Review and Photos – Andy Shauf at the Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, Sep 24, 2024
“So does anyone have any questions?” Andy Shauf asked the eager audience. Those who had seen Shauf preform before knew it was coming and had likely been brainstorming questions all night, or at least since the show’s superb opener, Sam Lynch, shared her own question with the patient crowd.
Fans at the Vogue Theatre on Tuesday night learned that Shauf does indeed play video games, but just one, he claimed. A game called Rocket League, which Shauf admits he’s pretty good at, but mostly plays with his brother – it’s an excuse for them to talk on the phone, he noted.
After Lynch’s superb opening set and a short intermission, the theatre darkened and Shauf came onto the stage for his set. “We love you Andy!” someone called out from the crowd. He began the intimate performance with, “Wasted on You”, the first track on his eighth and latest album, Norm. Released in 2023, Norm is a concept album, following the central character, a stalker, who is of course, called Norm.
Shauf played several songs from Norm throughout the show as well as older tracks like 2015’s “You’re Out Wasting.” Many of Shauf’s songs seem to tell a little story. Along with Norm, other interesting characters and events are woven into two to four minute vignettes, and Shauf offered up dozens of these little delights throughout the night.
While patterns of light were cast onto the wall behind him, Shauf sat centre stage under a small spotlight. Unfortunately those situated in the limited seating at the back of the room lost him behind the crowd, only occasionally catching a glimpse of the golden glow of his head under the spotlight.
Despite the limited view for some, Shauf’s performance was quietly captivating and the chill crowd cheered as each song started and again when it sadly came to an end. They laughed at Shauf’s jokes and soaked up his quirky, yet mellow music on this quiet Tuesday night.
The Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was mid-way through his fall solo tour when he landed in Vancouver for this performance at the Vogue. Next he’ll head to the East Coast for shows in Quebec and Ontario, and a couple of stops in Texas.
More Andy Shauf at the Vogue Theatre photos:
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Julie Rankin
Julie Rankin is a writer and a designer and developer of digital experiences. She currently operates her own holistic creative studio that aims to push the boundaries of what we can build together on the web. Julie is passionate about digital sustainability, accessibility and user experience. In addition to serving as editor and writer at Bright Noise, Julie also writes fiction. She can often be found cycling, walking along the Vancouver seawall, or enjoying some live music.
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