Author Archives: Vanessa Hidalgo

Get rockin’ with Redwoods Live

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Redwoods / 2nd Floor Gastown

 

Alternative, soul, classic rock and roll with kicking vocals this band pairs together everything good. The band consists of 4 members, Devon Webber on guitar and lead vocals, he takes most of his inspo from legends like Angus Young, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Slash, and Eddie Van Halen. By the soothing soulful yet kicking vocals it will leave you in a trance. Next up we’ve got Chad Carlsem on backup vocals and bass, Adam Likness on drums and back up vocals and last but not least Aydn Graham on the killer guitar. 

The group has been making music together since Highschool in Vancouver, nothing makes music better than a good friendship. Although only having a single, EP and Album they deserve the listen. And you can hear this amazing band live while enjoying delicious food. 

The debut album Daybreaker is a must listen, produced by renowned Garth Richardson who’s engineered recordings for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nickelback and Mötley Crüe, and he produced for Kittie, Rage Against the Machine, Mudvayne, The Melvins and Shihad. The album is perfect for a kickback or just cruising through rainy Vancouver.

October 10th at 7:00pm they’ll be playing live acoustic at the Water St. Cafe in Gastown. 

Tickets reserve a seat for the entire evening 6pm to 9:30pm. Show is from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. There is a full food menu and full bar service available at an additional cost.

Prepaid reservation for parties of 1 to 6. 

$12 per person

 

Reggae for the Soul

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Keep local and close to your heart with singer-songwriter Buckman Coe.

@BeckmanCoe / Twitter

Buckman Coe’s genre ranges from americana, folk, reggae ,and soulful RnB. His music tends to deliver messages on social justice, romance, revolutionary, humanity, and love.

Based from the heart of East Vancouver but born in Edmonton, 4 albums later he has done shows in Asia, Hawaii, Australia and all over western Canada. Back in 2019 he won the World Musician award at the Wester Canadian Music awards. His most recent work are two new songs released this year on March 20th called Burn you out and Let me take ya. These are not yet available on Apple Music nor Spotify but they are on Bandcamp. These songs will soon be released once he has gathered 10 tracks for it for an LP. The song Burn You Out opens up with the sounds of soothing trumpets then kicks into the kickback reggae sound you’ll love. This upbeat reggae song makes you wanna close your eyes and hit the beaches for sure. 

His last album Gathering Storm goes back and forth with romance and revolutionary themes. The single and title of the album Gathering Storm explores the roots of reggae the most. Featuring Caleb Hart celebrates Indigenous communities, particularly indigenous people and people coming together to protect the lands. When asked he said; 

“I wanted to create a song that could be an anthem for communities coming together to create a more just and people-powered world,” 

 “I have been building relationships with many Indigenous leaders working for the resurgence of their culture and in defense of their land and water, and for climate justice. This song is dedicated to the cooperation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and to my Secwepemc brothers and sisters who comprise the Tiny House Warriors.”

 

You need this album in your fall playlist

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If you don’t know them The Tourist Company is a Canadian alternative rock/ indie band based out of Vancouver. The Tourist company members are Taylor Swindells which formed the group in 2013 and Brenon Perry as the other current member.

In 2014 the band participated in the Peak Performance Project coming in third place and winning a cash prize. The band’s second single Pedestals released in August 2016 which broke into the top 30 of CBC radio 3 that September. The song reached a peak at #21 on the chart. The song then made its way to CBC radio 2 at #20 on October 28th that year then peaking at #8 in December. On October 21st 2016 it was voted best albums of the year by the Georgia Straight. The Tourist Company has toured across Canada in 2014 throughout 2015. The band has also opened up for bands like Said the Whale, We are the City, The Zolas and Dragonette.

Their most recent release was on May 15th this year. The album is titled St. Helens with 11 tracks. One of my favourite tracks right from listening was Waiting on Bad News. I know this track is relatable to anyone as a song. Just by the name you know you have gone through this. The video itself visualizes someone going through the anxiety of waiting for that bad news. With the excessive leg twitching we all know too well. The song itself is an amazing chill song perfect for staying in doing your work.

I also really love the instrumentals of the album they are amazing to listen to in rainy Vancouver. If you want a new song to add to your study playlist check out Static on the album it will put you at ease right away.

Listen to St. Helens below:

I am usually not one who really listens to the local band scene but I have to say St. Helens is a great album with beautiful sounds, plus it’s nice to take a break from your usual music and enjoy something different.

 

Get to know Noble Oak

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If you like Tame Impala, The war on drugs or Bob Moses you will love Noble Oak. Noble Oak was born in Vancouver but grew up in South Richmond. He started as a classical trained pianist then moved and was later in a folk band called 41st and Home.  He has now since been a  producer with his music described as being “ambient-pop” which 100% puts you at ease.

BBC Radio 1, Stereogum, Triple J Radio,THUMP and HYPEBEAST have all loved him and so will you. Although mostly producing his sounds stray on more instrumentals but the soothing vocals don’t fault to peak their way through the ambient sounds. 

Most recently he got back from doing a tour in Japan, which is probably every artists dream in an interview done by CREEP MAGAZINE he says,

“It was like a dream, ending much too soon. One week is not nearly enough time to experience such a beautiful place as Japan! The shows I played in Tokyo and Osaka were some of my favourites ever; the audiences were fantastic and appreciated my attempts at speaking Japanese. I also discovered plum wine (or umeshu), which is something everyone must try.”

 

So as you see his electro ambient music can capture the attention of anyone so why not join him on a live stream from Biltmore on October 7th featuring special opening acts from Teen Daze and WMB.

The live stream starts at 7:00pm until 9:00pm PST on Facebook on Capital Ballroom’s page, to catch the stream and get more updates on live streams make sure to follow the facebook page. 

 

Let Marianas Trench fix you October 15th

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Live from The Inside by the Commodore Ballroom from the comfort of your home! You can enjoy amazing live music and escape the world for a little. The North/South America live stream starts at 6 PST PM/ 9 PM EST, on October 15th.

You do need to purchase a ticket of $16 for the intimate concert, then one hour before the show you will receive your key to joy.

If you don’t remember Marianas Trench (which i doubt, but for the sake of journalism) let’s take a walk down angsty memory lane.

Marianas Trench is a Canadian pop rock band from Vancouver, formed by lead singer Josh Ramsey in 1999. Their first studio album debuted in 2006 titled Fix Me and oh did it fix my emo angst, this album featured songs released from their EP from 2001. The EP which features the hit single Shaketramp..you know the slap you in the face, but you take it like a…….you can find the lyrics online.

Their most recent release is Phantoms that came out March 11, 2019 . The album follows the theme of “Being haunted by the ghosts of a former love”. Of course being released in 2019 the sound is more modern with electric sounds, but this album doesn’t stray away from the electrifying vocals from Josh Ramsey with the assurance to make you feel nostalgic.

The album opens up with Eleanor, a sing-songy acoustic setting the theme for the album then quickly jumps into the upbeat tune of Only the Lonely Survive although sad lyrics the beat will make you jam for sure. The album starts to finish off with Death of Me an electric pop paired with raspy vocals is my #1 on the album. Last The Killing Kind is definitely the statement of the album. From the piano, to electrifying vocals and drum beats it closes the curtain on ghostly story.

Maybe the Whitecaps are homesick

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If you didn’t know already, the Whitecaps faced an incredible loss Wednesday night. LAFC beat them 6-0…yeah that’s pretty brutal but atleast the Whitecaps twitter handle was laughing it off the best they could. 

 

CEO Axel Schuster on the other hand did not take it so lightly when asked in conference he states;

“I was totally pissed yesterday. I had to be careful not to say the wrong things. I’m kicking everybody here in their ass to become better every day, to find solutions, to find answers. Yesterday, there were no excuses for that.”

 

 “Today is not an off day for staff, it’s a working day for every single staff member, starting with me”

 

“The thing I heard most from supporters was the club was not transparent, was not open. We made a lot of mistakes. The first thing we have to change, after such a game, is to be transparent, to be open, to not look for excuses.”

 

“Our idea is to sign a DP that is very, very impactful to our game. Our idea is to sign 2-3 youth DPs for next year that will make a difference… It’s about doing the right thing. Not only doing something.”

 

Currently the Whitecaps must play all games in Portland so maybe they’re a little homesick. This game was also the debut for goal keeper Bryan Meredith, but defender Jake Nerwinski stated what happened was not his fault. Coming up on Sunday 27th is a match against Portland Timbers at 7:00pm. Hopefully the team has regrouped and can make a comeback from Sunday’s loss.

 

Murals around the corner

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VanMuralFest is celebrating it’s fifth year and to celebrate they will be featuring sixty different murals in nine different neighbourhoods. Works will be featured in West End, River District, Marpole, South Granville, Strathcona and more. The festival started on August 18th through September 7th. Currently murals from local artists are being unveiled.

With Covid-19 now happening this was a positive thing that many people can look forward to and smile when they see it walking down the street. Paintings can be used as a voice for people and for artists, as they can make an impact on the message they’re trying to send.

VanMuralFest is organized by Create Vancouver Society, a non-profit dedicated to artistic and cultural development in the lower mainland. Through out the year before every festival happens they work together with neighbourhoods to highlight and find the areas to bring vibrance to. Their public art installations serve as catalysts for addressing many socio-cultural issues facing the city and artistic communities. Some of which include public art policy, community building, environmental policy, reconciliation with first nations, artistic censorship, diversity, cost of living, and the cultural sustainable development practices.

Since Covid-19 more than 20 murals have gone up Downtown and the pictures being posted of them are incredible. Some recent work revealed is from artist Irvin Hernandez whose style incorporates tattoo-type style into his work. On 855 Granville street Downtown is a long incredible painted mural sponsored by Arterra wines.

Mural by Irvin Hernandez / Twitter @DowntownVancouver

A collab piece has been unveiled as well by artists James Harry and Lauren Brevner which is an amazing indeginous piece. I couldn’t find much info on this piece as it has just been revealed but I really like it a lot. To me when I look at this mural it highlights the 2 races who have faced the most struggles in history, indigenous and black people. Overall beautifully done. This mural is located at Thurlow and Pender.

Mural by James Harry and Lauren Brevner / Twitter @DowntownVancouver

The beautiful thing about art the most is that it means something different to everyone. So go out and enjoy some local art!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

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What better way to wind off after a long day than having a good laugh while all proceeds go to charity! Local improv group based out of Richmond loves making people laugh while helping charities at the same time.

The Tickle Me Pickle Sports Improv group (TMP) is a non-profit organization that aims to bring sports-improv experiences to individuals in Richmond. Their improv shows go about promoting the arts of improv, educating individuals on the art of improv and doing community improv shows. TMP was established back 1999 and officially incorporated as a non-profit society in 2012.

TMP also offers workshops for the youth and young students in Richmond. The workshops teach youth about improv and making them laugh. TMP explains on their site that,

 “TMP feels very strongly that participating in the art of improv has the potential to build confidence, communication and team building skills. “

Coming up soon on October 2nd they will be holding a charity improv event. The event is called Laughter is the Best Medicine. 100% of the proceeds of this event will be given to the Richmond Food Bank’s School Meal Program. All admission sales, concession sales and bar sales will be given right back to feed the kids.

Doors open at 6:15 pm. Show starts at 7:00 pm @ The Red Gate Revenue Stage in Vancouver. You buy your tickets here.

Early Bird (until April 24): $15

General Admission: $18

Door Sales (if tickets remain): $25

if you aren’t able to attend the event but would love to still give back to kids, you can head over to the ticket site and just choose the donate option! Isn’t that awesome!!

B.C creates relief fund for local sports organizations

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Covid-19 has had financial impacts on everyone. Many organizations are now struggling to stay afloat and keep their clubs running. In British Columbia we have more than 4,100 local sports clubs. A lot of these clubs are struggling due to the absence of admission fees, scholarships and event revenues. These clubs are mostly run by volunteering individuals, they rely highly on the fees given to them as well as the events they partake in. With Covid-19 it is unimaginable to think anyone could successfully run a sports club.

The B.C government announced that they will be offering financial relief to local sports clubs. This $1.5 Million fund will help the clubs in need to stay going. The local relief fund is designed to provide one time financial relief to those in need.

Eligible organizations can apply for up to $7,500 to help them pay the necessary bills and payments. Funding for non-existing programs and initiatives is not permitted.

Non-Profit organizations are essential to our communities and low income communities. Programs like these are essential to underrepresented communities, LGBTQ+, Indeginous communities, girls and women, and people with disabilities. It is important to keep these accessible to the people who need it. Not only this but physical activity is very important for your health and mental health.

Keeping programs running is important to everyone it is great to see the government create a highly needed fund for the organizations.

Applications are now being accepted until October 16th.

 

Remember Japanese Canadians

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It is without a doubt Vancouver is highly known for the great sushi we have but the history behind it, is a different story. Back in 1942 Japanese internment camps happened. Over 22,000 Japanese Canadians were placed in them which comprised over 90% of the Japanese Canadian population in British Columbia.

Celebrating kagami biraki at Tashme Internment Camp - 1945.png

Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed and interned for the matter of national security – the majority of those removed were actually Canadian citizens. The events that followed were the Japanese invasions of British Hong Kong and Malaya, the attack on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii and, well, the declaration of war on Japan during WWII. Japanese Canadians were forced to relocate and experienced government-enforced curfews, interrogations, job loss and property loss.

A bit of the history of the Japanese neighbourhood remains to this day on Powell Street. The Vancouver Buddist Church which used to be known as the Japanese Methodist Church still exists on 220 Jackson-Avenue on Powell Street, The Vancouver Japanese Language School and The Japanese Hall remain on Alexander Street. These are the only properties in Canada that ever returned to Japanese Canadians after WWII.

Learning about history is important to everyone but being able to hear the stories from the people themselves, well that’s a lot better.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/455927939?dnt=1&app_id=122963&autoplay=1

The virtual exhibit Broken Promises is a 7 year project done researching countless documents and learning about people’s stories themselves, in order to remind everyone about the Japanese history. The story is followed with 7 narrators telling you the history.

This virtual exhibit will launch on September 26th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on a Live stream here. If you wish to view the exhibit on September 26th you are required to pre-book here a gallery charge of $5 will be done at the door.

September 29th and on they will be open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday. Covid-19 protocols are in place as there is a limit of 8 people at a time inside.