Here’s a list of some of the gigs happening in-and-around Vancouver this week.
Music on Main: Kiya Tabassian, setar & Maarja Nuut, violin & voice
Tuesday, April 3, 8 pm
Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St, Vancouver
A fiddler/singer from Northern Estonia joins forces with an Iranian-born and Montreal-based setar player, for one unforgettable night. Uniting Kiya Tabassian’s Persian universe with the mesmerizing violin and captivating voice of Maarja Nuut, they will create a sound not often experienced with stories not often heard. This will be a magical, melodious encounter of music with no borders.
Cécile Doo-Kingué
Thursday, April 5, 7 30 pm
Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver
From unapologetic sexuality to social engagement, Cécile plays and sings life: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. From the Delta to Montreal via NYC, her eclectic mastery of blues can be felt in each note, reminiscent of Taj Mahal or Keb’ Mo’ who, while steeped in tradition, open the genre onto wider avenues. Powerful, sexy and raw, Cécile’s lyrics and sound, live or recorded, make for an enthralling and intimate communion.
Coastal Jazz presents Gary Smulyan with Strings Remembering Bob Belden
Friday, April 6, 7 30pm
843 Seymour St, Vancouver, Pyatt Hall
Multiple Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan’s impressive resume includes work with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Joe Henderson to Joe Lovano and the Mingus Big Band. His playing is marked by an aggressive rhythmic sense, and an intelligent and creative harmonic approach. With Tilden Webb piano, Jodi Proznick bass, Jesse Cahill drums, and a lush 10-piece string section.
Self Help: Moondle CD Release with guests Nothingness
Saturday, April 7, 8 pm
Gold Saucer Studio, 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver
Magic realism meets jazz-inflected indie pop: inspired by the writings of Jorge Luis Borges, Vancouver’s Moondle navigates dreamy sonic labyrinths, enchanting libraries of real and made-up languages, and lush, imaginative musical interplay. Join them on April 7 at the Gold Saucer, for their debut album release. With special guest Nothingness.
Sound of Dragon Festival: Sound of Dragon Ensemble and Toronto Chinese Orchestra Chamber Players
Sunday, April 8, 7 30pm
Orpheum Annex, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver
The third installment of the bi-annual Sound of Dragon Music Festival features some of the most creative music crafted through collaboration between Vancouver’s Chinese music community, local music scene innovators, and special guests from Taiwan and China. Perhaps the most popular Chinese instrument is the 21-string Zheng. Its harp-like sound is among the most graceful and characteristic of Chinese music that can be heard. 21 Strings Plus (Vancouver) with special guest Xian Wen Hu (China) offer a stunning program for solo and trio Zheng from Canadian, German, Chinese and Korean composers in this special evening of music.
Stay tuned for the next gig list on Monday!
