the performances of legends such as Jim Byrnes, Dee Daniels and Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, and may soon become a contentious competitor to the larger and more mainstream Vancouver International Jazz Festival. I try to make it every year – it never fails to be a great, must attend event.
The Village Tap House: If You Love Indie Alternative
The Village Tap House, located at 1C 900 Main Street, has an extensive menu of fun bar fare and their famous claim of the 20 / 20 - 20 beers on tap and 20 beers by the bottle. This spot is quickly becoming a hot destination for indie rock and alternative bands. On some nights, for a more laid back taste, they feature local singer / songwriters playing solo guitar. Discover some new suds and settle into a moustache laden and black rimmed glasses kind of crowd. Great vibes here. Settle in by their cozy real wood fireplace and listen to the best that area and touring musicians have to offer.
Kay Meek Centre Satisfies The Classical Lover
The Kay Meek Centre is West Vancouver's first performing arts centre. Residents had long needed a major arts venue to call their own, and in May 2006 they finally got it. This centre now serves as a venue for live theatre and music, as well as movie screenings. The Centre contains two theatres: a traditional proscenium arch theatre for large ensembles, and a smaller, more intimate black box studio space that serves perfectly for smaller duos and trios. Upcoming concerts include family sing-a-longs and performances by famous musicians like Arlo Guthrie. Stay tuned to their events calendar, because in April 2014 they are featuring The Pro Nova Ensemble, the North Shore's only resident chamber music ensemble with a regular concert series. They will be performing a program of Haydn and Mendelssohn, and you can catch them in the beautiful setting of the Meek's main stage.
West Vancouver’s arts scene has experienced a major over haul in the past ten years, so now is a great time to check out the many venues that are developing a strong following. From Classical to Rock, you'll be able to find either a music venue or a specialized festival to suit your unique tastes. Support the local music scene at one of these great venues – go on, get your groove on – whatever the beat.
I think that one of the best things about living in West Vancouver (apart from the postcard view) is being close to many great live music venues and arts centres. Whether your taste in music ranges from classical and jazz to indie rock and alternative bands, you're sure to find a great spot to sit and listen to some talented artists. Before you pick up a listing guide of live music venues, such as the Georgia Straight, check out my list for a selection of places and events that will get your toes tapping, hands clapping and hips swinging in the West Vancouver area.
The Silk Purse Arts Centre Jazz Waves Fest: For All Those Crazy Cool Cats
Every summer, West Vancouver residents are lucky to have their own jazz festival held at the Silk Purse Arts Centre. This festival features many prestigious performers from around the area and from across the country in the genres of jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and Afro-Cuban / Folk music. Tickets are reasonably priced, from $20 for single performances up to $200 for the entire series. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity due to the performances of legends such as Jim Byrnes, Dee Daniels and Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, and may soon become a contentious competitor to the larger and more mainstream Vancouver International Jazz Festival. I try to make it every year – it never fails to be a great, must attend event.
The Village Tap House: If You Love Indie Alternative
The Village Tap House, located at 1C 900 Main Street, has an extensive menu of fun bar fare and their famous claim of the 20 / 20 - 20 beers on tap and 20 beers by the bottle. This spot is quickly becoming a hot destination for indie rock and alternative bands. On some nights, for a more laid back taste, they feature local singer / songwriters playing solo guitar. Discover some new suds and settle into a moustache laden and black rimmed glasses kind of crowd. Great vibes here. Settle in by their cozy real wood fireplace and listen to the best that area and touring musicians have to offer.
Kay Meek Centre Satisfies The Classical Lover
The Kay Meek Centre is West Vancouver's first performing arts centre. Residents had long needed a major arts venue to call their own, and in May 2006 they finally got it. This centre now serves as a venue for live theatre and music, as well as movie screenings. The Centre contains two theatres: a traditional proscenium arch theatre for large ensembles, and a smaller, more intimate black box studio space that serves perfectly for smaller duos and trios. Upcoming concerts include family sing-a-longs and performances by famous musicians like Arlo Guthrie. Stay tuned to their events calendar, because in April 2014 they are featuring The Pro Nova Ensemble, the North Shore's only resident chamber music ensemble with a regular concert series. They will be performing a program of Haydn and Mendelssohn, and you can catch them in the beautiful setting of the Meek's main stage.
West Vancouver’s arts scene has experienced a major over haul in the past ten years, so now is a great time to check out the many venues that are developing a strong following. From Classical to Rock, you'll be able to find either a music venue or a specialized festival to suit your unique tastes. Support the local music scene at one of these great venues – go on, get your groove on – whatever the beat.