Things to do in Vancouver this weekend, May 8 to 10

From the exotic burlesque of Melody Mangler (above) to the Finnish folk-metal of Ensiferum, there's plenty happening in Vancouver this weekend.

TONIGHT, MAY 8

EIGHTIES: Canadian classic-rock bands Honeymoon Suite ("New Girl Now") and Streetheart ("Hollywood") play Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.

EDERLEZI: Caravan World Rhythms and Orkestar Slivovica present the sixth annual Balkan Brass Spring Festival, featuring performances by trumpeter Demiran Cerimovic and Orkestar Šlivovica, Orkestar Zirkonium, Bucharest Drinking Team, and M9 Ensemble. Event takes place Friday and Saturday at the Grandview Legion.

ENTICING: local indie singer-songwriter Tatiana Speed plays the Rickshaw Theatre, with guest Colby Ramsay.

EXOTIC: Danger Thrill Show at LanaLou's features contortionist "Fatt" Matt Alaeddine, burlesque artist Melody Mangler, freakshow performer Kata Sita, and comedy songstress Shirley Gnome.

ECLECTIC: the Capilano Guitar Trio performs an eclectic concert of works from Jacobean England, baroque and classical Italy, modern Spain, and folk and pop music from around the world. Event takes place at St. Andrew's-Wesley Church and includes music by Jenkins, Vivaldi, Granados, Albeniz, and Lennon & McCartney.

ENGROSSING: Winnipeg-based folk-pop trio Sweet Alibi (above) and Vancouver Island indie acoustic quartet The Rakish Angles perform at The Rogue Folk Club.

EARBENDING: compare all types of audio gear from speakers, turntables to headphones, and computer systems at the Vancouver Audio Show. Event at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown includes over 30 demo rooms, competitions, and guest speakers.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

GANGSTA: the Georgia Straight presents Vancouver hip-hop group Swollen Members (above) at the Imperial, with guests AlphaOmega, Meph, Mugg Shot, and B.O.S.S. & PSLCD.

GUITARS: Texas blues-rockers Los Lonely Boys play the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, with guests Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.

GAELIC: the Vancouver Gaelic Choir presents a concert with Seattle's Seumas Gagne and pipers Ed MacHwaine and Nathan Hayward at Burnaby's All Saints Anglican Church.

GHOST OPERA: pipa virtuoso Wu Man (above) performs alongside chamber-music ensemble the Shanghai Quartet in a program that includes a chamber version of Tan Dun's Ghost Opera and a suite of traditional Chinese folk songs arranged by violinist Yi-Wen Jiang. Concert takes place at the Chan Shun Concert Hall.

GARDENING: choose from garden favourites, rare and unusual plants, native plants, vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes at the UBC Botanical Garden plant sale. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.

GIGGLES: writer, podcast host, and comic Marc Maron (above) performs at the Vogue Theatre as part of his North American The Maronation Tour. Presented by Just for Laughs.

GUZZLES: evening of whisky, food, and ceilidh music at Lynn Valley Library raises funds for the Trish McMordie Memorial Fund. Event includes music by Black Bear Rebels, auction, and tastings of five fine whiskies.

SUNDAY, MAY 10

POP: American pop vocalist and composer Neil Sedaka ("Breaking Up Is Hard to Do") plays the River Rock Show Theatre.

POWER: Finnish folk-metal groups Ensiferum and Korpiklaani play the Rickshaw Theatre, with guests Trollfest.

PECKISH: the University Women's Club of Vancouver presents a Mother's Day brunch at Hycroft featuring a gourmet buffet designed by executive chef Walter Messiah.

PRECIOUS: buy and sell LPs, 45s, turntables, and vintage audio gear at the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair. Event at Heritage Hall features over 50 independent vendors and more than 50,000 vinyl records on sale.

PASSIONATE: gypsy-jazz group the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet performs at St. James Hall, with guest Leah Zeger.

PHILANTHROPIC: Reid Jamieson presents a benefit concert at Cottage Bistro for Aunt Leah's Place, which helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children.

QUICK PICKS

Eighties pop artist Howard Jones plays the Biltmore on Friday.

Violinist Dale Barltrop and pianist Jane Coop perform at Ironworks on Friday.

American rockers the Rentals play the Electric Owl on Saturday.

Canadian guitar-rockers April Wine play the River Rock Show Theatre on Saturday.

The VSO performs works by Ravel and Falla at the Orpheum on Saturday and Sunday.

Irish rockers Kodaline play the Commodore on Sunday.

Classical quartet Quartetto Gelato plays West Van's Kay Meek Centre on Sunday.

To discover literally hundreds more events happening in Metro Vancouver this weekend, start your journey with our listings page.