Westward Music Festival – 5 Must-See Acts [Vancouver]

Westward Music Festival, presented by MRG Concerts, returns for its third year to downtown Vancouver.

The four day, multi-genre, multi-venue music festival, runs from September 12th to September 15th.

This year they've got a stellar lineup, and below, I'm giving you my top 5 must-see acts, but first, a few important details.

Festival-goers can buy wristbands, or they can grab tickets to single shows. A wristband gets you access to all events. Wristbands run from $99 to $140. Pricing for individual shows vary.

Wristbands are available for pickup on September 11th through the 15th at the Vogue Theatre box office (918 Granville St) from noon to 6:00 p.m. This is a 19+ festival.

Don't forget to check out the street party.

Here in alphabetical order are my Top 5 must-see performances.

Black Mountain

We first heard about Black Mountain during this year's Canadian Music Week when We Are Wolves submitted their Top 5 picks.

What can I tell you about them? They rock!

Originally from Vancouver, the band is currently calling Los Angeles home. Black Mountain is Stephen McBean, Arjan Miranda, Rachel Fannan, Adam Bulgasem and Jeremy Schmidt.

Bandcamp Facebook Website Twitter Soundcloud Spotify YouTube

Mt. Joy

Mt. Joy, another Los Angeles band, bring their folk-rock sound to WMF.

If you like Shakey Graves or Wild Rivers this band is a must-see for you. If they're cool enough for Conan, they're cool enough for you.

Bandcamp Facebook Website Twitter Soundcloud Spotify YouTube

The Paper Kites

Australian folk-rock group, The Paper Kites, will be taking the stage on Sunday, September 15th. I have a soft spot for Aussie bands, and this band is no exception.

This band calls Melbourne home, and the musicians are Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam Rasmussen, and Josh Bentley.

They have a massive following at home, and if you haven't heard them yet, what are you waiting for?

The Wonder Years

I'm throwing in a little pop-punk for you. The Wonder Years have also been together since 2005, and this Philly-based band.

Watch the video, check out some more music (they have millions of spins on Spotify), and then add this band to your list of must-see bands.

Yukon Blonde

Hometown sweethearts Yukon Blonde will be playing on opening night, and we're sure this one will be well attended. Canada loves Yukon Blonde and so do I.

You couldn't be a Toronto Blue Jays fan, and not know the video below. Yukon Blonde has been making music since 2005, and that means lots of songs to choose from.

Daily Westward Music Festival Lineup

Thursday, September 12th

Elder Island - Biltmore Cabaret
The Deep Dark Woods - Biltmore Cabaret
Little Sprout - Fox Cabaret
Yukon Blonde - Imperial
Joseph - Imperial
Chief State - Vogue Theatre
Chase Your Words - Vogue Theatre
The Wonder Years - Vogue Theatre
Leikeli47 - Vogue Theatre

Friday, September 13th

Travis Thompson - Biltmore Ballroom
Jon Bryant - Biltmore Cabaret
Le1f - Biltmore Cabaret
Honors - Fox Cabaret
Junglepussy - Imperial
Phum Viphurit - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Joji - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Bombargo - Vogue Theatre
Ziggy Alberts - Vogue Theatre
Busty and the Bass - Vogue Theatre

Saturday, September 14th

Zack Villere - Biltmore Ballroom
Why? - Imperial
Owen Pallett - Imperial
Harlequin Gold - Rickshaw Theatre
Lissie - Rickshaw Theatre
Black Mountain - Vogue Theatre
Emotional Oranges - Vogue Theatre

Sunday, September 15th

Club Sofa - Biltmore Cabaret
Kim Gray - Biltmore Cabaret
Douse - Biltmore Cabaret
Needles/Pins - Imperial
Titus Andronicus - Imperial
Mormor - Imperial
Mt. Joy - Vogue Theatre
The Paper Kites - Vogue Theatre