The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver October 2014

This month, superstars Jason Mraz, Sarah McLachlan and The Black Keys play Vancouver

Credit: Flickr / Dan Sowter

Angus & Julia Stone at The Vogue Theatre – October 10

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Angus & Julia Stone are a brother-sister duo that crafts folk songs with a tinge of blues. The pair has released three studio albums since 2007, in addition to two solo albums each. After taking a couple of years off to work on their respective solo projects, the duo reunited for this year’s self-titled album. Angus & Julia will showcase their beautiful harmonies and songwriting talents at The Vogue Theatre on October 10.

Tickets: Angus & Julia Stone in Vancouver

Credit: Flickr / NRK P3

alt-J at The Orpheum Theatre – October 14

In 2012, experimental English rockers alt-J won the prestigious Mercury Prize for their debut album, An Awesome Wave. Fresh off the release of their highly anticipated sophomore effort, This Is All Yours, the band returns to Vancouver for a performance at the Orpheum Theatre on October 14. The band’s exceptionally eccentric songs and lead singer Joe Newman’s nasally, distinctive voice are guaranteed to captivate all those in attendance. 

Tickets: alt-J in Vancouver

Bahamas at The Vogue Theatre – October 17

Bahamas is the pseudonym of Canadian songwriter Afie Jurvanen. A former member of Feist’s touring band, Afie went solo in 2009 for his debut album, Pink Strat. He found success with 2012’s Barchords and is currently touring to promote his third folk album, the aptly titled Bahamas is Afie. Bahamas’ upcoming concert at The Vogue Theatre on October 17 will feature his equally talented band and harmonizing backup singers.

Tickets: Bahamas in Vancouver

Credit: Flickr / Brendan T Lynch

Hozier at the Commodore Ballroom – October 20

The digital age has made it possible for artists to find fame almost overnight. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier was thrown into the spotlight last fall when his song “Take Me to Church” went viral on YouTube immediately after it was posted. After two EPs and a year of warranted buzz and anticipation, he has just released his self-titled debut full-length album comprised of soulful indie rock songs. Hozier plays a sold-out show at the Commodore Ballroom on October 20. Those who missed out on tickets this time can catch him again when he returns to play the Orpheum Theatre in February.

Tickets: Hozier in Vancouver

Sarah McLachlan at The Orpheum Theatre – October 20 and 21

A singer, philanthropist and mother, Sarah McLachlan wears many hats. Born and raised in Halifax, she later moved to Vancouver to begin her career as a singer. She is one of Canada’s most successful recording artists, having released eight acclaimed albums since her debut in 1988. Touring to promote her first album in four years, Shine On, McLachlan will play to an adoring home crowd at the Orpheum Theatre on October 20 and 21.

Tickets: Sarah McLachlan in Vancouver

Credit: Flickr / Mark Runyon

Jason Mraz at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre – October 23

Back in the summer of 2008, it was difficult to go anywhere without hearing the smooth sounds of Jason Mraz’s hit single, “I’m Yours.” The song even set a Billboard charts record by spending 76 weeks on the Hot 100, which was longer than any other song had before. Fast forward to 2014: Mraz is touring to promote his fifth studio album, the positively titled, Yes! The American songwriter who successfully blends jazz, blues, reggae, surf rock and pop all together performs at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre on October 23.

Tickets: Jason Mraz in Vancouver

Credit: Flickr / Jessica S.

The Black Keys at Pacific Coliseum – October 30

After nearly a decade together, American duo The Black Keys had a commercial breakthrough in 2010 with the album, Brothers. Since then, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have become garage rock superstars, touring extensively around the world and earning a number of prestigious awards, including seven Grammys. The band is currently touring to promote their eighth studio album, Turn Blue, a psychedelic, undoubtedly Pink Floyd-influenced affair. The Black Keys return to Vancouver this month to perform a large-scale show at Pacific Coliseum on October 30. Popular British singer-songwriter Jake Bugg will provide support. 

Tickets: The Black Keys in Vancouver