2019 Events
Week 30 - Locals Lounge presents Sophia Danai
June 20, 2019
Our guest in June was electro-pop singer, songwriter, and producer Sophia Danai. Sophia got up close and personal with the audience and talked about the lessons she learned as a young artist getting her start in the industry, and how those lessons made their way onto her new album 'Real Eyes'. The night started with folk duo Zach & Jim.
Week 29 - Locals Lounge presents The Living
May 30, 2019
Our guest in May was futuristic soul singer-songwriter The Living. Rian discussed his transition to Vancouver from London, his experience working with Vancouver legend Chin Injeti, and the overlap between his love of music and his love of healthy food. Pop crooner Caitlin Goulet got the night off to a smoldering start.
Week 28 - Locals Lounge presents Sound of Kalima
April 11, 2019
Our guest in April was production collective Sound of Kalima, performing with featured emcee Ekke. Producers Sal and Pete talked about how their collaborative squad came together at UBC, and their recipe for growth in Vancouver's music scene. Starting the night off were emcees and fellow squad members Seungrae and Pavy.
Week 27 - Locals Lounge presents Kristina Lao
February 21, 2019
Our guest in March was singer-songwriter and Indie VanCity curator Kristina Lao. Kristina talked to us about her newly-released music, lessons learned abroad as she toured with a musical theatre company in the UK, and what Vancouver's music scene can learn from cities around the world. The opening act was indie/folk artist Shaun Rawlins.
Week 26 - Locals Lounge presents Dutch Robinson
February 21, 2019
Our guest in February was R&B hall of famer Dutch Robinson. Dutch told us about his early days as lead singer and songwriter of the Ohio Players, his move to Nova Scotia, and the importance of looking out for the next generation. Our opening act was singer-songwriter Joshua Job
Week 25 - Locals Lounge presents Tonye
January 17, 2019
In January 2019 we moved to a new home at the Railway Club. This venue has deep roots in this city's musical history, so we brought in a guest whose presence in the city is equally legendary: the one and only Tonye. Tonye spoke to our audience about how she got her start, her experiences in the city, her life since being diagnosed with MS, and her upcoming record.
2018 Events
Week 24 - Locals Lounge presents Stephanie Ratcliff
October 21, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to host the spritiual sounds of Stephanie Ratcliff Music in our final event at the Belmont Bar. Stephanie discussed how music has been her constant companion through difficulty, and her recent triumph at the Western Canada Music Awards. Mudfunk lead turned solo R&B artist SOLA Music opened the night with a heartfelt sampling of her new material.
Week 23 - Locals Lounge presents Raincity Blue
September 16, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to host funk/soul showstoppers Raincity Blue on the occasion of our two-year anniversary. The band talked about coming together to create the music they'd always wanted to, the plans for their second album, and how to party Point Roberts style. Guitar 'n B looper Phil Bo started the night off with some multi-instrumental funkiness of his own.
Week 22- Locals Lounge presents Patrick Spencer
August 19, 2018
Singer, songwriter, busker, and bandit balladeer Patrick Spencer was our guest on a smoky August evening. The Coldwater Road front man talked about his history in Vancouver, his recommendations for new musicians, and told us a story of a gig gone terribly but memorably wrong. Rumour Mill started the night with their harmonic blend of pop, folk, and country.
Week 21 - Locals Lounge presents Laydy Jams
July 22, 2018
Our guest this month was hip-hop/soul/jazz duo Laydy Jams, who brought their message of freedom, empowerment, and lemonade to our stage at Belmont Bar. After re-constituting as a duo from a trio, the pair treated us to some old favourites and brand new material. The night began with the soft soulful sensuality of Candace Coker.
Week 20 - Locals Lounge presents Krystle Dos Santos
June 17, 2018
We sat down with soul virtuoso and Motown evangelist Krystle Dos Santos to learn more about her life and music, and hear the first hints at her upcoming album. Between flawlessly delivered songs, we heard more about Krystle's other projects - the Heartbreakers and the Black Mambas - as well as her monthly showcase "Underneath the Harlem Moon". Singer/songwriter/producer Matt Storm opened up the night with some acoustic takes on his soulful songs.
Week 19 - Locals Lounge presents Marlie Collins
May 20, 2018
We sat down with the upbeat and charming Marlie Collins to talk about how it feels to step up on stage and perform her own music, after a rewarding career spent making memories with songs written by other artists. We learned about how Marlie's life weaves through music, acting, and teaching, and how that all brings life to the songs she performs. Acoustic bluesman Ivan Hartle got the night started off.
Week 18 - Locals Lounge Presents The Heels (A First Taste Event)
April 22, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to welcome the big, bold, and beautiful country sound of BCCMA Award winners The Heels. Bobbi, Brittni, and Kyla shared their message of empowerment, as well the story of how a vegan cafe brought these three songbirds together to form something truly their own. The band let our audience in on a sneak preview of three unreleased tracks from their upcoming album "Love, Heels", expertly paired with fine Bourbon whiskey courtesy of our friends at Two Arms Whiskey Society.
Week 17- Locals Lounge presents: Hip Hoppy Easter
March 18, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to present a selection of artists from Vancouver's indie hip-hop scene, in partnership with our friend Floetic (Emotions Open Mic). We heard songs and stories from the multifaceted Teon Gibbs, activist and educator Jb the FirstLady, upstart Shaylen Dee, and local legend DJ Flipout. Our guest DJ was Drwkskee - dee.rock.ski.
Week 16- Locals Lounge Presents: Tom Van Deursen and Chelsea D.E. Johnson
February 25, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to present indie rock and funk maestro Tom Van Deursen. Tom talked to us about his bands (Small Town Artillery and The Boom Booms), his love for his home town of Kaslo BC, and how Reese's PB Cups started him down a road that's led him to stages around the world. Rock 'n' Soul powerhouse Chelsea De Johnson stunned the crowd with a taste of her unique and unforgettable sound.
Week 15: Locals Lounge presents: Bad Strangers
January 21, 2018
Locals Lounge was proud to present acoustic folk duo Bad Strangers. The pair discussed their recent decision to pursue music full-time, their upcoming album, and what they hope the future has in store. Poet and songwriter Elliott Slinn shared some of his moody compositions.
2016-2017 Events
Week 14 - Locals Lounge presents: T Riley
November 19, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present the multi-faceted indie rocker T Riley for a stripped-down and intimate version of her high-energy stage show. Teresa discussed her upcoming album and her process for taking control of her own music and life. We were happy to have the Two Arms Whiskey Society host a "Tour of SPeyside" guided Scotch tasting at the beginning of the night.
Week 13- Locals Lounge Presents: The Long War feat. Jess Vaira
October 15, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present indie folk/rock group The Long War for a one-of-a-kind acoustic show. The band discussed their 2017 CBC Searchlight win, and how it took a move from Ottawa to Vancouver to reunite songwriters Jarrett Lee and Chad Gilmour. Singer/songwriter Jess Vaira treated us to her jazzy looping soul to open the night
Week 12 - Locals Lounge presents: Mark Woodyard (1yr Anniversary Show!)
September 17, 2017
9 photos · Updated 7 months ago
Locals Lounge was proud to present Mark Woodyard for a heart-stopping and dance floor-pounding night of hip-hop and funk wizardry. Mark talked about what it's like to tour with a legendary hip-hop crew, and about his time away in Europe. Our host Ian teamed up with singer/songwriter and Indie Van City creator Kristina Lao for an acoustic duet to open up the night
Week 11 - Locals Lounge Presents: Adam Bae
August 20, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present Adam Bae for a night of soulful and sun-soaked jams. Adam talked to us about his musical explorations and how they've taken him down several paths before he found the one he's on now. Rachael Schroeder opened the night with a an enigmatic and multi-faceted array of music she wrote and music she loves.
Week 10 - Locals Lounge presents: Devan Christodoulou
July 16, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present Devan Christodoulou, singer and songwriter for modern folk band Echo Nebraska. Devan talked to us about how a few chance meetings turned him on to a path that has taken him cross-country. Rock 'n' roll troubadour Zach Kleisinger opened the night with a selection of his pensive and heartfelt tunes.
Week 8 - Locals Lounge presents Emily Chambers
May 28, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present soul maven and road warrior Emily Chambers. Emily talked to us about her decision to quit her insurance job, buy a camper van, and set out on a journey in pursuit of her dreams. Emily was joined by songwriting partners Benjamin Parker and Curt Henderson on guitar.
Week 6 - Locals Lounge Presents Michael Averill
March 19, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present folk troubadour Michael Averill Music. Michael talked to us about the deeply personal roots of his last album and tour, and how that expanded to his upcoming album.
Week 4 - Locals Lounge Presents David Morin
January 15, 2017
Locals Lounge was proud to present neo-soul heartbreaker and loop station specialist David Morin. We managed to convince David to take a break from busking the streets of Vancouver to join us inside to heat up the dance floor on a cold January night.
Week 3 - Locals Lounge Presents Jack Mercer
November 13, 2016
Locals Lounge was proud to present saloon-folk rocker Jack Mercer, singer and songwriting talent behind Jack Mercer & The Whiskey Bandits. Jack was good enough to play us some tunes from his upcoming EP and tell us tales of the high seas.
Week 2 - Locals Lounge presents Desirée Dawson
October 16, 2016
Locals Lounge was proud to present Desirée Dawson at our second monthly event. Winner of the 2016 CBC Searchlight songwriting competition and fresh from recording her debut album 'Wild Heart', Desiree blew us all away with her captivating voice and matching personality.
Week 1 - Locals Lounge presents Alex Maher
September 11, 2016
Locals Lounge was proud to welcome the multi-talented Alex Maher to our stage for our very first event. Alex picked up his sax and blew us all away with style and skill.