Just got married this past weekend and Andy was phenomenal! We got so many compliments on the…read moremusic. An amazing mix of pop, rock, country and everything in between for everyone young and old. Everyone (including my heavily pregnant close friend and one who had recently given birth!) was on the dance floor which is exactly what we wanted. Highly HIGHLY recommend Andy!

On the way to the show I was humming The Bare Naked Ladies song about Brian Wilson. Aside from the…read moresong being as catchy as Brian Wilson's own material, it summed up everything about Brian in just a single sentence of a catchy chorus. Over the years I've been aware of Brian's questionable mental state, some of which was depicted in last year's bio pic Love & Mercy. Even if Brian himself was unaware of where he was during the show I still felt that I should at least be in the same room as the song writing legend, who has had more hits than McCartney, before he permanently lays in bed. The show started 10 minutes earlier than scheduled in true Brian Wilson fashion. He just walked on stage with the house lights still on and started playing piano without the band. The band rushed the stage a few bars in as people were frantically filing in. The lobby of the theatre was repeatedly and urgently warning people that the show had begun. He opened up with California Girls. I wondered during the show if this was Brian's way of quilting the audience for not filing in fast enough even though he took everyone off guard, including his own technical staff. He even semi scolded the audience by saying, "You can take your seats now anytime." It's hard for me to tell if he was joking or was having one of his signature senior moments. Either way it provided some unintentional entertainment. It wasn't the first of the evening. The 2.5 hours was divided into 3 segments: A few early hits, Pet Sounds in full (which this tour was celebrating) and a few other hits. Everyone came and got what they wanted to hear and more. The whole time I was actually tapping my feet like a metronome. It was also the first time in months that I watched an entire show without checking my phone. The bulk of the enjoyment of the show was more for the band than Brian. Most of the band members have touring history with the original and different incarnations of the Beach Boys including founding member Al Jardin who, along with the rest of the band, did all the heavy lifting. Brian sang 40% of the time, most of which was during the Pet Sounds portion. Brian was just an honorary ornament with an extraordinary band. The band played tight and made certain songs sound better than the original recordings. One of the best live touring bands that I've seen in decades with a long resume of who's who in music (that went under appreciated with most of the audience). One moment that put a smirk on my face was when Brian suddenly stopped playing the piano during Sail On, Sailor. He waddled off stage and went to the bathroom leaving his band behind in confusion. There was a forced extended guitar solo until the band were able to figure out what was going on. The intermission before the Pet Sounds portion was supposed to be 25 minutes, however, Brian wandered on stage 9 minutes into the intermission with no band, no lights and a sound delay as some of his technical crew were still in the bathroom. The band were ear shot away so they were able to get their shit together two bars in. Half the audience were still in the lobby getting drinks. Pretty much most of us missed the first two songs of Pet Sounds. Another memorable Brian Wilson moment. The majority of the audience were under 25 to whom Pet Sounds actually matters to, therefore, missing the first two songs was more of annoyance for them than the older crowd. At the time of the initial release Pet Sounds did very poorly and the label wanted to shelve it completely. Hard core Beach Boys fans still dismiss it all together. There's something charmingly ambitious about the album. It was fun audience watching to see how the material got lost on the older fans and embraced, in admiration for Brian, by the young hipster kids. Pet Sounds has sold more copies in the past 10 years by people under 30 than it did 50 years ago that it had to have two 180g vinyl re-issues. The album has influenced a lot of new bands like The Shins, Zola, The Flaming Lips and Tame Impala. If you're one of those music fans that shits on new music you can blame Brian Wilson for being ahead of his time influencing what is being played on iTunes today. During the Pet Sounds portion of the show I had to listen with my eyes closed to appreciate and understand some of the mathematical calculations and awkward time signatures. For the rest of the show it was beneficial that I had a balcony seat with a birds eye view so that I could see what the band were actually playing. I wanted to understand the technicalities of what made the blue print of his material. The sound mix was beyond amazing, the members played well that it proved that you really don't need backing tracks at any show if the band has their shit together. They did a technical band introduction to the audience which you rarely see bands acknowledge by name. It was well appreciated and earned. During the greatest hits portion everyone was on their feet. The crowning moment wa

I came early to check out The Chain Gang of 1974, a band that's been on my radar for a few years…read more It was really awesome to finally get to see them. Due to the first openers Souvenir, who were unable to make it across the border, The Chain Gang of 1974 started a bit early which caused me to miss two songs. Kamtin had charisma and was the scene stealer. The rest of the guys were just as fantastic. Musically they were very tight. The music and the performance was exactly how I had pictured it to be. The set was so energetic that the random bits of confetti (from a different show) from the scaffolding loosened up and showered the audience. The sound mix was well balanced. It was easy to hear each instrument separated making it easier for first timers to get into their set. Of course there's always that guy who has to ruin it for everyone. Some asshole during the second to last song decided to throw a cup filled with water at Kamtin. Naturally he went from channeling his inner Trent Reznor to upset and annoyed. As he was singing I could tell that he was hunting the instigator as was the rest of the audience. Even when he called out the perpetrator the cowered didn't even have the balls to show himself. It just encouraged the audience to cheer stronger to show that we did in fact appreciate The Chain Gang of 1974. They debuted a new song which was just as addicting as the rest of their catalogue. I'm looking forward to this release later in the year. Between bands the audience was soothed by the sounds of Radiohead. I hope that the dude who threw the cup also had a chance to chill out to Radiohead. I made my mingling rounds and was disappointed at the low turn out considering that the last time AFI they sold out the Commodore. The positive side is that I got to be very up close with minimal physical violation. The audience that did show up compacted together. Their energy filled the room. It was a friendly mosh pit of with a lot of apologies after shoves but overall we were in it together. We all helped each other celebrate. No shortage of smiles. The opening music before AFI hit the stage was Duran Duran. Of course in total nerd fashion I danced like I was Hungry Like A Wolf in my New Kids On The Block shirt. I believe that I won up the goths. The band opened with their huge hit Girls Got Grey to get the crowd worked up from the gate. Not that it was needed as we were all excited to see AFI. The rest of their catalogue is just as strong and the show just got better with each passing minute. The sound mix was a little muddy and off, however, everything settle two songs in. The magic moments for me were the songs off Sing The Sorrow. Davey was super energetic and the band were tight. He danced around the stage as if it was his own personal playground. Vocally Davey was strong and held it together on 90% of the songs. The few moments in which he was short of breath was disguised well. The icing on the cupcake was when they performed Silver and Gold, a song that holds some personal sentiment. Head banging with everyone as the audience echoed the chorus was a moment that summed up the whole show in less than 3 minutes. I walked out of the venue with the other metal goths clutching my neck with the urgency to leave a message with my chiropractor before I got home. A sign that the show was enjoyed.

There a few things that make me Canadian: Tim Horton's, Canadian Tire Money, Curling and some of…read morethe Canadian bands that sit on my CD shelf, Rush being one of them. Being one of the few female Rush fans, not dragged by their husbands and or boyfriends, it was good to share the music with some ladies. It was still primarily a sausage fest but this time there were a lot more tacos to choose from. Compared to other prog bands, Rush have always managed to make progressive music but at the same time, unlike other prog bands, they've made their music accessible to casual fans. They're not too afraid to follow or be influenced by current trends while still remaining signature to their sound. I didn't go to Rush expecting to hear different renditions of my favorite songs, I went expecting to hear exactly what was on record, often hard to emulate without "cheating" from other bands. Rush on the other hand, were crisp, on key and in top performance with what I believe from my ears as no musical fuck ups. It was as tight and professional as a symphony orchestra. Surprisingly they were all in top shape for their age and stage in their career. Geddy's singing style is aging gracefully. The set list was both a mixture of predictability as well as some songs noticeably missed out but nothing that angered fans and or made them feel incomplete by the end of the evening. " The stage lighting was nothing stellar, however, with a band like Rush, you were mesmerized by the music and the songs (they carried the weight). I am not one for drum solos and they've always been a bathroom break for me, however, when Neil Peart did his solo, barely anyone dared to remove themselves from the venue. Not only was he mesmerizing to watch, he confirmed that he is the best drummer out there. When does a drum solo get a standing ovation? Geddy's voice is still in prime shape. He hit the high notes flawlessly. Even though each member was situated in their spot trying to perform in perfection with less interaction amongst members, there was still a clear sense on stage that after 35 years, they still really liked each other as people. This was confirmed earlier in the year with the Rush movie that showed in theatres. I did my fair share of air drumming as well as air keyboards, more likely the cause of my now sore shoulder as I'm typing this but it was totally worth it.

I have packed many weddings under my belt, and almost everyone has disappointed me music wise with…read moretheir cheesy chicken dances, inability to read the crowd, and lack of music in general... Not to mention most of the wedding DJs I've encountered are just plain lame (no offence "someone's uncle", "dude sourced on Craigslist" and the "friend of someone your sister once worked with"-- I'm sure you have your place in the wedding DJ world) But if you want actual killer music, the right mix of all of your tastes, a crowd that will keep dancing til the end, and a DJ that actually cares about your big day-- do not trust anyone but DJ Leanne and her amazing set of DJs. I could not think of anyone better to be in charge of our biggest most memorable moments- walking down the aisle, our first dance, and all of the seconds in between. Thank goodness she was available for our wedding, I couldn't have imagined our wedding with anyone else in charge of music. DJ Leanne walks you through a consultation that is all about you and your tastes- you will even be asked to fill in a survey about what kind of music you like. Then, you'll be asked (and they will consult too) on your must have dance music, your ceremony music etc. From that they will magically weave all of your music tastes together-- even if you are like us.... Some would say we are kind of eclectic- think Beach Boys, Blue Rodeo, Lumieers and Van Morrison to No Doubt, No Diggity and Metallica to Little John, LMFAO and Flo Rida and Big and Rich, Shania Twain and Toby Keith too... And DJ Leanne just nailed each mood. Plus she and Jesse are a dynamo duo, they ooze adoration and affection. You will want them in your lives- they are some kind of awesome. 1000% recommended.

Used this company pre-covid for a corporate event, and can't wait to book them again! DJ Leanne was…read morereally amazing throughout the entire process, and made sure all of our needs were met. Highly recommend!!

Just recently took a lesson with Duran, such a great class. Duran is a professional drummer and…read moreactually does this for a living, who else better to show you how to do this! He has the skills of a drummer and the know how's in the industry!

I hired Alex and his team to play at one of my events a few months ago and they were FABULOUS…read more From start to finish, Alex was professional, on-time, and had great communication. They played a 30 minute set, but you can book them for longer if you'd like. You can also book a 1-person solo act or a large 8-10 person band. Whatever your mariachi band needs are, Alex will be sure to take care of you. If I ever need a mariachi band at any of my future events, Alex and his team will be the first people I call!

amazing mariachi one of the best in vancouver the play with Lila downs when she came to van city…read morefew year ago, they are simply the best.

we got tickets to the jesse cook show at the centre in vancouver on 777 homer street, which feels…read morepretty new and sleek. the moment we stepped inside, that curved marble staircase caught my eye, it was elegant and dramatic, with mirrored panels that bounced reflections around in such a cool way. the venue itself is small, it seats around 1800 people across three levels, with great acoustics and comfy purple chairs. during intermission, i was surprised to see there were no long lines at the washrooms, there were plenty of stalls, the concession stand was actually a lot longer. you can bring drinks into the auditorium, but note, there are no cup holders. jesse cook's performance gave off the gypsy kings energy, upbeat, rhythmic, and full of flamenco and andalusian flair. he's not only a talented guitarist but also a natural storyteller. between songs, he shared little anecdotes about how he met one of his bandmates or what inspired a particular piece of music. he was accompanied on stage with four other band members. there was lots of hand clapping along with the rhythm, and toward the end, he invited everyone to get up and samba. it gave the night this warm, easygoing energy.

First time watching Bini, and it was at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts. The venue is…read moresmall, and my seat was on the 3rd floor, making it hard to see the performers. I could've used a telescope! This was Bini's first big sold-out performance, and when I booked my ticket, I didn't realize how confusing the seating would be. Although I had a wonderful night, the height of the second and third floors wasn't ideal for those who want to be closer to the stage. By the time I bought my ticket, most of the seats were already gone, even though I booked as soon as they went on sale. Still, it was worth it!