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Fall arts preview: Five must-see music events in Vancouver

Sure, the weather is colder, the leaves are turning brown and there will be scarf sightings, but don’t let that get you down. Fall is alive with the sound of music.
Courier Staff
Geoff Berner plays the 11th annual Accordion Noir Festival, which runs Sept. 14 to 16 at the WISE Ha
Geoff Berner plays the 11th annual Accordion Noir Festival, which runs Sept. 14 to 16 at the WISE Hall. Photo Dan Toulgoet

Sure, the weather is colder, the leaves are turning brown and there will be scarf sightings, but don’t let that get you down. Fall is alive with the sound of music. From free-ranging festivals and mariachi superstars to indie darlings and hip hop royalty, here are five concert events that’ll get you off the couch and moving. 

11th Annual Accordion Noir Festival

Squeezebox players gather for their yearly jamboree, proving to the world that the mighty and sometimes maligned accordion is more than just tool of polka bands (although there will be polka). Performers include writer, musician and friend of the Courier Geoff Berner, legendary busker-king Jason Webley, avant-garde composer Amy Denio and Tsunami Piñata, among others.

Sept. 14 to 16 at the WISE Hall.

accordionnoirfest.com

 

Westward Music Festival

Angel Olsen play the Westward Music Festival, which runs Sept. 13 to 16 at various venues.
Angel Olsen play the Westward Music Festival, which runs Sept. 13 to 16 at various venues.

This multi-day arts and music festival has something for everyone. Don’t believe us? How’s this for an eclectic lineup: Blood Orange, Kali Uchis, Rhye, Poppy, Angel Olsen, Honne, Kelela, Metz, Saba, Ravyn Lenae, Ella Mai, Mudhoney, Odds, We Are the City, Tei Shi, Ramriddlz, Pell, Duckwrth, Buddy, Fatima Al Qadiri, Roni Size, Hannah Epperson, Jordan Klassen, Milk & Bone, Nehiyawak and Close Talker. Told you so.

Sept. 13 to 16 at various venues.

westwardfest.com

 

Aida Cuevas: Totalmente Juan Gabriel

Aida Cuevas performs with her band Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán Sept. 22, 8 p.m. at the Chan Centre f
Aida Cuevas performs with her band Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán Sept. 22, 8 p.m. at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts.

Described as the Aretha Franklin of Mexico and the “Queen of Mariachi,” Grammy award-winning, south-of-the-border superstar Aida Cuevas performs with her band Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán classics by the late singer-songwriter and former mentor Juan Gabriel.

Sept. 22, 8 p.m. at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts

chancentre.com

 

Bill Callahan

American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan is at the Vogue, Sept. 25.
American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan is at the Vogue, Sept. 25.

American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan ditched his alias Smog long ago, but his baritone voice, deadpan delivery and wily lyrics that get to the heart of the matter remain firmly intact. He makes a rare Vancouver appearance with guests Badge Epoque. 

Sep. 25 at the Vogue Theatre

ticketfly.com

 

Jay-Z and Beyonce

Beyonce and Jay-Z play BC Place, Oct. 2.
Beyonce and Jay-Z play BC Place, Oct. 2.

Power couples don’t get more fierce than this. The parents of Rumi, Sir and Blue Ivy swagger into BC Place for a sure-to-be spectacle of hip-hop extravagance and power. Bow down to your king and queen. 

Oct. 2 at BC Place

livenation.com