Nita Strauss plays the Rickshaw
By Steve Newton
There were some darn fine concerts to see in Vancouver during the first half of 2023–including gigs by Jason Isbell, Larkin Poe, John Mellencamp, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Now here’s my top 10 picks for the second half of the year.
Rock on, people!
Nita Strauss: heavy-metal guitar virtuoso, formerly of the Alice Cooper band, with guests Lions at the Gate. July 2 at the Rickshaw Theatre.
Scott Smith & the Evil Ways: Vancouver guitarist is featured in a celebration of the music of Santana, accompanied by organist Darryl Havers, bassist Jeremy Holmes, drummer Geoff Hicks, conga player Liam MacDonald, and timbalero Robin Layne. July 2 at the Shipyards. FREE ADMISSION.
Social Distortion: California punk-rock band, featuring guitarist-vocalist Mike Ness. July 5 and 6 at the Commodore Ballroom.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: 24-year-old blues-rock guitarist and vocalist from Clarksdale, Mississippi. July 20 at the Commodore Ballroom.
Devin Townsend plays Thunderbird Arena
Dreamsonic 2023: prog-metal extravaganza featuring Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and Animals as Leaders. July 21 at Thunderbird Arena.
Bonnie Raitt: American blues-roots singer-songwriter and slide-guitar ace. September 3 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Iron Maiden plays Rogers Arena
Iron Maiden: British heavy metal legends, featuring vocalist Bruce Dickinson, perform on their The Future Past Tour. October 2 at Rogers Arena.
Peter Gabriel: British prog-rock, art-pop, and worldbeat singer and songwriter. October 7 at Rogers Arena.
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band: Heartland rock legend from New Jersey (“Born in the U.S.A.”) fronts a band that features guitarists Little Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren. November 3 at Rogers Arena.
Guns N’ Roses play BC Place
Guns N’ Roses: hard-rock greats from L.A., featuring singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash. October 16 at BC Place Stadium.