The Indie Files

Aaron Schubert, bookings and promotions manager for the Biltmore Cabaret.

No matter the city, Canadian live music venues have had a tough time keeping their doors open.

Vancouver, specifically, has seen The Cobalt close down, along with one of my favourites Richard’s On Richards (RIP old buddy). Live music venues are where the magic happens; yeah, you can buy a record and blare it in the comfort of your bedroom, but music’s real charm can only be experienced in those cozy, dimly-lit clubs where beer flows and hipster scarves flail.

The Biltmore Cabaret is one venue that’s held its own over the past couple of years. Thanks to elbow grease and one great vision, it’s moved away from being a stabbing hotspot and towards a suave little club. I love it for a couple of reasons: For one, many big-name indie acts choose to play the Kingsway and 12th room, and secondly, it sure as heck beats venturing downtown to the insanity of Granville Street.

I took the time to sit down with booking and promotions manager Aaron Schubert to get the scoop on the venue’s history, why it’s such an attractive place (hint: think sexy red velvet!) and where the Biltmore sees itself in five years.

Listen to the audio interview below.