Festivals
Westward Music Festival Is Back In Vancouver, June 22 & 23
MRG Live is pleased to unveil the full lineup for this year’s Westward Music Festival, set to take over Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024. The confirmed lineup features a diverse and exciting mix of internationally acclaimed artists alongside some of the city’s most dynamic local acts. Headliners include Mick Jenkins, Cherry Glazerr, Debby Friday (2023 Polaris Prize Winner), NOBRO, Cartel Madras, and Corridor, among others.
In addition, Westward Music Festival shines a light on Vancouver’s vibrant local music scene. Highlighting the city’s homegrown talent, the festival will showcase acts such as Haley Blais, Winona Forever, Janky Bungag, DACEY, Hotel Decor, and Temia (2024 ELEVATE Music Project Winner). These artists represent the future of Vancouver’s music scene, and their inclusion underscores the festival’s commitment to supporting local talent.
Both days will kick off at 1pm with performances on the Skyline Stage at City Centre Artist Lodge, with each night having various programming at Fox Cabaret, Biltmore Cabaret, and Red Gate Arts Society. Schedule can be found here.
Moreover, attendees can look forward to an immersive experience at the City Centre Artist Lodge, where a selection of artists, artisans, and vendors will showcase their unique creations throughout the weekend. From visual art to handcrafted goods, the Artist Lodge will be a hub of creativity and inspiration, adding an extra dimension to the festival atmosphere.
Tickets are now available at admitone.com.
Festivals
PNE Summer Night Concerts – Pierce The Veil
By the time Pierce The Veil took the stage at Vancouver’s Freedom Mobile Arch on September 5, the place was packed and the anticipation was impossible to miss. As part of the PNE Summer Night Concerts, the San Diego post-hardcore veterans delivered a set that mixed nostalgia and chaos.
The show opened with “May These Noises Startle You in Your Sleep Tonight” and “Hell Above.” From there, the night barely let up. “Bulls in the Bronx” got the crowd going, followed by “Circles” and “I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket.”
There was plenty for longtime fans, too. “I’d Rather Die Than Be Famous,” “Yeah Boy and Doll Face” and “Floral & Fading” reached back into the band’s catalog, while their cover of the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” provided one of the evening’s fun surprises.
Visually, Pierce The Veil made the most of the outdoor stage. Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado were constantly moving, throwing themselves around the stage with guitars in hand, while drummer Loniel Robinson provided the thunder behind them. At the centre was Vic Fuentes, whose voice still carries the emotional weight that has defined the band since its early days.
The emotional high point came with “Hold On Till May,” a song that has become deeply personal for many fans as phones went into the air and voices rose across the venue. Predictably, the place lost its mind when they ended with “King for a Day.”
After nearly 20 years, Pierce The Veil still know exactly what their music means to their fans. On this night, Vancouver gave that love right back.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
PIERCE THE VEIL
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell
Festivals
PNE Summer Night Concerts – Train
After almost 10 years away, Train made its highly anticipated return to Vancouver, taking the stage at the PNE as part of the Summer Nights series for an electric night of nostalgia, energy and some of the band’s biggest hits. Nearly 10,000 fans packed the venue to welcome the group back to the city.
With nearly 33 years of performing together, Train proved that its signature sound and undeniable stage presence remain as strong as ever. Currently on the Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour, the band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic album with a set that served as both a celebration of its enduring catalogue and a reminder of why these songs have remained fan favourites for decades.
Opening with “Calling All Angels,” the band quickly launched into a crowd-pleasing run of classics, including “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me” and “Drive By.” Throughout the night, the set balanced humour and heart, with frontman Pat Monahan connecting with the crowd and reflecting the warmth and personality that have become synonymous with Train’s live performances.
The night ultimately came full circle with the song that started the 25th-anniversary celebration: “Drops of Jupiter.” As the familiar opening notes rang out across the PNE, nearly 10,000 voices joined in, creating a fitting finale to a night that celebrated not only one of Train’s most beloved albums, but an iconic career spanning more than three decades.
Check our our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
TRAIN
All Photo Credit : Jill Meagher