The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver December 2017

This month, check out a post-punk pop favourite, a one-of-a-kind Christmas party and a tribute to Prince

1. A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Prince at Orpheum Theatre – Monday, December 4

If you’re anything like me, you likely shed more than your share of tears on April 21st of last year when we lost one of the most prolific and innovative artists this planet has ever had the supreme pleasure of hosting. Though Prince is—to say the very least—irreplaceable, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will do their best by joining forces with members of Prince’s New Power Generation in an effort to pay homage to the Purple One himself. We’ll never see another like him again, so this is as close as you’ll now get to the real thing. It’s the perfect excuse to don your best raspberry beret and party like it’s 1999.
Tickets from $25

2. Brit Floyd at Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Tuesday, December 5

It’s true that some of us are old enough to have attended a Pink Floyd concert or two sometime back when they were a thing (I’m not naming names or dating dates), but sadly, maybe some of us didn’t score a ticket to see Roger Waters back in October. So, at least we’ve all got the chance to catch the spectacle known as Brit Floyd. Widely regarded as the world’s greatest live tribute to Pink Floyd, this outfit spares no expense—employing high-definition sound, a million-dollar light show, and state-of-the-art video design to fully recapture the magic of the original band in their glory days. Performing classics from all the usual suspects like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall, they’ll also hit up the Animals album in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Tickets from $46

3. Franz Ferdinand at The Commodore Ballroom – Tuesday, December 5 & Wednesday, December 6

Glasgow’s post-punk revival darlings Franz Ferdinand bring their infectious dance-infused vibe to downtown’s fabulous ballroom for two nearly sold-out nights. When I say nearly, I’ve gotta tell you there are no face value tickets available for Tuesday (only re-sales), but Wednesday looks pretty open. Unless you want to pay double the price, I consider this particular situation kind-of a no-brainer. But, I’ll just leave that decision entirely up to you. These guys are touring to lay down some serious groundwork for the February 2018 release of their next offering, Always Ascending, so consider it an appropriate opportunity to check out some great new tunes along with your personal favourites.
Tickets from $49.50 on Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6

4. Not So Silent Night featuring Dear Rouge at The Commodore Ballroom – Thursday, December 7

Vancouver’s “Almost World Famous” modern rock station, 102.7 The Peak, is set to kick off the holiday season with their inaugural Christmas party. Along with DJs and a special appearance by the big guy in the red suit, this festive event will be headlined by our city’s beloved alt-dance-pop duo, Dear Rouge. Join the 2016 Juno Award winners for a night of irresistible “grit and gloss” as they perform cuts from their latest LP, Phases, and hopefully—for this ’80s’-pop-loving girl—their cool cover of Hall & Oates’ “Private Eyes.” This is also a fantastic night to do some good for Vancity’s homeless youth as partial ticket proceeds will benefit Covenant House Vancouver.
Tickets $25

5. Daniel Wesley at Cascades Casino Summit Theatre – Thursday, December 21

Vancouver-based singer and guitarist Daniel Wesley takes the haul out to the Valley to throw down his signature West Coast groove at Langley’s friendly casino resort. Expect the acoustic troubadour to perform tracks from his self-produced 2015 studio release I Am Your Man, along with treasures from his decade-long career. If you want to know what you’re in for and you’re aiming to get primed for the event, consider picking up his 2017 shaker, Live at the Commodore Ballroom, lovingly recorded at his customary stomping grounds.
Tickets $41