Daniel Ledwell
Daniel Ledwell had the unenviable early opening slot in a large, mostly empty, drinking hole on a Saturday night. Now his music isn't completely quiet but with just his vocals and an electric guitar there wasn't too much there to overpower so it was fortunate that the seated Horseshoe crowd did pipe down and pay attention. For this they were rewarded with some decent electric tunes and self-deprecating banter, all of which amounted to a reasonably entertaining set. Sure he messed up not just the 80s, sad version, cover song's lyrics but also his own once or twice, but he played it off and it didn't really matter. A sample-free version of I Have Made You a Mixtape rounded out the evening and was met with more than. Polite applause, especially the whistle solo from the freshly arrived crew standing to the side.
Dustin Bentall & The Smokes
A surprise for the evening came in the form of Dustin Bentall & The Smokes. The three-piece rocked hard with listenable rock n roll fused with some country feel, some songs especially more country than others. Word is they are regulars at the Dakota which seems a perfect match for their dusty tunes. In fact, I'd seen one of their songs performed in that space, however not by them but another local band, The Strumbellas, who also love getting high and talk when they're drunk. A particular standout which made one want to guzzle booze sang 'I like to drink whiskey and I like girls who do too.' Midway through the singer stood alone for a solo rendition of a recently written song made all the more poignant when dedicated to the recently passed Jay Smith. In further tribute upon the band's return they covered a Jay Smith song. All in all they were solid musicians performing a fun, energetic rock set and have convinced me to down half a bottle of bourbon for their next Dakota set.
Jenn Grant
Ms. Grant appeared in her sparkling blouse against a sparkling Horseshoe Tavern backdrop to an enamoured crowd of fans and friends, many of whom are respected in their own right in the Canadian music scene. Everyone had come out for the likeable leading lady who did did her thing, backed by her husband on guitar and keys, a drummer and bassist. They played a variety of her songs throughout the night to the appreciation of the room, including Oh My Heart and Dreamer. Jenn did not seem to have quite as loose a tongue as she has been known to have but was endearing nonetheless. Her husband, Mr. Ledwell, played a mean slide guitar on a tune, while on another Jenn stood alone and quietly played an electric guitar. Parliament of Owls was upbeat and got people going again near the end of the set, as did In the Belly of a Dragon, and I've Got Your Fire.
In encore she dueted with Daniel on a soft version of Eye of the Tiger to open before inviting the full band back up for the next song and adding Justin Rutledge and Julie Fader for the finale of toe-tapper Getcha Good.
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