We’ll head indoors eventually.

But not until we’ve attended almost every outdoor concert we possibly can. One of the last this season will be Canada’s own Broken Social Scene, who will perform at Stanley Park’s quaint Malkin Bowl on Saturday, September 24. If we may put in one request, it’s that the Toronto-based indie supergroup play All to All (it was one of our favourite performances at Coachella this year).

Until then, we’ll be listening to it on repeat.
—Kelsey Dundon

You know what live music venues in this city have been lacking? Dumplings.

Until now. The Electric Owl has just opened in the space that once housed Main Street’s American Hotel. And it is virtually unrecognizable. The 8,000-square-foot venue is home to an izakaya-style restaurant, sake bar, and cold beer and wine shop. But that’s not all. The space centres around a stage that showcases international acts and some of Vancouver’s finest new music.

Finally! We can catch a show, scarf down a midnight snack, and pick up a bottle of sake all in one place. —KD

The Electric Owl, 928 Main St., Vancouver, http://electricowl.ca

Have we got a surprise for you!

Ever since friends floored us with an out-of-the-blue birthday bash, we’ve loved surprises. Our latest obsession? The Never Surprise. Singing sweet harmonies reminiscent of Elliott Smith and Wilco, the Vancouver-based duo has perfected the art of the mellow melody. With folksy tunes that beg for backyard BBQs, they have us longing for warm summer evenings. But we’d happily listen to them indoors too. Lucky for us, The Never Surprise will be performing tomorrow (May 5) at the Railway Club in celebration of their self-titled debut album.

And when they become Canadian folk heroes, well, that won’t be a surprise at all. —KD

See more here.

When a kids group plays Coachella and is the inspiration behind Brad Pitt's Halloween costume, you know it's captured the zeitgeist.

DJ Lance Rock and the Gabba Gang are taking their hip show on the road to select Canadian cities. High-energy and interactive, the magical boom box will be pumping, and the Dancey Dance section will include a top secret guest at every show (past participants include Sarah Silverman and Snoop Dog).  

Just try not to push the kids out of the way when you rush the stage.

Tour dates and tickets at www.yogabbagabbalive.com/tickets

Unsure about what to do this weekend, leave it up to rhyming couplets.

Saturday night approaches
And someone broaches
“What’s the plan?”
Party at Stan’s? Or maybe Joanne’s?
Yet a backyard rave
You can always save,
But The Cheaper Show,
Or Martha Wainwright & Co.
Singing Piaf’s “Adieu Mon Cœur”
“Mon Dieu!” we do declare
It just wouldn’t be fair
To miss two events so rare.

www.thecheapershow.com

Last year we regretted not going to Coachella music festival in Palm Springs—partly because Jake Gyllenhaal showed up and partly because of the brilliant bands—so this year we’re making the trek. But if you’re only motivated by good music, there’s no need to cross state lines.

A slew of the best are playing back-to-back Vancouver dates next week before heading down to balmy California for the weekend. Here’s the lineup, take your pick:

Saturday, April 10
Sia at Commodore Ballroom.

Sunday, April 11
Spoon at Orpheum Theatre, Charlotte Gainsbourg at Vogue Theatre or Passion Pit at Commodore Ballroom.

Monday, April 12
Miike Snow at Commodore Ballroom.

Tuesday, April 13
The xx at Commodore Ballroom.

Wednesday, April 14
Florence and The Machine at Commodore Ballroom.

It’s going to be a ‘hella good week.

For those of us who will never own a beach house, there is the music of Beach House.

Boasting beautiful melodies over boat moorage, the Baltimore band with a vixen voiced, French-born female lead recently released its third album, Teen Dream, and since then we haven’t stopped playing it. We suggest snatching up tickets now to see the duo at the Rickshaw Theatre next month before they graduate to bigger venues.

You’ll find us front and centre singing along to “Zebra” with a summery Corona in hand.

Tickets $16 at Ticketmaster. Beach House, April 11, 2010, Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings, Vancouver, www.rickshawtheatre.com

When little Saxon unearths his Dad’s old turntables (and Metallica collection) and Vivienne becomes a backstage baby, make sure they don’t become the next It’s All Gone Pete Tong by protecting their hearing with these cool muffs.

Called Peltor Hearing Protectors (let’s keep that between us), the adjustable hot pink and bright blue earphones shield little ears from harmful noises while letting in ambient sound at hockey games, concerts, and parades.

Rock on, mom.

Age 1 and up. $39.95 at www.dandelionkids.ca

If Gloria Estefan’s “Conga” is as Cuban as you get, it’s time to tune into Alex Cuba.

The Cuban-born Canadian has two Juno awards to his name and has collaborated with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz.

His new self-titled album doesn’t hit stores until October 27, but we’ve procured a free and advance track, “Solo Tu,” just for Vitamin Daily readers. Click here to download the song.

We think his rhythm is going to get you.

Alex Cuba plays The Biltmore Cabaret, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 (8 p.m.), advance tickets $18 at TicketWeb, www.alexcuba.com

A few of Vancouver’s finest creative-types across the genres of art, comedy and music have forged a brand new four-day festival in clubs across the city to make the middle of August that much hotter. We’ve scanned the line-up of mostly local talent to help you plan your inaugural Olio Festival experience.

Thursday/Gastown: Start with laughs at The Lamplighter courtesy of Nardwuar and comedy acts Bronx Cheer and The Sunday Service. Then toss a coin—heads it’s indie rock at the Red Room with The Paper Cranes and The Clips, tails it’s club music at the hands of Piper Davis and DJ My!Gay!Husband!

Friday/Main Street: Art start the night with short films and paintings at the Grace-Gallery, then head up to the Anza Club for retro-inspired acts The Whitsundays and The Choir Practice, and another helping of art by Ronan Boyle.

Saturday/Downtown: Chug it up to The Railway Club where The Blue Violets kick it off moody and Bend Sinister finish it off funky.

Sunday/Granville: Closing night is made easy for you with one big DJ dance party at Venue, so rip it up right.

Olio Festival, August 13-16, 2009, $25 four-day pass at www.oliofestival.com