Vancouver has many small music venues where new local artists can share their work with the community. As much fun as big venue concerts are, there is something special about being in a cozy space where like minded people share the same interests, good atmosphere and good music, so let’s talk about the next spots you should check out when you’re looking to see some local musicians.
Nestled underground in the heart of Downtown Vancouver’s Gastown is Guilt and Co. Open 7 days a week with at least 2 shows a night this cozy venue brings live music entertainment every single day! There is always an early show and a late show and there is food and drinks that you can indulge in while you watch the musicians. https://www.guiltandcompany.com/
This week there is a wide variety of talent hitting the stage from jazz to folk and more, Guilt and Co offers just about anything and everything.
Recently, Guilt and Co released “Live at Guilt and Co” a collection of live acts that have performed and all of the proceeds go towards supporting Saint James Music Academy, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, and more! It’s so great to see this local small venue giving back to the community that it calls home. So far there has been over $120,000 donated to the Downtown Eastside, wow!
Just around the corner on Water Street is The 2nd Floor Cafe. This venue carries the authentic and historic Gastown energy and brings the community local musicians. It has a speakeasy vibe which leads you up the stairs where the performances take place. The 2nd Floor Cafe is also a venue for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, so if you are into jazz you could definitely catch a couple of shows here! https://www.waterstreetcafe.ca/2nd-floor-gastown
Head east just down the street and you will stumble upon The Heatley. With weekly music events with a focus on bluegrass, country, to indie jams, The Heatley is the perfect place to sip on some drinks, munch on some snacks, and enjoy the live music. The next big act will be taking place on Saturday November 2nd starting at 9:00pm and there is a $15 cover fee. https://heatley.ca/calendar-events/g3c5ef6tnodob609v5hbbfn6759863
Looking for something not in the downtown core? The Painted Ship in Kitsilano offers everything from fun music bingo events to attend with friends to live performances. And if you are looking to expand your music taste you should definitely head down on Wednesday nights as they have Irish music nights! Everyone loves St. Patricks day so why not keeping the green lucky energy going all year long! https://www.thepaintedship.ca/calendar-events/nadine-weldon-county-kits-irish-nights-e66cp-5npsh-s64r5-aap3e-ycgnh-da4bd-yrbyk-79jtw-rkhml-s88b3-yydth-bahbg-wt9bd-5my5a-gylxk