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Vancouver. How do I miss thee? Let me count the ways ...
I've been living in Toronto for the past few months and although I've been having a great time, I'm nostalgic for Vancouver's music scene. So, when I was asked to guest host the CBC Radio 3 Podcast, I thought, "What better way to pay tribute to my favourite bands than with an all-Vancouver playlist?" I also wanted to share my list of the five things that make Vancouver's music scene awesome:
1. The China Cloud
This charming man of a venue floats above Vancouver's Chinatown, hosting comedy, art and music shows in a 70s-basement-vibe-yet-above-ground space. I've played this place many a time, from loud "rock" shows to suuuuper-mellow acoustic shows, and somehow it always sounds great. I've also rehearsed, recorded and drank my face off on the rooftop; what more could I ask for?
2. The Great Steam Clock of Gastown
JUST KIDDING. I hate that thing. But I DO love Gastown. I used to work at a rehearsal space down there for five years, so not only would I be working during the day, but playing music at night. Lots of great (though many overpriced) bars and restaurants to fill in the gaps when not working or playing.
3. The Waldorf Hotel
The Wally, as I like to call it, has been very good to me. I had my record-release party there last year and have played many shows since. Highlights: singing with Blood Diamonds, watching Cass McCombs, dancing to Beyonce in the Tiki Bar, Ice Cream Social and Blues & Haikus -- a series of nights dedicated to blues, storytelling and songwriting.
4. Petunia and the Vipers
The most underrated Vancouver band. I first saw Petunia in a park for some weird food festival thing in the West End. He was covering Gene Autry and I nearly died of happiness. His voice! His band! His style! Please do yourself a favour and go see him. A Vancouver classic.
5. The Ghost of Richards on Richards
Vancouverites like to talk about the venues of yore a lot, because let's face it, there are many to be missed. Richards on Richards tops my list because I was too young to attend the Brickyard or Starfish room. I'm not going to go into detail -- those who know, know.
Vancouver photo credit: Evan Leeson