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So we gotta say goodbye to summer. But as we towards the fall, September in Vancouver is so full of shows that music fans are spoiled for choice.
With big hitters of contemporary commercial rock, cult heroes and rising stars of the burgeoning instrumental Latin rock scene, there is something for everyone’s tastes coming to town.
Back-to-school month was always a big deal for touring artists eager to play for students before assignments and exam prep demanded staying in at night. Now, it has come to encompass the transition between summer and fall touring seasons.
Here are 10 gigs to check out this September.
Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover (l) and vocalist Ian Gillan (r) rocking out.
Deep Purple, Kansas and Jefferson Starship
When: Sept. 2, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Rogers Forum, Abbotsford
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
This lineup of post-hippie era hitmakers Jefferson Starship, the AOR extension of Jefferson Airplane, American progressive group Kansas and heavy rock progenitors Deep Purple is going to leave the audience hoarse from singing along to all the hits.
My New Band Believe. Credit: Daisy and Tomos Ayscough.
My New Band Believe with Ryley Walker
When: Sept. 2, 8 p.m.
Where: The Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St.
Tickets and info: ticketweb.ca
Former Black Midi bassist and vocalist Cameron Picton’s new group carries on the addictive and eccentric sounds of his previous group bringing in elements of free jazz, art funk, sophisticated pop and more. Don’t miss opener Walker who blends folk and psychedelia in interesting ways.
Tinariwen performing.
Tinariwen
When: Sept. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: The Chan Centre of the Performing Arts, UBC
Tickets and info: tickets.ubc
Pioneering Tamasheq-language singing Tuareg musicians Tinariwen opened up the hard-grooving, hypnotic sounds of desert blues to the world almost five decades ago. Now the band is touring in support of its 10th album, Hoggar.
Operatic metal band Kamelot. Credit: Timo Macsollenknat
Kamelot: Dark Asylum World Tour
When: Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St.
Tickets and info: admitone.com
Florida symphonic power metallists Kamelot are true veterans of the scene with fourteen studio albums, live sets and special edition recordings to its credit. Throughout, the band has stayed true to its decidedly European style of heavy metal. Dark Asylum is the band’s latest release.
Photo © 2025 Chris Phelps
Brandon Flowers
When: Sept. 8, 7 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville
Tickets and info: admitone.com
As lead singer for The Killers, Brandon Flowers has propelled songs such as Mr. Brightside and When You Were Young into the global Top 10. He has also released a number of excellent and very different solo albums. His latest release, Thrasher, is an ode to the best aspects of outlaw country.
Weezer (L-R) Scott Shriner, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer has released ‘The Gold Album.’
Weezer: The Gathering with The Shins and Silversun Pickups
When: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
On its latest self-titled album, Weezer has opted for a gold cover. Their 20th release is getting strong reviews and the band is playing sets loaded with the band’s biggest hits and, of course, its beloved covers. While the Turtles’ Happy Together seems to be getting played regularly, Toto’s Africa is noticeably missing.
Musician Karl Denson of the band The Greyboy Allstars performs. Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com
The Greyboy Allstars
When: Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings
Tickets and info: ticketweb.ca
This funk-tastic ensemble from San Diego originally formed as a backing group for rare groove head DJ Greyboy in 1993. Since then, the group featuring saxophonist Karl Denson, keyboardist Robert Walter and others has become a fixture on the live music scene anywhere folks want to get down and boogie.
Bring Me The Horizon courtesy of Live Nation.
Bring Me The Horizon: Post Human Nex Gen — The Third Ascension Program
When: Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
Sheffield popcore group Bring Me The Horizon has explored many facets of alternative metal since breaking out of in 2004 with its first EP. Almost immediately, the group was considered one of the most exciting new acts on the global metal scene and has stayed in the top ranks ever since. Its touring in support of 2024’s Post Human: Next Gen.
Foo Fighters (L-R) Nate Mendel, Rami Jaffee, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Ilan Rubin.
Foo Fighters: Take Cover Tour
When: Sept. 20, 5:30 p.m.
Where: B.C. Place
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
In its 30 year existence, Foo Fighters has grown from Dave Grohl’s post-Nirvana recovery project into one of the biggest mainstream commercial rock acts in the world. Having faced the loss of original drummer Taylor Hawkins, the group now featuring Ilhan Rubin on drums, has released its 12th studio album, Your Favourite Toy. The record is being complimented for its more stripped-down sound.
Hermanos Gutierrez. Credit: JackieLeeYoung
Hermanos Gutiérrez: Los Ojos Del Condor Tour
When: Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tickets and info: ticketmaster.ca
Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez are sibling group Hermanos Gutiérrez. The Swiss-Ecuadorean duo has built a global following for its cinematic, laid back sound that blends in traditional styles of its Latin American homeland, surf music, psychedelic western twang and more. Los Ojos del Condor is the group’s seventh recording.
Logan Staats performs. Ben Leeson
Come Toward the Fire Closing Concert with Aysanabee, Boslen, Siibii, Logan Staats and more with host Dallas Goldtooth
When: Sept. 20, 6 p.m.
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC
Tickets and info: tickets.ubc.ca
The annual Come Toward The Fire celebration of Indigenous art and culture runs Sept. 18 — 20 at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on Musqueam land and features all kinds of family-friendly events. A highlight of the festival is the closing night concert showcasing some of the biggest names in Indigenous music and comedy. This year’s lineup includes multiple Juno-winner Aysanabee.
Chris Botti performing. Photo: Tony Caldwell
Chris Botti
When: Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC
Tickets and info: tickets.ubc.ca
Presented by Modo-Live and Vancouver smooth jazz station Wave 98.3FM, this is the first time trumpeter Botti has visited town since releasing his Blue Note Records album Vol. 1 in 2023. The Grammy-winning instrumentalist is a very in-demand session player, so having him perform in town is a treat for fans.
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