4TheRcrd Mag.

Many outgoing youngins (and us late-twenty-somethings) like to plan their play-time at least a week in advance. Some of us never grew up, in spite of finishing our 12th year of post-secondary! So here goes.

Wed., Jun 13, 2007. It’s A Living Thing w/ The Ludvico Treatment @ The Lamplighter (210 Abbott), 8:00PM. Tix. $8.00.
Deadfilmstars & the Adjective are also going to be playing that evening. Catch some masterful Violins, Keyboards, Guitars and Drums by this phenomenal team. I really liked what they had to show for themselves last time, so fingers crossed.

Wed., Jun 13, 2007. Walk it Out Wednesdays @ Club 686 (686 W. Hastings St.), at 9:00PM. Tix. $8.00.
As they say, now there’s something to do Wednesdays. Might as well see this venue at their grand-opening, and see if they’re worthwhile. Featuring DJ J-Fresh, Alan Hogan, and Diego Kapelan the evening should offer a diverse enough lineup of sexy dance music, for the mid-week claustrophobe.

Wed., Jun 13, 2007. PROPER @ The Plaza Club (881 Granville St.), 9:00PM. Tix. 5+/-.

Featuring a night of House, Electro and Progressive, with Jay Tripwire, Tyler Johnson and Rhia Wellbelove. There’s a general shortage of good house music in the city, besides the Republic’s Wednesdays which, in my opinion, could be a rival for this little shindig.

Thu., June 14, 2007. VANGUARD/LIVING IN RUINS TOUR! @ La Casa Del Artista (150 East 3rd Ave.), Tix. 5+/-, sliding. 7:00PM-11:00.
At least four bands are slated to play that evening, which is amazing, considering as they are all totally independent local groups. All of these - A Crow’s Glory, Set Foot, and Head Shot - are all distinct variations and co-projects of Vanguard. Yes, this is the Finnish band, circa 1999, which is doing an awesome mini-tour in VAN. For which we should be very stoked/proud. A great all ages night of avant garde musical invention. (PS. if you’ve never been to La Casa Del, here’s a map for you). Search for these fellas online and see why they should perhaps be playing at the Plaza instead.

Thu., June 14, 2007. WEREWOLVES OF CRESTON & TICKLE TRUNK KAREOKE @ Koko’s Japanese House (362 Powell St.), at 8:00PM. Tix. 5+/-.

This is a new trio in Vancouver, and a definite group to see for their good humor and hilarity. They are slated to do 2 sets of cover tunes inspired by the randomness and silliness of that mighty institution Karaoke! Familiar melodies imbued with passion, grinning with irony and done in a style that…you may never hear again. And we hope you’ll be there singing along to the choruses and shouting out the Background Vocals. Robin Konstabaris will be hosting her own brand of Tickle Trunk Karaoke, before, between, and after the sets and she’ll have her inspiring collection of dress-up duds (wigs, helmets, dresses, the works) on hand for your personal adornment.

Thu., June 14, 2007. TABOO REVUE BURLESQUE VARIETY SHOW @ The Cobalt (917 Main St.), 9:00PM. Tix. $5+/-.
I saw these guys at the Yard Dogs Roadshow last month and they were spectacular. Sexy, yet down to earth. Coy yet good-humored. Buff, yet professional. I heard this is put on by the Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society’s Taboo Revue Burlesque Variety Show (based in BC & Alberta) Tour Kick-Off!! Featuring performances by Evil Bastard, Mules Maranara, Melody Mangler, Violet Femme, Precious Metal, April O’ Peel, and Lola Lockeheart!! Also starring musical guest Mr. Plow!! Singing, dancing, theatrics and games!! “Truly the most fun you can have without breaking the law,” as they say.

Fri., June 15, 2007. THE PIPETTES @ The Plaza Club (881 Granville St.), 7:00PM. Tix. $20.00.
The Pipettes, alas not a “local” band, are a trio of lovely British lasses, who sing, dance, wear polka dots, and are generally pretty awesome. This show is sure to be great. Warning, some may come to this event sans pants.

Fri., June 15, 2007. JOE ABERNETHY @ The Western Front (303 E. 8th Ave.), 8:30PM. Tix. $10.00+/-.

I’ve seen Joe Abernethy a handful of times, each of these profound and delightful. This music performance will be in the Grand Luxe Theatre portion of the Western Front, so if you haven’t seen live music at the Western Front before, this is an excellent opportunity to do so - as what I’ve seen there so far has always been spectacular. For those not in the know, HALLMARK is the new project of Robert Dayton of Canned Hamm fame. His set is bound to be full of good music and ridiculosity. ABERNETHY plays the songs of local troubadour Joe Abernethy, and is someone we should keep our eyes on! They are as good as they are shy!

Sat., June 16, 2007. ANZA EXTRAVAGANZA W/ FUZZCAT @ The Anza Club (3 W. 8th Ave.), 8:30PM. Tix. 5+/-.
Fuzzcat puts together a great line up in a great venue at the last minute. Fuzzcat, a fab Vancouver group I’ve seen several times to my great pleasure, unified into a tight music-making machine bringing thick beats and ass-shakin’ rawk. I would ping their influences at Manu Chao, Public Enemy, Fela Kuti and anyone else who brings a tear to the eye “or a beer to the lips” as Fuzzcat says. You never know who will sit in or whose clothes may be shed. Come down and dance, sing and rock the night away with Fuzzcat, The Skatomatics, Dubbin Hood and Calamalka will be opening up for them this evening.

Sun., June 17, 2007. COMMERCIAL DRIVE FESTIVAL @ The Commercial Drive (north of 1st Ave.).

Ok, we’ve all been there! And it was wonderful and spontaneous. And we’re havin’ it again two weekends in a row — according to their site! This landmark grass-roots phenomenon features the notorious East Van Chopperfest (with pedal-powered soundsystem), roving artists and performers of many many flavours, spontaneous peculiar occurrences, a Soap Box for speechifying, Commercial Drive Merchant Market, organization info tables, Special Kidzone, the Cooperative Way, street hockey, tons of babies and dogs, more crazy bikes than you can shake a stick at, and general merry mayhem. I particularly love the Community Outreach programs that feature themselves during these weekends, for those who need a place of help before seeking a place to celebrate and party!