Summer Live at Stanley Park

Only a week after Canada Day and it’s already time to honour another notable birthday: Vancouver’s 125th anniversary and year as Cultural Capital of Canada will be celebrated with Summer Live, part of Vancouver 125 – a year-long program of anniversary initiatives and events. The festivities began in April with Birthday Live, and continue this coming weekend with Summer Live, which will showcase Vancouver’s vibrant arts scene through a multi-stage event in Stanley Park on July 8th, 9th, and 10th. Here are five notable musical performances you won’t want to miss…

Mother Mother – July 8
Mother Mother is an awesome Vancouver-based five-piece band. At the heart of the group are brother-sister duo Ryan and Molly Gulemond. Showcasing an eclectic mix of pop/rock, Mother Mother is enjoying a notable 2011 thanks in large part to the release of their third album, Eureka.

Neko Case – July 9
A Virginia transplant and Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design alum, Neko Case’s solo sound is indie-gold. Middle Cyclone, her most recent album, was critically-acclaimed and became an international best-seller.

Dan Mangan – July 10
Dan Mangan is a wonder: a singer-songwriter known for his great croons and guitar strumming. He’s been nominated for a Polaris Prize, and fans can look for his upcoming album, Oh Fortune, coming out late September. Listen out for the horns and strings section that will accompany Dan and his band at Summer Live.

Spirit of the West – July 10
Any Canadian who’s ever stepped foot in a pub has probably heard Spirit of the West’s Home For a Rest, and can jive along to the upbeat folk sound. Since the 80s, they’ve released 13 albums, no small feat, and can count four gold and two platinum albums as accomplishments.

Hey Ocean – July 10
You wouldn’t necessarily call their style “pop,” but Hey Ocean’s infectious sound can get almost anyone in a daze. This Vancouver trio consists of Ashleigh Ball, David Beckingham, and David Vertesi, and their new album is dropping soon, to much anticipation from their die-hard fans.