Granville Street is where the world came to Mix it up during the 2010 Olympics. We're carrying this same spirit into the summer with a slew of summer events including dance, music, food and drink. Come visit Vancouver's Street and get the details here.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Upcoming Feature Shows at the Yale

Ten Years After
Tuesday, June 10 beginning at 9pm/ $27 in advance or $30 at the door
Woodstock legend Ten Years After headlines The Yale for one night only. The latest incarnation of the British blues-rock sensation features Chick Churchill on keyboards, Leo Lyons on bass guitar, Ric Lee on drums, and the dynamic 29-year-old new vocalist/lead guitarist Joe Gooch. Together, the quartet released the 2005 studio album TEN YEARS AFTER ....NOW, followed by the 2006 double live album ROADWORKS, recorded in France and Germany. Plans are now underway for a new CD and DVD release scheduled for 2009. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.tenyearsafternow.com

Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble
Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21 beginning at 9pm/ $12 at the door
The son of zydeco great Jude Taylor, Louisiana-born vocalist/accordionist Curley Taylor heats things up with his danceable zydeco-meets-R&B style. Get a taste of fiery southern-flavoured blues, soul and zydeco sounds featuring Matt Sonnier and Charlie on rubboards, Errol Taylor on bass, Keith Clement on keyboards, and Erick Minix on drums.
www.curleytaylor.com

Tinsley Ellis
Friday, July 18 beginning at 9pm/ $18 in advance or $20 at the door
Following up on the success of his 2005 release LIVE-HIGHWAYMAN, famed guitarist Tinsley Ellis returns with MOMENT OF TRUTH. The 2007 release is deemed Ellis’ most guitar-driven and aggressive studio recording yet. Soulful vocals, ferocious guitar playing and introspective songwriting set this album apart from previous works. Performing over 150 shows a year, Ellis has appeared throughout Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, and South America where he has shared the spotlight with renowned artists such as The Allman Brothers, Robert Cray, Koko Taylor, and Widespread Panic. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.tinsleyellis.com

Jason Ricci and New Blood
Thursday, July 31 beginning at 9pm/ $13 in advance or $15 at the door
Compared to acts as diverse as The Rolling Stones, John Coltrane and Lou Reed, Jason Ricci and New Blood have garnered accolades and distinguished awards from blues societies all over the world. Listed in the Mercury News “Top Ten Shows of 2005” alongside Prince, Rush and Green Day, the Eclecto Groove Recording Artists perform at international festivals, events and venues, where they successfully merge the energy of punk rock with the skill and refinement of jazz. The virtuoso hipsters are led by harp player Ricci whose musical resume includes contest winner of the Sonny Boy Blues Society, Mars Music National Harmonica and The Muddy Waters Award. This performance is generously sponsored by CiTR 101.9 FM Vancouver. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.jasonricci.com

Secondary Shows:
Dalannah Gail Bowen
Thursday, June 12 beginning at 9:45pm/ Donations accepted for DECA
Dalannah Gail Bowen continues her march on the comeback trail with songs from her recent CD MAMMA’S GOT THE BLUES. Donations gratefully accepted to support the Downtown Eastside Centre For The Arts (DECA) start-up fund.
www.dalannahgailbowen.com

Harris Van Berkel Group
Monday, June 23 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
A founding member of the award-winning group Skywalk, Vancouver guitarist Harris Van Berkel has a busy career as a studio player and musical director. Van Berkel’s guitar chops are legendary as he covers a multitude of styles with ease

Vince Mai Project
Tuesday, June 24 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
Jazz trumpeter Vince Mai is a dynamic soloist and well-known member of various Canadian jazz and funk groups. Deemed a top call studio musician in the Pacific Northwest, Mai explores contemporary smooth-groove jazz from a world perspective that is inspired by travels and performances abroad.
www.mai-music.com

Lesismore
Thursday, June 26 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
One of the Lower Mainland’s ‘must-see’ entertainment gems, Lesismore delivers a high-energy mix of roots, R&B, and a healthy helping of the blues. Lead singer Leslie Harris fronts this tight and talented five-piece band that features Curtis DeBray on guitar, Nino DiPasquale on drums, Steve Hilliam on sax, and Lee Oliphant on bass.
www.lesismoremusic.com

Billy Dixon’s Soul Train Express
Friday & Saturday, June 27 & 28 beginning at 9pm/ $12 at the door
Vancouver born vocalist Billy Dixon pays tribute to the soulful sounds of Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and the Righteous Brothers. Dixon began singing gospel at the age of ten in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to his hometown where he became a consummate entertainer and former member of popular 60’s and 70’s R&B groups such as Night Train Revue and New Breed.
www.billydixons.com

Special Events:
BC SPCA Benefit
Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 9pm/ $10 at the door
Rob Montgomery and members of Vancouver’s professional music community will congregate onstage for Blues for Paws, a fundraiser for the BC SPCA and animals in need. Top notch entertainment by Rob Montgomery’s Incognito, No Quarter, Sibel Thrasher, Jim Byrnes, Jamie Dale Band, Dave Vidal, Linda Kidder, Billy Dixon, Lesismore, and many surprise guests are guaranteed to satisfy music-savvy patrons while contributing toward a very worthwhile cause. The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization that works to prevent cruelty to domestic, farm and wild animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay and neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Proceeds from Blues For Paws Benefit will go to the Vancouver branch of the BC SPCA. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this event.
www.spca.bc.ca

Aboriginal Day Benefit
Thursday, June 19 beginning at 9pm/ $15 in advance or $20 at the door
Aboriginal Day Benefit is a fundraiser for the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) ~ Elder’s Program. This occasion will also mark a celebration of National Aboriginal Day. For 40 years, the VAFCS has been providing quality programs and services to the community such as the Elder’s Program. The Elder’s Program hosts weekly luncheons, food banks, drop-in sessions, arts and crafts, fundraisers, as well as visitation trips to other service organizations, allowing participants the opportunity to liaise with members of other cultural groups. Proceeds from this event will enable 20 Program Members to attend the “Elder’s Gathering Conference,” hosted by the Kaien Island Elder’s in Prince Rupert during July, 2008. Featured will be a spectacular showcase of traditional music and dance, as well as performances by contemporary local bands Bitterly Devine, Sistersays and The CoyesThomson Band. Price of admission includes a 50/50 draw, silent auction, door prizes, and raffle items donated by local Aboriginal artists. All proceeds will be donated to the VAFCS ~ Elder’s Program. For volunteer opportunities or to make a financial or prize item donation, please email executivedirector@vafcs.org. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this event.
www.vafcs.org