Looking for dinner and a show? Belly dancing and live jazz (a winning combo) have come to Kits. Nuba Kitsilano recently launched Bedouin Cabaret, a six week long celebration of Middle Eastern Music, Food, and Dance with Juno Award-winning musician Gordon Grdina and contemporary bellydance troupe Luciterra. The performances take place from 8pm to 11pm Thursday evenings through July 3.
Since the closure of the beloved Jazz Cellar earlier this year, Kitsilano has been sorely in need of a space where music lovers in the neighbourhood can come together. Nuba Kits wanted to change that with the launch of Bedouin Cabaret, an event series featuring world class music and dance coupled with outstanding food and drinks.
Attendees will be treated to performances by jazz and world music virtuoso Gordon Grdina. Grdina’s name is no stranger to music lovers, this Juno Award-winning player, in addition to being a longstanding member of the Dan Mangan band, is the leading force behind Arabic classical music ensembles the Gordon Grdina Trio, Box Cutter, Sangha, and Haram.
Joining Grdina in the festivities is the Luciterra Fusion Bellydance company. A favourite at music events and festivals in Vancouver and beyond, this foursome has been lauded for their powerful, dynamic performances, which put a contemporary twist on traditional Middle Eastern bellydance. Luciterra have shared the stage with local world fusion favourites like Zaki Ibrahim and Delhi to Dublin as well as renowned international acts like Beats Antique.
The event will be emceed by the ineffable legend El Gar Zaid. Expect song, dance, laughter, and tears as he leads you through what is sure to be a memorable evening at Nuba’s Lebanese taverna in the heart of Kitsilano.
Nuba in Kitsilano
3116 West Broadway (Between Trutch and Balaclava)
http://www.nuba.ca/nuba-in-kitsilano/
Advance tickets are $10 (Plus tax and service charge) from Eventbrite
http://bedouincabaret.eventbrite.ca
Last modified: May 28, 2014
The Rogue Folk Club offers an outstanding and varied line up of live music, with almost all shows at St. James Hall at 10th and Trutch:
http://www.roguefolk.bc.ca
They describe it as “The Very Best In Live Acoustic Roots Music, everything from Celtic to Bluegrass, Blues to Gypsy Jazz, World Music to Singer-Songwriters, Old-Time, Trad and more!”
I miss the Jazz Cellar, but Cory Weeds is now offering excellent Tuesday Jazz nights (with no talking during the music) and Friday Blues nights at 1789 Restaurant in the West End:
http://www.1789.ca/menu/