There are quite a few concerts on tap for the summer in Vancouver, across many of the eclectic venues across the city. The one that I’m most looking forward to isn’t happening until September, but will be well worth the wait: Snarky Puppy at the Commodore, on September 13th.
If you’ve never heard of Snarky Puppy, it’s time to take notice. It can be a bit tough to define exactly what kind of band they are, but I’ll give it a go. They’re a Texas-based jazz band containing up to 25 members at a time, incorporating many different instruments and drawing on many different cultural styles to create a funky and groovy sound. Many of the band’s songs include solos, without it always being clear what instrument it is that you’re going to hear.
Can’t quite believe this is Grammy number 5 with the @RealSnarkyPuppy family. “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album” for our latest record Empire Central.
We dedicate this record and award both to the city of Dallas and to our mentor, the late great Bernard Wright, RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l505hzR4iV
— Bill Laurance (@billlaurance) February 8, 2023
The band was formed in 2004, and has won several Grammys in the Jazz genre, including the 2023 Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. They have members from several different countries, which further diversifies their sound. Canada is represented by drummer Larnell Lewis, who was born in Toronto and attended Humber College. Many members of Snarky Puppy, including Lewis, perform as sidemen for other artists, as well as dabbling in solo work.
If you’ve never been to the Commodore Ballroom in downtown Vancouver, you haven’t been to the best concert venue in the city. Located on busy Granville street, this legendary spot has been around for 93 years, and even includes a bowling alley by the same name next door.
What makes the Commodore the best spot in the city is that there’s not a bad spot in the entire place. The size is perfect: big enough to support a bigger act but small enough where you can have a great view of the stage no matter where you are. If you want to get close to the stage, you’ll be able to work your way up in the pit. You can also chill towards the back bar or upstairs, with both offering a great vantage point. The acoustics are also phenomenal, as the sound is always crisp and clean.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsEghmJAANP/?hl=en
I also love the types of acts that tend to come to the Commodore. You won’t get those big ticket acts (leave that for Rogers Arena), but you’ll still have plenty of recognizable bands and artists, ranging in genres. I’ve seen Mother Mother, Shaggy, Passion Pit, Yaeji, and Local Natives play there over the years, and it always seems to be a great time.
Snarky Puppy seems to be the perfect band to rock the Commodore, as I’m curious to see how their plethora of instruments plays with the venue. Vancouver will be the 35th city of their massive 53 city, 5 month tour. There are bigger acts that will be coming to the city this summer, but make sure to check out this unique jazz experience while you’ve got the chance.