The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver December 2013

The Vancouver music scene will finish 2013 with a strong set of concerts: Heart, Hedley, Good for Grapes and more

Credit: Flickr

Heart and Friends: Home for the Holidays @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – December 13

Rock ‘n’ roll queens Ann and Nancy Wilson first found success as Heart in Vancouver in the mid-1970s. Now, more than three decades later, the sisters return to the city that openly embraced them for a special Christmas concert, “Home for the Holidays”. The duo will perform a mix of holiday songs and their most memorable hits with help from friends Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, and Ben Mink. The Wilson sisters may have aged, but guaranteed, they still know how to rock and go “Crazy on You”.

Credit: Flickr

Jon & Roy (Holiday Special) @ The Vogue Theatre – December 13

Couldn’t get away for that sunny vacation to escape the cold Canadian winter this year? Jon & Roy’s Holiday Special at The Vogue Theatre might be the next best thing. The Victoria group plays folk tunes with reggae undertones that could warm you up on even the chilliest of nights. The fifth-annual event promises to be a showcase of eclectic B.C. talent with performances by Buck 65, Current Swell, and Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother, along with Portland band Horse Feathers.

Credit: Flickr / Canadian Veggie

Good For Grapes @ The Vogue Theatre – December 14

Despite being barely out of high school and having not yet signed a record deal, Surrey-based indie-folk band Good for Grapes is well on its way to finding success outside of the Lower Mainland. The young seven-piece which is often likened to Mumford & Sons has had quite the eventful year after releasing a debut full-length album in October and recently placing 4th in 102.7’s competitive Peak Performance Project. To celebrate, the group will play their biggest headlining show yet at The Vogue Theatre, along with performances by Jordan Klassen, The River and The Road, and Northcote.

Credit: Flickr / Alfred Hermida

Hannah Georgas @ Commodore Ballroom – December 19

With multiple Juno nominations under her belt (“Best New Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year”) and an inclusion in this year’s Polaris Prize longlist, Hannah Georgas is a local talent who deserves to be heard. The 30-year-old pop/rock singer-songwriter has released two full-length albums to date, both of which were positively received by critics and fans alike. Comparisons to the warm and inviting vocals of fellow Canadian songstress Feist are not far off, although Georgas’ songs are more upbeat with the well-executed inclusion of synthesisers. Whether you bring a date or fly solo to her show at the Commodore Ballroom, it promises to be a special night. 

Credit: Flickr / pomogranate02

Hedley @ Hard Rock Casino, Coquitlam – December 20

Fresh off of playing the halftime show at this year’s Grey Cup game in Regina, Abbotsford’s Hedley is set to headline the grand opening of the new Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam. Since releasing their debut album in 2005, Hedley has gone on to become one of the most successful bands in Canada, winning multiple Juno Awards and MuchMusic Video Awards, even getting the opportunity to perform at the closing ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Currently promoting their fifth album, Wild Life, Hedley will please fans with a mix of new songs and old hits and be sure to make the Hard Rock’s opening night one heck of a party.

Credit: Flickr / kingsnake

Party 2014 with The Go-Go’s New Year’s Eve @ River Rock Casino Resort – December 31

If you’re feeling nostalgic for your youth and don’t want to accept that 2014 is quickly approaching, vow to spend New Year’s Eve with The Go-Go’s and pretend that it’s still 1981 instead. The chart-topping all-girl band will perform hits and countdown to midnight with fans at the River Rock Casino Resort, likely not with their “lips sealed”. Ticket price includes a pre-show dinner.

Credit: Flickr / Vancouver 125

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: A Traditional Christmas – Various Dates and Venues

Celebrate the holidays with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as they perform heartwarming Christmas songs and carols at various venues throughout the city in December.

  • December 16 – Italian Cultural Centre
  • December 18 – South Delta Baptist Church
  • December 19 – Bell Performing Arts Centre
  • December 20 – Centennial Theatre
  • December 21 – Kay Meek Theatre
  • December 22 – Michael J. Fox Theatre