Iconic Wu-Tang Clan announced as latest headlining act for TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival

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      One of the most iconic and enduring acts in the long and rich history of hip-hop is headed to Vancouver for a headlining show as part of the 34th annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

      Fest organizers have announced that Wu-Tang Clan will play an evening showcase at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on (June 23) at 8:00pm. Presale tickets for festival donors will be available from April 30 to May 2 starting at 10 am, with tickets for the general public go on sale May 3 at 10 a.m. at www.coastaljazz.ca. Tickets start at $69.

      Formed in 1991 in New York City, Wu-Tang Clan has been consistenly lauded as one of the greatest rap groups in history, as loved by hip-hop heads as it is by rockers ranging from by the Black Keys (who fall into uber-fan territory) to Devendra Banhart to MGMT. 

      Hell, English bands that sound like they'd be afraid to meet the Wu-Tang Clan in a Staten Island dive bar write songs celebrating the collective's brilliance. Here, listen to the French as you sway softly in your living room with the curtains drawn, convinced everything is better when there's no one around. 

      Wu-Tang Clan's debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), didn't exactly rip up the charts on its release, stalling on Billboard at number 41, but word of mouth and steady street-level buzz eventually propelled it to platinum status four years after it hit record stores. 

      Six full-lengths have followed over the years, along with too many solo outings to count from members including Ghostface Killah, RZA, GZA, and Raekwon. 

      In total Wu-Tang Clan and its spin-off projects have moved closed to 40 million records. Songs like "Protect Ya Neck" and “C.R.E.A.M.” meanwhile have become endlessly revered hip-hop classics.

      For full TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival information, from ticketed events like the Roots and Herbie Hancock, to free outdoor shows featuring artists such as A Tribe Called Red’s DJ Shub, King Ayisoba, and Mats Gustafsson, go to www.coastaljazz.ca

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