Chris Isaak wows the crowd in Vancouver on Aug. 15
Vancouverites adore the debonair crooner, who lived here for three years while filming The Chris Isaak Show. His concert performances are filled with witty banter, hits such as “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing” and even a costume change or two. See the hardest working man in show biz at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Aug. 15).—Sheri Radford
British sensation Sting. Photo by Fabrizio Ferri
If you’ve ever wondered how amazing a pop star would sound backed by an orchestra, you’re in luck. Sting’s new world tour, which kicks off right here in Vancouver, features the former frontman for The Police backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing hits ranging from “Every Breath You Take” to “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” At The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Jun. 2).—Sheri Radford
Jack-of-all-trades Henry Rollins is in Vancouver on May 25. Photo by Maura Lanahan
Is there anything Henry Rollins can’t do? He conquered the world of hardcore punk rock. He’s hosted radio shows, acted for television and film, and campaigned for human rights. His resume also includes stints as a publisher, author and Vanity Fair blogger. Hear him discuss his travels to troubled and war-torn countries, at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (May 25).—Sheri Radford
Franklin and friends will delight your wee ones
Join everyone’s favourite turtle and his lovable bunch of animal friends in Franklin and the Adventures of the Noble Knights. On a crusade to recover Princess Harriet’s golden necklace, Franklin and his gang lead everyone on a fun-filled quest jam-packed with original songs, music and dance numbers. At The Centre (Apr. 17).—Jennifer Patterson
Prepare to be wowed with Monkey King
What do you get when you take an epic narrative about a monk’s quest to recover a sacred relic and add an original rock score and mesmerizing dance sequences, then throw in kung fu battles? The end result is this high-energy, action-filled musical, which delighted audiences during the Beijing 2008 Summer Games. With a huge cast of singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians and martial artists, the show is sure to entertain all ages. At The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Feb. 6 to 27).—Sheri Radford
Tchaikovsky's classic The Nutcracker. Photo by David Cooper
See Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and all the other memorable characters in this beloved Christmas story, danced by The Goh Ballet at The Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts (Dec. 17 to 20).—Sheri Radford
Enjoy a little slice of Paris during Moulin Rouge - The Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet doesn’t have much need for can-can skills in its usual shows, but this is no usual show. See the opulent costumes and dramatic set—and, yes, the can-can—during Moulin Rouge – The Ballet at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Nov. 19 to 22).—Sheri Radford
WHAT A RIOT
See funnyman Danny Bhoy during the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour 2009
You’ll be in stitches when the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour 2009 chuckles its way into The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Nov. 14). Jokesters from Canada, the United States and Scotland—including festival favourite Pete Correale and side-splittingly funny Scot Danny Bhoy (pictured)—will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat with their comedy. We dare you to keep a straight face.—Kristina Urquhart
GOOD MUSIC
Vancouverite Matthew Good rocks two shows in November
Matthew Good, one of Canada’s favourite alternative rockers, has just released his latest solo album, Vancouver. This Burnaby-born musician, writer, blogger and activist is also a long-time Vancouver resident whose insightful lyrics let us see the city from his unique perspective. He is performing two shows at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Nov. 9 and 10). And a Good concert is always a good concert.—Véronique Darwin
A CHORUS LINE
You're in for a showstopper with A Chorus Line. Photo by Paul Kolnik
What do you get when you put 17 dancers on a bare stage to audition for the chorus line of a new show? You get the premise for the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. It won nine Tony Awards, as well as the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for drama. See for yourself what all the fuss is about when this musical juggernaut high-kicks its way into The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Nov. 3 to 8).—Sheri Radford
ANI DIFRANCO
Rock out with Ani DiFranco on Oct. 27
For an artist who once said she doesn’t make hit singles, Ani DiFranco has lasted in show biz for nearly 20 years. The pint-size Grammy winner and renowned feminist performs new and old tracks at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Oct. 27). Rock on.—Kristina Urquhart
