The Olympics are merely days away. Streets are closed, venues are barricaded, and excitement is in the air. Most people are looking forward to being the host city, not for the events themselves, but for the buzz and parties going on. Part of that is LiveCity, two outdoor celebration venues, brought to you by the City of Vancouver and our lovely Federal Government.

These venues will be completely free and will show events, medal celebrations, and best of all, free concerts. This is your guide to what concerts are going on and where.

Let’s start with LiveCity Downtown. It is located on Georgia and Cambie and will be near tons of people, as Canada Hockey Place, BC Place, and Molson Canadian Hockey House are all within a few blocks. The only performer I am looking forward to at this venue is Buck 65.

Buck 65 will be performing on Tuesday February 16^th at 9:30pm. He is a Canadian (born in Nova Scotia) hip-hop artist who is well known in the hip-hop community. He has some great tracks and is worth checking out for all hip-hop and non hip-hop fans. His older stuff is excellent, with his newer stuff has taken a bit of a turn with some influence from folk, blues, and electronica, all of which really lend to his voice and style. Anyone watch Trailer Park Boys? When Julian is driving around, it is usually Buck 65 blaring on the stereo.

Songs to check out

463, Devil’s Eyes, and Shutterbuggin’. All videos are available on YouTube and are definitely worth checking out.

Other notables at LiveCity Downtown: Jessie Farrell, Jets Overhead.

LiveCity Yaletown

Is where I will spend most of my time. This will be a choice spot to check out some amazing performers for free, which is one of the best words in the English Dictionary. LiveCity Yaletown is located at David Lam Park on Drake and Pacific. I am looking forward to seeing Daniel Wesley, Alexisonfire, Deadmau5 and Sam Roberts.

Daniel Wesley

Performing on Sunday February 14^th at 9:30pm. I have seen Daniel Wesley before at the Commodore and he puts on a good show. His music is chill, making this one of the best ways to spend a Sunday night. Daniel is from White Rock and began gaining notoriety for winning Fox Seeds, put on by 99.3 The Fox. There is a definite reggae feel to some of his music. Even if you aren’t going to the show check out his stuff, I have it on my iPod and listen to it constantly.

Songs to check out

Ooo ooh, Pilgrimage, Lonely Life, Layde Maybe, and his own version of Genuwine’s My Pony.

Alexisonfire

Performing on Tuesday February 16^th at 9:30pm. They are a well known band from Ontario with a great blend of vocals from Dallas Green (City and Colour) and George Pettit, plus head banging beats from the rest of the guys. I have seen them twice and they put on a terrific show with a lot of fan interaction. I have their latest album, Old Crows/Young Cardinals, and love it. Check out this show.

Songs to check out: Pulmonary Archery, Young Cardinals, This Could be Anywhere in the World, Rough Hands, and Born and Raised.

Deadmau5

Performing on Friday February 19^th at 9:30pm. The fact that Deadmau5 is playing in Vancouver, for free, on a Friday night, is incredible! I would tell you all to check out this show but it would leave less room for me, so stay away! For those who don’t know, the band name is pronounced ‘Dead Mouse’. He is from Toronto, more Canadian content, and is a house producer. He performed at massive music fest, Coachella, last year and is a memorable performer. Deadmau5 is so well known that in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown, for PSP and Nintendo DS, he had a music channel dedicated solely to him.

Songs to check out

Ghosts N Stuff, Move for Me, Not Exactly, and Arguru.

Sam Roberts

May be the most well-known name on this list, as he is regularly featured on all local radio stations, in addition to Much Music. He will be on stage Saturday February 20^th at 9:30pm. Sam is a multi (4, to be exact) Juno Award winner, plus the winner of 5 Much Music Video Awards. After a night of Deadmau5, this may be the perfect concert, as you can sit down and enjoy the performance or get up and move, once he gets into some of his harder stuff.

Songs to check out

Where Have All The Good People Gone?, Them Kids, Brother Down, Hard Road, and Don’t Walk Away Eileen.

Other notables at LiveCity Yaletown: Default, Keshia Chante, Marianas Trench, Jully Black, Colin James, Damian Marley (son of Bob Marley), illScarlett, Blue Rodeo.

For full schedule and information visit: http://livecityvancouver.ca/en/home.aspx. I urge everyone to get out and get involved during the Olympics. These events will not cost you anything and are a great way to spend an evening and enjoy what truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Get there early, bring a blanket and enjoy. I know I will.

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Spiro Khouri

Spiro Khouri has called Vancouver home since his inception in 1984. He is a proud resident of the city and is excited to share it with others through his writing in Define Magazine. Spiro loves attending new events and will be bringing them to you on a regular basis.

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