Author Archives: Yuchun Yang

Call me Maybe–Carly Rae Jepsen

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“I threw a wish in the well

Don’t ask me, I’ll never tell

♪ I looked to you as it fell ♪

And now you’re in my way

I trade my soul for a wish

Pennies and dimes for a kiss

I wasn’t looking for this

But now you’re in my way”

If you’re a regular tiktok user, you’re no stranger to the lyrics, and some of you can even sing along as you read them. This household song is from B.C. singer Carly Rae Jepsen.

As a singer who debuted in a reality TV variety show competition, Carly has distinctive qualities, and she has demonstrated excellent stress tolerance, and in 2007, in the “Canadian Idol“, she managed to win the public’s recognition and love with her third-place finish. According to her, it was her high school drama teacher who convinced her to audition for Canadian Idol. In the audition, she sang her original song “Sweet Talker”. In the competition, she came in third place, and looking back, she thinks that was for the best. Surprisingly, her talent was also spotted by another famous Canadian singer, Justin Bieber, and for a time she was tapped and nurtured by him. By that time, Justin Bieber was already a household name, and such an opportunity was undoubtedly rare and valuable for Carly. In the summer of 2011, Carly recorded material for her second studio album with Josh Ramsay, Ryan Stewart and Tavish Crowe. The song “Call Me Maybe” was released in September 2011, which Crowe co-wrote with her. The song was promoted by Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber. Upon its release, “Call Me Maybe” reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100 singles chart, making Carly the fourth Canadian artist to top the chart. In the U.S., the single spent nine weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was named the “Song of the Summer” by Billboard magazine. It was also the best-selling single of 2012 worldwide, topping the charts in 19 countries, including the UK, where it was the second best-selling single of the year.

From 2015 to 2019, Carly’s music career continued to grow as she released a string of music and toured around the world. This period of hard work and perseverance has laid a solid foundation for her success. Her unique style of music and her songs are full of energy and infectious energy and are loved by her listeners.

At this time from his debut to the burst of popularity in just four years, four years to say long is not long, to say short is not short, but only she knows, these four years of accumulation, precipitation and hard work in exchange for her success. This success belongs only to herself. In this four-year journey, Carly Rae Yepsen is not only a singer, but also a person who is brave enough to pursue her dreams relentlessly. Her musical talent and resilience have earned her the love and respect of countless people. Whether on the stage of the Canadian Idol competition or on the music stage where “Call Me Maybe” has taken the world by storm, Carly has demonstrated her unique charm and strength.
In the future, you and I are looking forward to more great works and wonderful performances from Carly Rae Yepsen, because Carly Rae Yepsen is the queen who writes her own legends with her music.

 

Grammystar brings show to Vancouver

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Maybe you know about jazz pop? It’s a special genre.

If you don’t know the genre, then I can explain it to you in a superficial sense, as a lazy, relaxed style of music that combines traditional jazz and pop music. I’d rather explain it as the merging of slightly too traditional jazz music with modern pop vocals, and by adding the modern instruments of bass, electric guitar, etc., and the violin and orchestra often found in jazz to form a huge orchestra. Of course, it’often the lyrics and vocals that can take the whole thing to the next level.

One of the singers I’d like to introduce to you today, as she kicks off the first leg of her jazz tour in Vancouver, is Chinese-Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, a recent Grammy Award winner and a powerful female singer-songwriter.

Born and raised in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, Laufey’s interest in music was evident from an early age. She began studying piano under the influence of her parents and quickly showed a remarkable musical talent. Growing up, she was exposed to a wide variety of music genres, from classical to pop, jazz to folk, all of which provided her with a solid foundation for her future musical endeavors.Laufey has experienced many challenges and opportunities in her musical career. She rose to prominence in the Icelandic music scene and then decided to take her musical talents to a wider stage. She moved to the United States the following year and began pursuing her musical dreams in Los Angeles. She also has a twin sister who joined her on the tour, shining as the grand finale.

Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre Laufey kicked off her solo “Goddess” tour on April 7th in Vancouver, in the drizzling rain. It’s a powerful album.

Listen to Goddess’ self-titled title track here:

Laufey’s music is influenced not only by local jazz music, but also by her upbringing in Iceland and China. This cross-cultural approach makes her music more unique and engaging, and breathes new life into the BC music scene. Her music tour is not only a musical feast, but also a cultural exchange event, allowing people to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of musical expressions from different cultures. Laufey’s tour has not only created a music boom in Vancouver, but has also brought a new energy to the BC music scene. As a multicultural city, Vancouver has always been a place where various music styles meet, and the BC music scene is even more colorful, with musicians from all over the world and unique musical performances.

I was also lucky enough to be able to go to the concert live at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which is the perfect venue to listen to live music, as only a venue with such high ceilings can capture the magic of jazz music unobtrusively.

Chinese Pop Music Venues in Vancouver

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On March 7th, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena hosted a highly anticipated music event when Joker Xue, a famous singer from China, held his solo concert. Xue Zhiqian (薛之谦), born July 17, 1983 in Shanghai, China, is a Chinese mainland pop male singer-songwriter, lyricist, music producer, film and television actor, and a graduate of the Institut de Gérard de Gérard Hospitality.

As an influential pop singer, Joker Xue has been touching the hearts of millions of music fans with his unique musical style and heartfelt lyrics.

This is also the first time since the outbreak of the epidemic that Xue has come to Vancouver for a concert. For local Chinese students and the Chinese community, the concert was undoubtedly a long-awaited event. Many fans said that it was a chance to reconnect with the music of their hometown and an opportunity to experience the beauty of cultural integration.

At the concert, Xue Zhiqian conquered the audience with his unique and charismatic voice and wonderful performance. His tension-filled music and heartfelt lyrics made people feel as if they were in a music world full of emotion and passion. What was even more touching was that Xue shared his experience of studying abroad with the audience during the concert, encouraging the international students in the audience to be strong, positive and stay happy.

Xue Zhiqian not only showed his outstanding musical strength in the concert, but also conveyed his concern and appeal for environmental protection in a unique way. The stage set and performance format of the concert were carefully designed to highlight the theme of protecting the earth, conveying to the audience the urgency of cherishing the environment and protecting the earth. From the stage set to the performances of the actors, everything reflected Xue Zhiqian’s commitment and passion for environmental protection.

This concept of concern for the environment was well received by the audience, making the whole concert not only a music feast, but also a positive dissemination of the concept of social responsibility and environmental protection. While enjoying the music, the audience was also inspired to pay attention to and protect the earth’s environment, adding more meaning and value to the whole concert.

In this concert, Xue Zhiqian not only showed his musical strength, but also conveyed the concept of caring and responsibility through music, bringing the audience a musical feast full of moving and inspiring messages. His concert was not only a musical enjoyment, but also a realization of life and thinking about the world.

Music festivals that you don’t want to miss

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 Music festivals are events where young people go wild, a special event in pursuit of music and liveliness.

These events are usually held in specific locations and last for several days or even weeks, offering a variety of musical performances in various styles, such as pop, rock, and folk, and attracting a large number of music lovers to gather together. Music festivals usually feature multiple stages, allowing the audience to choose from a variety of performances according to their interests, and the seatless setup allows the audience to move around freely. In addition to musical performances, large-scale music festivals often set up outdoor peripheral activities, such as camping areas, creative bazaars, and extreme sports experiences, to provide participants with richer entertainment options.

Looking back at history, it can be said that the concept of modern music festivals can be traced back to the Woodstock Festival in the United States in 1969. At that time, there was a wave of anti-war and anti-mainstream culture in the society, and the theme of the festival was “peace, anti-war, fraternity and equality”, which influenced the entire music industry at that time and became one of the eternal themes.

If you’re a fan of lively music festivals, then Las Cafeteras with San Pedro Cinco at the Rickshaw Theatre on May 11th is an event not to be missed. R&B, funk, punk, and rock, giving their music a passionate energy. San Pedro Cinco, on the other hand, is a five-piece band made up of well-known Vancouver musicians who perform a variety of style.

They say on their personal website:

We also play some covers by jazz musicians such as: Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery to name a few . The band is J.P. Carteon trumpet, Tony Wilsonon guitar, Robin Layneon marimba & percussion, Russell Sholberg on bass & Liam MacDonald on drums and percussion.

Rickshaw Theatre, as the venue of the festival, not only provides excellent sound equipment and a comfortable viewing environment, but also creates a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere for the audience. Here, people can feel the charm of music to the fullest, forget all the worries and pressure, and enjoy the happiness and pleasure brought by music.

For the people participating in this festival, it is not only a musical journey, but also a spiritual baptism and spiritual sublimation. They walked through the sea of music, felt the power and charm of music, and spent a night full of passion and vigor with the band members.

Therefore, if you are also a music lover, why don’t you seize this opportunity to participate in this music festival, immerse yourself in the sea of music, feel the joy and pleasure brought by music, and spend an unforgettable night with the band members!

If you participated in this festival, share your best experiences by leaving a comment below!

Carnival Band: A Bright Decade of Community Music

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At the Britannia Community Centre on Commercial Avenue in Vancouver, a musical team has been bringing endless musical joy to local residents for a decade. The community music program, called the Carnival Band, is led by musical directors Ross Barrett and Tim Sars. The Carnival Band brings together a wide range of musical talents in a variety of performances covering all instrumental genres, including brass, woodwinds, drums, percussion, accordion and voice. They also incorporate bass, guitar, violin, banjo, piano and keyboards into their stage performances, showcasing a variety of musical styles and expressions.

One of the Carnival Band’s favorite tunes is the members’ original compositions, and in addition to that, they play a variety of musical styles such as samba, calypso, swing, Afrobeat, jazz, funk, disco, and more, immersing the audience in a sea of music. This is unlike many other bands; they are competent in any style and versatile in general.

Going back to the history of the group, in 1999, musicians Ross Barrett and Dan Vee organized the first workshop of the “Carnival Band”. Soon after, they invited musician Marcos X to join the group as percussionist and co-music director. The workshops grew in popularity and became a regular weekly event at the Britannia Community Center.

As time went on, the band’s activities became more varied, and in 2002, Dan V. raised federal funds to bring in composer Gregg Moore for a three-week music and performance workshop, and in 2006, Dan V. had to take a break from his work as a father, and handed over management responsibilities to the entire group. Marcos X took over as Managing Director, while longtime guitarist Devon 8 handled the booking and promotion of the band.

Juggling several jobs was the norm at the time, but the group members didn’t let it discourage them or give up.

The Carnival Band is a heartwarming story of a band that has experienced challenges along the way, but has always maintained their love of music and dedication to their community. Membership changes and team building are issues that any band will face, but it is their tenacity and unity that keeps the band growing and moving forward. Their story tells us that as long as you have a dream in your heart and a love for music, you can overcome all difficulties and achieve your goals. I sincerely admire them for their perseverance and hard work, and look forward to more brilliant performances in the future, bringing more musical charm and cultural exchanges to the community.

Today the Carnival Band has become one of the highlights of the Britannia Community Center, and their music has brought endless joy and wonderful memories to local residents. In the days to come, they will continue to use the power of music to bring more cultural exchange and artistic enjoyment to the community.

Highly skilled jazz pianist performs at UBC

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On April 19th of this year at the UBC Chan Center, it was a musical feast, a wonderful auditory journey of classical jazz.


(UBC Chan center opening in spring 1997, 
the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned an international
 reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics and e
xceptional programming. Artists, critics and audiences alike 
are unanimous in their prais)

American pianist Aaron Diehl was the star of the show, mesmerizing the audience with his mastery of the piano and rich musical talent. His recent album Zodiac Suite was not only nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award, but was also named one of Slate’s Jazz Albums of the Year, a testament to the excellence of his music. Diehl’s music is more than one-dimensional, and each piano performance is an unexpected artistic marvel that will leave you in awe.

Aaron Diehl is no newcomer to the scene. Back in 2011, he was honored by the American Pianists Association as a Cole Porter Jazz Fellow, a high recognition of his musical talent. He has demonstrated outstanding musical prowess by working with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, composer Philip Glass, and the New York Philharmonic, among many others. And it is a rare honor to work with a jazz legend like Wynton Marsalis.

Wynton Marsalis is not only an outstanding trumpeter, but has also won numerous Grammy Awards, including “Think of One” in 1983, “Hot House Flowers” in 1984, and “The Grammys” in 1985. The awards, including Think of One (1983), Hot House Flowers (1984), and Black Codes (From the Underground) (1985), are a testament to Diehl’s stature as a jazz musician. Collaborating with such an accomplished trumpeter has also been a great addition to Diehl’s musical career.

On stage, Diehl displayed his musical talent and charisma without any stage fright, delivering an electrifying performance. Although he wasn’t there, the audience described it as a soul-cleansing recital.

For the audience, Aaron Diehl’s performance was not only a spiritual cleansing, but also a bridge leading them to the world of jazz. In the jumping of the notes, they seemed to be able to feel the power of the music, as if they were in a music world full of magic. Diehl’s performance made people feel as if they had traveled through time and space, and immersed themselves in the charm and magic of jazz.

Mexican music and pianists collide

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Ray is a passionate pianist, singer and songwriter living in Vancouver with over 17 years of musical experience. Although he was born with Mexican roots, his musical style is not only influenced by Mexican music, but also incorporates many different elements, a natural musical collision that makes his music even more colorful.

As a classical pianist, Ray’s musical path may seem to have nothing to do with Mexican music, but it is this seemingly unrelated fusion of musical elements that brings a unique charm to his music.

Ray’s musical path has been full of ups and downs, and you have to believe that being an independent musician is just that grueling. Not only has he participated in many different types of music events, such as band recitals and competitions, bar/restaurant gigs, and classical piano recitals, but he has also actively experimented with writing his own music. After a series of musical explorations and practices, he began to combine classical piano and pop music to create unique and personalized compositions, which listeners who have had the experience of composing should know is a process that takes a long time. His music not only shows his profound classical music skills, but also incorporates the fashionable elements of pop music, making his works more energetic and modern.

In addition to the music itself, Ray’s musical story is inspiring. As a pianist and singer with Mexican roots, he has faced no shortage of challenges. However, it is these challenges that have shaped his resilient character and persistent pursuit. Through unremitting efforts and continuous exploration, Ray finally found his own musical style and demonstrated his unique artistic personality.

Throughout his musical career, Ray has accumulated a wealth of performance experience and skills. He has demonstrated his talent on a variety of occasions. Whether he is playing solo on stage or collaborating with other musicians, he has shown excellent expressiveness and stage charisma. Audiences are excited and curious about his music, and they are eager to hear more about Ray’s musical story.

Ray has earned the love and respect of many listeners with his unique musical style and tenacity. His musical works not only show his outstanding musical talent, but also contain rich emotions and connotations, which make people deeply moved and inspired.

As he continues to move forward on his musical journey, it is believed that Ray will continue to create more stirring musical works, bringing people endless musical enjoyment and moving.

The ukulele is music’s “secret” weapon

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The ukulele is a four-stringed instrument that is often referred to as a miniature version of the guitar. Despite its compact size, it has a lovely, melodic sound, making it one of the instruments of choice for many bandleaders to play.

In Uke’s Misbehavin‘, there are three lead singers who specialize in a wide range of genres, including jazz, swing, blues, bluegrass, folk and country music. What makes the band unique is that all three of their members specialize in playing the ukulele. This is not common in bands, but it is due to this particular compilation that the ukulele is interpreted by them in a variety of tones.

Their music is full of lazy and lovely tones, as if it were a beach bathed in the afternoon sun with a cup of hot chocolate milk, giving a pleasant feeling of relaxation. If you click on the video link, you’ll hear more about the wonderful performance of their music.

It’s no exaggeration to say about their music, “If you want to hear it, there’s nothing they won’t do!” They have a lot of experience in performing, which has become their “signature”. So if you go to one of their shows, you won’t be disappointed!

Uke’s Misbehavin Band is known for their unique style of music and interaction with the audience. Their stage presence is full of energy and passion and always manages to get the audience rocking, laughing and mesmerized with the rhythm of the music. Whether at festivals, bars, cafes or private parties, they always deliver an unforgettable musical feast.

The band’s performance is not only about the presentation of music, but also about the interaction and empathy with the audience. They are good at connecting with the audience, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere through humorous and witty conversations and performances. In their performances, the audience is not just a listener, but also a participant, who is invited to sing along, dance, and even go on stage to participate in the performance. This interactivity makes the performance more lively and interesting, and enhances the audience’s sense of participation and engagement.

The band members are passionate and dedicated to every performance. They are constantly striving to create new music and perfect their performance skills. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, they are constantly striving for musical perfection and aiming to give the audience the most exciting and memorable performance possible.

If you’re looking for an energetic and passionate musical journey, catch a performance by Uke’s Misbehavin Band. With their unique musical style and wonderful stage performance, they will bring you a wonderful musical time that will keep you lingering until the music ends.

So, as they say,

“So, you think a ukulele is just a ukulele? You’ll be surprised!”

 Their music is so much more than that, it’s an amazing listening experience for the ears.

Uke’s Misbehavin’

Life is too short, how do I live it to the fullest?

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Kathryn Jane Calder is a Victorian Canadian indie musician and is also a vocal member of the band. And here’s how Wikipedia describes her:Kathryn Jane Calder, born June 17, 1982, is a Canadian indie rock musician who performs as a solo artist and is also a member of the bands The New Pornographers and Frontperson. She was formerly a member of the band Immaculate Machine. Calder joined The New Pornographers initially as a replacement for Neko Case in live shows and became a permanent member in 2006.

Suffice it to say, this is incredibly bland and doesn’t emphasize her excellence at all.Kathryn has released ten albums in the last ten years and has toured all over the world. That’s not something that just anyone can do! Furthermore, it’s amazing that she cemented her music career before the age of 30. That’s a jaw-dropping accomplishment!

Have you heard of her first solo album, Are You My Mother? Did you know that it was recorded at home while she was caring for her mother who was battling acromegaly? Imagine how she managed to create such moving music in her busy life. And shortly before the release of her second album, Bright and Vivid, her father died suddenly. It’s almost as if life is a mix of bitter and sweet! Not only were these sorrows and joys perfectly expressed in her music, but they were also able to provide her with a wealth of material for future albums.

Kathryn says, “I love the feeling of being adrift, but also long for a peaceful place, away from the drama and worry.”

This statement really hit home for me. As an international student, I often feel the tension between the joy of the journey and the warmth of home. For me, music is my spiritual support and always warms me up when I’m sad. I bet Kathryn’s music resonates with your heart too.

“Life is too short, how do I live it to the fullest?”

It’s a question that haunts most of us, and one that resonates deeply with me. And one of Kathryn’s answers is to write songs that are sincere and moving. She clutched her guitar and explored melodies over and over again, chasing her inner voice. After a year of hard work, she finally recorded a full album. However, not content with that, she determinedly threw the album away and started over, as she pursued a truer and deeper expression.

Kathryn’s story tells us that the path of pursuing dreams is full of challenges, but with perseverance, success will surely come. Her music is full of life’s wisdom and courage, and this kind of persistence and perseverance is worth learning from us. No matter what difficulties and challenges we face, as long as we remain sincere, we can find our own piece of pure land.own piece of pure land.

The Young Prince of Steinway and Sons

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Piano is one of the hobbies that many of you had when you were young, but did you never touch it again when you were older?

Steinway & Sons is one of the most powerful pianists of all time, so the title of piano named after him is also very prestigious. One such young pianist from B.C. is 16-year-old Chinese-American Louis Wei, who recently became one of 60 Junior Steinway Artists from around the world. This is a remarkable honor, the first B.C. Junior Steinway Artist and only two in Canada. Only two other artists in Canada have been honored with this award. Chinese artists who have also been honored worldwide include Lang Lang and Yundi Li.

The story of the Steinway & Sons brand’s friendships with a wide variety of pianists is as dazzling as it is moving. Whether it’s classical pianist Lang Lang, jazz star Diana Krall, or music history legends such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Arthur Rubinstein, they’ve all developed a special resonance with Steinway & Sons. This resonance stems from Steinway’s craftsmanship and excellence, as well as the pianists’ love and dedication to music.

Louis Jr.’s journey on the piano began at the age of five, and he has participated in countless competitions and festivals, winning countless first prizes, trophies, and scholarships, and in 2011, he was invited to demonstrate his versatility by participating in a conference on Asia and International Relations at Harvard University, and in 2012, he performed his Piano Concerto with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, presenting a stunning musical feast for the audience. More recently, a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall once again highlighted his musical talent and charisma, leaving the audience mesmerized and in awe.

Steinway’s piano skills and musicianship are complemented by Louis Jr.’s talent. Their collaboration is not only a tribute to the music, but also to the Steinway piano tradition. Whether it’s a spectacular performance at a music festival or a stunning performance on an international stage, the sound of the Steinway has always accompanied Louis Jr. and witnessed his musical growth and progress.

And now, little Louis has become a shining star in the music industry, his piano sound through time and space, touching countless listeners. The Steinway & Sons brand of pianos has also shone even brighter because of their cooperation with him, becoming a jewel in the music industry. Their story will continue to be written, bringing more beautiful and touching music to the world.

To little Louis, I would like to say, “In your musical journey, Steinway & Sons will always be your most loyal partner, may the sound of your piano be like a clear spring, flowing in the depths of people’s hearts and stirring up endless beauty and emotion.”