. Saturday, May 10th I.M.U. presents MAD SHADOW CD Release Party w/ special guests STAMPEDE QUEEN & BLACK MONDO GRASS @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp MAD SHADOW - Electric, charged and explosive, Mad Shadow features guitarist Danny Sveinson, who many have exclaimed will be one of the next great rock guitar legends. Bringing the thunder of heavy '70s rock into the new millennium, Mad Shadow leave crowds speechless with their style, energy and obvious talent. The combination of Danny's hook-laden riffs, singer Erik Olufson's charismatic, one-of-a-kind stage presence and the fist-pounding rhythms provided by bassist Tyler Lindgrin and drummer Josh McDonald never fail to leave the crowd wanting more. The depth of these rockers' ability to break out, sending Danny into blistering solos and jaw-dropping jams of their best known songs, is sure to drop you right in the middle of the rock and roll inferno that is Mad Shadow.

STAMPEDE QUEEN's hard-driving rock'n'roll comes fully alive on stage, taking you back to the late '70s with inspired, whiskey-soaked, in your face raunch'n'roll vocals and a glam-touched sing-along attitude in the vein of AC/DC, KISS & Guns N' Roses. Powered by Jack Daniels, Stampede Queen's raw sound and attitude borrows with respect from classic bar room rock, showcasing the type of band that is as proud to play in front of 5 people as it is 5000. The quartet's energetic heavy grooves mix with a healthy dose of humor and a cheeky unadulterated love of '80s glam-sleaze metal, winning them new fans in smoky clubs everywhere they go.

BLACK MONDO GRASS is one of the newest and most rocking live bands on the Vancouver scene today. An all-original band who strives to bring back the true meaning of rock 'n' roll, they deliver 70's-inflected modern hard rock that will have you shakin' your ass to their driving, bluesy tunes. With five members of varying musical backgrounds and tastes, Black Mondo Grass offers a truly original sound and experience, crafting together what is sure to be the new sound and face of rock... so hang on to your seats and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________


. Saturday, May 10th I.M.U. presents The DREADNOUGHTS, The DARKEST OF THE HILLSIDE THICKETS & The GETAWAY STICKS @ The Media Club, 695 Cambie . Doors 8pm

The DREADNOUGHTS - Ball-busting Celt-punk from Vancouver's newest group of drunken misfits, with a shot of pirate-shanty, a shot of Irish melody and a triple-chaser of street punk. The result is a powerful live sound, with whirling fiddles, mandolins and accordions inviting you into a world of drink and debauchery. Imagine Rancid had their tour bus hijacked by a group of inebriated gypsies... and you're beginning to understand. Be sure to come out and catch these young up-and-comers who opened for The Real McKenzies, recently perfomed on Global TV and who regularly sell out shows all over Vancouver! The DARKEST OF THE HILLSIDE THICKETS - Following their seven year tour of outer space in support of "Spaceship Zero: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack", The Thickets return to Earth and the waters off New Zealand in a very special operatic adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's "The Shadow Out of Time."

In the original tale set in 1913, Professor Peaslee of Massachusetts has his mental faculties swapped by an alien mind and learns terrible truths about life on Earth and beyond. The latest full-length Thickets CD "The Shadow Out of Tim" features modern marine biologist Dr. Timothy Vess' descent into madness brought on by similar circumstances. The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets, a cult mainstay since 1992, take you on a rock'n'roll tour through space and time, painting sonic pictures of the ocean deep, mysterious ruin-covered islands, and prehistoric jungles. Five out of five Cthulhu scholars agree - "The Shadow Out of Tim" is the perfect soundtrack to occult investigation! The single 'A Marine Biologist' was recently released as a free download on MySpace and thickets.net!

The GETAWAY STICKS - This is a Stick Up! Alarms bells ringing, guns a' blazing, it's a rock n' roll robbery! All ex-members of some band or another, running out the door with a new raw sound, we don't borrow, we steal, taking what we want from classics like The Clash and Social D and firing it right back at you. We're gonna play shows with bands we know, have fun and rob you blind with three chord catchiness! Might be punk, might be rock, might be drunk, maybe not. There's only one way out, so get out of our way! Running . . . . Police on my back!

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________


. Friday, May 23rd I.M.U. presents COWBOYS AND INDIANS, DESERT RADIO & SICK DAYS @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

COWBOYS AND INDIANS - Join one of Vancouver's newest folk rock country blues bands formed by Barnaby McRae, Daniel Huscroft & Ryan McAllister (former lead singer of the band Dakona) as they showcase tightly crafted Americana-roots style tunes for your drinkin' pleasure. Expect a full serving of timeless tales delivered with deeply emotive vocals soaked in Tennessee Whiskey and combined skillfully with steel & acoustic guitars and flourishes of harmonica that will transport you to a simpler time in the dusty past, a time of Cowboys and Indians. DESERT RADIO's original combination of Americana, Classic & Southern Rock is the soundtrack of a road trip to Juarez in a '68 Dodge where Merle Haggard, The Who and Elvis Costello all play on the mix tape stuck in the dashboard deck.

A few years ago, old friends were looking for an excuse to hang out, drink lots of beer and write some great, country-flavoured rock 'n' roll, and one thing led to another and they soon found themselves playing shows and recording tracks. "February Day" (from their recently released debut album) became the number one ranked Americana genre song in the history of garageband.com, leading to features on Budweiser.com as well as NASCAR's use of the track in a Speed Channel video tribute to Dale Earnhardt Sr. that was broadcast throughout North America.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Friday, May 23rd I.M.U. presents STEPHEN HEDLEY, TARL & PAINT @ The Backstage Lounge on Granville Island (1585 Johnston) - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

STEPHEN HEDLEY has attracted a growing and loyal fanbase with his intense and personal live performances. With an effortlessly soulful vocal style and guitar playing that incorporates elements of jazz, blues, rock and folk, Hedley crafts melodic pop songs that have a timeless quality to them. His unique brand of songwriting has earned comparisons to Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Badly Drawn Boy, John Mayer and Alan Price. TARL is a west coast singer/songwriter who's time spent at the "University of Rock n' Roll" has resulted in 2 full-length independent albums with over 4000 copies sold, nationwide airplay with the single "Dirty Girl", multiple tours, motion picture & video game soundtracks as well as the honour of sharing the stage with a myriad of great acts such as Finger Eleven, Nickelback, Bif Naked, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Default and more!

PAINT makes music in the grand tradition of the finest storytellers, with infectious, pop-infused hooks, clever, thought-provoking narratives, and an energized live sound that showcases their unique blend of folk, funk, rock, classical and R&B. The songs are an anthemic hybrid where Springsteen and Petty meet Oasis with the intellectual indie rock sensibilities of Sloan, Bright Eyes and Death Cab For Cutie. Formed in 2001, Paint's debut release "Urban Folk Tales" was praised as "a truly unique first effort held together by frontman Robb Johannes' strong vocals. He can sing in hushed tones one minute before switching to a full on swagger that would make James Brown proud" (Scene and Heard). The album reached the Top 10 on Canadian campus radio and "Open Your Eyes" was featured on UK label E3 Records' Showcase International compilation after the band was voted fan favourite, beating out the competition by thousands of votes.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________


. Saturday, May 24th I.M.U. presents SOL 3, DREAMS OF TREASON, GO GHETTO TIGER & LIKE A MARTYR @ The Media Club, 695 Cambie . Doors 8pm - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

SOL 3 - These former heavyweights of Edmonton’s indie music scene have relocated to Vancouver and are poised to conquer Vancouver and beyond with their brand of well-crafted, hook-driven guitar rock. Influenced by the great bands from every era in rock history including the Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who & The Pixies, SOL 3 have evolved to create their own distinct and unique sound that maintains a fresh and relevant sound for the modern age. SOL 3’s past accomplishments are many and include award nominations, radio exposure and televised live performances. Their monster album "Ultrafade" is available now... you'll love their music if you like beer and well-crafted, melodic rock songs! DREAMS OF TREASON - Raw intensity with amps turned to 11 and armed with the sole intention of rocking your brains out, Dreams of Treason's modern classic melodic hard rock delivers up-tempo fire and soul-wrenching darkness.

As founding members of the Vancouver Band Alliance, Dreams of Treason have become regulars on local TV show A New Rock Reality, which chronicles the lives of several Vancouver-based bands.

GO GHETTO TIGER delivers devastating synth riffs and irresistibly danceable beats with a live show that has been described as "unpredictable, always keeping you guessing about where it might turn next." Their eclectic blend of guitar, bass and synth interjects playful drum loops, samples and melodic vocals, combining into intelligent, sparkly, melodic grooves with inspired lyrics and tempo changes.

LIKE A MARTYR showcase a rock'n'roll freight train of roaring guitars, thunderous vocals and pulsating rhythms combined with shimmering harmonies, memorable melodies and the lost art of the guitar solo. Their tight tunes have garnered them stage time with respected local and touring acts including Rich Hope, Dustin Bentall, Dearly Beloved, Incura and Whitfield. Their songs "Drive Fast Crash Hard" and "Sing" appeared in episodes of Global TV's 2007 hockey reality series "Making The Cut: Last Man Standing".

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Friday, May 30th I.M.U. presents DUSTIN BENTALL BIRTHDAY BASH w/ special guests @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp - Purchase advance tickets online HERE! The DUSTIN BENTALL OUTFIT - Hailing from North Vancouver, Dustin has packed a lot of living into his two decades and intends to color the rest in without much concern for going over the lines. Playing alt-country songs influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Wilco, Dustin found the heart of that music and placed it under his own landscapes. With vocals that range from soft melodies to belt it out gravel blues, his songs speak of a bright eyed beginning and a final truth all at the same time. These are beautiful scars seen through bleary eyes that ring true with a wind blown integrity and an uncompromising lust for life. CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP __________________________________

. Saturday, May 31st I.M.U. presents THE FAB FOUREVER Beatles Tribute Extravaganza (formerly TWIST & SHOUT) w/ special guests The TOP DRAWERS + MCs ED SULLIVAN & AUSTIN POWERS @ The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir

Don't miss this special 3-hour Beatles extravaganza by Vancouver's premier Beatles tribute (formerly known as Twist And Shout), loaded with 3 fab sets, costume changes & special time machine guest appearances by MCs Ed Sullivan and Austin Powers! THE FAB FOUREVER is a Vancouver-based Beatles tribute band that will fill your evening with legendary hits as they transport you back to a time when Beatlemania was the soundtrack for a generation. Full of the raw energy, humour and undeniable charisma that catapulted the Fab Four from Liverpool's Cavern Club to world stages as international musical icons, these boys rock the night away with all the classics from the first British Invasion right through to Abbey Road and Let It Be. Foremost, The Fab Fourever are Beatle fans, and their enjoyment of the music translates into an onstage energy and passion rarely seen by other bands. A splendid time is guaranteed for all! CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Friday, June 6th I.M.U. presents BLACK DOG Led Zeppelin Tribute w/ WAR OF THE MINDS & guests @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

BLACK DOG - Based in Vancouver and featuring the members of Vancouver's Mad Shadow, Black Dog creates a mesmerizing and accurate portrayal of LED ZEPPELIN, from the band's wardrobe to their dynamic onstage presence, paying homage with emotion and realism to their powerful, unmistakable sound. Be transported back 30 years to when the baddest and the best band in hard rock was in their prime! WAR OF THE MINDS can do things mere mortals can only dream of -- playing instruments with three hands at once, singing with forked melodies, winning music competitions held on other planets, and transfusing their potent musical elixir into your bloodstream with an intense combination of emotionally raw vocals, post-punk guitars, rollercoaster drums and inventive, melodic bass. Explosive and exciting, their riff-heavy music is dynamic and contagious with a dark, psychedelic edge. Come hear songs from their forthcoming debut CD before the rest of the herd arrives and tramples you in their wake! CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Saturday, June 7th I.M.U. presents The DREADNOUGHTS, The ELIXXXERS, FIRST TIME VICTOR & FRIENDS OF 7 @ The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir

The DREADNOUGHTS - Ball-busting Celt-punk from Vancouver's newest group of drunken misfits, with a shot of pirate-shanty, a shot of Irish melody and a triple-chaser of street punk. The result is a powerful live sound, with whirling fiddles, mandolins and accordions inviting you into a world of drink and debauchery. Imagine Rancid had their tour bus hijacked by a group of inebriated gypsies... and you're beginning to understand. Be sure to come out and catch these young up-and-comers who opened for The Real McKenzies! The ELIXXXERS - A dash of Rockabilly, a pinch of Punk, and a shake of Ska - blend it with pop/rock and you have an elixir that people want a taste of. Heat it on high with Bobbi-Jo's racy lyrics, Chris' violating bass lines, and Dave's delectable drumming and you have The Elixxxirs the trio that has audiences screaming for MORE!

FIRST TIME VICTOR - Influenced by Mr Cyclopede, quantum physics, Captain Caveman, coconuts, First Time Victor distills a brand new mix of grooves, resulting in a Jambalaya of original sound that has the crowds on their feet, dancing wildly to their bouncy Afro-Caribbean grooves!

FRIENDS OF 7 - High energy Celt/punk/pop/rock with elements of powerpop and ska, Friends of 7 cover a wide variety of styles ranging from riff rockers to acoustic ballads, The Pogues by way of The Offspring.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Friday, June 13th I.M.U. presents The UNKNOWN SOLDIERS: A Celebration Of The Doors with special guests Tony Robertson & The Vaqueros' JIMI HENDRIX Tribute @ The Backstage Lounge, Granville Island (1585 Johnston) - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

The UNKNOWN SOLDIERS come amazingly close to replicating the music of THE DOORS note for note while capturing their raw energy through each band member's interpretation, combining to deliver a groovy reproduction of a live Doors show that keeps audiences in a head-bobbing, toe-tapping trance. Although it is hard to replicate the eccentric unpredictability that was Jim Morrison, their singer's Morrisonesque look, vibe and baritone voice combine with swirling organs and deft musicianship to captivate and transcend time and place, allowing audiences to be transported back in time to experience a taste of live shows that are now a part of rock mythology. Tony Robertson's Vaqueros' JIMI HENDRIX Tribute - The pure musical genius of JIMI HENDRIX made him one of the most influential guitarists ever in modern music.

Self-taught and left-handed, he played with a right-handed Fender Stratocaster turned upside down and restrung, and his use of the Strat's tremelo bar was one of the signature elements of his blues-influenced style of rock music. He perfected the deliberate use of distortion and feedback to complement his natural virtuoso ability, all the while exuding unequaled charisma, raw talent, and creativity to deliver some of the most revolutionary music of the 20th Century. Be sure to come out and take in the timeless music of Jimi Hendrix this special evening, as bluesmen Tony Robertson & The Vaqueros deliver their loving tribute to the raucous and anthemic Experience!

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Saturday, June 14th I.M.U. presents MAD SHADOW, LYMÖZEEN & BROWN SUGAR . Early show 8-11pm sharp @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

MAD SHADOW - Electric, charged and explosive, Mad Shadow features guitarist Danny Sveinson, who many have exclaimed will be one of the next great rock guitar legends. Bringing the thunder of heavy '70s rock into the new millennium, Mad Shadow leave crowds speechless with their style, energy and obvious talent. The combination of Danny's hook-laden riffs, singer Erik Olufson's charismatic, one-of-a-kind stage presence and the fist-pounding rhythms provided by bassist Tyler Lindgrin and drummer Josh McDonald never fail to leave the crowd wanting more. The depth of these rockers' ability to break out, sending Danny into blistering solos and jaw-dropping jams of their best known songs, is sure to drop you right in the middle of the rock and roll inferno that is Mad Shadow.

LYMÖZEEN - With a huge love of hard rock and 4 years of music study behind him, 13 year old guitarist Brice Tabish rounded up two school pals who shared a common love of music from the 70's and early 80's, and the power trio LYMÖZEEN was formed. Hammering out the hits by greats such as Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Aerosmith, CCR, Black Sabbath and more, this band truly rocks. Now, 3 years and some 70 shows later, Brice prepares to turn the corner with new band mates, Dan "The Demon" Montgomery on bass and Cam Strachan keeping it all on track with his rhythmic madness. With youthful energy and an undying desire to perfect their craft, Lymozeen promises to take you on a journey into the past you will not soon forget.

BROWN SUGAR - Singer Liam Mackenzie & guitarist Scotty B. Goode make you feel like there were 2 additional Allman Brothers left unaccounted and their band Brown Sugar sounds like AC/DC getting off the tour bus after listening to too much Black Crowes, all while living the South on a sole diet of whisky and jack during the 60's and 70's!

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Saturday, June 14th I.M.U. presents I,EMPEROR, TENANT, splitTRACT & GLIM PROJECT @ The Media Club, 695 Cambie . Doors 8pm - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

I, EMPEROR - Blistering, melodic nu-metal with aggressive, guttural vocals, inventive songs structures, a tight rhythm section and tasty, hook-laden downtuned guitars that will appeal to fans of Tool, Pantera, Soundgarden, Faith No More & Our Lady Peace. TENANT is an aggressive, progressive, and impressive heavy rock quartet based in Vancouver. Recorded at the famed Mushroom Studios, they launched their much-anticipated debut CD "All My Favourite Bands Are Breaking Up" with a sold out show at the Media Club, bringing their high energy live performances back to local fans. Every Tenant show is an opportunity to be amazed and entertained; their extremely heavy grooves and catchy melodies leave audiences humming and headbanging long after Tenant leaves the stage. Not a band to miss!

splitTRACT - Fronted by singer/songwriter Chris Witoski (formerly of Art of Dying), splitTRACT's dynamic hard rock grooves with melodic overtones have been buzzing a lot of ears. Their tight, rhythmic and pulsating songs have landed them premier shows with bands including The Trews and Default as well as festival showcases like Canadian Music Week. Their sound can be described as dark rock with influences that include bands such as Tool, A Perfect Circle, Chevelle and the Smashing Pumpkins.

The GLIM PROJECT is a full out rock band; a unique, hyper-energetic mish mash that cannot easily fit into one category in today's rock scene. Too progressive to get radio play, not progressive enough to be considered prog rock; too loud and aggressive for the hipsters, but not enough for extreme metal heads. Furious guitars loop around heavy percussive drumming, while galloping bass riffs cut right down the middle. Visually, it's quite a feast, as the band pours out every bit of energy they have in bringing their creations to life.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Saturday, June 21st I.M.U. presents LOS FURIOS & FUZZCAT @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

LOS FURIOS deliver an irresistible blend of ska, reggae, and catchy punk with solid, memorable vocals and empowering, danceable anthems that range from head bobbin' slow skanks to all out, full throttle, pedal-to-the-metal ska romps. Featuring a three piece horn section complemented by distinct songwriters and vocalists, Los Furios shine the brightest when seen and heard live. The six piece band rocks, jumps, bumps and dances through set after set creating a party atmosphere that has made them a favorite with audiences. With 11 Canadian tours under their belt and dates on several Vans Warped Tour, Los Furios have shared stages with The Real McKenzies, Fishbone, Bedouin Soundclash, DOA, The Smugglers, The Planet Smashers and many others. FUZZCAT - Assembling like the five lions of Voltron, Fuzzcat unified into a tight music-making machine bringing thick beats and ass-shakin' rawk.

Influences include Manu Chao, The Clash, Public Enemy, Fela Kuti and anyone else that brings a tear to the eye or a beer to the lips. You never know who will sit in or whose clothes may be shed. If you like shaking your ass and banging your head, come work it out with Fuzzcat.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________


. Friday, June 27th I.M.U. presents MARINEDRIVE CD RELEASE PARTY w/ special guests PEDWELL, ARCTIC Tour Homecoming & CAMERON DOBB @ The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir

Be sure to join Andy Collins & his band Marinedrive with special guests Cameron Dobb, Pedwell & Arctic this special evening to hear brand new songs from his new project!

MARINEDRIVE - Led by charasmatic front man ANDY COLLINS, Marinedrive showcases one of the best up and coming singer/songwriters in the Vancouver music scene alongside a solid team of seasoned musicians. Drawing upon personal experience and his own style of electric and acoustic sounds, his songs are well crafted, intense, and contain a dark edge that provides the listener with a story on every line. Andy and his dynamic band play catchy, electrified pop/rock with choruses that are guaranteed to stick in your head.

PEDWELL - Brad Pedwell is a charismatic Vancouver-based singer/songwriter/guitarist who's been making an impact on the industry since 2002. His growing fanbase has seen him mature as a performer while not losing touch with his heart. With a fistful of emotions clutched in his hands, Pedwell engages listeners with an outstretched passion that is raw, vulnerable and satisfying.

ARCTIC conjures up a rich live experience by recording live guitar loops and constructing each song before the audience. Layers of haunting melodies cascade on top of richly improvised arrangements, with intertwining vocals and guitar melded into a chilled and airy soundscape.

CAMERON DOBB - With influences ranging from ethereal British pop to down home roots, Cameron Dobb's music is an auditory journey through a rich emotional landscape where the characters wear their hearts on their sleeves as they go through life's twists and turns. You'll be drawn into these dark yet hopeful tales by Dobb's unique, distinctive voice and refreshing piano-driven sound.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP

__________________________________

. Friday, June 27th I.M.U. presents A SHEEP AT THE WHEEL CD Release Party w/ special guests MATTHEW MEI & YOU BRIGHT MINDS @ The Bourbon, 50 West Cordova . Early show 8-11pm sharp - Purchase advance tickets online HERE!

A SHEEP AT THE WHEEL fuses pulsing riff-laden verses, huge hooky choruses and powerful vocals in an original post-alternative package. They won the 2005 UBC Battle of the Bands, were voted among the top three independent bands two years running in the Georgia Straight, and have played BC Place and the Pacific Coliseum opening for acts like Finger Eleven and Wide Mouth Mason.

MATTHEW MEI - Having traveled the world as the son of a preacher man, Matt's initial introduction to the world of music was his dads classical, old blues and folk records, but it was his struggles in life and his soulful growth that fueled his desire to write emotional and heartfelt songs. Matt teamed up with Jonathan Anderson (Jonathan Inc.) at Buena Vista Studios to create a thoughtful album that showcased some of his favorite songs he had written over the years.

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO TOP