Our Mission

Our mission is to fill the city with live, original music from around the world as a means to personal and political empowerment, creativity, and wellness.

By drawing from the skills of some of Vancouver's top performers, we create a nurturing space for ordinarily extraordinary people of all ages and from all walks of life to polish their inborn creative talents, musicianship and professional ethics. We accomplish this through our community band, The Carnival Band, and our public workshops.

Did you used to play? Want to start? Looking for a way to bring a little colour to your community? Stop on by! In addition to countless local shows, our performers have toured twice to Europe, to the eastern seaboard of the US, and to China. We hope you enjoy the show.

Open Air Orchestra News

Decent Exposure

Tuesday, August 19th, the Carnival Band will be performing at the Decent Exposure Theatre Company fundraiser at Backstage Lounge. Led by long-time Carnival Band trumpeter Nathan Detroit Barrett, Decent Exposure is responsible for such great features as the YouTube sensation"Melt Face".

This variety show will feature live music, comedy, dance, and cheap drinks. Doors at 9pm with a $10 suggested donation.

UBC Farm Blackberry Festival Market

On Saturday, Aug. 16th, 10-11 am, the Carnival Band will be performing at the Annual UBC Farm Blackberry Festival Market. The market celebrates the season and demonstrates our great potential for local, urban food production. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm is Vancouver's last working farm, and one of only a handful of urban farms in Canada. Over 150 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers from the farm will be available for sale, as well as eggs from their free-range chickens.

The farm is under threat from UBC to be turned into condos, and demonstrations at the market are part of the ongoing fight. The band will be attired as fruits and vegetables for the show (naturally).

Open Air Orchestra Society Coming Out Party

On Friday, August 8th, the Open Air Orchestra Society will be throwing a party like no other at the Fairview Pub, 898 West Broadway. The Carnival Band is headlining the night, with special guests Hemingway's Gun and PIM: two bands that have grown in part out of the skill and performance ethic learned through the Carnival Band.

A pittance of a cover ($10) will be charged, with all proceeds towards bringing more music to your city! Doors at 9pm, music at 10.

Take off!

To the great festivals of coastal British Columbia

The Carnival Band has been invited to perform at Artopia in Sointula, and Seafest in Alert Bay during the weekend of July 25th-27th. Both events mark the height of the summer season for these northern island communities, where music, dance, and wonderful fresh food provide ample cause for celebration.

The Open Air Orchestra Society is proud to share the colour and vibrancy of the Carnival Band throughout this particularly beautiful corner of Canada. During the voyage, band members hope to perform with the Comox and Port McNeill farmer's markets, as well as local neighborhoods on Malcolm Island.

Oh Canada!

The Carnival Band is thrilled to be leading Vancouver's biggest Canada Day parade on Granville Island this year. The Parade will begin at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 1st, near Ocean Cement.

Festivities will be taking place on Granville Island all day, from 7am to 7pm. Join us in this family friendly and fun event, with free jazz performances courtesy of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, roving performers, face painting, tattoos, and tons of activities for visitors of all ages. International events and performers will add to the vibrant and diverse culture that makes our country worth celebrating!