Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, June 5 to 9

Sisu screens at the Rio By Steve Newton TUESDAY TO FRIDAY: Renegade Arts Co. presents Spring Awakening, the Tony-winning pop-rock musical about German teens discovering sexuality and navigating adolescence, running until June 10 at the Shop Theatre. WEDNESDAY: Elvis Costello & the Imposters, play the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, with guest guitarist Charlie Sexton and opening act … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, June 5 to 9

Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, May 8 to 12

  Terminal Station plays Guilt and Co. By Steve Newton MONDAY: Vancouver blues-rock band Terminal Station–featuring singer-guitarist Scott Smith–plays Guilt and Co. Stand on it, Scotty! MONDAY TO FRIDAY: the DOXA Documentary Film Festival will showcase 39 features and mid-lengths and 25 short films, plus Q&As and panel discussions, at the VIFF Centre and Cinematheque until May … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Vancouver this week, May 8 to 12

Newt’s top 10 (or 14) things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, May 5 to 7

The Modelos play the Admiral Pub By Steve Newton FRIDAY: the Rogue Folk Club presents the six-piece Get Back band performing unplugged interpretations of Beatles songs at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James, with guest Jenny Allen from Calgary. FRIDAY: Vancouver blues artist and actor Jim Byrnes performs as part of the Listening Lounge Series at the ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge. SOLD OUT. FRIDAY AND … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 (or 14) things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, May 5 to 7

Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts in May

The Schizophonics play the Biltmore By Steve Newton Australasian pop band Crowded House,  led by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Neil Finn, plays the Orpheum Theatre on May 2. If they forget to play "Don't Dream It's Over", ask for your money back. Australian prog-rock guitar wizard Plini plays the Rickshaw Theatre on May 2, with guests Sungazer and Jakub … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts in May

Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Feb. 3 to 5

Stick Men play the Rickshaw By Steve Newton FRIDAY: American progressive-rock supergroup Stick Men, featuring King Crimson's Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto, plays the Rickshaw Theatre. FRIDAY: screening at the VIFF Centre of director Kyle Edward Ball’s experimental, micro-budget horror film Skinamarink. FRIDAY: MRG Live presents Vancouver singer-songwriter Dan Mangan at the Fox Cabaret, performing … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Feb. 3 to 5

Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Jan. 13-15

Brass Camel plays the WISE Hall By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Vancouver punk-rockers the Black Halos play the Rickshaw Theatre, with guests the Spitfires and Alien Boys. Billy Hopeless in da house! FRIDAY: Vancouver rockabilly trio Cousin Harley, featuring guitar wizard Paul Pigat, plays White Rock's Blue Frog Studios. SOLD OUT. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: Grammy-winning violinist … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, Jan. 13-15

Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the first half of 2023

Jason Isbell plays the Queen E By Steve Newton Bowie Ball: the eighth annual tribute to David Bowie and fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation, featuring performances by local acts the Bad Beats, Rebel Valentine, Ophelia Falling, China Syndrome, Ford Pier, Cherry Maraschino, Mime, Left Spine Down, and Rat Silo. January 7 at the Rickshaw … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the first half of 2023

When you go backstage to meet your idol John Fogerty and your buddy Ferg hogs the photo

By Steve Newton Back in August of 1997 I went to see John Fogerty at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. One of my favourite all-time rockers--wicked vocalist, brilliant songwriter, and killer guitarist--Fogerty was touring behind his Grammy-winning Blue Moon Swamp album, and I'd scored free front-row seats because I'd interviewed the man in advance of … Continue reading When you go backstage to meet your idol John Fogerty and your buddy Ferg hogs the photo

Midnight Oil proves itself a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll band that counts on the Diesel and Dust tour

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 29, 1988 By Steve Newton At Midnight Oil's press conference the day of their April 22 show the band's drummer (and one of the major songwriters) Rob Hirst was asked about the group's preoccupation with political themes. Hirst acknowledged the political side of the band, but also pointed out … Continue reading Midnight Oil proves itself a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll band that counts on the Diesel and Dust tour

My 50 fave Vancouver concerts of all time (so far)

By Steve Newton In celebration of the Georgia Straight turning 50 this year, I figured I'd offer a roundup of the 50 top Vancouver concerts I've reviewed while writing for the paper since 1982. Maybe you made it out to a couple yourself! Although I doubt you weaseled your way backstage at the Orpheum in '93 to … Continue reading My 50 fave Vancouver concerts of all time (so far)

That time Jethro Tull was so smokin’ I bought a hat just like Ian Anderson’s

By Steve Newton I don't go nuts buying t-shirts and hats at concerts because they're usually pricey as hell, but when the band puts on a smokin' show I sometimes break down and score myself a souvenir. If I recall correctly, Jethro Tull was pretty smokin' at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver on December 10, 1991, … Continue reading That time Jethro Tull was so smokin’ I bought a hat just like Ian Anderson’s

“We’re here for a reason, not here for a season,” says blues survivor Buddy Guy

By Steve Newton “I know I’m a survivor,” 56-year-old Buddy Guy told me back in 1993. “I mean we’re all only here for a time, you know—we’re here for a reason, not here for a season, man. All our days are comin’, so I’m just hopin’ I can keep our music goin’ on till some other … Continue reading “We’re here for a reason, not here for a season,” says blues survivor Buddy Guy

R.I.P. B.B. King: the nicest bluesman I ever met

By Steve Newton As you've most likely heard by now, B.B. King, the beloved "King of the Blues", passed away last night at the age of 89. He was receiving hospice care at his home in Las Vegas, where the longtime diabetic was recovering from dehydration. You can read all about the great man's numerous … Continue reading R.I.P. B.B. King: the nicest bluesman I ever met