Six concerts to check out this month in Vancouver

Jenny Lewis plays songs from her acclaimed fourth album On the Line at the Commodore Ballroom May 20.

Whether it’s ’90s alt-rock, gospel or old video game music that’s your jam, May has you covered. Below we’ve selected six out of the many concerts coming to town, including Lemonheads, Jenny Lewis, and even jazz, to check out.

Unplugged – Video Game Jazz (May 10 at Tyrant Studios above the Penthouse Nightclub)—The Runaway Four revisit the early days of Atari et al with an acoustic night of video game music. The night will include rare tunes, fresh instrumentation and special guests, including The Squares Barbershop Quartet. ($10 cover)

Melody McKiver (May 18 at Western Front, 303 E. 8th Ave.)—The Anishinaabe violist’s solo and collaborative work explores the Indigenous experience on Turtle Island (a name for North America used by many Native Americans and First Nations people and by indigenous rights activists. McKiver’s debut EP Reckoning (2017) was nominated for an Indigenous Music Award in 2018. (Tickets here)

Lemonheads with guest Tommy Stinson (May 18 at the Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings St.)—’90s alt-rockers famous for (among other things) their cover of “Mrs. Robinson” play songs from their latest, Varshons 2. It features songs by John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Florida Georgia Line, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and The Eagles, among others. Opening the show is Tommy Stinson, former bassist for the Replacements and Guns ‘n Roses. (Tickets: $25 at ticketweb.ca)

Allen Matheson Septet (May 18 at Pyatt Hall)—The Alan Matheson Septet has been plying its trade in the Vancouver jazz scene for over twenty years. The band will perform originals as well as jazz classics by Billy Strayhorn, Fletcher Henderson and Stan Kenton. (Tickets: $15 students/$20 general at brownpapertickets.com)

Jenny Lewis (May 20 at the Commodore)—The American pop singer/songwriter brings her new album On the Line to Vancouver. According to a review at pitchfork.com, “The fourth album from the California indie rock icon features some of her strongest songwriting, sung gorgeously and told with biting detail.” (Tickets $39.50 at ticketmaster.ca)

The Return of Soul Gospel (May 25 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St.)—For their final concert of the season, Good Noise Gospel Choir features guest vocalists Dawn Pemberton and Warren Dean Flandez for The Return of Soul Gospel. The program includes music by Al Green, Annie Lennox, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers. (Tickets: $30 adults, $25 students/seniors, $10 children 12 & under at brownpapertickets.com or 1.800.838.3006)

Good Noise Gospel Choir.

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