By Quentin Muhlert of Uptown Sound
Ask any long-time promoter, music fan, or band in Vancouver what the biggest problem for music in Vancouver is and they'll quickly cite the lack of good, smaller, live music venues.
Part of this is the city's fault - they have been very quick to approve the shutting down and destruction of active venues in the wake of the Vancouver housing boom, leaving the city without the vibrant culture many other global destinations overflow with. Many much-loved venues have been shut down (Misanthropy, Butcher Shop, Seamrippers, Sugar Refinery, among others), which is unfortunately forcing many of the musicians in Vancouver's lively music scene to put on shows in unlicensed underground shows far from the prying eyes of city inspectors.
However musicians and promoters and fans have to share some of the blame too. Whether it's failing to take full advantage of venues, not supporting local bands enough, or skirting the edges of zoning limitations, the members of Vancouver's music community have sometimes unwittingly contributed to the lack of smaller live venues. There is certainly a number of shining exceptions to this, though.
A great example of Vancouver's scene stepping up to the plate is the resurgence of the Biltmore Cabaret. Often scoffed as 'The Filthmore', the Biltmore Cabaret bares little resemblence to the dive it once was. Playing host to such internationally recognized indie-acts as King Khan and The Shrines, Aids Wolf, Kid Koala, and The Clips, The Biltmore Cabaret is gaining street cred hand over fist. If Vancouver promoters can push a venue as successfully as the Biltmore Cabaret is currently being pushed, we're going to have to say goodbye to 'No Fun City' sooner rather than later.
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