Enjoy a summer of free live music with CBC Musical Nooners concert series
CBC News | Posted: July 6, 2018 2:00 PM | Last Updated: July 6, 2018
Free concerts to be held outside CBC Vancouver from July 10 to Aug. 17
"Free" and "Vancouver" rarely go together in the same sentence, but CBC's summer series of concerts is open to the public — no tickets required.
CBC Musical Nooners returns for its ninth year starting July 10.
Weekday afternoons this summer, from noon to 1 p.m., local and international artists will perform everything from hip hop and indie pop to soul and blues.
The free concert series kicks off Tuesday with a celebration of Indigenous culture starring hip hop duo Mob Bounce.
The Mr. Bannock food truck will also make an appearance to feed hungry spectators.
The concerts are held at CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage and Plaza, at 700 Hamilton St.
While we do control the lineup, we can't control the weather. Follow us on Twitter at @CBCVancouver or #musicalnooners for any updates or changes to the schedule due to inclement weather.
Read on for the full list of this summer's performers.
Week 1: July 10-13
Tuesday, July 10
Mob Bounce
The rap duo Mob Bounce are ready to show you their fusion of culture, EDM and hip hop as they kick off the Musical Nooners. Their powerful lyrics and electric music will certainly make you bounce with the mob.
Genres: Alter-Native, EDM, hip hop
Mob Bounce
The rap duo Mob Bounce are ready to show you their fusion of culture, EDM and hip hop as they kick off the Musical Nooners. Their powerful lyrics and electric music will certainly make you bounce with the mob.
Genres: Alter-Native, EDM, hip hop
Wednesday, July 11
Son de Madera
Hailing from Mexico, Son de Madera creates a unique musical and cultural experience that you don't want to miss. Featuring lyrical string-driven music and powerful vocals, this son jarocho band will surely have you dancing.
Genres: Folk, world
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Son de Madera
Hailing from Mexico, Son de Madera creates a unique musical and cultural experience that you don't want to miss. Featuring lyrical string-driven music and powerful vocals, this son jarocho band will surely have you dancing.
Genres: Folk, world
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Thursday, July 12
Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
Few people dedicate their life to keep an art alive. Jimmy "Duck" Holmes is the last living practitioner of Bentonia blues and the owner of the oldest juke point in Mississippi. His music will tug at your heartstrings.
Genre: Blues
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
Few people dedicate their life to keep an art alive. Jimmy "Duck" Holmes is the last living practitioner of Bentonia blues and the owner of the oldest juke point in Mississippi. His music will tug at your heartstrings.
Genre: Blues
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Friday, July 13
Little Miss Higgins
The multi-talented Little Miss Higgins brings her powerhouse vocals and poetic songs to the series for a rocking hour of old-time country blues. Rooted in Canadiana, Little Miss Higgins' music is catchy, fun and passionate.
Genres: Roots, blues, country
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Little Miss Higgins
The multi-talented Little Miss Higgins brings her powerhouse vocals and poetic songs to the series for a rocking hour of old-time country blues. Rooted in Canadiana, Little Miss Higgins' music is catchy, fun and passionate.
Genres: Roots, blues, country
In partnership with the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Week 2: July 16-20
Monday, July 16
Winsome Kind
This husband-and-wife duo shares their love with listeners through their music. Fall in love with Winsome Kind as they serenade you with their sweet melodies, flawless harmonies and honest lyrics.
Genres: Indie, folk, pop
Winsome Kind
This husband-and-wife duo shares their love with listeners through their music. Fall in love with Winsome Kind as they serenade you with their sweet melodies, flawless harmonies and honest lyrics.
Genres: Indie, folk, pop
Tuesday, July 17
Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron
Jack Garton is a multi-instrumentalist and performer backed by the talented Demon Squadron band. His shows take you on a roller-coaster ride of genres and catchy songs that features guitar, brass instruments and even the accordion.
Genres: Folk, roots, blues
Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron
Jack Garton is a multi-instrumentalist and performer backed by the talented Demon Squadron band. His shows take you on a roller-coaster ride of genres and catchy songs that features guitar, brass instruments and even the accordion.
Genres: Folk, roots, blues
Wednesday, July 18
Haley Blais
Emerging from her YouTube fame as a pop musician, Haley Blais keeps it real with her soulful voice. In her forthcoming EP, Blais is backed up by a full band for the first time. The 23-year-old has dazzled more than 165,000 YouTube subscribers and will captivate you as well.
Genres: Indie, pop
Haley Blais
Emerging from her YouTube fame as a pop musician, Haley Blais keeps it real with her soulful voice. In her forthcoming EP, Blais is backed up by a full band for the first time. The 23-year-old has dazzled more than 165,000 YouTube subscribers and will captivate you as well.
Genres: Indie, pop
Thursday, July 19
Dawn Pemberton
An award-winning performer and seasoned vocalist, Dawn Pemberton's voice is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she's performing funk, soul, jazz or gospel, your body will be grooving along to the music of Vancouver's soul queen long after the concert is over.
Genres: Soul, funk, gospel
In partnership with Surrey Fusion Festival
Dawn Pemberton
An award-winning performer and seasoned vocalist, Dawn Pemberton's voice is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she's performing funk, soul, jazz or gospel, your body will be grooving along to the music of Vancouver's soul queen long after the concert is over.
Genres: Soul, funk, gospel
In partnership with Surrey Fusion Festival
Friday, July 20
Rumba Calzada
Rumba Calzada brings an eclectic mix of salsa, jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Led by Raphael Geronimo, this Juno-nominated band's joyous and powerful music will make your day.
Genres: Latin jazz, salsa, Afro-Cuban
In partnership with Surrey Fusion Festival
Rumba Calzada
Rumba Calzada brings an eclectic mix of salsa, jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Led by Raphael Geronimo, this Juno-nominated band's joyous and powerful music will make your day.
Genres: Latin jazz, salsa, Afro-Cuban
In partnership with Surrey Fusion Festival
Week 3: July 23-27
Monday, July 23
Adam Robert Thomas
Adam Robert Thomas is a Vancouver-based, JUNO-nominated bassist, singer and composer. His first solo self-titled album recently stood out at No. 11 on the R&B charts in the U.S. Get ready to be amazed by his soulful voice at the CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage.
Genre: Jazz
Adam Robert Thomas
Adam Robert Thomas is a Vancouver-based, JUNO-nominated bassist, singer and composer. His first solo self-titled album recently stood out at No. 11 on the R&B charts in the U.S. Get ready to be amazed by his soulful voice at the CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage.
Genre: Jazz
Tuesday, July 24
Portraits of Us
After the release of the debut album Guard Your Heart in 2017, Portraits of Us have graced venues with their charming melodies and intricate vocals. You'll definitely find yourself singing along with the beautifully written tunes from this husband-and-wife duo.
Genres: Acoustic, singer-songwriter
Portraits of Us
After the release of the debut album Guard Your Heart in 2017, Portraits of Us have graced venues with their charming melodies and intricate vocals. You'll definitely find yourself singing along with the beautifully written tunes from this husband-and-wife duo.
Genres: Acoustic, singer-songwriter
Wednesday, July 25
Fallbrigade
Started as a brother-sister duo, Fallbrigade conveys its "adventurous and eclectic upbringing" in its music. The five-member band made it to the top 10 of this year's CBC Music's Searchlight competition. Currently, it's connecting with listeners through soulful writing and stringed instruments.
Genres: Folk, rock
Fallbrigade
Started as a brother-sister duo, Fallbrigade conveys its "adventurous and eclectic upbringing" in its music. The five-member band made it to the top 10 of this year's CBC Music's Searchlight competition. Currently, it's connecting with listeners through soulful writing and stringed instruments.
Genres: Folk, rock
Thursday, July 26
The Long War
The 2017 winner of CBC Music's Searchlight competition just released its first album "Landscapes". The Long War takes you on a musical road trip with its rich lyrics, melodies and harmonies that redefine modern Canadian folk-indie-rock.
Genres: Folk, indie, rock
The Long War
The 2017 winner of CBC Music's Searchlight competition just released its first album "Landscapes". The Long War takes you on a musical road trip with its rich lyrics, melodies and harmonies that redefine modern Canadian folk-indie-rock.
Genres: Folk, indie, rock
Friday, July 27
Jen Hodge All Stars
Swing along to the "spontaneous swinging jazz music" of Jen Hodge. With expertise in traditional jazz, Hodge has travelled across the world but finds her peace in Vancouver's Gastown. Get ready to move and groove on her melodious tunes.
Genre: Jazz
Jen Hodge All Stars
Swing along to the "spontaneous swinging jazz music" of Jen Hodge. With expertise in traditional jazz, Hodge has travelled across the world but finds her peace in Vancouver's Gastown. Get ready to move and groove on her melodious tunes.
Genre: Jazz
Week 4: July 30-Aug. 3
Monday, July 30
Old Soul Rebel
Old Soul Rebel brings stories from its past to life through honest lyrics and powerful vocals. Experience soul and rock n' roll music like never before with Old Soul Rebel's unique twist.
Genres: Soul, rock 'n' roll
Old Soul Rebel
Old Soul Rebel brings stories from its past to life through honest lyrics and powerful vocals. Experience soul and rock n' roll music like never before with Old Soul Rebel's unique twist.
Genres: Soul, rock 'n' roll
Tuesday, July 31
Sinclair & Bennett
The incredible talent of Sinclair & Bennett live on the CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage will instantly captivate you. The blend of David Sinclair's percussive guitar and Keith Bennett's harmonica talents brings songs to life in a way that cannot be missed.
Genre: Blues, hot jazz
Sinclair & Bennett
The incredible talent of Sinclair & Bennett live on the CBC Vancouver Outdoor Stage will instantly captivate you. The blend of David Sinclair's percussive guitar and Keith Bennett's harmonica talents brings songs to life in a way that cannot be missed.
Genre: Blues, hot jazz
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Will Stroet
Relive your childhood days as Will Stroet performs on our stage. The Juno Award winner has performed at more than 1,500 shows and is famous for his TV series Will's Jams, which airs weekday mornings on CBC Kids.
Genres: Children's music
Will Stroet
Relive your childhood days as Will Stroet performs on our stage. The Juno Award winner has performed at more than 1,500 shows and is famous for his TV series Will's Jams, which airs weekday mornings on CBC Kids.
Genres: Children's music
Thursday, Aug. 2
Lonesome Town Painters
Known as Vancouver's traditional bluegrass standard-bearers, Lonesome Town Painters bring high energy and passion to their performances. With talented playing and spirited vocals, Lonesome Town Painters will have you dancing throughout the hour.
Genres: Bluegrass, folk
Lonesome Town Painters
Known as Vancouver's traditional bluegrass standard-bearers, Lonesome Town Painters bring high energy and passion to their performances. With talented playing and spirited vocals, Lonesome Town Painters will have you dancing throughout the hour.
Genres: Bluegrass, folk
Friday, Aug. 3
Tanga
If you like fusion, then you will love this Afro-Latin band. Tanga is a collective of young West Coast musicians that brings Latin funk, jazz, hip hop, salsa, electro beats and Afro-Cuban together. This diverse group will make you dance beyond borders.
Genres: World fusion
Tanga
If you like fusion, then you will love this Afro-Latin band. Tanga is a collective of young West Coast musicians that brings Latin funk, jazz, hip hop, salsa, electro beats and Afro-Cuban together. This diverse group will make you dance beyond borders.
Genres: World fusion
Week 5: Aug. 6-10
Monday, Aug. 6
B.C. Day, no concert
B.C. Day, no concert
Tuesday, Aug. 7
Petunia and the Vipers
Get a taste of country, folk and rockabilly music with a hint of rhymes from the past. Petunia & The Vipers are considered to be one of Canada's best indie bands. Get ready to be thrilled by their cutting-edge creativity.
Genre: Indie
Petunia and the Vipers
Get a taste of country, folk and rockabilly music with a hint of rhymes from the past. Petunia & The Vipers are considered to be one of Canada's best indie bands. Get ready to be thrilled by their cutting-edge creativity.
Genre: Indie
Wednesday, Aug. 8
David Ward
David Ward recently burst back onto the independent music scene with a monthly song reveal from his upcoming release Violet, Gold + Rose. His soulful voice mixed with dreamy instrumentation will keep you moving and grooving throughout.
Genres: Funk, soul, blues
David Ward
David Ward recently burst back onto the independent music scene with a monthly song reveal from his upcoming release Violet, Gold + Rose. His soulful voice mixed with dreamy instrumentation will keep you moving and grooving throughout.
Genres: Funk, soul, blues
Thursday, Aug. 9
Roy Forbes
Since the 1970s, Roy Forbes has followed his passion for creating music packed with energy and heart. This Canadian folk icon will bring his audience-pleasing show to the Musical Nooners stage for a very special performance.
Genre: Folk
Roy Forbes
Since the 1970s, Roy Forbes has followed his passion for creating music packed with energy and heart. This Canadian folk icon will bring his audience-pleasing show to the Musical Nooners stage for a very special performance.
Genre: Folk
Friday, Aug. 10
Schwey
With their smooth voices and infectious beats, these young artists are climbing their way to the top with their heartfelt music. Schwey's effortless groove brings together a wide range of styles, creating something that is uniquely their own.
Genres: R&B, soul
Schwey
With their smooth voices and infectious beats, these young artists are climbing their way to the top with their heartfelt music. Schwey's effortless groove brings together a wide range of styles, creating something that is uniquely their own.
Genres: R&B, soul
Week 6: Aug. 13-17
Monday, Aug. 13
Desirée Dawson
Winner of CBC Music's Searchlight contest in 2016, this ukulele-playing singer-songwriter has become one of the best undiscovered voices in Canada. Desirée Dawson considers music to be therapeutic and an effective healer. Her track "Wild Heart" will make your heart melt.
Genres: Indie, soul
Desirée Dawson
Winner of CBC Music's Searchlight contest in 2016, this ukulele-playing singer-songwriter has become one of the best undiscovered voices in Canada. Desirée Dawson considers music to be therapeutic and an effective healer. Her track "Wild Heart" will make your heart melt.
Genres: Indie, soul
Tuesday, Aug. 14
Caleb Hart
Caleb Hart's high-energy performances have brought him around the world to share his music. His Trinidad and Tobago roots come through in his catchy tunes and powerful voice, which makes up his own "Island Soul" music.
Genres: Reggae, island soul, soca
Caleb Hart
Caleb Hart's high-energy performances have brought him around the world to share his music. His Trinidad and Tobago roots come through in his catchy tunes and powerful voice, which makes up his own "Island Soul" music.
Genres: Reggae, island soul, soca
Wednesday, Aug. 15
Sister Speak
Led by Sherri-Anne, Sister Speak is known for uplifting and moving performances. After performing around the U.S. and Canada, Sister Speak brings soul with thought-provoking lyrics to our stage.
Genres: Alternative, blues, world
Sister Speak
Led by Sherri-Anne, Sister Speak is known for uplifting and moving performances. After performing around the U.S. and Canada, Sister Speak brings soul with thought-provoking lyrics to our stage.
Genres: Alternative, blues, world
Thursday, Aug. 16
Wooden Horsemen
Rock on with Wooden Horsemen as they take you for an electric musical performance. Inspired by the story of the Trojan Horse, Wooden Horsemen bring together a variety of genres, rooted in folk and blues while thinking outside of the box.
Genres: Rock, blues, soul
Wooden Horsemen
Rock on with Wooden Horsemen as they take you for an electric musical performance. Inspired by the story of the Trojan Horse, Wooden Horsemen bring together a variety of genres, rooted in folk and blues while thinking outside of the box.
Genres: Rock, blues, soul
Friday, Aug. 17
Coco Jafro
A regional finalist in CBC Music's Searchlight competition in 2016, Coco Jafro has many other awards to its name. The band brings together the schools of funk, soul, jazz, and Afrobeat in a unique mashup that will refresh you.
Genre: Exotic funk
Coco Jafro
A regional finalist in CBC Music's Searchlight competition in 2016, Coco Jafro has many other awards to its name. The band brings together the schools of funk, soul, jazz, and Afrobeat in a unique mashup that will refresh you.
Genre: Exotic funk