Nita Strauss plays the Rickshaw
By Steve Newton
Nita Strauss: heavy-metal guitar virtuoso, formerly of the Alice Cooper band, with guests Lions at the Gate. July 2 at the Rickshaw Theatre. That lady can play!
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. Maybe they’ll do “Samba Pa Ti”.
Social Distortion: California punk-rock band, featuring guitarist-vocalist Mike Ness. July 5 and 6 at the Commodore Ballroom. Both shows CANCELLED.
saltspringunderground plays Khatsahlano
Khatsahlano Street Festival. Annual outdoor music event curated by Zulu Records features performances by dozens of B.C. acts, including saltspringunderground, Pink Mountaintops, Yukon Blonde, Desiree Dawson, Louise Burns, Skye Wallace, and Noble Son. July 8 on West Fourth Avenue from Burrard to MacDonald. FREE ADMISSION. Newtification: top-notch writer Adrian “Mad” Mack plays drums in saltspringunderground.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival: Performers include Albert Lee, Joe Henry, Colin Linden, Rich Hope, Krystle Dos Santos, Jim Byrnes, and Steve Dawson & the Hooded Mergansers. July 14 to 16 at Jericho Beach Park. Don’t forget the sunscreen, but there’s shady spots if you do.
Colin Linden plays Blue Frog Studios
Colin Linden: Canadian roots-music great, member of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. July 19 at White Rock’s Blue Frog Studios. One of the nicest people in the music biz.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: 24-year-old blues-rock guitarist and vocalist from Clarksdale, Mississippi. July 20 at the Commodore Ballroom. That dude can play!
Devin Townsend plays Thunderbird Arena
Dreamsonic 2023: prog-metal extravaganza featuring Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and Animals as Leaders. July 21 at Thunderbird Arena. Caution: it might be loud.
Fishbone: L.A. rock band plays a fusion of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul, with guest King Youngblood. July 28 at the Rickshaw Theatre.
Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd tribute band from Britain, featuring long-time guitarist/vocalist and musical director Damian Darlington, celebrates 50 years of The Dark Side of the Moon. July 31 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. “Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day…”