Rock Plaza Central still Rocks

Rock Plaza Central is one of the greatest bands today. Why? They are spirited, unique, engaging, entertaining, and pack a punch of nostalgia. Okay, so the last point is a unique and personal point for myself and the key people who have loved this band for awhile. But this love from their fans is just more proof of how amazing these Toronto rockers are.

I first met RPC in January 2008 at Zaphods in Ottawa, ON. Since then I have seen them thrice more. Once opening for Dan Bejar from Destroyer, and the other opening for Jason Collett. Every single time I have seen RPC it has been a memorable, amazing, beautiful night (hence the current nostalgia). They are always changing and always playing meaningful music.

From the folk-rock ballads to the sci-fi inspired theme of "Are We Not Horses?", RPC continues to amaze. Maybe it is because lead singer Chris Eaton has an intriguing mind, which translates well to his two Science Fiction novels. Maybe it is the plethora of instruments, from violin to mandolin, that weave their way up and down in frenzied or eerily calm crescendos. Whatever it may be that makes this band magic, they warm my heart every day. Look for their upcoming album.

Arts & Crafts & Picture Postcards

So I've locked myself in an old high school building converted into classrooms on the StFX campus to finish writing my Accounting Theory paper. The rain is pouring outside, so even if I wanted to take a brake I couldn't. Rather, I have brought the two new CDs I recievied in the mail as part of my Arts&Crafts surprise pack. A&C is my favorite record label both because they host some of my favorite bands - including Stars, Broken Social Scene, and The Most Serene Republic - and because their business model is one of innovation and collaboration. There is sense of beauty I get when I listen to their music and a sense of community when I hear the various mixes the bands often produce. A&C bands are infamous with allowing their songs to be continually transformed as they pass through the patchwork of the Canadian Music scene. Stars have released an album entirely re-mixed "Do you Trust your Friends." Feist has released "Open Season". Broken Social Scene represents some connection to many of the bands that are famous in Canada, including Metric and Do Make Say Think.
As I listen to a cover of "Fairytale of New York" by Stars I am reminded of the small yet memorable moments of my life. I think of how what makes up a lot of my beauty is the life collaborations I have had over time. I get teary as I listen to this song from my past re-done by a band from my present. Much of my past lives in me today - Family, Friends, triumphs, mistakes. I am working on what will be my last paper at StFX. In writing this paper all the other papers I have written play effect. It is hard to think of those past moments that I will never get back.

ECMAs - Day 4

The last day in Fredriction was less like a day and more like a scene out of a suspense-thriller movie. Soon after we set out on our departure of the city Xandi and I would begin to question if we had entered some sort of time-warp where the city would never let us leave.
We awoke at 7:30am and quickly packed. I woke Vanessa to say goodbye and thank her for her hospitality before setting out on the road. We filled up the car and I got a giant coffee and apple and a protein bar to get myself through the trip. Xandi and I got on what we thought was the highway going South. Soon enough the signs saying "South" began to say "North" and somehow we entered the first trap of what I now call The Fredericton Vortex. We turned around and once again headed back into Fredericton. We got on the south-ward highway and looked for signs directing us East towards Nova Scotia. Trap number 2 showed its form through signs that stopped labeling themselves with directions and started labeling the highway routes with the various New Brunswick town they went to. Xandi and I took the route we thought headed East but of course the FV got us once again and we realized we were headed West. Included in the marvelous package of confusing signs Fredericton highways also offer a complete lack of exits. So, 20 km headed in the wrong direction and Xandi and I think this city will never let us leave. Finally, the 3rd time through the city and we are on our way out.
The next trauma came in the form of an over-worked bladder. 1 large coffee and half an energy drink in and I was looking for a stop. At this point I didn't realize the abuse my system, more specifically my kidneys, had taken from days of multiple coffees and several caffeine loaded drinks but I was soon to find out. Even before I parked the car at the next gas station my body was calling it quits. Once I reached the stall and released the urine I was so happy to say "goodbye" to my kidneys started throbbing in a way that would give the worst migraine a run for its money. Because these were my kidneys and I don't drink alcohol things started freaking me out. I gave myself time to calm down and breathe through the pain. This, of course, all with my penis still out of my pants at a the gas station toilette.
I got back in the car and we headed on our way again. There were more stops of of bladder-stress-intensity and a break for Harvey's before we reached Antigonish in time for Xandi to get to dance class and me to take a nap before that night's episode of Well Versed.

ECMAs - Day 3

It was the first day Xandi and I awoke in a regular house and it felt great. I woke our host, Vanessa, with a big hug and then we prepared to go into the Farmers' Market. Three more people were staying at the house and we all worked together to prepare food, brew coffee, and just chttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifhat about the night before. Vanessa, Christina, Xandi and I went downtown and first got ourselves some falafel wraps and samosas. The two other ladies left for work while Xandi and I continued to browse the various stands of home-made candles, pastries, and clothing. I bought some purses for my sisters and Xandi got herself some more food as big as her face!
The two of us didn't have a lot planned for the day so things definitely felt more relaxed. I got a hold of Tanya Davis and we finally set a time to do our interview. I headed downtown to Nicky Z's where the PEI stage was being hosted. Tanya was there to here one of her friend's bands, who's name I forget, but I know they were awesome. We went into the green room and did our interview right after. Tanya really opened up and I had a great time talking to her. You can listen to the interview here. I ran into my old roommate Kent at the PEI stage as well and we made plans to meet up at the Two Hours Traffic show later that night.
Desperately in need of coffee Xandi took off to get some joe while I talked to a few other bands. Once we met back up we took off to Vanessa's house for dinner. Vanessa made Xandi some pasta while I ate a super-large Greek salad that I had. I started to hit the coffee and energy drinks in preparation for my last night at the ECMAs. A bunch of people came over and we all listened to the new Rebekah Higgs CD and danced around. After talking for awhile Xandi and I took off to the Back Nine for the NS stage where Jill Barber and Joel Plaskett were playing. Too bad that was the place to be, because by 9:15 it was already packed. We tried to go through the back entrance and even wait at the stage door but had no luck. I got pissed-off at the bouncer but that only made things worse.
Xandi and I decided to head over to the Crowne Plaza to see Down with the Butterfly play. The whole weekend I was trying to get an interview with them and I finally was able to talk to Kris and Dave about their views on success. Kris and I talked just outside the venue but Dave was jonzing for some coffee so him and I set off to find a coffee shop. I thought we would find someplace close so I walked without my coat. Well, 15 minutes later and a lot of freezing and we were above the Mexicala Rosa's. The atmosphere was incredible in this dimly lit haven. As we sat in a mahogany booth and talked quietly the both of us couldn't help but comment on the contrast between walls lined with wine bottles and fake stain-glass windows all over. The lighting was that of a cathedral and the ceiling above the tables were all different hightes, creating amazing acoustics. Dave and I talked for awhile and I was able to get another great interview. Dave lost track of time and we had to run back to the Plaza because he was right about to go on stage.
Once DWB was done playing Xandi and I took off back downtown to the PEI stage. Once again this venue was just as packed as the Back Nine and it looked like we weren't going to get in to see Two Hours Traffic or my friends. Luckily I knew where the band entrance was and we just followed a few people in. I ran into Tanya again and then I headed upstairs to see the band. I ran into my old roommates Kent and Pat. Xandi and I danced with them all night and it felt just like old times back in first year when THT would room with us. In-line with just about everything else that week I made a girl swear allegiance to my mustache before I finally took off for the evening.
Spending the last night listentining to a great band with a few of my closest friends was the prefect way to end my stay at the ECMAs.

ECMAs - Day 2

So after only 2 hours of sleep and a long night of typing online and listening to Xandi's sleep talking the both of us woke in need of coffee. We got dressed, paid our fees and went out to find a local coffee shop. Xandi and I found The Friendly Baker a European bakery that served many organic options. We both got a muffin and large coffee. On our way to the open panel discussion with Steven Page I realized that I was drinking the best coffee ever. We arrived at the Delta Hotel where The Divorcees were playing on stage. Afterwards Page come on to answer a few questions for the media. It was announced that a film crew would be following all 4 days of the ECMAs (instead of just the gala) and Page would host the TV-Special "Barenaked Music". I asked Page about the positive impact digital music has on environmental issues and whether that was a viable option for the industry. He said that we are past the days where youth enjoy shopping and are only concerned with consumption. For me it is true; I am an online consumer whore.
After the press conference Xandi and I booted it over to the Playhouse to see David Myles do his soundcheck for CBC radio. We did an interview with him that went really well. When we gave David a CFXU shirt he was very pleased. We watched the show and I saw Meaghan Smith play and it was amazing. She had such a beautiful presence on stage that really got the crowd feeling all warm and loving. I decided to go back stage and interview her when she was done playing. It was an enjoyable interview and Meaghan had a pleasant and soothing voice that made the interview extra-special. I also ran into X-alum Kim and chatted with him a bit.
After the show Xandi and I got some food at M & T Deli down the road. The food was amazing and the cookies, like much of the food in Fredericton, was as big as Xandi's face! It was really delicious and the owner was super nice.
After dinner we went back to the Hostel to change and get ready to go back to the Playhouse and then over to the Crowne Plaza to see some bands. At the Playhouse we watched Cape Breton fiddly star Ashley MacIssac. I had only seen him on TV and he was fantastic live. I actually ended up chatting with him later between sets at the Crowne Plaza. At the Crowne I ran into my long-time friend Vanessa and her possy of Freddy hoodlums. She invited us to stay at her place and said I was a jerk for not telling her I was coming. I felt bad for once again keeping her out of the loop and not staying in a real bed rather than a cheap cot. I got her info and proceeded to watch rock-duo The Superfantastics from Halifax. It was super sweet to see this band play again. We got an ID from them and their new CD. Before the end of the weekend Xandi and I listened to that thing about 15 times!
After The Superfantastics played we headed over to The Back Nine to see Wintersleep and The Tom Fun Orchestra. There is a reason Tom Fun is one of the must outrageous and ridiculous live bands in Canada. Seeing those 9 all rowdy on stage was one of the biggest highlights for me at the ECMAs.
After the bands Xandi and I packed up our stuff at the Hostel, headed over to Vanessa's and slept in some comfortable beds. Great Day 2.

ECMAs - Day 1

Today began my trip on a journey of musical discovery. Right now I post to you from a hostel in Fredericton, New Brunswick. However, my journey started a lot earlier and a lot more chaotic than this point in time. After waking up and finding out that my radio show had been snaked from me I was told that there were no cars in Antigonish to rent. With this dilema I proceeded to take care of other issues like printing business cards and packing. By the time the more controllable odds and ends were settled I received a call from one of the agencies and was able to procure myself a vehicle. I made arrangements to pick up the car and some much needed energy drinks before packing my luggage in the trunk and heading to my two classes of the day. After the classes I met my station manager and we headed off on the 4 hour journey.
With the energy drinks coursing through my body mine and Xandi's talks got off to a good start. However, my bladder eventually gave in and we were stopping every 45 minutes. Besides this we had a deadline to reach the hostel before 10pm. We were close to Fredericton by 9:30 but one wrong turn sent us into a panic. Missing the exit again resulted in a call requesting the manager to stay later. We finally made it to our lodging by 10:20, checked in, and set off to get our media passes at the local hotel. We arrived before their close of 11pm to receive the passes that would grant us both entrance into all the events and a pretty crummy bag ohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.giff swag.
After unpacking and getting our bearings Xandi and I were off to see David Myles play at a club downtown. David was energetic on stage and a real delight to watch. After his show Old Man Luedeke came on stage.
The last time I saw him was at a Feist concert and he was amazing. The night continued to be amazing as I ran into some of the guys from Wintersleep and Down With the Butterfly and had some good conversations with them. They were able to introduce me to one of the poets I play on Well Versed - Tanya Davis. I got her number and we decided to set an interview for the next day.
I was overwhelmed with the sense of eagerness of these artists to just talk about the work. When Xandi and I left the Back Nine I was excited to just be a part of this entire event. I was also hungry.
Xandi and I drove around for a bit and eventually found a pizza place that wasn't far from where we originally were. With two joints side by side the deciding factor was which place had the fewest drunk and boisterous party-goers. Well, apparently it doesn't matter how vacant the venue, eventually you will run into a drunk and surly person in Fredericton. Besides a giant amount of ill-logical and ridiculous comments (albeit hilarious) the pizza slices themselves were giant. Xandi seemed to be getting massively full from the slice that was as big as her face and anxious from the increasingly loud yells from our new friend "Josh".
We left for the hostel and bunked down in our soft and thin cots. Xandi fell into slumber immediately while I stayed up writing this post.

**Eventually it got deleted and it took me until after the partying to finish up what I started**

Wintersleep and more

So a lot has happened since Thursday. First, I not only got to go to a Wintersleep concert for free, but I also got to photograph them at the radio station and backstage. The concert was great even when a friend with a boyfriend was hitting on me. It was also great that I was supposed to be studying for an accounting exam but I chose to listen to great music instead.
Well I got up early and studied the next day before writing the test a bit later. I got to the gym and worked on a leadership workshop I was presenting starting on Saturday. I met my partner for the presentation and we prepared. That Friday night I stayed up 'till 6am working on the presentation and talking online to a very wonderful lady.
I was only able to sneak in 2 hours of sleep before it was time to get some photocopying done and set up the room for my first of 3 leadership workshops on public speaking and confidence building.
The first session went great and got wonderful reviews. I felt so good I went for a run in the -14 degree weather. All day I tried to do homework despite being overly tired from the lack of sleep. I was somewhat successful and will be better rested for my last day of the weekend. Listen to episode 12 of Well Versed tomorrow at 9pm Atlantic/8pm Eastern.

Hometown Hoedown

So I never really said what I've been up to over the break. Sure, I told you of my troubles at the airport; but what about what happened after? Well I did spend a few lovely days in Ottawa catching up with friends like Savanna, Stefan, and Barry. I did have a nice drive back to Whitby with my friend Nicole. After that holiday activities started to leave my control and subsequently result in the elations and disappointments of my heart.
Over the past three nights (not including last night) I have been attending a mini-festival of local and nearby music called Hometown Hoedown. It was three nights of great bands, old and new friends, and a lot of dancing. An atmosphere that I have to abandon when I head out East for school surrounded me on Wed-Sat night and I exuberantly celebrated the warm feelings that come from these types of holiday celebrations. Some people enjoy the office parties, or the family raunts on ice-skates or sleds. Personally I like artistic creation and appreciation for my yule tidings.
I love a building with warm colored walls, balloons, and streamers in adornment - with an even warmer atmosphere inside. I love people who talk and listen to each other rather than at each other. I love music that is edgy, un-tailored, and raw. I also love photography:

The Wooden Sky

The Magic

Colin Medley

The Radio friends

So I was just reading the blog of fellow DJ and dear friend Shannon and found the whole thing endearing. Now these terms befell my mind due to reasons to close to the heart to describe. However, I will say that I have been touched by the positive effect of my actions this evening for that and for other reasons.
I also received an e-mail from my parents after my movie review show, Celluloid Radio, on 92.5 The Fox aired (every Tuesday at 7pm AST). It encourages me to know that my parents listen to my show. It reminds me

a) that people care about me; and
b) I am doing something important to a few people

Repercussions like Shannon's blog or my parents' e-mail fuels my mind to persevere and comforts my soul.

A musical longing

So I haven't reminisced a lot about the last city I left behind - Ottawa. Yes, I did recently write about my friend Savanna visiting but that was one person. I'm talking about bigger things that make up the city.
Right now I am listening to The Love Machine, a band from Ottawa, and I am remembering how great the music scene is there. Yes, it has its little difficulties that come from being a conservative city sandwiched between Toronto and Montreal. I love those difficulties. I love that the city still produces some incredible music. I love that Ottawa doesn't have one discernible "sound". I love that even at the radio station here in Antigonish, NS bands still seem to find me.

Metric and the Radio

Two points to mention. Well.....maybe three. I decided to let you know that I currently write under massive sleep deprivation and a bladder full of chocolate milk. Last night I was unable to sleep, but luckily that resulted in me finishing my essay on what makes a good person different from a bad person. Today I went to class from 9:45 to 5, spent time in the library, visited with friends, and did some more ethics. At the end of the night I ran into my long-time friend Aaron, who I haven't seen for 16 months. Aaron being the quirky fellow that he is suggested that we down a gallon of chocolate milk together as we caught up over the next hour. It was a great conversation, a hilarious time, and some delicious milk.
I also think that it is delicious that I got to co-MC the recent Metric concert with my friend Scott. Down With the Butterfly opened and the whole show was awesome. I danced like crazy to Metric with a few old and new friends and just had a blast.
The final thing to mention is that tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the second installment of Celluloid Radio, the film review show started by myself and my old roommate Mark 2 years ago. Now in its 3rd year, it will be hosted by me and my roommate Wil every Tuesday at 7pm on CFXU.

Here are some pics I took from the Metric concert:

Immaculate Concert and Album

I'm listening to my newly purchased Immaculate Machine album, Fables. I got the CD at the show I went to yesterday and it was amazing (hence the album purchase). First, the show:
It opened with local group Saidie Hell. I find the concept of this band very interesting as it is a duo with only one half having consistent membership. Ben Welland plays guitar and represents the consistency. His last member was Cindy Olberg of As The Poets Affirm. At this show he had a woman playing a compact xylophone.
Next, another local band played The Allrights. this band played some catchy rock that kept me intrigued and entertained. I still was really tired from the long week, so I listened to them from the bar as I drank my non-alcoholic drink. Actually, to wake myself up I decided to concoct a new energy based beverage. My friend, Stephan, the barkeep and I made the HypoGloboMegatron! This drink is 1 part Redbull 1 part bar lime. It was excellent and kept me up enough to go up front and enjoy Immaculate Machine.
This band was great. I was thoroughly entertained and impressed with their loud yet harmonious music. The band played very synchronously and I was blown away. However, the real treat came when I started listening to the aforementioned album. Fables features a litany of guests, including Final Fantasy's Owen Pallet, that creates a sound much more complex than the already excellent live show.

A concert in awhile

Wow, it seems like it's been a long time since I posted about a concert. Trust me, living it has been much longer than reading about it. However, the wait was worth everything. Last night I saw three amazing bands play and the show really refreshed me and reminded me of what a great concert should be - along with video screens, hand claps, and fishing nets for percussion. The first band, actually person, to play was Rich Aucoin. Not only was his music amazing, but he is touring across Canada from Halifax on his bike for The Childhood Cancer Foundation. And even more, he played his entire album to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"! And yes, if you buy his album it syncs perfectly with the movie. He played his amazing, lovingly danceable, music in a santa suit and then emerged into the crowd, clapping and cheering, with his mini synth.
Next came They Shoot Horses Don't They? who were also amazing. This 7 piece band played horns, tubas, trumpets, guitars, shoes, bicycle handle bars and a lot more. Their music made you want to dance in a frenzied marching-type fashion and I definitely did not resist. I danced all over the place to their music and even head butted one of my friend's in the process - dangers of dancing I guess.
Finally Shapes and Sizes came on stage and just overwhelmed me with their relaxed yet intense music. There is something about lead singer Caila Thompson-Hannant's voice was incredibly hypnotizing and I really just enjoyed sitting and watching this band.
The fact that I was extremely tired from a long work week didn't hamper my enthusiasm at this show (note dancing injury). Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures.

Final Fantasy at Bluesfest

I've just returned from an incredible evening of music down by the Ottawa river at the 2007 Bluesfest. I arrived after the first band, Relief Maps, played on the Blacksheep stage. As I had already seen them at the Capital Idea! Festival it was not a huge loss. Before the concert began I left the friends who were accompanying me to talk to some other people I knew. Then In-flight Safety started setting up. I work with the cousin of the keyboardist so I introduced myself. The band played an amazing set that was filled with cool enthusiasm while still being chilled out - perfect for a warm and humid summer day. Despite frequently playing in Ottawa I think many people were new to In-flight Safety (from Halifax) but the band really won people over by the end.
Then, anticipation grew amongst the crowd and people started to make their way from the grassy knoll at the back to the front of the stage. I was standing front row the entire time, so I knew I would have a great view. As Owen Pallet and his aide in charge of the visual aspect of the evening, Sara, began to set up the crowd went silent. Then, a shrill note from a recorded violin echoed out over the amps. Owen Pallet, sole member of Final Fantasy, silently walked on stage and began to warm up his violin with musical excellence. He played an incredible set mixed with music from both his albums and a projector light show that visually explained the 8 schools of magic which his new album, He Poos Clouds, is based upon. Every time I listen to Final Fantasy I am amazed, overjoyed, and left in wonder. These feelings were only out-done by watching Owen himself be overjoyed by making other people just as happy with his playing.

In-flight Safety

In-flight Safety

Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy

End of the Marathon

8 days. 30-odd bands. Uncountable memories. This sums up the end of the Capital Idea! Festival that I have been writing about so much. I have been left with sore ears, a sore head, a tired body, and a musically more enlightened soul. I think the best way for me to describe my memories is to go over each day one by one. Since my last post.

Sunday June 24, 2007

An exhilarating show to say the least as I witnessed three bands that really played their hearts out. Books on Books opened the show with extra-long songs that amazed with their diversity. Next came ???. Okay, I forget. Then was Frog Eyes. I can not believe how amazingly loud this band was even without a bass player. The drummer played with incredible speed. The guitarists loved every minute of playing. I completely zoned out in awe as I watched.

Frog Eyes

Monday June 25, 2007

Monday was one of the most anticipated shows for me. I has heard plenty of Ottawa locals
Fucked Corpse but had never seen them before. I partially regret this. Musically this band is exciting and slightly refreshing. Vocally I could only appreciate the singing of their plaid-shirted blonde-haired member. Then came Chris Garneau who I fell in love with. There is something that I can't help but adore with a piano, cello, percussion combo. With staccato notes like Owen Pallett and soft vocals I was taken to a beautiful place with this music. Finally Xiu Xiu played. This band was complex, energetic, and thrill to see, hear, and dance to. By the end of the show I was sweaty, exhausted, and extremely happy.

Chris Garneau

Xiu Xiu

Tuesday June 26, 2007

My favorite show of the festival. I am still in awe of the bands I saw that night. This was a highly anticipated show for me and each band exceeded all my expectations. First,Chinese Stars were supposed to play, but some other trio opened. (I am still trying to find out who they are). This band was new to me and I only caught the end of their set. They seemed energetic and complex. Next came Hot Springs. Right from the beginning when the lead singer changed her chants of "It's Tuesday, let's drink" to "or be sober" specifically for my "straight edge" self. This was a true rock band with panty flashes, crazing growling in the mike, and a tone of danceable, loud music. The banter between myself and the extremly sexy lead singer continued through the set and I think that just pushed my love of this band over the edge. If the lead singer reads this "I love you." Finally, The Fiery Furnaces came on stage. At the beginning of the sound check I had Matt improvise a song on the organs for me with the guitarist. At the end he said "There you go. That was made up." The lead singer smiled at me in the middle of the set because I was dancing so much to their music. They brought two drummers to add a Latin flare. The band played perfectly in-sync and the show blew my mind.

Hot Springs

Fiery Furnaces

Wednesday June 27, 2007

I knew this show would be good as two of my favorite bands were playing. Local group As the Poets Affirm opened with a slightly more mellow show but the most incredible drumming I have seen. Then Rock Plaza Central came on stage and nearly brought me to tears. The band played a crisper set than the last time I saw them and drew some of their songs out to incredible lengths of beauty. Finally Destroyer played his solo show. While he was tired from the plane ride he seemed to take complete control of the stage with an awe-inspiring performance and presence. I felt as though some of the crowd did not get the amazing music transpiring on stage as not everyone was silent. I however was breathless.

Thursday June 28, 2007

Thursday was a welcome change to the intense rock shows previous. Missing the first band my night began with Parts and Labor. This very interesting three-some played an extremely loud show that I oddly found relaxing. I later hung out with the band and spoke intimately with the bassist. He told me some amazing stories and made my night even more enjoyable. Then The Russian Futurists played a great pop show. With their first live drummer the beats and tones were flowing to create a fun, dance show.

It's a hard discovery

I am 4 days into a 10 day, cross-city/venue, music festival and I am worn out. I have realized that the process of discovering music is physically demanding, socially restrictive, and financially draining. It is also a passion of mine. Last night I was telling my tales to another concert patron at The Wrens show and was asked by a perplexed Glen Nuotio, "How many shows do you see a month?" As I coolly responded, "I average 3 shows a week," and his eyes expanded I realized that I had a serious hobby on my hands.
Concert going for me is exploring a new world. There are new people to meet, new conversations to be had, and new bands to experience. However, there are plenty of sacrifices to be made. Beyond the aforementioned demands of being a music hipster, there is the greatest and worst element to my journey of discovery - boredom. First, boredom at a concert can be great because while a band may be musically incredible, great performers, and even energetic entertainers, you still do not "get" what many of your present company do. This is great because you a) Have now learned more about what your musical preferences are, and b) Understand how someone can love this band, but not you. I am used to entertaining other people's comments of amazement and satisfaction after a band. While not whole-heartedly agreeing with them I must continue the conversation from their point-of-view or less be ousted from the discussion for lack of perception. However, this is still boredom we are talking about and therefore isn't my ideal mind-set at a concert.
I have also realized that while I may not love a band I can still be entertained by them. I may not want to buy their album, but at the moment I am more than happy to be listening and dancing to them. So far I have loved only a few of the bands I have seen, but definitely have enjoyed all of them. Here is a list of the concerts and my quick take on them.

Wednesday June 22, 2007

• The Besnard Lakes
• Jade McNelis
• Soviet States

this was one of the best concerts so far. Jade McNelis has a powerful yet soothing voice. Soviety States were extremely organized (especially for their first show ever). The Besnard lakes really blew the crowd away and played some complex and danceable music.

Thursday June 23, 2007

• Sunset Rubdown
• Montag

An incredibly dancy show. Each of these bands created amazing and unique sounds with their instruments that took the entire crowd to different places.

Friday June 24, 2007

• The Walkmen
• Relief Maps
• Acres

This was by far the most interesting show to watch, if not just for the music but the interplay within the bands and between the bands. Unfortunately the crowd was not as receptive to the Walkmen as they deserved. This band has incredible talent and take their music quite seriously. Yes, a band that is having lots of fun can be more enjoyable to watch, but the musical talent pouring off the stage should have been enough.

Saturday June 25, 2007

• The Wrens
• Poorfolk
• Darling Arms

This was a true rock concert complete with runny noses, hand clapping, and random people playing instruments on stage. Oh yeah, some killer music. Unfortunately I missed the subdued music of Darling Arms. The Wrens have melded great guitar, base, drum standard rock with quirky and compelling sounds that seem to manipulate their music into something much more unique. It was a real treat to see a band that loves playing as much as The Wrens do.

Tonight I am off to see Frog Eyes and I couldn't be happier. This is the most anticipated show of the festival so far for me.

The First Summer Festival

So this past weekend marks off the first real summer festival for the season. Yes, due to global warming summer festivals could have started awhile ago. People in the arts and crafts community here in Ottawa seem to be pretty versatile and planned two different big activities over the past month. I went to a craft and bake sale in a community centre about a month ago and then my very first "art-in-the-park" the past weekend. Both events were amazing.
This weekend was truly great though. In my last post I wrote about my Friday night. The festival I'm referring too is WestFest. On Saturday I began my experience by canvasing for . For two hours I walked around and spoke to people about Canada's lobbying group dedicated to reducing global poverty. This is an amazing and important organization and it was great to give some of my time and also speak to a bunch of people.
It also gave me the time to check out the surroundings so when I was done at 4pm I could head right to The Works for a veggie burger, Bridgehead for some frappuccino, and then go right to the main stage for the concerts. First up was Toronto group Golden Dogs. I missed the next group to get some fresh squeezed and over-priced lemonade. But then, 7pm rolled around and Jason Collett hit the stage. I was expecting him to come with his band Paso Mino, but unfortunately he did an acoustic set. I only say "unfortunately" because I think Paso Mino is the most fun and adorable band. Actually, Jason played a tone of songs and, while the mood was chill, the energy in the air was overpowering.

Golden Dogs

Golden Dogs just got more energetic as the set went on.

Jason Collett is amazing!

First x Two

Last night were two firsts for me. The first new experience was seeing a concert in a church! The second was having Montreal-style bagels from Kettleman's. I must argue that your try both.
Okay, so "Why was there a concert in a church?" and, "Is this some type of cult church you refer to?" you ask. To the later I respond, "No, it was a regular church from a regular religion, containing irregular activity on this particular evening." There I was to see 4 amazing bands. Nick Worby kicked things off with a new drummer but an enthusiastic and complex set for a three piece. Next came Eastborough who I have to admit I missed due to Kettleman's.
Yeah, so I went to Kettleman's to get some much needed food and coffee right after Nick finished his set. It as about 10pm at this point, and despite being a bagel place Kettleman's is open 24 hours!! Wood-fired bagels, a tone of variety, and continual availability make this place a real treat. Not to mention the fact that I picked up 15 day-old bagels for $3.50 (that's $0.23 a bagel)!!!
So when I returned there was a bit of a wait before the third, and incredibly amazing, country-style band Entire Cities hit the stage....well, there actually wasn't a stage. It was just the one side of the small hall without a fireplace but with windows.
This band is a site to see. They play banjo, xylophone, and even a saw along with the standard fare. Then finally Woodpigeon came on and blew me away with the sound that came out of this band.
Truly this was an amazing night and I only wish more friends could have shared it with me. Oh well, I can share these memories and photos with you.

Nick Worby. This guy has talent.

Eastborough. Sounded good from the one song I heard.

All of Entire Cities.

Entire Cities.

Those special songs

Right now I am listening to "Off my Sleeve" by Royal Wood. This is one of those songs that makes me want to rent out some old ballroom with giant chandeliers, fill it with all my romantic memories, and dance long in to the night with all of them. Sometimes I feel so happy and hopeful about life that I can't breath. I want to frantically run in every direction to chase down each and every one of my dreams. How am I supposed to direct myself when there is so much I want to do? I couldn't even tell you where to start and what to shed off from your normal every-day shackle. I'll let you know how it goes.

Fireworks. It may be a metaphor.

The Clientele

Last night I went to what seems like the first bar concert in Ottawa in awhile.

It wasn't.

I saw Mother Mother on May 31st along with Amos the Transparent at Zaphod Beeblebrox Nightclub. I actually really enjoyed that show and danced quite a bit to Mother Mother. MM is from BC and I find there is quite a distinct sound coming from that province. I also enjoy who is from Vancouver.

But last night's show was different. I saw three bands that played: My Dad vs. Yours, Beach House, and The Clientele. This concert was different for a few reasons:
a) It was in a different venue - Babylon
b) The bands were from all over - Ottawa, Baltimore, England (respectively)
c) I danced quite a bit.....oh no, that actually falls into the similarity category. I love dancing.

Anyways, the club really was amazing. I compare it to one of those places that you expect to discover the next great band. To give you a picture, you enter a small door that is inset into the outside wall off a busy street. Really, you could completely miss this place if your tried to find it. It is almost as if you need to stumble upon this worn-out wooden door by accident. Once through the door there is a narrow hall and another open entrance, upon which you discover yourself in a dimly lit dungeon. The walls are brick, the ceiling low, and the atmosphere intoxicating. There are large sunken couches that line the walls on raised floors. Small white Christmas lights and red-shaded lamps add color. The stage is is in the back corner of a "U" shaped layout and seems like another hole dug into a wall than a proper stage. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening.

My Dad vs. Yours

Beach House

The Clientele