Remember when we suggested you get some dancing shoes you’re okay with wearing out for when the Capital Ukrainian Festival returns July 20-22 with that huge selection of musicians who are eager to get you moving? Now, those unfamiliar with Ukrainian dance may be thinking to yourself just how do you fill that space in front of the main stage and get your groove going, anyway? Thankfully, the festival has brought in a bountiful bevy of inspiration in the form of nearly a dozen dance troupes to show you how it’s done! All you have to do is be amazed and maybe try and keep up.
Ian Campeau’s Higher Calling
A year ago Ian Campeau was on a high. A Tribe Called Red, the group he co-founded, was attracting more mainstream attention than ever for their acclaimed electric pow-wow beats, a powerful mix of First Nations rhythms and electronica. They’d come a long way from filling up the dance floor in Babylon to opening up the 2017 Juno Awards. The peak of that high was, perhaps, came this year when they netted Group of the Year.
Getting Honey Suite with The Lifers
Liv and Anita Cazzola lead Guelph’s art-folk/rock collective The Lifers. So, what’s in a name? Well, for starters, the two have a partnership that seems tightly fastened together for life with needle, thread, some welding, a smattering of duct-tape and a bit of super glue for good measure. Oh yeah, and blood. They’re sisters.
Tara Shannon Aligns with LymeHope to Raise Awareness on Lyme Disease
4 million, that’s the number of Canadians that say they or someone they know has been afflicted with Lyme Disease. A few months ago Ottawa musician Tara Shannon became part of that statistic when she was diagnosed with the bacterial infection.
New Acts Join Familiar Faces in Stellar Capital Ukrainian Festival Line-up!
You better have a good pair of dancing shoes ready to wear out this summer because if you’ve been to a Capital Ukrainian Festival concert in the past you know the music is quickly going to make your seat fairly unnecessary.
An Overstuffed Pierogi of Colourful Culture, The Capital Ukrainian Festival Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever
After last year, one might ask programmers of the Capital Ukrainian Festival how they could possible cram any more into their three days of vibrant culture, tasty food and world-class entertainment? The programmers of said festival would then pause, take a moment to breathe in 2017 and then say “here, hold my pierogi” before barrelling headlong into 2018!
Shinedown // In This Moment // One Bad Son // 10 Years
Seeing a bill like this take me back to 1998 when it was still possible to go to a show and like every band on the bill. Nowadays with so much diversity within genres it has become rarer and rarer than I am a legitimate fan of all the bands we see one night. This night was very much the exception to that rule.
I’ll have to admit that the name 10 Years didn’t ring any bells when I started listening to them the afternoon before the show. Then I realised that I’ve got at least half dozen of their songs on my current hard rock Spotify playlist. Catchy, energetic, really well written songs were consistent throughout their entire set. A high energy performance from front man Jesse Hasek kept the crowd engaged, while the band behind him played with the experience that can only come from almost two decades on the road. A nice surprise to have an opener of this caliber take the stage before 7pm.
One bad son took the stage next. I’ve seen these guys a few times back in Ontario, even opened for them once or twice. They’re pushing the new wave of Canadian revival rock, and I couldn’t be any happier to see bands like this seeing success. Playing music relatable to the current generation, while putting on a stage show that is relatable to mine, makes a formula that you just can’t go wrong with. So many newer groups make the performance second to their music, and while the reasoning behind this would make for a long article all on it own, I am very happy to report that One Bad Son is not one of these bands. I don’t think Shane Volk could stop rock posing if his life depended on it.
Lead guitarist Adam Hicks is no slouch himself. Spending the majority of the show running back and forth across the stage, with swagger not seen since the late 80’s. Have I mentioned I love their live show? One Bad Son are Canadian rockers at the forefront of Rock and Roll Revival that we so desperately need. Also their drummer looks like Thor. Do not miss these guys if you have a chance.
IN THIS MOMENT.
I honestly have no idea how to even begin to describe this bands live performance. Every act on this tour brings a stage show that could be used as example for any up and coming indie bands who want to take their game to the next level. In This Moment brings a stage production Rob Zombie should be jealous of. Choreographed, natural, and non stop, this is without question the touring act of the summer. Maria Brink knows exactly what she is doing, and she is doing it well. Would love to see more bands following this example.
Without any further adieu, I am going to let my photographs do the talking.
Shinedown, in my honest opinion, are one of the most under rated bands in accessible hard rock these days. They consistently put out album after album chock full of rocking, singable, catchy, high energy tunes, and I do not hear nearly enough of it on the radio.
Lasers, catwalks, and kick-ass rock and roll were consistently delivered throughout there entire set. Singer Brent Smith engages well with his band, the audience, and even us working in the pit, coming down during their second song to shake hands with photogs and security. Showing appreciation for the people that allow him to live the life he does speaks to his humbleness. A rare quality in this industry.
Highly recommend seeing any of these acts if you get the chance. You will not be disappointed.
Photos and review by Dave Di Ubaldo and Natalie Fay of Worn Leather Media. Check them out on facebook, instagram, or on the web.
The Harlem Globetrotters Travel to Ottawa
The Harlem Globetrotters, founded in 1926, have been synonymous with family entertainment and great basketball skills for decades. The Globetrotters are known to have broken down barriers, performed goodwill acts, and made a commitment to fans that goes beyond the game. This weekend they brought their show to the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa much to the delight of their fans, young and old.
Judas and the Lion | Going to Mars Tour | Corona Theatre Montreal
On March 11/18
Judas and the Lion Going to Mars tour chose the Corona Theatre in Montreal as the launch site for their tour start.
Ria Mae performs during Juno Fest
We caught up with with Halifax naive Ria Mae as part of Juno Week. Ria is nominated for Pop Album of the Year at the 2018 Junos and we were lucky enough to chat with her about her success this past year.
