Early Vancouver had its share of great music. The African Descent contribution to Vancouver’s music scene is a great one. Starting with the Sullivan family, Phillip played in a band and Josephine played the organ at her church. 

At the turn of the century, Canada became well connected by railroads. With the Canadian Pacific Railway terminus now established in Vancouver, which connected to the rest of Canada and the United States, tour circuits could expand their reach. One such circuit was the Vaudeville circuit in the 1920s. These variety shows were quite popular and Vancouver became a popular stop. The artists below played at places like the  Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver’s glamorous entertainment venue. 

As Vaudeville faded, a new type of music came: jazz. George Paris is credited with having brought it to Vancouver, along with his boxer friend Jack Johnson. Many more artists would go on to play at cafés and cabarets, such as the Patricia Hotel. “Jelly Roll” Morton was one such other artist. 

 From Prohibition’s end, many clubs still couldn’t obtain a liquor license, and an establishment was not allowed to serve drinks and play music at the same time! These cafés and cabarets, without a liquor license, had the best music and entertainment in town. IF you wanted to drink, no worries, people could bring their own and hide them either under tables or special drawers made for stashing.