The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver February 2015

Don't miss Stars and Hey Rosetta!, Sam Roberts, Hozier and more awesome performers on stage this month

Ben Howard at UBC Thunderbird Stadium – February 14

Whether you are spending Valentine’s Day solo or with a loved one, there is probably no sadder way to celebrate the holiday than seeing Ben Howard sing his impossibly dark, melancholy songs live. (If you need a breakup concert, this is the one.) While the British folk singer’s songs are usually a total downer, they are filled with thoughtful, introspective lyrics and carefully orchestrated crescendos that send chills down spines. Tears will likely be shed at this show, but at least there will be comfort in knowing that an entire stadium will be welling up together.

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Hozier at The Orpheum – February 15

When Andrew Hozier-Byrne (a.k.a. Hozier) last visited Vancouver in October, he was fresh off of a powerful performance on Saturday Night Live and quickly gaining popularity amongst music listeners of all genres. The Irish singer-songwriter combines indie rock, soul and blues influences to create a sound entirely his own. The last year has been an unexpected whirlwind for the shaggy-haired performer following the success of his song “Take Me to Church”. Hozier performs at the The Orpheum on February 15. 

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St. Paul and the Broken Bones at The Rickshaw – February 19

Listening to Birmingham, Alabama’s St. Paul and the Broken Bones is like taking a step back in time. The seven-piece soul band sounds uncannily like an R&B group straight out of the 1960s. Be prepared – donning glasses and bowties, front man Paul Janeway doesn’t exactly look the part, but his boisterous vocals and fiery stage presence consistently take audiences by surprise. The group’s acclaimed debut album, Half the City, is filled with big vocals and horns. St. Paul and the Broken Bones’ show at The Rickshaw on February 19 is bound to be a soulful, dance-inducing and crowd-pleasing affair. 

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Sam Roberts Band at the Commodore Ballroom – February 27 and 28

Montreal rocker Sam Roberts and his band return to Vancouver this month for a two-night stand at the Commodore Ballroom. Promoting their fifth studio album, Lo-Fantasy, Sam Roberts Band will perform both new numbers and familiar favourites like “Don’t Walk Away Eileen” and “Bridge to Nowhere”. Sam Roberts always delivers a captivating live performance and these shows will be no exception. Local bands The River and the Road and Pigeon Park will provide support.

Buy Tickets: February 27, February 28

Stars and Hey Rosetta! at The Vogue Theatre – February 27 and 28

Two more Canadian indie favourites join forces for back-to-back co-headlining performances at The Vogue Theatre this month. Toronto’s Stars will sing their emotionally charged indie pop anthems for their long-time adoring fans. After 15 years, vocalists Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan’s voices still mesh together flawlessly. Also on the bill is Newfoundland darlings Hey Rosetta! (pictured) who will offer their charming folk songs sung by charismatic frontman Tim Baker. Catch this can’t-miss double-bill at The Vogue Theatre on February 27 or 28. 

Buy Tickets: February 27, February 28