The Rickshaw Theatre can be known as one of the hearts of Vancouver’s live music scene. It’s a huge lifeline to artists and concert goers alike, creating an awesome space where music can be enjoyed and heard and the good times can always roll.
The Rickshaw Theatre was built in 1971 however it wasn’t always a live music venue. Originally, it was called the Shaw Theatre and it was a part of the Shaw Brothers’ movie empire. At the time The Brother’s were very significant in the world of Hong Kong productions. However as the Kung-Fu movie industry veered off this led to the closing of the Shaw theatres doors in the mid 80s. For over 25 years the theatre sat empty however during this empty time period, the live music industry began to take off and in 2009 David Duprey reopened the doors and renamed it The Rickshaw Theatre and since then the theatre has stood as a prominent building in Vancouver’s downtown providing the community and the musicians with live music.
The Rickshaw Theatre has a great atmosphere which is clearly built off of the love for live music. And in my opinion where there is passion there is love and that creates an amazing lively space, and the Rickshaw Theatre is just that.
Over its time The Rickshaw Theatre has seen many great artists and bands walk through its doors and take the stage. From The War on Drugs, Black Pumas, Ghostface Killah, Eagles of Death Metal and more The Rickshaw has truly seen it all.
The theatre has also stood as a place for local music bands and artists to kick start their career and get their name out there, providing a stage and a crowd to play live music for. Some local names that you may recognize that have played there include Peach Pitt, 3 Inches of Blood, Five Alarm Funk, Unleash the Archers, and more!
If you have never caught a show there I highly recommend you go, something I love most about smaller Vancouver music venues, especially The Rickshaw is that there is a prominent sense of community which makes the environment feel super welcoming and uncomfortable.
If you are looking to catch an upcoming show this Friday indie pop band Wild Child and rock band Susto will be hitting the stage with a special guest performance from Judy Blank. Wild Child is coming all the way from Austin Texas so this would be a super cool opportunity to catch these guys live!
Looking for a night of punk rock? On November 22nd Emo Night Brooklyn is being hosted at The Rickshaw Theatre and there will be a DJ playing into the late night bringing you some awesome emo and punk hits keeping the night alive all night!
If you haven’t been to The Rickshaw Theatre yet you should definitely head over soon it has some cool history to it and its important to go and give these local venues and artists are support!