Goth legends, hip-hop legends, local legends—this week's roundup is nothing short of iconic. 

Black Veil Brides and Ville Valo

Grab your eyeliner. Black Veil Brides has mapped out a co-headlining fall tour with Ville Valo, presented by none other than Hot Topic. “We cannot wait to join forces with Ville Valo and give both of our audiences in North America an unforgettable experience each night,” BVB frontman Andy Biersack said in a press release. “This run has been in the works for quite a while. We couldn't be happier now that we can finally share the news. Ville is an icon. We have all been fans of his not only for his work in the hugely influential band HIM but as a torchbearer for an entire generation of rock fans and musicians.” BVB’s 2021 album, The Phantom Tomorrow, produced the group’s first-ever Top 10 single with “Scarlet Cross.” Finnish singer Valo released his debut solo effort, Neon Noir, in January.

When: October 14

Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Tickets: On sale June 2 via Ticketmaster

Janelle Monáe

The critically acclaimed singer and actress—and Prince protégé—has announced a release date for her highly anticipated new album, alongside a supporting North American tour. The Age of Pleasure is set to drop on June 9 via Altantic Reords, and features her latest single, “Lipstick Lover.” Monáe’s tour kicks off in Seattle and lands in Vancouver for its second date before moving across Chicago, New York, and Toronto. The multi-hyphenate has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards, and has won awards from the Screen Actors Guild, Children’s and Family Emmys, and Critics’ Choice, among many others.

When: August 31

Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Tickets: On sale June 7 via Ticketmaster

Michie Mee

The Queen of Canadian hip-hop is making a triumphant return to Vancouver. Mee will take the stage on Saturday, June 3, as part of Black Music Month’s Tribute to Black Canadian Women in Hip-Hop during its multi-day festival running from June 2 to 4. Along with Mee, June 3 will include performances from an exciting lineup of hip-hop artists including Toronto’s Keysha Freshh and Vancity’s own Missy D, Ndidi Cascade, and Kia Kadiri. Mee is a trailblazer and hip-hop pioneer—she was the first Canadian emcee to sign a record deal with a major American label and her 1992 debut album, Jamaican Funk—Canadian Style, combined reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop sensibilities in an unprecedented way. Her most recent effort, Bahdgyal’s Revenge, was released in 2020.

When: June 2-4

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza

Tickets: By donation

Root Dwellers Music Showcase

Root Dwellers, a monthly showcase of local music across all genres at the Anza Club, has announced its headlining lineup for June. Dust Cwaine, Devours, and Kylie V are set to take the stage on June 23, as the showcase also marks Pride Month. All three artists are making lots of noise in the local scene, and have recent releases: Dust Cwaine’s debut album, Arcana, dropped last September; Devours just released their latest, Homecoming Queen, this month; and Kylie V’s EP, The Runaway, came out in February. It’ll be a night you won’t want to miss.

When: June 23

Where: Anza Club

Tickets: On sale now via Eventbrite