Music

The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver September 2014

This month, music superstars Katy Perry, Elton John and Burton Cummings are in town

By Megan Forsyth /

Credit: Universal

Katy Perry at Rogers Arena – September 9 and 10

Katy Perry has come a long way since her “I Kissed A Girl” days. Over the last six years, the Californian pop star has become a global sensation, consistently topping the charts worldwide with hit songs and albums. Her latest release, Prism, has spawned the hit singles “Roar” and “Dark Horse,” amongst others. Katy Perry graces Vancouver with her presence for not just one, but two nights at Rogers Arena. See her live on September 9 or 10 with support from Canadian twin sister pop duo Tegan and Sara.

Tickets: Katy Perry in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / Frank Roche

Elton John at Rogers Arena – September 13 and 14

It is always exciting when a legend plays Vancouver, especially when that legend is Elton John. After nearly five decades in the business, the English rock n’ roll pianist is still going strong. Last year he released his 29th studio album, The Diving Board, a critically acclaimed effort heralded as a “return to form”. Sir Elton performs at Rogers Arena on both September 13 and 14, where the star is sure to play a generous mix of both new songs and old favourites.

Tickets: Elton John in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / NRK P3

Interpol at The Commodore Ballroom – September 15

It was more than a decade ago that Interpol took the alternative rock scene by storm with the release of their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights. Despite losing bass player and key member Carlos Dengler in 2010, the New York City band have not missed a step, consistently releasing adored post-punk records. This month sees the release of the group’s fifth studio album, El Pintor (translates as “The Painter” in Spanish), which critics are calling their best effort since their debut. Interpol hit the Commodore Ballroom stage on September 15.

Tickets: Interpol in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / SMN

Royal Wood at The Media Club – September 15

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Royal Wood has been making quite the name for himself in the Canadian music scene over the last decade. This year, the pop/folk performer released his fifth full-length album, The Burning Bright, which includes the catchy Top 40 single “Forever and Ever”. The Juno-nominated artist has had several of his songs featured on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. He has also toured with talents like David Gray and Serena Ryder. Catch Royal Wood in an intimate performance at The Media Club on September 15.

Tickets: Royal Wood in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / Thomas Hawk

La Roux at The Commodore Ballroom – September 18

English synthpop act La Roux first found success in 2009 with the hit singles “Bulletproof” and “In for the Kill”. Once a duo consisting of producer Ben Langmaid and vocalist Elly Jackson, Langmaid recently left the project, leaving Jackson to continue on with the La Roux name. The brand new sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise, is an unmistakeably ‘80s-influenced affair that is packed with danceable jams. Don’t miss what is sure to be a fun-filled show when La Roux plays the Commodore Ballroom on September 18.

Tickets: La Roux in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / Ben Adamson

The Wooden Sky at The Biltmore Cabaret – September 27

Since 2007, Toronto-based band The Wooden Sky has been hard at work perfecting its charming indie rock and alt-country sound. The brand new album, Let’s Be Ready, is certainly the band’s most accomplished effort to date. The lead single, “Saturday Night,” is a fun foot-stomping number, but the record also features its fair share of twangy, down-tempo ballads as well. Embarking on an extensive Canadian tour, The Wooden Sky will make a stop in Vancouver at the Biltmore Cabaret on September 27.

Tickets: The Wooden Sky in Vancouver



Credit: Flickr / Ianiv and Arieanna

Burton Cummings at River Rock Casino – September 27

One of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters visits Vancouver this month. Burton Cummings, known both as a solo artist and for his time as the lead singer of The Guess Who, has penned many unforgettable songs such as “These Eyes” and “American Woman”. Having been inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Burton Cummings is undoubtedly a national treasure. See him perform with his band at the River Rock Casino in Richmond on September 27.

Tickets: Burton Cummings in Vancouver