Vancouver Rocks – Where Music Meets Community.
Vancouver Rocks is a live music series that unites communities, supports local businesses and celebrates Vancouver’s iconic neighbourhoods. By partnering with Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) and local sponsors, each event showcases incredible talent while driving traffic to local retailers and restaurants.
Pooni Group Foundation, Third Space Properties and CSJW Financial are proud to present Broadway Rocks, a night of live music featuring L.A. rockers The Airborne Toxic Event and special guests Wide Mouth Mason, in support of local businesses.
Building off the success of 2022’s Granville Rocks, this second installment in the Vancouver Rocks concert series will celebrate the heritage and rebirth of the Broadway Corridor. The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on local businesses that have struggled during the construction disruptions of the Broadway Subway line by bringing hundreds of Vancouverites to the neighbourhood to support retail and restaurants.
Broadway Rocks will be held on Thursday, May 22nd at the historic Hollywood Theatre (3123 West Broadway) in the heart of Kitsilano. L.A. rockers The Airborne Toxic Event will headline the show with recently inducted Western Canadian Music Hall of Famers Wide Mouth Mason opening the performance.
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In 2022, the City of Vancouver approved the Broadway Plan, a vision for the Broadway Corridor over the next 30 years. The Plan recognizes the storied history of this expansive urban area and intends to transform it into a “second downtown” with the incoming Broadway Subway line. During this transformation, local businesses—from Commercial Drive to Alma—are facing challenges, including reduced foot traffic, a lack of parking and, as a result, decreased sales. Broadway Rocks wants to acknowledge these hardships and highlight local business in the area so it continues to thrive.
“We’re very grateful to be part of this collaborative event, supporting the community, and celebrating the people and places that make West Broadway our home, workplace and favourite place,” says Michelle Barile, Executive Director of the West Broadway BIA.
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will be donated to the West Broadway BIA, a non-profit organization, providing events, street enhancements and various initiatives to support local businesses and the community in Kitsilano, as well as to Performing Arts Lodge (PAL Vancouver), a non-profit that provides affordable housing for seniors in the performing arts.
Why Broadway? Why Now?
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The Airborne Toxic Event
The Airborne Toxic Event, formed in 2006, is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California consisting of Mikel Jollett, Steven Chen, Adrian Rodriguez, Daren Taylor, and Miriam "Mimi" Peschet. The Airborne Toxic Event is recognized for their blend of rock music with piano and violin. The band has always loved Vancouver and is excited to celebrate the past and future of the Broadway Corridor.
Wide Mouth Mason
Wide Mouth Mason is a blues/rock/roots trio renowned for their agile musicianship and dynamic live performances. Vancouver-based Shaun Verreault (lead vocals, guitar and three-slide lap steel) and Safwan Javed (drums and percussion) have produced numerous rock radio hits, multiple gold records, and have toured with legends like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and ZZ Top. In recent years, Reed Shimozawa has been performing on bass for their live shows. The band was honoured to be inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
Pooni Group and Pooni Group Foundation
Pooni Group is a technical urban planning and communications consulting firm with more than 30 years of experience navigating real estate development approvals. Pooni Group Foundation (PGF), the non-profit arm of the company, is on a mission to build stronger communities. We lend our support to local charities, schools and other non-profits—through fundraising, working with various boards, and connecting groups with levels of government.
Third Space
Third Space Properties Inc. is a triple bottom line property investment, development and management company founded with a long-term vision to help Vancouver thrive. They are active in commercial and residential real estate across Metro Vancouver, and like to work on different kinds of projects including condo, purpose-built rental, mixed use, office and industrial.
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CSJW Financial
CSJW Financial is looking to redefine real estate development in Vancouver, blending a strong corporate identity with a fresh, community-focused approach. President Colin Wall’s vision for Vancouver extends beyond business—it’s about making a positive impact in our neighbourhoods. He is dedicated to honouring the rich artistic and community-oriented heritage his grandmother and mother helped to cultivate, and supporting causes that matter to him. As Colin continues to shape Vancouver, he remains grounded in his core values: a profound love for his city, respect for its history, and an unwavering commitment to its future.
West Broadway BIA
The West Broadway Business Improvement Association (WBBIA) consists of businesses and property owners on West Broadway from Collingwood to Larch Street. Their mandate is to enhance the vitality of the business community by developing initiatives that enhance and benefit the area, from promoting small businesses and local events, to streetscape projects and developing community partnerships. The WBIBIA and its merchants are host to many exciting events, promotions and fun activities all year round—and these are just a few reasons millions of people visit Kitsilano on West Broadway each year.
