Rickshaw Theatre celebrates its 15th year with a lovingly curated Vancouver-focused blowout

by Mike Usinger on March 13th, 2024 at 3:33 PM

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Known and loved as one of the greatest venues in the city, the Rickshaw Theatre is getting ready to celebrate its 15 anniversary with a four-day June blowout. Entirely appropriately, each show will spotlight Vancouver acts, most of them having graced the venue’s stage multiple times over the years.

The first night’s headliner, heavier-than-heavy metal deconstructionist group Bison, has a relationship with the Rickshaw that goes back almost to the beginning, including playing the venue’s second anniversary show.

The four celebration shows, lovingly curated by the Rickshaw team, including owner (and unofficial Vancouver music scene saint) Mo Tarmohamed, are as follows:

JUNE 15

Bison & Black Wizard
Rong & Pet Blessings

JUNE 20

Bend Sinister
Colleen Rennison
Elliot C Way
The Furniture

JUNE 21

The Pack AD & Actors
The Hyaenas & Beau Wheeler

JUNE 22

Pointed Sticks & Rich Hope
Dead Soft, Night Court

Tickets for individual nights are $30 plus service charges. A limited number of four-day passes are available for $100 plus fees.

Since opening in June of 2009, the Rickshaw has remained independently run—a rarity in an increasingly corporate world. Tarmohamed took over ownership in 2011, and has stayed committed to a booking policy that has room for everyone from the deafening Deafheaven to indie-rock chanteuse Sharon Van Etten. Known for its clean sightlines, famously chill staff, and overall welcoming vibe, the room has been a much-needed anchor for the Vancouver live music scene, hosting locally-spawned legends such as 3 Inches of Blood, D.O.A., Skinny Puppy, Bif Naked, and Japandroids.

The Rickshaw has also served as a invaluable springboard for bands, like the War on Drugs, IDLES, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and Future Islands, that then go on to play larger venues.