Juno Concert Series with Arkells, Beauties, The Order of Good Cheer (Horseshoe Tavern, March 3)

If it was an Arkells show that you'd signed up for that wasn't at all what you got, however in many ways this was more special, and undeniably more unique. This evening at the Horseshoe was a chance to pay reverence to Canadian musicians of yesteryear, or even yestermonth - as tributes reigned supreme and surprise guests arrived in bundles.

Rock me gently, rock me slowly
Up first was the Toronto band The Order of Good Cheer, including an all-white donning Serena Ryder's husband. It was no surprise when she arrived on song two for some guest vocals and stuck around for much of this fully enjoyable set rooted firmly in rock and roll. Tom Darcy also grabbed a mic for a couple songs including Rock Me Gently. Contemporary covers from Jason Collett's mouth were Weakerthans Sun in an Empty Room and Metric's Gold Guns Girls. Kevin Drew of BSS fame played a non-eyewear related Corey Hart song. The highlight came as Billy Talent's main man, Ben Kowalaweicz, tore apart a song and band I'd never even heard before. Surfing on Heroine by the Forgotten Rebels was undeniably punk with a very tangible surfer feel. Excellent way to close the set off.

It may have been for a mere one song, solo, but any chance to witness Ron Sexsmith play is a fortunate chance.

This ain't nothing new to me - well it's just like going home
The six members of the Beauties went straight into Juno territory with Guess Who's Guns Guns Guns (Godspeed Mother Nature) before inviting renowned Toronto musician Ian Blurton out to rip some guitar strings, slag the audience and sing from beyond the beard Weeping Widow. Man of the moment Afie Jurvasen aka Bahamas, replaced Ian on the guest mic next and then gave way to local member of parliament, Andrew Cash. Cash's vocals were fine but the song choice was one I was unaware of and even with Maya Davis of Ladies of the Canyon also guesting, it was a bit of a yawn. The lull continued for me as members of the respected (but boring IMHO) Skydiggers came out. The set was rescued by one of the greatest Canadian songs ever written (my personal bias now bleeds apparent) Hasn't Hit Me Yet originally by Blue Rodeo of course, sung this time partially by NQ Arbuckle's Neville, but primarily by the Horseshoe sellout crowd. Kevin Drew returned for a song about the last night in the city that sounded right up his alley and apparently is one he's been performing with the Beauties for years anyway. Another Skydiggers song closed out the middle frame.

Can I Get a Witness??
Originally I'd thought the billing was as an Arkells set, and having missed their much adored last tour I was hoping for at least a partial set but it wasn't to be. What came in its place was nothing to be disappointed about however. From the top their enthusiasm for the night, for the songs they'd be singing and the artists they'd be sharing the stage with was infectious. A contemporary classic began in BSS' Cause = Time, given justice by Born Ruffian vocalist Luke Lalonde's vocals. From the same approximate era they dug into an Extraordinary Joel Plaskett tune crooned by Emm Gryner as well as Max Herman. By Divine Right were represented next before a slew of guests arrived on stage. Among them were Cuff the Duke's Wayne Petti, LOTC Maya Davis again (she made her presence felt much of the night) a touring member of City and Colour, and the violin flourish of the Great Lake Swimmers' female player. Why such a large contingency? Attempting to give the second Neil Young song of the night a proper sound requires it, and Harvest Moon succeeded because of it. Wayne stuck around for a marvelous Future Hangs from his main band. My personal highlight came in the form of OLP's 4am that featured Jeremy Taggart, as well as Dave Monks and Graham Wright from Tokyo Police Club. That compact disc, Clumsy, was the soundtrack to my generation's musical awakening, as evidenced by the ensuing singalong. Mr. Popular (Drew) returned to complete the trifecta alongside Maya for The Dears You and I Are a Gang of Losers. Probably the closest thing we'd get to an Arkells song was when they alone ripped out Young Offenders by the Cons from who they've obviously picked up the torch in many ways.

Cuz when the feeling's right...
This is all too much really. The display of talent - not only physically on display but also in the songs written by Juno contenders throughout the ages - was simply awesome. How do you wrap this up? Go with the insanely popular crowd pleasers. First get Gord Sinclair and Paul Langois on stage to perform early years Hip classic, Grace Too. Boy did that go off! Untoppable? Try bringing the house down by bringing the Beauties back out for none other than Bryan Adams' Run To You.

Canadian music was rightfully put on display this evening, and it shone bright.

Shad + Special Guest (Juno Block Party, March 24)

Shad was echoing up King Street as I emerged from the path. He continued to bang em out as I rocked up to the opening set of the Juno Block Party beside Roy Thompson Hall. There was a sizable crowd amassed, especially considering the early time and swooping temperatures for late March. They wouldn't be disappointed as Shad, flanked by DJ T-Lo and Adam on bass, would put on a strong set as per usual. My vote for "favorite Canadian hip hop artist" (is that what he's nominated for?) played as he knows how - slick, smooth, smart flow, with a smile and a swagger of a confident yet humble MC. Having seen him three times since TSOL dropped is a testament to his show and hence I'm not complaining when I say that I've seen this set before. However I'll focus on the new - such as the brand new verse tossed into Rock To It, as well as the set closer.


It was a foregone conclusion that we'd hear Live Forever upon seeing the line-up, what with this City & Shad collab recently dropping. I was pleased that it turned out as a Dallas Green cameo in Shad's set. (After all that is essentially what the song is, despite the equal billing.) Dallas emerged on stage and the girls swooned as he crooned the chorus, while also singing along off mic as Shad slayed it. That final verse is something! and Mr. Green appreciated it by throwing a bear hug on the MC from behind while he closed it out.


Check out the C&C review from later in the party.
Hannah Georgas too!

Hannah Georgas unimpresses (Juno Block Party, March 24)

Hannah Georgas created a catchy, quirky and diverse album in This is Good. Unfortunately as the set opened with a very weak, slow song I was worried that it wouldn't translate live at all. And perhaps it was the foot-numbing cold but song two didn't help much either. A smart call to break out cutesy first single, Bang Bang You're Dead, but with a muffled chorus even this fell flat. 
"Hannah, I'm trying to enjoy his foray into freezing temps, but I need you to try and cut through it with more than effect keyboard. "
The rest of the set was alright, Chit Chat played well enough, the title track came across though it didn't add anything. The general feeling I had going away from this show was about as weak as the feeling in my frost bitten toes - it did nothin to improve upon the record.


See City & Colour who closed out the night.
See Shad who opened the party.

City & Colour (Juno Block Party, March 24)

Admittedly I'm not a huge City & Colour fan, give me Alexisonfire any day, but he's a respectable songwriter and an entertainer. Realizing the acoustic was put away and staying away due to the cold weather wreaking havoc on the tuning was especially disappointing as that aspect of his repertoire is particularly engaging. Dallas, both solo and with three backing mates was fine but nothing to write home about. He hardly even had any zingers for the inevitable "I Love You Dallas'" pouring from the crowd - half the reason why I attend!

And no, I was not the guy who started the fight... at a C&C show...

See Shad who opened the party
And Hannah Georgas who... also played