So you're browsing the interweb, thinking of taking in three stellar Canadian acts in one weekend. Don't think. Do.
That was my reasoning when I heard that Mother Mother, Hollerado and Tokyo Police Club would be performing at this year's, world famous, Calgary Stampede grounds. Sure it's a three hour drive, and I've seen the acts before. But for only $15 per day, and the chance to see 3 of my top favourite bands, it wasn't something I was willing to just let pass.
The Stampede, for those of you who aren't sure what I'm talking about, is a 10 day festival that includes fair grounds + rides, a rodeo, huge concerts (off-grounds) including Katy Perry, NKOTBSB, and Kenny Chesney, and on-grounds shows such as the ones I went to. The Stampede is a huge festival in Calgary, and I've heard one of the largest in North America. Surprising that even though we live so close I'd never been before, but it was definitely worth the trip.
About the musical side of the weekend:
-My jaw very literally dropped when I saw the size of the "Coca-Cola Stage" where the bands would be performing. It wasn't that much bigger than a bar stage, such as The Starlite Room that they have here in Edmonton. The "floor" was incredibly small too. I started to think, maybe there wouldn't be so many people (and was soon proven wrong). If they want to continue hosting local acts, with large followings, such as the ones they had this year, they NEED to increase their venue size. Not only to get a larger audience but...
-I was crushed. Not because I didn't get up close and personal with Dave Monks of TPC (which of course was still a blow), but literally, the moshing that went on was worse or comparable to some of the biggest shows I've attended. This is through no fault of the venue (except for the small size, but I'm sure the crowd would've done the same just on a larger scale). Saturday night, when The Dudes/Mother Mother performed was the much worse night out of the two. There were lots of times during the sets that the bands had to ask the audience to calm down and "take care of each other out there". Microphones were even cut during the Dudes set to instill some crowd control. It didn't help. There were 3 times during the night when 5 police officers had to wade through the crowd to drag out some select individuals... The venue handled the crowd well, but could've handled it so much better. I think the majority was due to the fact that it was a Saturday night and the drinks were plenty to be had. (Sidenote: Bag check was set up outside the gates but I never got searched either day...There's an endless list of drugs/alcohol I could've brought in). Interested in a laugh? I temporarily lost my shoe due to the moshing. Don't panic though, after a few minutes of barefooting it balance was resorted to the world.
- I won't say much about the bands except that they all KILLED IT. I hold back from using the term, but there's no other way to describe it. Mother Mother played their set as flawlessly as they did when they played the EEC. Hollerado had their patented hot sauce in stock, and even gave a free PSA about the dangers of syphilis (good music and a good message for teens...what more could you want in a beer-swilling, drum-kit jumping bunch of role models. Seriously these guys are hilarious, their live show is worth it just to see them banter with each other and the audience.) TPC started their set during the pouring rain. It really soaked every bone in your body, but besides finding it hard to see through the rain, I forgot it was even there. As energetic and fluid as they've ever been. Again the only downside to the Mother Mother and TPC sets were the crowd. There were tons of crowd surfers during TPC and it was tough for the security to even keep up, especially when the heavens have decided to make the area into a waterfall; it definitely distracted from the music, for me, and I'm sure worse for others.
- All bands were at the merch booth after each of their sets for autographs. But since I had to get back to ye olde office early I couldn't wait in line.
- If you were on the grounds this weekend you might have seen some of the band! Hollerado drummer, Jake Boyd was temporarily missing just minutes before their set, and the entirety of TPC roamed the grounds in between soundcheck and their set.
All in all, it was a great weekend full of good times. And now for the inevitable sports analogy that I've avoided during all these posts...Calgary, you've defs stepped up to the plate when it comes to booking great acts, but you've got to improve on your stage if you want to improve your game!
Showing posts with label Calgary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Calgary. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Stampedin' the Weekend Away
As much as I love Edmonton and would never dream about cheating on the fair and proud city...I happen to be following through with a certain indiscretion this weekend. I'll be heading down to Calgary during the first weekend of the world famous Calgary Stampede. If you're from Alberta, or many parts of Canada...you'll be aware of the beginning-of-time rivalry between the two cities. But I've decided to put my differences aside for the next two days for the sake of great music. Isn't that always the case? And even if you are currently red in the face, ready to tear me a new (insert inapproprite word here), hear me out: Hollerado, Tokyo Police Club, Mother Mother. All in one weekend. All performing at the Stampede grounds. All for the ridiculously low price of
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sloan celebrates 20 years of Canadiana
"Alternative Rock" band Sloan celebrates their 20th birthday this year by touring and releasing their new album The Double Cross. The band from Halifax has released over 10 albums since their start in 1991, and show no sign of slowing down!
Unfortunately I didn't get to see their performance in Edmonton on May 31st, since I was just heading back from the Sasquatch Festival in Washington the same day. However thanks to the wonders of the internet and tour dates I was able to find out that they were going to be playing down south, in Calgary, on June 1st. So, in yet another venue, I was able to see Sloan again. This time the show was at the Republik on 17th Ave. Apparently it's a pretty popular nightlife street, and also one of the venues Sloan played during their first ever tour!
The Republik is pretty small, but I would say it's more intimate than anything, which is great for Sloan's sound and the personality of the songs and band members. As usual they put on a great show, with fan favourite songs from their many albums during the years. I was able to walk away with the set list and can tell you they rocked out in record time with 24 songs in about an hour and half! There were the "regular" sing-along staples, such as "Who Taught You to Live Like That?", "Rest of My Life", and "Losing California", as well as most of the songs from their newest album on the list.
Every member of the band sings and writes, which I feel has only helped their variety and longevity. When usual drummer, Andrew Scott, takes the lead vocals on such songs as "She's Slowing Down" and "Sinking Ships", "frontman" Chris Murphy takes a seat behind the drums (I don't like using the term frontman for this band since each member contributes equally to the all-around-sound). It's great to see a band that isn't afraid to experiment (and even better when they've been playing for so long, and still seem to love playing bars and small venues).
It's tough to say anything about Sloan's shows, as they always play from their most recent album, as well as older songs (since their repertoire can go on and on). But really they put on such a great live show that they've kept me coming back 4 times, and will have many more to come.
One thing I do want to mention was about the venue...and how the many amps in such a small venue made it feel like my ears were about to bleed. And not in the good way. You know, how they say...less is more sometimes? As much as I adore Sloan completely, they could've done with a little less loud. (It sounds hypocritical to say that about any live show, but it just seemed like their talent was being drowned out).
Not sure if you noticed that I didn't mention anything about the opening band, Dearly Beloved, from Toronto. That's because, I'm sorry to say, there was nothing worth mentioning except a band that seemed to thing yelling and adding swear words to every song made it great. Seriously diss pointed, and haven't felt that about any band or live music in a long time!
Unfortunately I didn't get to see their performance in Edmonton on May 31st, since I was just heading back from the Sasquatch Festival in Washington the same day. However thanks to the wonders of the internet and tour dates I was able to find out that they were going to be playing down south, in Calgary, on June 1st. So, in yet another venue, I was able to see Sloan again. This time the show was at the Republik on 17th Ave. Apparently it's a pretty popular nightlife street, and also one of the venues Sloan played during their first ever tour!
The Republik is pretty small, but I would say it's more intimate than anything, which is great for Sloan's sound and the personality of the songs and band members. As usual they put on a great show, with fan favourite songs from their many albums during the years. I was able to walk away with the set list and can tell you they rocked out in record time with 24 songs in about an hour and half! There were the "regular" sing-along staples, such as "Who Taught You to Live Like That?", "Rest of My Life", and "Losing California", as well as most of the songs from their newest album on the list.
Every member of the band sings and writes, which I feel has only helped their variety and longevity. When usual drummer, Andrew Scott, takes the lead vocals on such songs as "She's Slowing Down" and "Sinking Ships", "frontman" Chris Murphy takes a seat behind the drums (I don't like using the term frontman for this band since each member contributes equally to the all-around-sound). It's great to see a band that isn't afraid to experiment (and even better when they've been playing for so long, and still seem to love playing bars and small venues).
It's tough to say anything about Sloan's shows, as they always play from their most recent album, as well as older songs (since their repertoire can go on and on). But really they put on such a great live show that they've kept me coming back 4 times, and will have many more to come.
One thing I do want to mention was about the venue...and how the many amps in such a small venue made it feel like my ears were about to bleed. And not in the good way. You know, how they say...less is more sometimes? As much as I adore Sloan completely, they could've done with a little less loud. (It sounds hypocritical to say that about any live show, but it just seemed like their talent was being drowned out).
Not sure if you noticed that I didn't mention anything about the opening band, Dearly Beloved, from Toronto. That's because, I'm sorry to say, there was nothing worth mentioning except a band that seemed to thing yelling and adding swear words to every song made it great. Seriously diss pointed, and haven't felt that about any band or live music in a long time!
Monday, February 14, 2011
I'll care for you
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald aka MBF played the Starlite room on Saturday, fitting for Valentines Day weekend. He's a genuinely sweet guy from Calgary, Alberta with what seems like not a mean bone (or song) in his body.
Before I gush about MBF, let me talk about his two, thats right two, opening acts: Calm Asa Coma, and Lyra Brown. I hadn't heard about either of these artists before the show. Calm Asa Coma also hails from Calgary, and really impressed me. As a "local" band (Alberta cred), I really enjoyed that they knew how to use their instruments and vocals together, instead of one drowning the other out (a shame that tends to happen a lot with bands). They had a indie-rock flow, but really were surprising for an opening act for MBF.
Even more surprising was Lyra Brown (not typical to see two opening bands for a local artist, in a small venue). I'll be honest, she looked like she was 12, and her backing guitarist & drummer didn't look that much older than that. But she had quirky lyrics and was very dance-able. I'm actually just reading up on her website now, and she has more of a backstory than I previously thought. It's pretty interesting to hear what this young artist has already been up to, take a minute, and read up. She was also the only one performing from Edmonton.
I first saw MBF opening for OK Go last summer in the same venue, and when we heard he was coming back to Edmonton as the main act we bought tickets two months in advance and started counting down the days. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about this crooner that has so many girl's hearts. I feel that it's that he's just very honest about the way he feels, and doesn't try to use cliched lyrics or phrases to get you to hooked. And yes, its apparent the majority of this songs are about the ladies, but he's not a one-dimensional writer, which can be heard in the songs "Movie Life" or new "In the Woods" (both about living the Hollywood lifestyle).
Now I know I've spoken and described the Starlite Room before, but after attending different venues I'm beignning to relize some of it's unfortunate flaws. The pit is slanted downwards from the stage, so when you're standing it sure does a number on your calves. So much so, that during the 3 set changes at least half of the audience would sit down directly on the floor to avoid the strain (well that's why we sat, and it seemed like most were doing it for the same reasons). Also since the stage is set so high, and we were at the front, about halfway through MBF's set, I started to get cramps in my neck from having to look up. It just makes an otherwise amazing concert a little less so. Also, for some reason, MBF was late to come on stage...quite a bit late, so that it was noticed. He apologized even which was nice to hear, and I was just reading his twitter also apologizing while Lyra Brown must have just been finished.
MBF knows how to entertain a crowd, with his brand of cute-folk-rap. Yes, rap. It's occaisional but just that much more special. It's amazing how long he can rhyme for without taking a breath, and even better when you take that minute to try and soak in every clever lyric.
During a few of the songs he had a large backing band, and I mean large: three fellas in the horn section, a guitarist, bassist, two drummers and three back up singers. Such a big change from the three people on stage during his OK Go opening. And although the others added energy to the show, I'll admit my favourite part was when section by section (and song by song) they would walk off stage, leaving Fitzgerald alone during the middle of the set. With the lights turned way down low, by his request, the room could not have felt more intimate if they had set up candlelight.
It seems like at least one person in the audience was expecting this atmosphere...One of the sweetest thing's I've seen happened during MBF's set, when between "Susie, I love you" and "Care for You", he asked one girl in the audience to turn over her ticket. After a bit of silence, Fitzgerald said "I know you're excited but there's a whole audience that wants to know what that has to say!"...and the response was "Will you marry me?". Don't get in a tizzy like the girl's next to me did, thinking that HE was in fact proposing...but get ready to Aww that the girl's boyfriend had gone through all this trouble to get the proposal just right. Before this it was already the most romantic concert I could think of attending, and after, well there's nothing that can beat that. Now I know how I want to be proposed to.
So many words used to describe Michael Bernard Fitzgerald are overused (and therefore seem less special) for the wrong reasons these days. He's sweet, he cares, he's sentimental. It seems to me that these words are constantly used to decribe fellas, but how often is it blatantly and obviously true (with sincerity, not just to "get with" a girl)?
With songs like Love Your Soul, Can't be Done With You, and Care for You, I dare you to listen and not feel the teeniest bit of real emotion and heart. Not only is it easy to relate to his thoughtful and sweet lyrics, but when hearing his recording, just the same as hearing his voice live, you can feel the emotion through his voice. (Though in my opinion he's one of those rare artists that are much better live than on CD, the only reason being that it is the in-the-moment sincerity that plays such a huge role in his songs)
To sum up: it's a feat not to swoon and get a little weak-kneed for MBF. If the privilege ever gets passed on to your town, don't pass up the chance to let him melt your heart.
Before I gush about MBF, let me talk about his two, thats right two, opening acts: Calm Asa Coma, and Lyra Brown. I hadn't heard about either of these artists before the show. Calm Asa Coma also hails from Calgary, and really impressed me. As a "local" band (Alberta cred), I really enjoyed that they knew how to use their instruments and vocals together, instead of one drowning the other out (a shame that tends to happen a lot with bands). They had a indie-rock flow, but really were surprising for an opening act for MBF.
Even more surprising was Lyra Brown (not typical to see two opening bands for a local artist, in a small venue). I'll be honest, she looked like she was 12, and her backing guitarist & drummer didn't look that much older than that. But she had quirky lyrics and was very dance-able. I'm actually just reading up on her website now, and she has more of a backstory than I previously thought. It's pretty interesting to hear what this young artist has already been up to, take a minute, and read up. She was also the only one performing from Edmonton.
I first saw MBF opening for OK Go last summer in the same venue, and when we heard he was coming back to Edmonton as the main act we bought tickets two months in advance and started counting down the days. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about this crooner that has so many girl's hearts. I feel that it's that he's just very honest about the way he feels, and doesn't try to use cliched lyrics or phrases to get you to hooked. And yes, its apparent the majority of this songs are about the ladies, but he's not a one-dimensional writer, which can be heard in the songs "Movie Life" or new "In the Woods" (both about living the Hollywood lifestyle).
Now I know I've spoken and described the Starlite Room before, but after attending different venues I'm beignning to relize some of it's unfortunate flaws. The pit is slanted downwards from the stage, so when you're standing it sure does a number on your calves. So much so, that during the 3 set changes at least half of the audience would sit down directly on the floor to avoid the strain (well that's why we sat, and it seemed like most were doing it for the same reasons). Also since the stage is set so high, and we were at the front, about halfway through MBF's set, I started to get cramps in my neck from having to look up. It just makes an otherwise amazing concert a little less so. Also, for some reason, MBF was late to come on stage...quite a bit late, so that it was noticed. He apologized even which was nice to hear, and I was just reading his twitter also apologizing while Lyra Brown must have just been finished.
MBF knows how to entertain a crowd, with his brand of cute-folk-rap. Yes, rap. It's occaisional but just that much more special. It's amazing how long he can rhyme for without taking a breath, and even better when you take that minute to try and soak in every clever lyric.
During a few of the songs he had a large backing band, and I mean large: three fellas in the horn section, a guitarist, bassist, two drummers and three back up singers. Such a big change from the three people on stage during his OK Go opening. And although the others added energy to the show, I'll admit my favourite part was when section by section (and song by song) they would walk off stage, leaving Fitzgerald alone during the middle of the set. With the lights turned way down low, by his request, the room could not have felt more intimate if they had set up candlelight.
It seems like at least one person in the audience was expecting this atmosphere...One of the sweetest thing's I've seen happened during MBF's set, when between "Susie, I love you" and "Care for You", he asked one girl in the audience to turn over her ticket. After a bit of silence, Fitzgerald said "I know you're excited but there's a whole audience that wants to know what that has to say!"...and the response was "Will you marry me?". Don't get in a tizzy like the girl's next to me did, thinking that HE was in fact proposing...but get ready to Aww that the girl's boyfriend had gone through all this trouble to get the proposal just right. Before this it was already the most romantic concert I could think of attending, and after, well there's nothing that can beat that. Now I know how I want to be proposed to.
So many words used to describe Michael Bernard Fitzgerald are overused (and therefore seem less special) for the wrong reasons these days. He's sweet, he cares, he's sentimental. It seems to me that these words are constantly used to decribe fellas, but how often is it blatantly and obviously true (with sincerity, not just to "get with" a girl)?
With songs like Love Your Soul, Can't be Done With You, and Care for You, I dare you to listen and not feel the teeniest bit of real emotion and heart. Not only is it easy to relate to his thoughtful and sweet lyrics, but when hearing his recording, just the same as hearing his voice live, you can feel the emotion through his voice. (Though in my opinion he's one of those rare artists that are much better live than on CD, the only reason being that it is the in-the-moment sincerity that plays such a huge role in his songs)
To sum up: it's a feat not to swoon and get a little weak-kneed for MBF. If the privilege ever gets passed on to your town, don't pass up the chance to let him melt your heart.
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