Here are the five concerts in Vancouver this March you should see
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Three months into the new year and not a day goes by that another major tour is announced. At this rate, one has to wonder who will be left to headline the summer festival season.
Not to worry.
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There are more and more musical acts coming up the ranks to entertain us in coming months. But what are the top five picks for March?
Here are the choices for this month, listed in order of date and with an explanation of why you should consider adding them to your concert calendar.
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Corb Lund
When: March 5, 8 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Tickets/info: From $49 at ticketmaster.ca
On his latest album, El Viejo, Alberta roots singer/songwriter Corb Lund pays tribute to the late Canadian folk legend Ian Tyson. Not only was Tyson a friend who Lund could bond with over ranching and singing, he was also a mentor to the former punk/metal musician. Lund recorded the intimate 11-track record entirely in his living room with his ace backing band the Hurtin’ Albertans.
Why you should go: Lund is a veteran performer with the ability to tear into a honky tonk barnburner as well as a tender ballad with passion. His band is absolutely always on and he sounds fully revved-up on this new recording, his first since 2020s Agricultural Tragic.
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A Celebration of Love: Honouring Rob Pattee’s 42 Years in the Music Industry
When: March 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Tickets/Info: $56 at ticketweb.ca
This just in, the music biz is not the nicest. So when someone comes along universally acclaimed as a “really great guy,” folks take notice. Rob Pattee, the force behind RPM services, is certainly such an individual. Over his 42-year career, he has worked with a who’s who of Canadian stars and launched many a career. He also served as the director of the board of Music B.C. for 15 years. Sadly, Pattee has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer caused by rare genetic condition which also claimed his sister’s life last year. This event honours his life and work.
Why you should go: It’s a rare chance to see Washboard Union, Crystal Shawanda, Daniel Powter, Hot Hot Heat, Wide Mouth Mason and Karen Lee Batten on the same night.
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Lee Fields and Monophonics
When: March 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre
Tickets/info: From $39.50 at admitone.com
His wikipedia entry notes that 73-year-old North Carolina singer Lee Fields was dubbed “Little JB” for his physical showmanship and vocal resemblance to James Brown. Those familiar with the career of this under-appreciated singer will note that Fields also has collaborated with a who’s who of soul, blues, funk and R&B artists.
Why you should go: The number of artists still working today who can trace their lineage back to the soul power ’60s is very few. That Fields still brings fire to the stage means this is a must for fans of the genre. Bonus to have Monophonics on the bill too.
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The Scratch
When: March 17, 8 p.m.
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Tickets/info: From $27 at livenation.com
Combining a love of Irish folk with the intensity of Thin Lizzy-style hard-rocking boogie all bashed out on acoustic instruments, Ireland’s the Scratch regularly sell out venues across the U.K. and Europe. Listening to the 2020 breakout Couldn’t Give a Rats and the new Mind Yourself on Sony Music, it’s not hard to hear why this group is gaining global fans.
Why you should go: Top-rated Irish live band + Commodore Ballroom + St. Patrick’s Day = a pretty obvious formula for a rip-roaring night’s entertainment.
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Foundation Vol. 9 with Black Coffee
When: March 29
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Tickets/info: Livenation.com
Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, whose works under the stage name Black Coffee, is a songwriter and DJ who is a leading light in the dynamic and exciting South African dance music scene. From his label Soulistic, he has released albums such as the 2022 Grammy-winning Subconsciously, which featured guest artists ranging from Diplo and Pharrell Williams to Usher. He regularly sells out his international tours.
Why you should go: South Africa has been a hotbed of exciting and innovative dance music styles for decades. Black Coffee’s Foundation tours are a showcase for these scenes, and who doesn’t need a good hot dance night during a rainy, cold March night.
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