So, you came in looking for a post about this band or that concert. Well, come on in, settle down and take advantage of the special deal of the day, a two-for-one special!
Thursday was not quite a concert, but a play; a mockumentary musical about a 4-member boyband, Boygroove. Now these boys have some talent, but that's not why they're chosen to become a part of the hysteria, and the pheomenon that is a boyband (or that was a boyband, in the 1990's). Made of up "leader"-business-minded Kevin, bad boy Jon, activist and sensitive soul Andrew, and very religious with a big secret Lance. The play takes place at a time when boy bands (though one of the guys prefers the term "group", since no one plays instruments...) were all the rage, ruled the air waves, and toyed with girls hearts.
It was only $15 and was at the Catalyst Theatre just off of Whyte Ave. There was only about 1/4-1/2 of the theatre with seats filled, but the show did run throughout the entire week, so it made sense that a small production wouldn't be a full house all of the time. I heard of the event(s) in one of the free local newspapers; the article and front cover was done in such a way that it first made you think that they were a real boyband, on the rise to stardom, touring Canada to dance their hearts out.
There were only four actors, each playing one member of the band, as well as playing secondary characters. The difference was clear when the spotlights were on them, by changing/disguising their voices, and quick turn-arounds; there were no costume changes. It was really great to see a play done so well, with limited props (i.e none), and such a well written script. The fellas all danced to on-par choreography, and sang much better than was expected (...actually sounded like a boyband). A few of their satirical "songs" include "Actually Hurt", "Pushin' and Rockin'", and their "hit" "You Make My Hips Buck". The dance moves were slightly off, but were great to watch and made you start to believe they were a real band (I may have started to want an actual album...). Each actor made you believe their persona, and kudos to the writers that made the script so believable! Apparently the play is a revamping of a production that had been put on during the actual boyband surge, way back when. But I had to say by the end I already had a favourite boy that I'm sure would've been up on a poster in my room 10 years ago.
What's the second part of this super deal you ask? Well look no further than the previous-post mentioned Sonic Band of the Month, Cygnets. New Wave 80's synth in an small-time Albertan bar? Yes, please.
Cygnets suprisingly had not one, or two but three opening bands! I didn't quite get the name of the first band, who were great, but would've probably sounded better on an album...The lead singer also looked like he was wearing his big brothers giant, plain black t shirt and backwards baseball hat, instead of the front man of a band. The second group was a drum/DJ combination "band", called Summer Games. They really impressed me with their simplicity but highly addictive beats. Surprise, surprise the drummer was the same drummer from Shout Out Out Out Out who was into doing a sideproject. I love sideprojects.
The last opening band was former band of the month, Sister Grey, made up of two sisters (I assume) and two other backup instrument guys. The only song I knew was their featured Sonic song, but they were highly danceable and fun.
Cygnets put on a great show, with high energy, but in the end were a slight dissapoint. Don't get me wrong about their talent, I'm sure it was just a personal standard I had since I'd been waiting for the show for 1 month. There was also a part of the company I was with that made it less than stellar, you know how it is.
Cygnets is a great band that is completely dedicated to their work and art, so much so that they don't even sell anything. Not even their album. As I said in a previous post you can pick up a free album at Blackbyrd Myoozik on Whyte Ave, and they were also giving away free copies at their show (along with pins, stickers, music download cards, and cupcakes! I know right, what could be better?).
It was a packed house, full of people that I wasn't expecting. But sometimes that can make the experience that much more memorable. Each time I go to the Pawn Shop (...ok, fine this is the only 2nd time), I like it more; the stage is a few feet off the ground so you don't crane your neck, yet you can still see the band even if there are a few taller people at the front. It's big enough to hold a good-sized audience, but not so big that you loose the intimacy of the artists. I wish that they'd start to host more great music.
PS. The Trews were also playing on April 29, doors opening at 6pm. I worked until 6, so no dice. Right? Well once we paid our $5 cover for the band of the month, I was wondering why the venue was already so crowded at 9.15 (when doors opened at 9). And then....I wondered why the band was already playing...and eventually realized it was the Trews! Pure luck to see the end of their show even when we couldn't make it.
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