Operas and Arias
Monday
Vanier Park, 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. (also Sept. 6)
Bard on the Beach sets Shakespeare aside during this special presentation of Puccini's La Boheme, performed by young singers of the UBC Opera Ensemble and members of Vancouver Opera (including a full orchestra in the pit). Concerning a community of artists in late 19th century Paris, La Boheme is considered one of three most popular operas of all time.
Navaz
Quaker Hall (1090 W. 70th), 8 p.m.
Much of the music of Vancouver-based Persian music ensemble is rooted in meditative Suficlassics, featuring vocalist Neda Jahali, but some of it has a more contemporary Persian sound, incorporating Spanish, Brazilian and jazz rhythms.
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Rae Spoon
Tuesday
Biltmore Cabaret, 9 p.m.
What a year in Europe can do! Calgary artist Rae Spoon returns with his fifth album Love Is a Hunter, and it marks a sweeping change. Known for yearning country-folk, the Polaris Prize-nominated, transgender artist is now exploring electronica. The grooves remain low-key; his relaxed disco-beat and heartfelt lyrics recall the xx or the Knife. Sharing the
bill is the peerless hip-hop cellist Cris Derkson, who uses a loop station and pedal board.
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Jesse Cook
Wednesday
PNE, 8 p.m.
The Toronto-based guitar virtuoso grew up in small-town France -- beside the lead singer of the Gypsy Kings. He went on to study classical guitar at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and admits that he later attempted to unlearn it all while immersing himself in Gypsy music. Cook has earned a reputation for energetic live performances.
AHEAD
Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival
Various venues
Sept. 3-5
In less than a decade, New York's Jason Samuels Smith has emerged as a leader in tap. He received the 2009 Dance Magazine Award and has won an Emmy for his choreography. Check out his rhythmic brilliance and funked-up style during festival main events, which also feature Dianne Walker, Jeff Hyslop, Brock Jellison and many others.
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Little River Band
Thursday
PNE, 8 p.m.
The lineup of the Australian rock group has shifted several times since its founding in 1975, with more than 30 people filling the five slots. Although no original members remain, the band's harmonious soft-rock hits have made a lasting impression on fans, who sing along to Lady, Reminiscing and Cool Change at every gig.
Easy Star Allstars
Venue, 8 p.m.
The New York-based reggae outfit has reinterpreted some of rock's legendary albums: Dub Side Of The Moon, Radiodread -their take on Radiohead's OK Computer -and last year's popular Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Dub Band. Their next shape-shifter is up in air but fans suggest Grateful Dead, Queen, even Michael Jackson's Thriller.
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