Sunday was the final day of Boots and Hearts 2023 and while some were nursing hangovers others were ready for a full day of music.
Keith Urban Shines on Stormy Saturday at Boots and Hearts
Saturday’s lineup kicked off in the early afternoon with Graham Scott Fleming and Raquel Cole performing on the SiriusXM Front Porch stage and those were the only 2 artists to get there sets completed before some weather rolled in.
Nickelback Burns it to the Ground at Boots & Hearts!
Friday brought the first full day of Boots and Hearts with both stages going all day.
Tim Hicks Blows Roof Off 2023 Boots and Hearts Kickoff Party
On Thursday night Boots and Hearts kicked off it’s 2023 edition of the festival with the emerging artist contest, Owen Reigling, Josh Ross and Tim Hicks.
Steve Vai brings Inviolate tour to Ottawa
Fans packed the Bronson Center to see Steve Vai and his incredible band perform as they brought their Inviolate tour to Ottawa. The room was filled with t-shirts of various famous guitar players names and judging by the number of people coming up pre-show to snap a photo of the pedal boards, I’m guessing the audience was filled with guitar players of all shapes and forms and abilities.
It’s no wonder so many came out to see Vai. He is a virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer, considered by many as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In over 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, WHITESNAKE and many more.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
In addition to the rock genre most associate Vai with, he is also a musical composer fluent in the composition and arranging of orchestral music. He has written scores for 80 piece orchestras and recorded and performed often with the Holland Metropole Orchestra as well as other orchestras. He has also created an online streaming website dedicated to bringing free guitar-related content to the community of guitar players around the world and created the Vai Academy where he and other world class guitarists deliver a master class in guitar techniques. Vai has become a mentor to many guitarists delivering messages such as “Use your creativity with courage and no excuses”. His Youtube channel features “Under it All” sessions where he’ll speak about his own personal journey of enlightenment through the pursuit of truth and the use of meditation. When we look at his accomplishments and contributions in this light, it brings us beyond the simple fact of, wow, can this guy ever shred.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Vai was accompanied on stage by long-time collaborators Philip Bynoe (bass), Jeremy Colson (drums) as well as a recent addition to the band Dante Frisiello (guitarist). When Dante was in law school, his teacher and mentor was Vai’s former guitarist, Dave Weiner. He ended up leaving law school to travel with the band as Dave Weiner’s guitar tech. Last November when Weiner announced his retirement from Vai’s band after 23 years, he recommended Dante as replacement and Dante passed the audition with flying colors.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Vai told the audience off the top that we were here to celebrate life as a family, leave the world and politics behind and just celebrate. The family theme would surface throughout the show. Vai would take turns with each of the band members in a “call and response” pattern where he would call out with a screaming guitar riff and the band member would answer back whether it be on drums, bass or guitar. This was reminiscent of Steve’s famous appearance as the devil’s guitarist in the famous guitar duel scene in the 1986 movie Crossroads. He even had some fun with the audience as he made various sounds on his guitar for the audience to imitate. The backstage crew came front and center as three of the guitar techs were invited on stage to play some guitar harmony for the intro to the song Incantation. For the last song of the night, Vai brought Danny G, one of the techs on stage to sing some operatic vocals.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The passion and energy in his music was evident in his facial expressions which would morph with each bend of the strings. You see this often with guitar players in their performance as they are experiencing the intensity of the moment. However, sometimes with Vai you could see his expression would be softer, questioning even reflective as he would change the sound on his guitar and look out to the audience as if he was asking, “what do you think about this, or perhaps this sound, how about this one?” Sometimes he would move his finger up or down indicating to the audience where the next note was going to be.
Steve Via performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The Inviolate album was released in January 2022 and the tour is bringing Vai and his band in a fast-paced tour to all corners of the world. Early in the show Vai spoke of the tour and said he told his agent to “get me into Canada and keep me there!” and later he would remark to the audience that Canadians are the nicest people. The album itself is his 10th solo album and it’s one that he wanted to continue to push his boundaries on. For example, the song “Candle Power” has a clean guitar sound, no whammy bar and uses a finger picking style. Vai says “I’m not a good fingerpicker, but I wanted to challenge myself.” The song Greenish Blues originated at a soundcheck and was later built out in the studio. He told the audience, “it’s kinda like blues, but it’s me, so it’s greenish blues.” This is Steve Vai wanting to continually grow but only in a way that is true to himself.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
One of the most anticipated songs of the evening was “Teeth of the Hydra” from the Inviolate album. This song features Vai playing a triple neck guitar which includes a bass, seven-string and 12-string guitar as well as a 13 string harp. The guitar was Vai’’s vision and was built by the guitar manufacturer Ibanez. It’s every guitar geek’s dream with innumerable features including a glowing “seducer” control, a “dragonizer” switch, and a set of tubes Ibanez and Vai have labeled as the “climax regulator.”
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmmont.
The audience brought the band back for an encore with an enthusiastic standing ovation and they performed “Fire Garden Suite IV” from his 1996 album. At the end of the show, the band took a bow and instead of rushing off the stage, Vai grabbed the mic and thanked the audience and the venue, wished everyone a good evening and said “See you next time”. If the response from the audience was any indication, yes you will Steve, yes you will!
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Steve Vai and the band are continuing west across Canada on their Inviolate tour. For tour dates check Steve Vai’s official website www.vai.com.
More photos.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-17
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-4
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-8
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-5
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-9
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-7
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-20
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-19
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-12
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-23
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-1
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-6
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-14
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
SteveVai_BronsonCenter_Ottawa_RobClairmont-16
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Avenged Sevenfold Live In Ottawa
Legendary Rockers Avenge Sevenfold stop by on their Life’s Is But A Dream North American Tour in the Nations Capitol and we were there to rock out!
Enuff Z’Nuff with Bad Marriage at the Bowery Electric
Glam Slam Metal Tour Headliner: Enuff Z’ Nuff Guest Appearances: Bad Marriage, The Quireboys Venue: The Bowery Electric
Pantera with Lamb of God hit New Jersey
Pantera, the legendary heavy metal pioneers, proved they are still reigning champions of the metal world with their explosive live concert in Camden, NJ last night as part of their North American Tour.
Colin James Brought That Voodoo Thing To Kemptville Live!
Thursday, July 20th, The Kemptville Live Music Festival officially roared back to life and we were there for it. The headliner for the night was Canadian blues/rock legend, Colin James and what a time he gave us! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Colin many times and I really think he just keeps getting better each time. Thursday night in Kemptville, he was in top form and that always translates into a good time for the crowd too.
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Sharing the stage with Colin James are some of the finest musicians in the business. Longtime guitarist Chris Caddell, with Jesse O’Brien on keyboards, Geoff Hicks on drums and Steve Marriner on bass and harmonicas. Al seasoned pros in their own rights but together they form one of the tightest bands in the business.
Other notable acts for the evening were, Bent Up Good, Jenie Thai and The Commotions. Jeni Thai has been taking the blues world be storm of late and last week was no exception. With her talented abilities on piano and her clear, beautiful voice, she had no trouble winning over the crowd!
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions were a power-house too, with their 11 piece band including a horn section, bringing some funk, soul and R & B that just blew people away. The vocals were taken care of by their triple threat lead singers, Jeff Rogers, Rebecca Noelle and MacKenzie DiMillo and what a dynamic group they are. They can handle just about whatever you throw at them. The talent didn’t stop with the vocals either, this band is for real.
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
As the night drew to a close, I looked back on the events of the opening day of the festival and thought how great it was to be experiencing live music with some of the best people. Kemptville Live was back.
For more information about any of these performers, check out their websites.
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
54•40 takes the stage at Neat Café
There’s something really special about experiencing live music in an intimate setting. It might be the vibe you feel when you gather shoulder to shoulder with other music lovers, or find yourself eye to eye with the artists on stage; the night is just richer. Add to that the opportunity to get up close and personal with the kings of Canadian rock, 54•40, who bring to the stage every ounce of passion from their 43-year history, and it becomes an even more unique moment to treasure.
That was the scene on Friday night, when renowned performers 54•40 played the second of a two-night gig at Neat Café, an unassuming structure in the tiny village of Burnstown, about 80 km west of Ottawa. Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1889, the venue now hosts a veritable list of Who’s Who in the Canadian music scene. In 2023 alone, Neat Café has booked Big Sugar, Stephen Fearing, Matthew Good, Whitehorse and Wide Mouth Mason, among others.
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
But I digress from the main event: 54•40 which, coincidentally, survived a power outage, a humidex warning and a series of tornado alerts in order to rock the socks off a ready crowd in back-to-back sold-out shows. Frontman Neil Osborne and bass player Brad Merrit, who met during high school in Tsawwassen, B.C., are the two original members of the band. Drummer Matt Johnson joined the band in 1986, and Dave Genn took over lead guitar in 2003
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Despite an impressive legacy of gold and platinum albums, including three new ones this year, Osborne aroused applause when he announced that the band would play some of their favourites from back in the day. These ranged from the 1986 hit “Baby Ran,” to “Casual Viewin,” released in 2000, along with such other hits as “Ocean Pearl,” “Since When,” “Walk in Line,” “I Go Blind,” and “Lies to Me.”
As if the musical walk down memory lane wasn’t worth every cent of the ticket price, Osborne and his bandmates kept everyone engaged throughout the almost 2-hour show with humorous anecdotes and endearing stories, and by pandering to the singing crowd by flipping the stage mics outward as if it were a kitchen party.
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The crowd found its groove with “One Day,” the lyrics of which Osborne credits to his mother’s advice. When he would call her, weighted down with life’s stress, her response would always be to just wait a day and see what tomorrow would bring.
54•40 leapt into its more recent history with the 2018 track “How’s Your Day Going” which, according to Osborne, is founded on the fact that “yesterday is past and tomorrow is unknown, so ask how’s your day going because it’s the only one you got, baby.”
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Much of Osborne’s commentary reinforced his assertion that love is the underlying theme of the band’s discography. The frontman certainly revealed a passion deep from his core as the other band members cleared the way for him to take the solo lead on “One Gun,” to which the crowd responded enthusiastically during the catchy refrain.
Osborne told the crowd: “Love is the intersection of anything and everything.” He went on to say that attention–when you really see, hear, and feel someone–is his favourite definition of love. He thanked the audience for giving the band that feeling last night, before ending a 3-song encore with “Love You All.”
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
With another new album being released this October, “West Coast Band,” 54•40 is nowhere near ready to hang up their dancing shoes, and that’s definitely good news for followers and fans. Visit the band on their official website www.5440.com.
Photos from the evening at Neat Cafe with 54-40.
