Vancouver Playback Theatre Presents:
CHOIRS, COMMUNINTY AND CONNECTION: Our Stories
THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2026 | DOORS AT 18:30, SHOW FROM 19:00
This is a TICKETED event
VPT presents a very unique kind of theatre: they tell your stories. On this interactive evening, you will share your thoughts and experiences on the powerful communitarian bonds that happen when we sing together in choirs. The actors of VPT will alchemize these anecdotes and ideas into scenes that universalize them, and give them depth and emotional impact.
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SONNET L’ABBÉ: MY BLACK HISTORY IS POETRY, IS JAZZ
FRIDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2026 | DOORS AT 19:30, SHOW FROM 20:00
THIS IS A GIFT ECONOMY EVENT
Growing up with mixed Guyanese and Québécois heritage, poet Sonnet L’Abbé learned much of their Black identity through music and literature. They perform some of the Afro-diasporic music and poetry that shaped them into the writer and vocalist they are today. Nick Peck plays piano as Sonnet performs both covers and their own work.
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THE SIDE PROJECT
SATURDAY, 7 MARCH 2026 | DOORS AT 19:30, SHOW FROM 20:00
THIS IS A GIFT ECONOMY event
The Side Project is a Vancouver-based folk-roots-rock collective that blends soulful harmonies with heartfelt storytelling. No covers here; these guys write everything they perform. Their sound is rooted in blues, rock, folk and gospel traditions, and their lyrics resonate with compassion, connection and humour.
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THE ELLIOT FREEDMAN GROUP, with John Julian and Taras Luka
SATURDAY, 14 MARCH 2026 | DOORS AT 19:30, SHOW FROM 20:00
THIS IS A GIFT ECONOMY event
The Elliot Freedman Group presents a harmonically elegant, uncompromisingly original, non-canonical jazz based in Elliot’s compositions, his unique harmonic vocabulary, and a chordal approach on long baritone guitars. Pianist John Julian and accordionist Taras Luka will join the established ‘working group’ Elliot has formed with vibraphonist Nick Apivor, bassist Dan Howard, and drummer Paul Mason. As a group, richly harmonious, lyrical, and exciting music from the group’s 2024 live album, Bands of Merriment, Vol. 1 will be presented. As if to create interludes to the group’s powerful sound, duo & trio subdivisions of the group will perform pieces by Astor Piazzola, Ralph Towner, Keith Jarrett, and from the Bill Evans repertoire.
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ARTHUR ARNOLD and MOIRA HOPFE-OSTENSEN
THURSDAY, 19 MARCH 2026 | DOORS AT 19:30, MUSIC FROM 20:00
This is a BENEFIT CONCERT TO SUPPORT PRISMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
From Seoul to Spokane and Maastricht to Moscow, Arthur Arnold has spent the past 20 years conducting symphony orchestras all over the world. Amidst the recent volatility of wars and pandemics, he has found comfort in reconnecting with his roots as a cellist. Join us for an intimate evening of cello and piano, performed in collaboration with Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen. This will be a benefit for the wonderful PRISMA Music Festival, which trains the next generation of classical musicians — as well as thrilling BC audiences.
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