Oct 13 2010
Wednesday night, Marcy Playground rocked the Rainbow Room and performed for a sold-out crowd.
Opening for Marcy Playground were Stone Vaughn Toole, a three-piece funk-rock band from Ladysmith.
Marcy Playground started their set with Devil Woman and the crowd energy soared. The band brought their A-game and the crowd reciprocated with lots of energy.
Some of the songs that Marcy Playground performed were Rock and Roll Heroes,
Punk Rock Superstar, Deadly Handsome Man, Saturday, I Saw Stars, Sex and Candy and Star Baby.
At one point, John "Woz" Wozniak encouraged their tour manager to do his impression of Lord of the Rings' Gollum, which was received well by the crowd. Marcy Playground also did some awesome instrumental jamming throughout their set.
Although the crowd was energetic throughout Marcy Playground's set, the highlight was when they performed Sex and Candy. During which, the audience was invited to sing along with the band for the chorus and many people were on the stage with the band and on the dance floor.
My favourites were Vampires of New York, Deadly Handsome Man and Sex and
Candy.
Marcy Playground came back and performed four encores, including a beautiful
rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Port Alberni's own Lance LaPointe stood in for Dylan Keefe, the band's bassist, during Hallelujah and sang backing vocals as well. Marcy Playground's front man, Woz, ended the night by performing their song Memphis by himself.
Marcy Playground is touring to promote their 2009 album Leaving Wonderland... In a Fit of Rage and their latest album, released at the end of September, Indaba Remixes from Wonderland. They are currently on the Alberta stretch of their tour, and judging by their performance in Port Alberni, they are worth checking out next time they come to the Island.
To learn more about Marcy Playground, check out their website at www.marcyplayground.com.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Wild Heather alive with music
Aug 27 2010
On Sunday night, Wild Heather Bookstore was the place to be in Ucluelet for acoustic folk fans.
Zaac Pick performed for an intimate crowd, and he mesmerized everyone.
Opening for Zaac Pick was Joshua Hyslop. Hyslop's set was mellow, and it displayed his melodious voice. The songs that Hyslop performed included Who Am I?, Little Sparrow, I Wish I Was and Cold Wind. Hyslop ended his set with
his rendition of Elton John's Rocket Man, which contrasted splendidly with his original, relaxed songs.
Pick started his set with a serene song entitled Bad Dream, featuring a fantastic harmonica solo. He performed Summer Moon second, featuring a whistled solo. However, on his EP, the solo was recorded on a slide guitar.
Pick played each of the compositions on his EP entitled Fierce Wind, including some new ones.
With each song, it became evident that Pick is a brilliant songwriter, as each of the songs he played had such an honest conviction to them. My favourites were Foot of Pride and My Century. Both of these songs reveal fantastic, heart-wrenching lyrics.
The night's highlights included Hyslop's performance of Who Am I? and his cover of Elton John's Rocket Man. Others included Pick's performance of Drifters and Maybelline, an upbeat, audience-participation song about travelling when you are tired of your current location.
Pick ended the night with a beautiful song Drifters, and he sang his heart out. To learn more about either of these fantastic musicians check out their
Myspace pages, www.myspace.com/theroadlesstravelledmusic,
www.myspace.com/zaacpick.
On Sunday night, Wild Heather Bookstore was the place to be in Ucluelet for acoustic folk fans.
Zaac Pick performed for an intimate crowd, and he mesmerized everyone.
Opening for Zaac Pick was Joshua Hyslop. Hyslop's set was mellow, and it displayed his melodious voice. The songs that Hyslop performed included Who Am I?, Little Sparrow, I Wish I Was and Cold Wind. Hyslop ended his set with
his rendition of Elton John's Rocket Man, which contrasted splendidly with his original, relaxed songs.
Pick started his set with a serene song entitled Bad Dream, featuring a fantastic harmonica solo. He performed Summer Moon second, featuring a whistled solo. However, on his EP, the solo was recorded on a slide guitar.
Pick played each of the compositions on his EP entitled Fierce Wind, including some new ones.
With each song, it became evident that Pick is a brilliant songwriter, as each of the songs he played had such an honest conviction to them. My favourites were Foot of Pride and My Century. Both of these songs reveal fantastic, heart-wrenching lyrics.
The night's highlights included Hyslop's performance of Who Am I? and his cover of Elton John's Rocket Man. Others included Pick's performance of Drifters and Maybelline, an upbeat, audience-participation song about travelling when you are tired of your current location.
Pick ended the night with a beautiful song Drifters, and he sang his heart out. To learn more about either of these fantastic musicians check out their
Myspace pages, www.myspace.com/theroadlesstravelledmusic,
www.myspace.com/zaacpick.
My Broken Hero returns to hometown
Jul 16 2010
On Sunday night, My Broken Hero performed at The Academy with guests Prom
Night in Black and White, On Call Heroes and local band The Moonstones.
Sunday night was the first show My Broken Hero has played in Port Alberni in
a year, and the crowd was wild.
Although each of the bands were stellar, it was clear which group the crowd came to see. It seemed as though there was a surge of energy when My Broken Hero took the stage.
Lead vocalist, Dustin Dame told the crowd at one point that he had lost his voice a few nights prior to the show and requested vocal support from the crowd. However, he managed to surprise us all with how well he sang. The whole band, including a special appearance by guitarist Tim Keizer, brought their A-game. The crowd reciprocated their passion by moshing and singing along whole-heartedly.
My Broken Hero played songs from their EP, Moving On, and from Man of Science, Man of Faith. Some of the songs included were Fistful of Lightning, You Could Be Alive, Never Tell Me The Odds, The Astronaut and Colours.
As My Broken Hero were drawing to a close, the band tried to figure out which song they would play next as the audience begged for their song Sharks.
Dustin said that Sharks required too much energy, and he was not sure if his voice could sustain it. He promised to perform it at their next show in September.
Much to the crowd's pleasure, the band performed Sharks and Dustin sang amazingly.
Crowd favourites were Caledonia, The Astronaut, Men of Science, Sharks and Fistful of Lightning.
For more information on upcoming shows at The Academy, find it on Facebook
or go to the Myspace page www.myspace.com/theacademypa, to listen to the music of My Broken Hero check out their Myspace page www.myspace.com/mybrokenhero.
On Sunday night, My Broken Hero performed at The Academy with guests Prom
Night in Black and White, On Call Heroes and local band The Moonstones.
Sunday night was the first show My Broken Hero has played in Port Alberni in
a year, and the crowd was wild.
Although each of the bands were stellar, it was clear which group the crowd came to see. It seemed as though there was a surge of energy when My Broken Hero took the stage.
Lead vocalist, Dustin Dame told the crowd at one point that he had lost his voice a few nights prior to the show and requested vocal support from the crowd. However, he managed to surprise us all with how well he sang. The whole band, including a special appearance by guitarist Tim Keizer, brought their A-game. The crowd reciprocated their passion by moshing and singing along whole-heartedly.
My Broken Hero played songs from their EP, Moving On, and from Man of Science, Man of Faith. Some of the songs included were Fistful of Lightning, You Could Be Alive, Never Tell Me The Odds, The Astronaut and Colours.
As My Broken Hero were drawing to a close, the band tried to figure out which song they would play next as the audience begged for their song Sharks.
Dustin said that Sharks required too much energy, and he was not sure if his voice could sustain it. He promised to perform it at their next show in September.
Much to the crowd's pleasure, the band performed Sharks and Dustin sang amazingly.
Crowd favourites were Caledonia, The Astronaut, Men of Science, Sharks and Fistful of Lightning.
For more information on upcoming shows at The Academy, find it on Facebook
or go to the Myspace page www.myspace.com/theacademypa, to listen to the music of My Broken Hero check out their Myspace page www.myspace.com/mybrokenhero.
Laughs were handed out at Rainbow Room
Jul 16 2010
Last Friday night, Candy Bar @ The Rainbow Room had a comedy night featuring
Brandon James Mason.
It was a night of laughs, which began with open mic. Mason performed for an intimate audience. However, it was unfortunate that the audience did not really seem as lively as Mason deserved.
People really missed out on a real opportunity to take in Mason's sometimes crude, but always hilarious, comedy. The hilarity was not always in the words that Mason spoke, but rather in his timing.
"[My favourite part of my routine] is when people are laughing days afterward, when they see what I was talking about," Mason said. "Like, they laugh at the show or whatever, but it's not really as funny as it will be in a couple of days when it actually happens to them or when they see something that I joke about and go, 'oh my god.'"
Mason joked about the "inventions" that you make when you're high only to find out in the end that they're already invented. "Okay, what if when you're hot and you don't want to wear pants, you could wear like...butt pants?" Brandon mused.
He also joked with a woman in the front row about age. He said that he had once felt racist when he saw an Asian man rear-end another Asian man. The most off-hand joke, however, was one about sponsoring a child through World Vision. He told us that he was encouraged to send pictures and letters to his sponsor child, and "every night at dinner time he took a picture of [his] dinner and sent it to the child... no, of breakfast because it's the most important meal of the day." He then added that he had told the joke not for laughs but to create a sunken feeling in people's stomachs.
Mason ended his set with a joke about having "the talk" with his girlfriend, "as everyone will," about how many people each of them has slept with and the dilemma between whether you lie about the number, or if you really lie. He and his girlfriend at the time had wrote down each of their totals, he had found out that he was "lucky number seven." She was revolted, to say the least, when she found out that she was number 16. The pun being that he had realized she had read his number upside down.
"My words of inspiration for aspiring comedians would be to just keep playing shows, no matter what, whether the audience is dry or if you have a roaring crowd. Try the same material because different crowds react differently," he added.
Sitting in the audience, I couldn't help but laugh at all of Mason's jokes. Although they were crude, it truly was observational humour of everyday things that people sometimes choose to ignore.
The crowd favourites included the anecdotes of high inventions, pocket dialling and the talk.
Mason will be MCing at Charlie Murphy's comedy show at the Port Theatre in
Nanaimo on Sept. 17. To learn more about Brandon James Mason, go to his
Myspace page www.myspace.com/growupbrandon or look for his channel on
Youtube entitled GrowUpBrandon.
Last Friday night, Candy Bar @ The Rainbow Room had a comedy night featuring
Brandon James Mason.
It was a night of laughs, which began with open mic. Mason performed for an intimate audience. However, it was unfortunate that the audience did not really seem as lively as Mason deserved.
People really missed out on a real opportunity to take in Mason's sometimes crude, but always hilarious, comedy. The hilarity was not always in the words that Mason spoke, but rather in his timing.
"[My favourite part of my routine] is when people are laughing days afterward, when they see what I was talking about," Mason said. "Like, they laugh at the show or whatever, but it's not really as funny as it will be in a couple of days when it actually happens to them or when they see something that I joke about and go, 'oh my god.'"
Mason joked about the "inventions" that you make when you're high only to find out in the end that they're already invented. "Okay, what if when you're hot and you don't want to wear pants, you could wear like...butt pants?" Brandon mused.
He also joked with a woman in the front row about age. He said that he had once felt racist when he saw an Asian man rear-end another Asian man. The most off-hand joke, however, was one about sponsoring a child through World Vision. He told us that he was encouraged to send pictures and letters to his sponsor child, and "every night at dinner time he took a picture of [his] dinner and sent it to the child... no, of breakfast because it's the most important meal of the day." He then added that he had told the joke not for laughs but to create a sunken feeling in people's stomachs.
Mason ended his set with a joke about having "the talk" with his girlfriend, "as everyone will," about how many people each of them has slept with and the dilemma between whether you lie about the number, or if you really lie. He and his girlfriend at the time had wrote down each of their totals, he had found out that he was "lucky number seven." She was revolted, to say the least, when she found out that she was number 16. The pun being that he had realized she had read his number upside down.
"My words of inspiration for aspiring comedians would be to just keep playing shows, no matter what, whether the audience is dry or if you have a roaring crowd. Try the same material because different crowds react differently," he added.
Sitting in the audience, I couldn't help but laugh at all of Mason's jokes. Although they were crude, it truly was observational humour of everyday things that people sometimes choose to ignore.
The crowd favourites included the anecdotes of high inventions, pocket dialling and the talk.
Mason will be MCing at Charlie Murphy's comedy show at the Port Theatre in
Nanaimo on Sept. 17. To learn more about Brandon James Mason, go to his
Myspace page www.myspace.com/growupbrandon or look for his channel on
Youtube entitled GrowUpBrandon.
My Broken Hero make its return
Jul 9 2010
My Broken Hero are back in their beloved hometown and will perform at The Academy on Sunday night.
They'll be joined by Victoria's On Call Heroes, local rockers The Moonstones (formerly Rockwell) and Saskatoon's Prom Night in Black and White.
"We are very, very excited to play in Port again. It's our hometown and there's nowhere we love to play more than for our own family and friends," said lead vocalist Dustin Dame. "Without the support of the people of this city, we would never have been able to accomplish the things we did and so performing for those people is an honour."
In 2004, a group of five young men embarked on an epic and unexpected journey into the wilds of a vibrant Western Canadian music scene. The band emerged from a humble beginning, jamming in a church basement for a small group of friends at a local youth group. Without any intentions of becoming anything more, they soon found themselves playing more and more often for an unexpected and fast-growing fanbase. It wasn't long before My Broken Hero was performing for audiences all across Western Canada.
Perhaps it was this humble and unassuming beginning that lent a certain honesty and integrity to their music that seemed to strike a chord with people. Or maybe it was the colourful combination of driving aggression, soaring ambiance and whispered fragility, woven seamlessly throughout their songs. Or it could have been their consistently explosive and energetic live show that elicited such a reaction. Whatever the reason, their music left
its mark on people of all ages and walks of life.
For the next five years, they set out with a purpose - to create and perform
music that would bring light and hope to people's lives. Booking their own
tours, they hit the road in a beat up old van, armed with nothing more than
determination, a solid work-ethic and a love for music and for people. Night
after night, tour after tour, they bared their souls on stages in the cities
and small-towns of Western Canada, and it wasn't long before they were
hearing word of their music being heard all over the world.
Over the past six years, they have played hundreds of shows and have shared
the stage with just as many talented musicians, including Ten Second Epic,
Thousand Foot Krutch, Gob, Needtobreathe, Secret & Whisper, Stereos, We Are
The City, A Textbook Tragedy, Theory of a Deadman, Theset and Maurice, to
name a few. With fans worldwide and CD sales numbering in the thousands, My
Broken Hero has made their mark in the competitive world of music, while
still managing the seemingly impossible task of remaining true to themselves
and the music that they want to create. After almost a year on hiatus, My
Broken Hero is poised to return with a vengeance.
"We get feedback from people all over the world who tell us how much they
love our music and what it means to them, and we don't even know how they
heard about us," Dame said. "So we may not have the biggest fanbase, but the
fans we do have are amazingly passionate about our music. There are cities
that we've played in where we feel like absolute celebrities due to the
overwhelming response we get. And then other places, we're just another
band, so its kind of funny how it works out like that."
My Broken Hero will play at The Academy, 5350 Margaret St. on Sunday, July
11. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. This is
an all-ages show, no drugs or alcohol permitted.
To check out this My Broken Hero's music, go to their Myspace page
www.myspace.com/mybrokenhero
My Broken Hero are back in their beloved hometown and will perform at The Academy on Sunday night.
They'll be joined by Victoria's On Call Heroes, local rockers The Moonstones (formerly Rockwell) and Saskatoon's Prom Night in Black and White.
"We are very, very excited to play in Port again. It's our hometown and there's nowhere we love to play more than for our own family and friends," said lead vocalist Dustin Dame. "Without the support of the people of this city, we would never have been able to accomplish the things we did and so performing for those people is an honour."
In 2004, a group of five young men embarked on an epic and unexpected journey into the wilds of a vibrant Western Canadian music scene. The band emerged from a humble beginning, jamming in a church basement for a small group of friends at a local youth group. Without any intentions of becoming anything more, they soon found themselves playing more and more often for an unexpected and fast-growing fanbase. It wasn't long before My Broken Hero was performing for audiences all across Western Canada.
Perhaps it was this humble and unassuming beginning that lent a certain honesty and integrity to their music that seemed to strike a chord with people. Or maybe it was the colourful combination of driving aggression, soaring ambiance and whispered fragility, woven seamlessly throughout their songs. Or it could have been their consistently explosive and energetic live show that elicited such a reaction. Whatever the reason, their music left
its mark on people of all ages and walks of life.
For the next five years, they set out with a purpose - to create and perform
music that would bring light and hope to people's lives. Booking their own
tours, they hit the road in a beat up old van, armed with nothing more than
determination, a solid work-ethic and a love for music and for people. Night
after night, tour after tour, they bared their souls on stages in the cities
and small-towns of Western Canada, and it wasn't long before they were
hearing word of their music being heard all over the world.
Over the past six years, they have played hundreds of shows and have shared
the stage with just as many talented musicians, including Ten Second Epic,
Thousand Foot Krutch, Gob, Needtobreathe, Secret & Whisper, Stereos, We Are
The City, A Textbook Tragedy, Theory of a Deadman, Theset and Maurice, to
name a few. With fans worldwide and CD sales numbering in the thousands, My
Broken Hero has made their mark in the competitive world of music, while
still managing the seemingly impossible task of remaining true to themselves
and the music that they want to create. After almost a year on hiatus, My
Broken Hero is poised to return with a vengeance.
"We get feedback from people all over the world who tell us how much they
love our music and what it means to them, and we don't even know how they
heard about us," Dame said. "So we may not have the biggest fanbase, but the
fans we do have are amazingly passionate about our music. There are cities
that we've played in where we feel like absolute celebrities due to the
overwhelming response we get. And then other places, we're just another
band, so its kind of funny how it works out like that."
My Broken Hero will play at The Academy, 5350 Margaret St. on Sunday, July
11. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. This is
an all-ages show, no drugs or alcohol permitted.
To check out this My Broken Hero's music, go to their Myspace page
www.myspace.com/mybrokenhero
Show a real crowd-pleaser
June 25 2010
Last Saturday night, blues musician and songwriter David Essig performed for an intimate audience at the Capitol Theatre.
Essig started the first set with his song entitled Rebel Flag, and immediately, the audience was drawn in, not only by his powerful voice but also by his fantastic technique on the slide guitar.
Essig's roots are in bluegrass and country blues, but his own music is an original fusion of bluegrass, country blues, avant-garde and contemporary folk.
Some of the brilliantly crafted songs that Essig's set list included were Tremble and Weep, Fair Days, Walk Back Into Town, Woman in the Snow, Cross to Bear and Charity Begins at Home.
Throughout the performance, Essig shared brief yet humorous secrets about guitar tuning and musicianship along with a back-story to each of the songs he performed.
At one point, Essig interlaced four of his songs and took the audience on an imaginary bus ride. He sang of the people we would meet and the places we would go. These songs worked as what Essig calls miniature portraits, and they were quite beautiful.
Essig ended the second set with One More Song and received a standing ovation.
He returned to the stage for an encore and performed a cover of his favourite song entitled Are You Tired of Me?
To learn more about David Essig, go to his website at www.davidessig.com.
Last Saturday night, blues musician and songwriter David Essig performed for an intimate audience at the Capitol Theatre.
Essig started the first set with his song entitled Rebel Flag, and immediately, the audience was drawn in, not only by his powerful voice but also by his fantastic technique on the slide guitar.
Essig's roots are in bluegrass and country blues, but his own music is an original fusion of bluegrass, country blues, avant-garde and contemporary folk.
Some of the brilliantly crafted songs that Essig's set list included were Tremble and Weep, Fair Days, Walk Back Into Town, Woman in the Snow, Cross to Bear and Charity Begins at Home.
Throughout the performance, Essig shared brief yet humorous secrets about guitar tuning and musicianship along with a back-story to each of the songs he performed.
At one point, Essig interlaced four of his songs and took the audience on an imaginary bus ride. He sang of the people we would meet and the places we would go. These songs worked as what Essig calls miniature portraits, and they were quite beautiful.
Essig ended the second set with One More Song and received a standing ovation.
He returned to the stage for an encore and performed a cover of his favourite song entitled Are You Tired of Me?
To learn more about David Essig, go to his website at www.davidessig.com.
Lazy Mike gets everyone up dancing at Capitol
Jun 8 2010
Last Wednesday night, "Lazy" Mike and the Rockin' Recliners had their Life's Been Pretty Good CD release party at the Capitol Theatre, and it was well received.
Lazy Mike and the Rockin' Recliners started the night with their song entitled Life's Pretty Good These Days. From the beginning of their set, the audience was enthused.
Although it was a CD release party, the Rockin' Recliners performed songs off their previous album and some covers as well. Some of the songs they performed include A/P Clerk, Fall Fair Car, Walkin' the Talk, Two Things, Sell the Farm, Messin' with the Kid, Flip Flop and Fly Sweet Little Angel, and Devil in a Green Silk Dress and their latest album's namesake, Life's Been Pretty Good.
The night was certainly a party as it did not take long for the dance floor to become full. Those who were not on the floor were dancing in their seats. It was hard not to feel moved by the music as the musicians themselves conveyed such passion within their catchy tunes.
The night's highlights included the Rockin' Recliners' performance of Sweet Little Angel, which featured Kyle Gineau with an incredible guitar solo, their cover of Messin' with the Kid and Devil in a Green Silk Dress a song with a sultry Latin American feel to it.
The band ended the night with Humbuggin' Me, featuring Bob "Blue" Berry on vocals and received not only a thunderous applause but also a standing ovation.
To check out the music of this ever-talented band, just flip flop and fly over to their websites at www.lazymikeandtherockinrecliners.com and www.myspace.com/lazymikeandtherockinrecliners.
Last Wednesday night, "Lazy" Mike and the Rockin' Recliners had their Life's Been Pretty Good CD release party at the Capitol Theatre, and it was well received.
Lazy Mike and the Rockin' Recliners started the night with their song entitled Life's Pretty Good These Days. From the beginning of their set, the audience was enthused.
Although it was a CD release party, the Rockin' Recliners performed songs off their previous album and some covers as well. Some of the songs they performed include A/P Clerk, Fall Fair Car, Walkin' the Talk, Two Things, Sell the Farm, Messin' with the Kid, Flip Flop and Fly Sweet Little Angel, and Devil in a Green Silk Dress and their latest album's namesake, Life's Been Pretty Good.
The night was certainly a party as it did not take long for the dance floor to become full. Those who were not on the floor were dancing in their seats. It was hard not to feel moved by the music as the musicians themselves conveyed such passion within their catchy tunes.
The night's highlights included the Rockin' Recliners' performance of Sweet Little Angel, which featured Kyle Gineau with an incredible guitar solo, their cover of Messin' with the Kid and Devil in a Green Silk Dress a song with a sultry Latin American feel to it.
The band ended the night with Humbuggin' Me, featuring Bob "Blue" Berry on vocals and received not only a thunderous applause but also a standing ovation.
To check out the music of this ever-talented band, just flip flop and fly over to their websites at www.lazymikeandtherockinrecliners.com and www.myspace.com/lazymikeandtherockinrecliners.
Not a show for everyone, but no one could resist but look
Jun 4 2010
Last Saturday night, Cirque de Sattuu performed for a full audience at the Candy Apple Martini Lounge and mesmerized everyone.
The performance was not for the faint-hearted or anyone with a weak stomach. The band opening for Cirque de Sattuu was Big Bang Baby. The group played lively covers which was an interesting contrast to the main performance.
Cirque de Sattuu started their pain endurance show with a marionette act. The assistant had hooks implanted into her arms with strings attached to them so that Max D could tug on them and act as a puppeteer. The show was set up like a dark comedy, and there were brief anecdotes before each stunt they performed.
It was revolting at times, but also so intriguing that I couldn't help but watch. At points, I noticed the audience cringing, but, like me, they wanted to know what on earth the duo was going to perform next.
The stunts the pair acted out included Max D juggling machetes while he was standing on a basketball, putting numerous nails through his cheeks and laying on a bed of nails while his assistant stood on him.
The stunts were mostly performed by Max D, however he did complete a body modification on his assistant, which consisted of him piercing her chest and putting rings in. Then he laced a string of ribbon through the piercing, forming a star of sorts. The duo also performed numerous suspension acts, some not suitable for this review.
Being that Cirque de Sattuu's whole performance was based on shock value, it's hard to choose which stunts were the best and most appalling. My personal favourite was when Max D punctured a long needle through his hand and connected a sparkler to it, showing everyone in the audience his hand to prove it was real.
The performers were both incredibly talented, and there wasn't a dull moment throughout their whole set.
Cirque de Sattuu most definitely strange theatre.
Last Saturday night, Cirque de Sattuu performed for a full audience at the Candy Apple Martini Lounge and mesmerized everyone.
The performance was not for the faint-hearted or anyone with a weak stomach. The band opening for Cirque de Sattuu was Big Bang Baby. The group played lively covers which was an interesting contrast to the main performance.
Cirque de Sattuu started their pain endurance show with a marionette act. The assistant had hooks implanted into her arms with strings attached to them so that Max D could tug on them and act as a puppeteer. The show was set up like a dark comedy, and there were brief anecdotes before each stunt they performed.
It was revolting at times, but also so intriguing that I couldn't help but watch. At points, I noticed the audience cringing, but, like me, they wanted to know what on earth the duo was going to perform next.
The stunts the pair acted out included Max D juggling machetes while he was standing on a basketball, putting numerous nails through his cheeks and laying on a bed of nails while his assistant stood on him.
The stunts were mostly performed by Max D, however he did complete a body modification on his assistant, which consisted of him piercing her chest and putting rings in. Then he laced a string of ribbon through the piercing, forming a star of sorts. The duo also performed numerous suspension acts, some not suitable for this review.
Being that Cirque de Sattuu's whole performance was based on shock value, it's hard to choose which stunts were the best and most appalling. My personal favourite was when Max D punctured a long needle through his hand and connected a sparkler to it, showing everyone in the audience his hand to prove it was real.
The performers were both incredibly talented, and there wasn't a dull moment throughout their whole set.
Cirque de Sattuu most definitely strange theatre.
Serious open mic night is a big hit
May 28 2010
Friday is Open Mic Night at Serious Coffee, and last week the musicians were nothing short of amazing.
Performing were Carson Mallon, Carissa Royendyk, Sean Hanebury, Spencer Christie and Atta Boi! Each of the musicians were talented and their music was incredibly intriguing.
The night had a laid back feel, as the music was acoustic and the musicians each performed at their own whim. The musicians were also very supportive of each other, and had a close-knit and free-spirited feeling to them. Their positive vibrations were returned by the equally enthusiastic audience.
However, the musicians that really stood out were Kyle Burnett and Walter Thompson, the duo makes up half of their band, Atta Boi!
Atta Boi!'s performance was excellent. The songs ranged from catchy upbeat tunes to woeful ballads. Thompson and Burnett both brought their A-game, and created a blissful fusion. Thompson's bass playing worked as a solid, and sometimes funky, backbone, which was contrasted by Burnett's unique and melodic voice.
The night was full of memorable moments, but my favourite was Atta Boi!'s performance of their original song, Passenger. During the number, lead vocalist and guitarist Kyle Burnett sang, "I am not in control of this ship and where it goes, I am the passenger, I am the passenger." The lyrics were simple, but the passion in Burnett's voice really resonated and created a feeling of despair.
Another favourite of mine was simply listening to Carissa Royendyk's voice, each of the songs she sang brilliantly showcased her original vocal styling and her quirky humour.
If you want to see any of these great musicians and many others, go to
Serious Coffee's Open Mic Night every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday is Open Mic Night at Serious Coffee, and last week the musicians were nothing short of amazing.
Performing were Carson Mallon, Carissa Royendyk, Sean Hanebury, Spencer Christie and Atta Boi! Each of the musicians were talented and their music was incredibly intriguing.
The night had a laid back feel, as the music was acoustic and the musicians each performed at their own whim. The musicians were also very supportive of each other, and had a close-knit and free-spirited feeling to them. Their positive vibrations were returned by the equally enthusiastic audience.
However, the musicians that really stood out were Kyle Burnett and Walter Thompson, the duo makes up half of their band, Atta Boi!
Atta Boi!'s performance was excellent. The songs ranged from catchy upbeat tunes to woeful ballads. Thompson and Burnett both brought their A-game, and created a blissful fusion. Thompson's bass playing worked as a solid, and sometimes funky, backbone, which was contrasted by Burnett's unique and melodic voice.
The night was full of memorable moments, but my favourite was Atta Boi!'s performance of their original song, Passenger. During the number, lead vocalist and guitarist Kyle Burnett sang, "I am not in control of this ship and where it goes, I am the passenger, I am the passenger." The lyrics were simple, but the passion in Burnett's voice really resonated and created a feeling of despair.
Another favourite of mine was simply listening to Carissa Royendyk's voice, each of the songs she sang brilliantly showcased her original vocal styling and her quirky humour.
If you want to see any of these great musicians and many others, go to
Serious Coffee's Open Mic Night every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Silence Theory wins metal band battle
May 21 2010
On Saturday night, metal bands PentacausT, My Daughter the Ranger and Silence Theory rocked the Rainbow Room.
Opening, was My Daughter the Ranger followed by PentacausT, both from
Nanaimo. Each of the three bands were incredibly skilled and there was hardly a dull moment.
The last band to play was Port Alberni's own experimental/progressive metalcore band, Silence Theory. From the beginning of their set, it was clear that the audience was there for Silence Theory. Although the members of Silence Theory are only 19 years old, they exhibit great talent.
Throughout the set, each member was playing their instrument whole-heartedly.
Lead vocalist Russel Walton's voice truly encompassed the depths of the underworld. At various times, guitarist and backing vocalist, Steven Bekker, finger tapped some mean riffs flawlessly with only one hand touching his guitar, the other behind his back. Drummer Josh Spencer and bassist Zach Thompson were equally as mesmerizing.
Crowd favourites included Silence Theory's cover of Lamb of God's song Laid to Rest, featuring lead vocalist Jay Smitka of PentacausT, Silence Theory's cover of Killswitch Engage's song Rose of Sharyn, and an original song by Silence Theory entitled Through the Silence. My personal favourite was the cover of Laid to Rest. It was incredible because the instrumentation anddual vocals were spot-on. Amazingly, there was essentially no discrepancy between the cover and the original.
Silence Theory ended the night with their song The Sacrifice, an awesome eight-minute composition that was the perfect way to wrap up the metal show.
If you want to check out the music of any of these talented bands, go to
their Myspace pages www.myspace.com/silencetheorymetal,
www.myspace.com/pentacaust and www.myspace.com/mydaughtertheranger.
On Saturday night, metal bands PentacausT, My Daughter the Ranger and Silence Theory rocked the Rainbow Room.
Opening, was My Daughter the Ranger followed by PentacausT, both from
Nanaimo. Each of the three bands were incredibly skilled and there was hardly a dull moment.
The last band to play was Port Alberni's own experimental/progressive metalcore band, Silence Theory. From the beginning of their set, it was clear that the audience was there for Silence Theory. Although the members of Silence Theory are only 19 years old, they exhibit great talent.
Throughout the set, each member was playing their instrument whole-heartedly.
Lead vocalist Russel Walton's voice truly encompassed the depths of the underworld. At various times, guitarist and backing vocalist, Steven Bekker, finger tapped some mean riffs flawlessly with only one hand touching his guitar, the other behind his back. Drummer Josh Spencer and bassist Zach Thompson were equally as mesmerizing.
Crowd favourites included Silence Theory's cover of Lamb of God's song Laid to Rest, featuring lead vocalist Jay Smitka of PentacausT, Silence Theory's cover of Killswitch Engage's song Rose of Sharyn, and an original song by Silence Theory entitled Through the Silence. My personal favourite was the cover of Laid to Rest. It was incredible because the instrumentation anddual vocals were spot-on. Amazingly, there was essentially no discrepancy between the cover and the original.
Silence Theory ended the night with their song The Sacrifice, an awesome eight-minute composition that was the perfect way to wrap up the metal show.
If you want to check out the music of any of these talented bands, go to
their Myspace pages www.myspace.com/silencetheorymetal,
www.myspace.com/pentacaust and www.myspace.com/mydaughtertheranger.
Saturday's concert out of this world
May 11 2010
On Saturday night, Texan folk/blues musician and songwriter Danny Schmidt performed to a full, enthusiastic audience above Sound Advice. Schmidt's lyrics were brilliant and profound and his guitar playing was phenomenal. Not only is he an amazing and sincere musician, but he is also able to laugh at himself while revealing personal stories.
However, not all of Schmidt's songs were humorous. Some of his songs were
lightly satirical, while others were beautiful, serene and meaningful. In his song Stained Glass, he sang "as the monstrosity of colour slid its tongue across their eyes and they shivered from exposure like babies born again, 'cause in every pane of glass was the joy and pain of man." The song continues with each line of lyrics being truer and more heart-wrenching than the last.
Schmidt's songs were multi-faceted and vivid, throughout the performance his passion was evident. The audience seemed to be spellbound by it. Some of the songs that Schmidt performed included Houses Sing, This Too Shall Pass, Better off Broke, Company of Friends, Little White Angels, Two Guitars on the Sofa, Almost Around The World, Blue Railroad Train and Stained Glass. Astoundingly, each song Schmidt played was equally as mesmerizing as its
predecessor.
The whole set was spectacular, but the songs that received the biggest reactions were Stained Glass, Almost Around The World and Ragtime Blues, a song that made the audience howl with laughter. Schmidt noted that Ragtime Blues was not "girlfriend-friendly" as the lyrics are about "negotiating through monthly irrationality." The song Almost Around The World is a humorous and satirical song about what Schmidt would teach a parrot, an elephant and a pig to do if he could make them convey what he really wished he could say to people at times. With lyrics such as "if I had a pig, I'd take teach it how to count, it's money that rolls around in mud and hogs that rule the house, I figure if my pig could root beneath the bottom line, well, we'd both get high on truffles and on dandelion wine."
Schmidt ended the night with a fabulous cover of Bob Dylan's Buckets of Tears, which received a thunderous applause. If you want to learn more about this amazing musician, go to his website at www.dannyschmidt.com.
The performance by Schmidt was just one of many concerts at Sound Advice.
Watch for their monthly events in the coming weeks.
On Saturday night, Texan folk/blues musician and songwriter Danny Schmidt performed to a full, enthusiastic audience above Sound Advice. Schmidt's lyrics were brilliant and profound and his guitar playing was phenomenal. Not only is he an amazing and sincere musician, but he is also able to laugh at himself while revealing personal stories.
However, not all of Schmidt's songs were humorous. Some of his songs were
lightly satirical, while others were beautiful, serene and meaningful. In his song Stained Glass, he sang "as the monstrosity of colour slid its tongue across their eyes and they shivered from exposure like babies born again, 'cause in every pane of glass was the joy and pain of man." The song continues with each line of lyrics being truer and more heart-wrenching than the last.
Schmidt's songs were multi-faceted and vivid, throughout the performance his passion was evident. The audience seemed to be spellbound by it. Some of the songs that Schmidt performed included Houses Sing, This Too Shall Pass, Better off Broke, Company of Friends, Little White Angels, Two Guitars on the Sofa, Almost Around The World, Blue Railroad Train and Stained Glass. Astoundingly, each song Schmidt played was equally as mesmerizing as its
predecessor.
The whole set was spectacular, but the songs that received the biggest reactions were Stained Glass, Almost Around The World and Ragtime Blues, a song that made the audience howl with laughter. Schmidt noted that Ragtime Blues was not "girlfriend-friendly" as the lyrics are about "negotiating through monthly irrationality." The song Almost Around The World is a humorous and satirical song about what Schmidt would teach a parrot, an elephant and a pig to do if he could make them convey what he really wished he could say to people at times. With lyrics such as "if I had a pig, I'd take teach it how to count, it's money that rolls around in mud and hogs that rule the house, I figure if my pig could root beneath the bottom line, well, we'd both get high on truffles and on dandelion wine."
Schmidt ended the night with a fabulous cover of Bob Dylan's Buckets of Tears, which received a thunderous applause. If you want to learn more about this amazing musician, go to his website at www.dannyschmidt.com.
The performance by Schmidt was just one of many concerts at Sound Advice.
Watch for their monthly events in the coming weeks.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Love Bytes is proof good drama happens in school
May 7 2010
On Saturday night, the Alberni District Secondary School Drama Club performed their rendition of Love Bytes for an enthusiastic audience at the Capitol Theatre.
Love Bytes is a play compiled of various quirky, and sometimes cheeky, segments portraying the many facets of love. It ranges from Shakespearean chivalry to the absurdities of modern technologies, like online dating sites, texting, Skype and much more.
Opening with Cupid and his Love Fans performing Skinnamarink, including the lively hand gestures, Love Bytes was jam-packed with humour. The play also had it's sentimental moments during Sisterly Love, a segment where Cydney and Demi Pedersen expressed both their love and irritation for each other to the audience. It also pulled at your heartstrings during A Mother's Love Story, which was a story about a mother's sacrifice for her son. My Father's Love Letter, which was a heartfelt letter read by Charlotte Taylor, was also a moving moment.
The performers weren't only fantastic actors, but they were also equally spectacular with the song and dance numbers as well. When the cast sang My One and Only Love, their passion was evident and their harmony was
beautiful.
Although the whole play was remarkable, the highlights were the Twilight parody entitled Twilight Love with Angela Edwards and Stephen Burton as Bella and Edward. The audience really shrieked with laughter at the sarcasm
they both depicted. The audience laughed especially when Stephen was being a skeptic wondering whether love is even possible when death is inevitable.
Another highlight was when Ronna Mellaart was being melodramatic while picking the petals off of a flower. During the He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not segment, she was delivering lines such as "He loves me!" in a shriek of
victory followed by a sarcastic and disappointed, "Umm, he doesn't love me?"
Hats off to the wonderful cast, production team, choral director, choreographers and everyone who made Love Bytes happen. The play was truly a delight to take in.
On Saturday night, the Alberni District Secondary School Drama Club performed their rendition of Love Bytes for an enthusiastic audience at the Capitol Theatre.
Love Bytes is a play compiled of various quirky, and sometimes cheeky, segments portraying the many facets of love. It ranges from Shakespearean chivalry to the absurdities of modern technologies, like online dating sites, texting, Skype and much more.
Opening with Cupid and his Love Fans performing Skinnamarink, including the lively hand gestures, Love Bytes was jam-packed with humour. The play also had it's sentimental moments during Sisterly Love, a segment where Cydney and Demi Pedersen expressed both their love and irritation for each other to the audience. It also pulled at your heartstrings during A Mother's Love Story, which was a story about a mother's sacrifice for her son. My Father's Love Letter, which was a heartfelt letter read by Charlotte Taylor, was also a moving moment.
The performers weren't only fantastic actors, but they were also equally spectacular with the song and dance numbers as well. When the cast sang My One and Only Love, their passion was evident and their harmony was
beautiful.
Although the whole play was remarkable, the highlights were the Twilight parody entitled Twilight Love with Angela Edwards and Stephen Burton as Bella and Edward. The audience really shrieked with laughter at the sarcasm
they both depicted. The audience laughed especially when Stephen was being a skeptic wondering whether love is even possible when death is inevitable.
Another highlight was when Ronna Mellaart was being melodramatic while picking the petals off of a flower. During the He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not segment, she was delivering lines such as "He loves me!" in a shriek of
victory followed by a sarcastic and disappointed, "Umm, he doesn't love me?"
Hats off to the wonderful cast, production team, choral director, choreographers and everyone who made Love Bytes happen. The play was truly a delight to take in.
Candy Apple alive with unique sound
Wed May 5 2010
CORRECTION: (From Alberni Valley Times, May 11, 2010) The conflicting lines
in the article in last Wednesday's Alberni Valley Times "Candy Apple alive
with unique sound" should have read that opening for Wesley were Off The
Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group featuring Sirreal. Also
opening for Wesley were Braeden Marshal, a family rock band that has soared
past the stereotype that goes along with family bands. Both opening acts are
from Nanaimo.*****
Vancouver-based Daniel Wesley and his band performed for a sold-out crowd at the Candy Apple Martini Lounge on Thursday night.
The pop/surfer, rock/reggae-esque performer didn't disappoint.
Opening for Wesley were Off the Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group. It features Sirreal and Braeden Marshal from Nanaimo. They are a family rock band that has soared past the stereotype that goes along
with family bands.
Most of the songs that Wesley played were from his self-titled album, however the band played songs from each of their four albums, Outlaw, Driftin', Sing & Dance and Daniel Wesley.
A few of the songs that Wesley played, including Cocaine & Cops, seemed to have a strong sublime feel, in a good way, with an ever-present ska/reggae vibe to it. Wesley's bassist, Darren Parris, did an excellent job creating a thick and groovy layer of bass that worked as a danceable backbone. Their song entitled What's Your Name had a back road southern feel, which was well received by the crowd.
At one point, Wesley told the audience that he was surprised and impressed with how many people came, because this was his first time in Port Alberni.
The highlights of the night included when Wesley played Drunk & Stoned and the audience joined in for the chorus. Another was when Wesley performed You Ain't Shit, which the audience also sang along with. You Ain't Shit sounded like a raunchy/stoner version of Jack Johnson, in that it had the same relaxed bluesy feeling to it, except the lyrics were far from any Johnson has ever sang. Although the subject matter of Wesley's lyrics may seem off-putting to some, the music itself was stellar. Wesley's singing and guitar playing fused with Parris' bass lines and Tim Proznick's drumming were a wonderfully captivating blend.
The band ended the night with their hit Ooo Ohh, a chill stoner anthem with lyrics such as "gonna catch a wave and smoke a little ganja," the repetitive lyrics and rhythmic ska feel to it entranced the crowd. Wesley's lyrics, along with the help of his band, eased the crowd and brought everyone on a pilgrimage where their hearts were rocking and their feet were stomping.
CORRECTION: (From Alberni Valley Times, May 11, 2010) The conflicting lines
in the article in last Wednesday's Alberni Valley Times "Candy Apple alive
with unique sound" should have read that opening for Wesley were Off The
Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group featuring Sirreal. Also
opening for Wesley were Braeden Marshal, a family rock band that has soared
past the stereotype that goes along with family bands. Both opening acts are
from Nanaimo.*****
Vancouver-based Daniel Wesley and his band performed for a sold-out crowd at the Candy Apple Martini Lounge on Thursday night.
The pop/surfer, rock/reggae-esque performer didn't disappoint.
Opening for Wesley were Off the Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group. It features Sirreal and Braeden Marshal from Nanaimo. They are a family rock band that has soared past the stereotype that goes along
with family bands.
Most of the songs that Wesley played were from his self-titled album, however the band played songs from each of their four albums, Outlaw, Driftin', Sing & Dance and Daniel Wesley.
A few of the songs that Wesley played, including Cocaine & Cops, seemed to have a strong sublime feel, in a good way, with an ever-present ska/reggae vibe to it. Wesley's bassist, Darren Parris, did an excellent job creating a thick and groovy layer of bass that worked as a danceable backbone. Their song entitled What's Your Name had a back road southern feel, which was well received by the crowd.
At one point, Wesley told the audience that he was surprised and impressed with how many people came, because this was his first time in Port Alberni.
The highlights of the night included when Wesley played Drunk & Stoned and the audience joined in for the chorus. Another was when Wesley performed You Ain't Shit, which the audience also sang along with. You Ain't Shit sounded like a raunchy/stoner version of Jack Johnson, in that it had the same relaxed bluesy feeling to it, except the lyrics were far from any Johnson has ever sang. Although the subject matter of Wesley's lyrics may seem off-putting to some, the music itself was stellar. Wesley's singing and guitar playing fused with Parris' bass lines and Tim Proznick's drumming were a wonderfully captivating blend.
The band ended the night with their hit Ooo Ohh, a chill stoner anthem with lyrics such as "gonna catch a wave and smoke a little ganja," the repetitive lyrics and rhythmic ska feel to it entranced the crowd. Wesley's lyrics, along with the help of his band, eased the crowd and brought everyone on a pilgrimage where their hearts were rocking and their feet were stomping.
Portal Players have a hit with Glass Menagerie
Apr 30 2010
On Saturday night, the Portal Players performed their rendition of The Glass Menagerie to an intimate crowd at the Capitol Theatre, under the direction of Scott Lowe.
Among the fabulous cast were Ryan Gander as Tom Wingfield, an alcoholic who is afraid of the confinements of working in an unfulfilling factory job. Teresa Mulligan plays Amanda Wingfield, a former southern belle who is afraid of her son becoming an alcoholic vagrant and her daughter becoming a spinster. Belinda Zado was Laura Wingfield, who is timid and insecure because of her crippled foot. She seeks solace in her glass menagerie. Darcey Linden plays Jim O'Connor, an extremely self-assured and poised co-worker of Tom's.
Set in an apartment in St. Louis, Tom Wingfield recollects the winter and spring of 1937. The Glass Menagerie is a four-person memory play by Tennessee Williams, which first premiered in 1944.
Menagerie is a tragic family drama, full of sarcasm with bleak overtones. Laura tells her mother, Amanda, that she was supposedly in school, but instead she was really just walking around town. Being in class made her feel ill. Upon finding out that her daughter was a drop-out, Amanda sets out to find her a "gentleman caller."
Meanwhile, Tom is in a rut because he doesn't want to continue working at his mundane factory job, but he has to support his mother and sister, emotionally and financially. By Amanda's request, Tom invites Jim over for dinner to introduce him to Laura, and Amanda prepares extensively with the hopes that Jim will be Laura's suitor. Jim turns out to be a past romantic attraction of Laura's, and it causes her to become even more anxious.
The set was authenticated with old books, typical furniture and wallpaper and also a Victrola, which was an interesting relic from a bygone era. The costumes were era-fitting with the men in dress suits and heavy-collared trench coats, which helped to set the gloomy mood for the trials and tribulations of the Wingfield family. The women wore housecoats and flowing dresses.
The play ran smoothly with humorous climaxes and not one of the actors missed a beat. Each performer was passionate and created believable characters.
Highlights of the show included Tom Wingfield's mesmerizing narration, and also experiencing Amanda release a few of her insecurities, if only for a brief period, whilst conversing with Jim and sharing her glass menagerie with him.
Kudos to director Scott Lowe, stage manager Tanya Horne, Belinda Zado, Ryan Gander, Teresa Mulligan and Darcey Linden, the production team, set designer, stage crew and all of those who made The Glass Menagerie come to life. You have created a wonderful illusion.
Make sure to check this community theatre production out when it returns to the Capitol Theatre next week.
Showings are on May 7 and 8 and May 11 to 15. The lobby and concession opens at 7 p.m., and the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at Rollin Art Centre, Echo Centre and at the Capitol Theatre box office, as well as at
the door before each performance.
On Saturday night, the Portal Players performed their rendition of The Glass Menagerie to an intimate crowd at the Capitol Theatre, under the direction of Scott Lowe.
Among the fabulous cast were Ryan Gander as Tom Wingfield, an alcoholic who is afraid of the confinements of working in an unfulfilling factory job. Teresa Mulligan plays Amanda Wingfield, a former southern belle who is afraid of her son becoming an alcoholic vagrant and her daughter becoming a spinster. Belinda Zado was Laura Wingfield, who is timid and insecure because of her crippled foot. She seeks solace in her glass menagerie. Darcey Linden plays Jim O'Connor, an extremely self-assured and poised co-worker of Tom's.
Set in an apartment in St. Louis, Tom Wingfield recollects the winter and spring of 1937. The Glass Menagerie is a four-person memory play by Tennessee Williams, which first premiered in 1944.
Menagerie is a tragic family drama, full of sarcasm with bleak overtones. Laura tells her mother, Amanda, that she was supposedly in school, but instead she was really just walking around town. Being in class made her feel ill. Upon finding out that her daughter was a drop-out, Amanda sets out to find her a "gentleman caller."
Meanwhile, Tom is in a rut because he doesn't want to continue working at his mundane factory job, but he has to support his mother and sister, emotionally and financially. By Amanda's request, Tom invites Jim over for dinner to introduce him to Laura, and Amanda prepares extensively with the hopes that Jim will be Laura's suitor. Jim turns out to be a past romantic attraction of Laura's, and it causes her to become even more anxious.
The set was authenticated with old books, typical furniture and wallpaper and also a Victrola, which was an interesting relic from a bygone era. The costumes were era-fitting with the men in dress suits and heavy-collared trench coats, which helped to set the gloomy mood for the trials and tribulations of the Wingfield family. The women wore housecoats and flowing dresses.
The play ran smoothly with humorous climaxes and not one of the actors missed a beat. Each performer was passionate and created believable characters.
Highlights of the show included Tom Wingfield's mesmerizing narration, and also experiencing Amanda release a few of her insecurities, if only for a brief period, whilst conversing with Jim and sharing her glass menagerie with him.
Kudos to director Scott Lowe, stage manager Tanya Horne, Belinda Zado, Ryan Gander, Teresa Mulligan and Darcey Linden, the production team, set designer, stage crew and all of those who made The Glass Menagerie come to life. You have created a wonderful illusion.
Make sure to check this community theatre production out when it returns to the Capitol Theatre next week.
Showings are on May 7 and 8 and May 11 to 15. The lobby and concession opens at 7 p.m., and the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at Rollin Art Centre, Echo Centre and at the Capitol Theatre box office, as well as at
the door before each performance.
Taking a hike for an important cause
Apr 30 2010
Last Sunday morning, the MS Society had their annual fundraising walk at Somass Legion #169.
Along with the walk, there was live music, face painting, food and door prizes. Participants of all ages were able to choose between walking the three or five-kilometre circuit. There was a great turnout, with more people than last year. The Port Alberni chapter of the MS Society alone raised $12,668.09.
Many individuals fund raised for this event, however the top fundraising teams were the Scene Team with $2,453.62, the MS Support Group with $1,399.48, Team MCFD with $1,180, the North Island College Human Service Workers' program with $465, and Fish Out of Water with $100.
Sunday was a great day for the walk in regard to the weather. The participants were in high spirits as they were having a leisurely stroll while supporting an excellent cause.
During the walk, I got the chance to ask a few people why they chose to do the walk.
"I'm walking for MS because it's a great cause, but I'm also walking because
I'm in the human service worker program [at North Island College] with Ashley Amato and her husband was diagnosed with MS last year," explained Ranu Rai. "She made me more aware of MS."
I also talked with musical guest Kevin Falkenberg, who performed throughout the event.
"I have a good friend who has MS, and I feel like it's my hometown duty to be charitable," he said.
Kevin added that music is the one thing he is able to contribute to the community. Kevin Falkenberg and his band, The Family Stoned will also be performing at Relay For Life in June.
The Port Alberni chapter of the MS Society would like to thank their sponsors for providing breakfast and lunch as well as fruit along the way. One local restaurant also donated the proceeds of a pizza and pint sale to the MS Society. Ashley Amato, of the MS Society, would like to thank all of the businesses that contributed and the volunteers and performers who made it such a success, including the E.J. Dunn students who did face painting.
By going to the MS Society's website you can continue pledging even though the walk is finished. If you'd like to get involved with the MS Society or learn more about MS, you can contact Ashley Amato at 250-731-5305 or go to
their website, www.mssociety.ca.
Performer shares taste of Ireland
April 16 2010
On Saturday night, Mary Murphy graced the Alberni Valley, bringing the heart and soul of Ireland with her, and left an incredible and lasting impression.
Mary and Paul (her guitarist, partner and producer) played two sets, at Sound Advice, each compiled of 10 songs. Mary had a fabulous way of conveying her passion through song and story. Her voice sounded as though she was unleashing audible sunshine along with a soothing vibrato.
A few of the compositions Mary and Paul performed included Red Rory, which is a song about Mary's dog, Red Wing, a song about the re-incarnated life of two lovers, The Rose of Allendale, which happens to be Mary's favourite traditional Scottish song, Siuil a run, Orla, which has an intoxicating melody. They also played Odhran a Chroi, a charming lullaby with an unknown origin, and Raggle and Taggle Gypsy, an upbeat traditional song. They shared Nil na La, during which Mary taught the audience a few words in Gaelic so we could sing along. The song entitled Siuil a run was sung by Mary in both English and beautifully crafted Gaelic. During the bridge, all eyes were on Mary as she captivated the audience by doing a jig around the room.
Throughout the night, both Mary and Paul shared humorous anecdotes of time spent in Ireland and jokes which captured the audience's attention and in turn made the atmosphere even more cosy.
Both musicians were extremely talented. Mary played a bodhran (traditional Irish drum) and a cajon (a box drum that you sit on). Paul played an acoustic guitar and a mandolin. It was amazing how the two managed to sound
like a full band.
Mary also read an excerpt from her book, entitled The Emerald Diaries:Secrets of and Irish Clan, her voice full of emotion. As Mary was about to start reading, she encouraged the audience to close their eyes and pretend they were children again. The excerpt that she read was about a man at sea who falls in love with a selkie and asks her to marry him. Selkies are seal creatures found in Faroese, Icelandic, Irish and Scottish mythology, that are able to become human by taking off their seal skins, and can return to seal form by putting it back on.The two marry and have children, but after a while, she leaves him a note saying that she needs to return to her true family. Mary sang the "letter" segment of the excerpt in her beautiful voice and whisked the audience away into the fantasy she had intricately created.
After the last song, Mary returned to the thunderous applause for an encore and performed Tir na n'Og. After which she encouraged the audience to sing the chorus of Orla along with her, which was a magnificent way to the
evening.
On Saturday night, Mary Murphy graced the Alberni Valley, bringing the heart and soul of Ireland with her, and left an incredible and lasting impression.
Mary and Paul (her guitarist, partner and producer) played two sets, at Sound Advice, each compiled of 10 songs. Mary had a fabulous way of conveying her passion through song and story. Her voice sounded as though she was unleashing audible sunshine along with a soothing vibrato.
A few of the compositions Mary and Paul performed included Red Rory, which is a song about Mary's dog, Red Wing, a song about the re-incarnated life of two lovers, The Rose of Allendale, which happens to be Mary's favourite traditional Scottish song, Siuil a run, Orla, which has an intoxicating melody. They also played Odhran a Chroi, a charming lullaby with an unknown origin, and Raggle and Taggle Gypsy, an upbeat traditional song. They shared Nil na La, during which Mary taught the audience a few words in Gaelic so we could sing along. The song entitled Siuil a run was sung by Mary in both English and beautifully crafted Gaelic. During the bridge, all eyes were on Mary as she captivated the audience by doing a jig around the room.
Throughout the night, both Mary and Paul shared humorous anecdotes of time spent in Ireland and jokes which captured the audience's attention and in turn made the atmosphere even more cosy.
Both musicians were extremely talented. Mary played a bodhran (traditional Irish drum) and a cajon (a box drum that you sit on). Paul played an acoustic guitar and a mandolin. It was amazing how the two managed to sound
like a full band.
Mary also read an excerpt from her book, entitled The Emerald Diaries:Secrets of and Irish Clan, her voice full of emotion. As Mary was about to start reading, she encouraged the audience to close their eyes and pretend they were children again. The excerpt that she read was about a man at sea who falls in love with a selkie and asks her to marry him. Selkies are seal creatures found in Faroese, Icelandic, Irish and Scottish mythology, that are able to become human by taking off their seal skins, and can return to seal form by putting it back on.The two marry and have children, but after a while, she leaves him a note saying that she needs to return to her true family. Mary sang the "letter" segment of the excerpt in her beautiful voice and whisked the audience away into the fantasy she had intricately created.
After the last song, Mary returned to the thunderous applause for an encore and performed Tir na n'Og. After which she encouraged the audience to sing the chorus of Orla along with her, which was a magnificent way to the
evening.
Returning home a thrill for Veer Union
Apr 1 2010
Going into The Veer Union's tour bus, I was a bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure what to expect of the band.
Surprisingly, they were extremely down to earth and inviting. I had to wait a few minutes as the band was filming a video greeting. Afterward, The Veer Union and I discussed their upcoming tour opening for Puddle of Mudd and
Saliva. We also discussed their influences, the band's history, and how it feels for frontman Crispin Earl and rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist Eric Shraeder to return to Port Alberni, their hometown.
Here's how Crispin answered my questions on behalf of his band.
Which bands influenced you guys when you were younger? Guns N' Roses, Sound Garden, Tool, Alice in Chains and Led Zeppelin.
Have you ever played in Port Alberni before? If so, when? Not as The Veer Union. We once played at Capitol Theatre with the band name June.
How does it feel coming back to Port Alberni? It feels great. We've been meaning to do it for a long time. We kept saying over the past six years that we'd have to go back to visit Port Alberni but it never happened.
Where are the other band members, James (Fid) Fiddler, Marc (Roots) Roots
and Neil Beaton, originally from? The others are from Surrey and Langley, B.C.
How long have you been together as The Veer Union? [It's been] four years, as of St. Patrick's Day.
What does "Veer Union" mean? Veer - to change direction or change from one
course to another. Union - a number of persons joined or associated together for some common purpose. Every song we write about is about hope, whether it's about hoping to get the girl back, being in a better place or not being spiteful or cynical. Veering away from the dark and into the light.
How does it feel to have an upcoming extensive tour of the U.S? We're stoked! We've had our down time, and now we're ready to get back on the road. We love the connection with our fans, and it's an amazing feeling
having people sing along to our songs.
How have you adjusted to your [recent] fame? Nothing has changed. We still eat the same stuff. The only thing that's different now is that we have brand name mac and cheese and proper condiments like barbecue sauce. (At this point, front man Crispin Earl, reached into the fridge, grabbed a bottle of personalized hot sauce and said, "We even got our own hot sauce!" Sure enough, the bottle had The Veer Union's TVU logo on it with a set of tattooed knuckles.)
What is your favourite track on your latest album? Darker Side of Me is our favourite. It's actually our latest single that we're currently promoting.
Do you have any words for aspiring musicians? If you're going into the music business to score chicks or for money, you're doing it for the wrong reason. You have to do it out of your love for music, or else it won't work out. For more information, check out the band's website www.theveerunion.com or add them to Facebook (www.facebook.com) or Myspace (theveerunion www.myspace.com/theveerunion).
Going into The Veer Union's tour bus, I was a bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure what to expect of the band.
Surprisingly, they were extremely down to earth and inviting. I had to wait a few minutes as the band was filming a video greeting. Afterward, The Veer Union and I discussed their upcoming tour opening for Puddle of Mudd and
Saliva. We also discussed their influences, the band's history, and how it feels for frontman Crispin Earl and rhythm guitarist/backing vocalist Eric Shraeder to return to Port Alberni, their hometown.
Here's how Crispin answered my questions on behalf of his band.
Which bands influenced you guys when you were younger? Guns N' Roses, Sound Garden, Tool, Alice in Chains and Led Zeppelin.
Have you ever played in Port Alberni before? If so, when? Not as The Veer Union. We once played at Capitol Theatre with the band name June.
How does it feel coming back to Port Alberni? It feels great. We've been meaning to do it for a long time. We kept saying over the past six years that we'd have to go back to visit Port Alberni but it never happened.
Where are the other band members, James (Fid) Fiddler, Marc (Roots) Roots
and Neil Beaton, originally from? The others are from Surrey and Langley, B.C.
How long have you been together as The Veer Union? [It's been] four years, as of St. Patrick's Day.
What does "Veer Union" mean? Veer - to change direction or change from one
course to another. Union - a number of persons joined or associated together for some common purpose. Every song we write about is about hope, whether it's about hoping to get the girl back, being in a better place or not being spiteful or cynical. Veering away from the dark and into the light.
How does it feel to have an upcoming extensive tour of the U.S? We're stoked! We've had our down time, and now we're ready to get back on the road. We love the connection with our fans, and it's an amazing feeling
having people sing along to our songs.
How have you adjusted to your [recent] fame? Nothing has changed. We still eat the same stuff. The only thing that's different now is that we have brand name mac and cheese and proper condiments like barbecue sauce. (At this point, front man Crispin Earl, reached into the fridge, grabbed a bottle of personalized hot sauce and said, "We even got our own hot sauce!" Sure enough, the bottle had The Veer Union's TVU logo on it with a set of tattooed knuckles.)
What is your favourite track on your latest album? Darker Side of Me is our favourite. It's actually our latest single that we're currently promoting.
Do you have any words for aspiring musicians? If you're going into the music business to score chicks or for money, you're doing it for the wrong reason. You have to do it out of your love for music, or else it won't work out. For more information, check out the band's website www.theveerunion.com or add them to Facebook (www.facebook.com) or Myspace (theveerunion www.myspace.com/theveerunion).
Veer Union thrills hometown fans
Mar 31 2010
Vancouver-based alternative rock band, The Veer Union, performed for a sold out crowd at Candy Apple Martini Bar on Saturday night.
Opening for The Veer Union were Christopher Arruda and The Day He Quit, both from Nanaimo. There was hardly a dull moment as all three acts were spectacular.
The crowd went absolutely wild for The Veer Union. That shouldn't be too much of a surprise considering their recent fame and the fact that two members of the band are originally from Port Alberni.
Within the madness, I was standing beside rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, Eric Shraeder's parents. Eric's dad filmed the whole set, and was beaming, clearly proud of his son and his band's accomplishments.
Despite The Veer Union's fame throughout North America, the band was immensely humble. At one point, front man and Port Alberni boy Crispin Earl said that although his band has played many concerts, playing in Port
Alberni was by far the best.
The songs that The Veer Union performed had especially hard-hitting lyrics, to which the audience responded with zealous fist-pumping and singing along with the band.
Most of the songs that the band performed were on their newest album entitled Against the Grain which includes hits such as Seasons, Youth of Yesterday, and their latest single, which they're currently promoting, Darker Side of Me. I noticed that there wasn't any disparity between passion conveyed within The Veer Union's studio album and in live concert, which I must say, is rather refreshing.
The last song of The Veer Union's set was a cover of A Perfect Circle's Judith, which left the crowd begging for an encore. They got it - the band played a cover of Rhianna's Umbrella with Crispin urging the crowd to sing along during the chorus. The encore was dedicated to Eric's sister because he missed her wedding when they were on tour. It's her favourite cover they play. The encore was also dedicated for the band's close friend that has recently passed away.
After playing the encore, the band told the crowd they'd be hanging around to sign autographs and party with everyone. It was a breath of fresh air rocking out with such a modest group of guys. I caught up with them while
they were in town, so stay tuned later this week for a story on these two successful Port Alberni musicians.
Night of blues brings down the house
Mar 23 2010
Last Wednesday night, Valley blues fans were offered a real treat.
Carlos del Junco and the Blues Mongrels graced the Capitol Theatre stage. They played to a packed house full of people of all ages. The band's opening act was Port Alberni's own Kevin Falkenberg and the Family Stoned.
Born in Havana, Carlos emigrated to Canada with his family when he was just one year old, but he's deeply in touch with his Latin roots. He discovered the diatonic harmonica at the age of 14, and he's now ranked with the
all-time greats like Paul Butterfield and his mentor, Howard Levy, formerly with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
He has recorded with Bruce Cockburn, Kim Mitchell, Oliver Schroer, Zappacosta, and has also worked with Dutch Mason, Hoc Walsh (Downchild Blues Band) and Holly Cole. His latest CD, Steady Movin', has just been nominated for a Juno Award in the blues category.
Carlos started the show with his a capella harmonica rendition of Amazing Grace, which captivated the audience. The thing that was amazing about it was that Carlos himself sounded like a one-man band. Parts of his rendition
sounded like he was playing an accordion, while other parts were like bagpipes.
While playing a 10-hole diatonic harmonica, Carlos uses a "overblow" technique taught to him by jazz virtuoso Howard Levy, enabling him to play chromatically.
Carlos and the Blues Mongrels performed a number of songs from their newest album entitled Steady Movin'. Carlos and his band played mostly their own compositions. However, two of the songs were loosely-based covers of Some Sweet Day and Don't Bring Me Down, both of which they had added their own Mongrel twist. At one point, Carlos told the audience that the reason why he and the band call themselves Mongrels is because they don't restrict themselves to only one genre, instead they range genres such as blues, jazz, gospel and country.
When Carlos and his band played their instrumental song Dull Blade, the audience was put into a trance-like state. Within the song, each of the musicians were doing their own thing, generously adding to the rich and
groovy composition.
Throughout both sets of 45 minutes each, Carlos and his band were smiling, to themselves and with each other. Sitting in the audience, I could feel their positive vibrations as I'm sure the rest of the crowd felt as well.
The whole concert was amazing, but I feel that the most memorable moments were when Carlos was showcased playing harmonica solos. Those moments were simply phenomenal.
During the encore, Carlos received a thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Last Wednesday night, Valley blues fans were offered a real treat.
Carlos del Junco and the Blues Mongrels graced the Capitol Theatre stage. They played to a packed house full of people of all ages. The band's opening act was Port Alberni's own Kevin Falkenberg and the Family Stoned.
Born in Havana, Carlos emigrated to Canada with his family when he was just one year old, but he's deeply in touch with his Latin roots. He discovered the diatonic harmonica at the age of 14, and he's now ranked with the
all-time greats like Paul Butterfield and his mentor, Howard Levy, formerly with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
He has recorded with Bruce Cockburn, Kim Mitchell, Oliver Schroer, Zappacosta, and has also worked with Dutch Mason, Hoc Walsh (Downchild Blues Band) and Holly Cole. His latest CD, Steady Movin', has just been nominated for a Juno Award in the blues category.
Carlos started the show with his a capella harmonica rendition of Amazing Grace, which captivated the audience. The thing that was amazing about it was that Carlos himself sounded like a one-man band. Parts of his rendition
sounded like he was playing an accordion, while other parts were like bagpipes.
While playing a 10-hole diatonic harmonica, Carlos uses a "overblow" technique taught to him by jazz virtuoso Howard Levy, enabling him to play chromatically.
Carlos and the Blues Mongrels performed a number of songs from their newest album entitled Steady Movin'. Carlos and his band played mostly their own compositions. However, two of the songs were loosely-based covers of Some Sweet Day and Don't Bring Me Down, both of which they had added their own Mongrel twist. At one point, Carlos told the audience that the reason why he and the band call themselves Mongrels is because they don't restrict themselves to only one genre, instead they range genres such as blues, jazz, gospel and country.
When Carlos and his band played their instrumental song Dull Blade, the audience was put into a trance-like state. Within the song, each of the musicians were doing their own thing, generously adding to the rich and
groovy composition.
Throughout both sets of 45 minutes each, Carlos and his band were smiling, to themselves and with each other. Sitting in the audience, I could feel their positive vibrations as I'm sure the rest of the crowd felt as well.
The whole concert was amazing, but I feel that the most memorable moments were when Carlos was showcased playing harmonica solos. Those moments were simply phenomenal.
During the encore, Carlos received a thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
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