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
Back to the ’80s: Culture Club, Berlin, and Howard Jones Rock the Night Away
On a balmy Toronto summer night, music enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the Budweiser Stage for a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s. The stage was set, and the atmosphere was electric, as three iconic bands – Berlin, Howard Jones, and Culture Club – took the stage to deliver a night of unforgettable performances.
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.
Choir! Choir! Choir! delivers on promise: We Will Rock You!
While hip-hop sensations Pitbull and Ludacris headlined at Bluesfest in Ottawa’s Lebreton Flats, a little closer to Parliament Hill, a different crowd filled the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall to capacity.
Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman, the talented duo behind Canadian phenomenon Choir! Choir! Choir! (C!C!C!) drew 2,000 wanna-be rock stars for two solid hours of entertainment featuring the music of British legends Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon of Queen fame.
Charlotte Cardin and Fletcher make night 7 of RBC Bluesfest POP!
A much calmer day, weatherwise, than the day before. With it being my dad’s 49th birthday I’m giving him the night off and taking over the review portion for night 7 of RBC Bluesfest. He’s going to help put it together but the thoughts are mine so please go easy on me as it’s my first time reviewing a show.
Mumford and Sons set off fireworks at RBC Bluesfest on Thursday night!
After a day of severe weather and even a confirmed tornado RBC Bluesfest continued as normal with notable performances by Amos The Transparent, Angelina Hunter Trio, Avery Raquel, The War on Drugs and headliner Mumford and Sons.
RBC Bluesfest turns into Foos Fest for one night only!
After a two day hiatus RBC Bluesfest returned on Wednesday with a bang as Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters exploded back onto the main stage at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa.
RBC Bluesfest continues with more stellar performances on day 4
The intense heat finally let go of it’s grip on Ottawa this past Sunday as day 4 of the 2023 edition of RBC Bluefest continued to draw large crowds to Lebreton Flats.
Photo Review: The Iron Maidens At The King Of Clubs
Saturday night at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio was a night of fantastic tribute bands! The all-ages show featured headliner The Iron Maidens who I had not yet seen but came highly recommended and they certainly did not disappoint!
The Iron Maidens perform at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio on 7/8/23
Since 2001, these ladies have thrilled fans as the “worlds only female tribute to Iron Maiden.” The current line-up consists of Kirsten Rosenberg (“Bruce Chickinson”) – lead vocals, Linda McDonald (“Nikki McBurrain”) – drums, backing vocals ,Wanda Ortiz (“Steph Harris”) – bass, backing vocals, Nikki Stringfield (“Davina Murray”) – guitars, backing vocals and Courtney Cox (“Adriana Smith”) – guitars, backing vocals.
The Iron Maidens perform at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio on 7/8/23
Definitely check out The Iron Maidens when they roll into town – tour dates to the end of the year are below. Check out their website HERE in case dates are added (and support the band by buying lots of merch).
The night’s entertainment also featured a high energy set by Penntera from Carlisle, PA. These guys are a tribute band to, you guessed it, Pantera.
Plus, Central Ohio’s Hybrid Nation opened the night and whipped up the crowd with a combination of original rock songs and Ronnie James Dio/Black Sabbath covers.
Check out the following slideshow images by O’Rock Photos of all the bands:
The Iron Maidens
Penntera
Hybrid Nation
The Iron Maidens Remaining Tour Dates:
Jul 14
Anaheim, CA, US
The Parish at House of Blues
Jul 28
St Charles, IL, US
Arcada Theatre
Oct 20
Reno, NV, US
Virginia Street Brewhouse
Oct 21
Roseville, CA, US
Goldfield Trading Post Roseville
Nov 11
Knoxville, TN, US
The Concourse
Nov 14
Destin, FL, US
Club LA
Dec 1
Mexico City, Mexico
Life After Death Horror Fest
