Happy Canada Day!

There's always time for a little Scenic Route to Alaska. I've been on about this band for the past two weeks and for good reason, as everyone should know (or will know!). They're hardworking fellas and played three shows on Canada Day. Including one I was able to attend. I talked a lot about them during my last post, so I won't go on and on. This time they played on the legislature grounds to a field of people. The crowd wasn't packed unfortunately, but again they played a great sounding set. I did miss a good 15 minutes of their lovely music because I couldn't find the stage! It was kinda silly not to

 have any signs around the legislature grounds! But at least I eventually heard their melodic guitar riffs and smooth drum beats that lead me to salvation.

Just after they finished their set I took the train back to Churchill Square for the 2nd day in a row, to see The Works festival. The set, featuring Michael Rault, was particularly important to me though...I've loved Rault's music (back when he was part of Michael Rault and the Mixed Signals, a constantly changing band made up of different instrumentalists) for...longer than I'd admit. He's a mixed of southern-blues, quick-paced guitar and rasper vocals. It's hard to pinpoint what exactly he is, but whatever he is, he does it well. It was great to finally hear him play live, and play just as well as he sounds recorded (which was a relief...it's always interesting..or nerve-wracking...to hear a favourite artist play live). He played basically every song from his latest CD, Ma-Me-O. He's actually a really nice guy to talk to as well; it's a bonus when people aren't douchebags isn't it?)


Along with Michael Rault, Colleen Brown helped out on back-up vocals, before she started her own set. She's a folk-sy kind of girl with a soft, voice and interesting lyrics. I hadn't heard of her before the day, but apparently she gets a lot of radio play (and for good reason too). She played keyboards and guitar, along with her bassist, guitarist, drummer and back-up vocalist. Her tunes were catchy, and definitely worth looking into.



There was a large crowd out in the Square for both artists, it helped that it was Canada Day! It's great for local artists to get exposure within their own city! The Works Festival continues on until July 4th! Head on out and take in some great art of all forms.

Free festivals are happening constantly in Edmonton, why else would we be known as festival city! This place transforms into a completely different city in the summertime. Take advantage of it! The next completely free festival is happening this Sunday, SOS (Sounds of Old Strathcona) Fest! From noon-7pm on July 10th, go down to Whyte Ave, which will be closed to traffic, for some great music (including Wool on Wolves, Scenic Route to Alaska, Pack a.d, and many more) and vendors! Not to sound cheesy, but if we don't use it we'll lose it!!