In less than 2 years, Vancouver Calpuria formed as a group, signed to a label, released an album, toured internationally, won awards, were featured on a Weezer video … oh, and they’re still in high school!
With an all ages general admission show on a Friday night, Union Hall staff in Edmonton saw the line up start several hours before the show. Some got in line before the bands showed up for soundcheck!
Local band, Dead Friends took to the stage first with a 30 minute set to get the crowd hyped up and jumping in a pseudo mosh pit.
Dead Friends, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Calpurnia brought friend and fellow alt-rocker Aidan Sandy along for the weekend stop in Alberta. He took to the stage solo with his guitar and laptop for backtracks and despite a few technical hichups he had the crowd cheering and singing along … and demanding another song after his set … something usually reserved for the headlining act.
Aiden, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Aiden, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
The screams started for Calpurnia as soon as the crowd realized Aidan Sandy wasn’t doing another song … and they only increased when the band made their way down the stairs towards the stage. They performed for almost an hour and didn’t take much time in between songs to interact with the crowd … not through lack of trying but every attempt was met with such a loud cheer from the crowd that their vocals were completely drowned out.
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Lead guitarist Ayla has some amazing shredding skills
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
Why don’t they ever give proper lighting to the drummer …
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
The advantage to performing at Union Hall … for fans, is that there is no bad spot and there are so many opportunities to be up close to the band from the front, side, and overhead. The end result was an out of breath, exhausted but exhilarated crowd … for many of whom was their first ever concert. All three performers left the crowd appreciative and wanting for more. I think it’s safe to say that should Calpurnia decide to pop back into town after their stints in a variety of music festivals this summer that the local fans will be more than happy to receive them with open arms … and bring a few more friends with them.
Calpurnia, Union Hall, PhotoByEGO
