Category Archives: Concert Reviews

It was a very red hued evening for Canadian Music Week fans at the Smiling Buddah for The Dead South. Dark and mood setting. The four piece from Saskatchewan, came dressed to kill. And kill it, they did. The audience changed when they started to play. They quieted down and moved forward. They danced and they hooted.

It’s Canadian Music Week as some are aware but for those of you not in the GTA that might mean absolutely nothing.  I try to partake as much as possible but with 2 little ones now the time is limited on what to attend so I choose carefully.  This past Thursday night I made the decision to catch Tanya Marie Harris, Leah Daniels and The Road Hammers play one of my favorite venues in the city Boots and Bourbon Saloon.

It’s no secret that the city of Ottawa is thirsting for country music lately, with two country music stations and a country heavy line-up at Ottawa Bluesfest, I can’t think of anyone better to kick off a summer of country music in Ottawa than the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan.  Living up to his title Luke proved he was more than ready, and able, to quench our thirst.

We’ve Got a Dean Brody Contest Happening!

On Tuesday we reviewed Dean Brody‘s “Gypsy Road” and last night we were thrilled to be in the audience for this exclusive event at Boots and Bourbon. You can read the review here.

Last night Toronto’s Legendary Horseshoe Tavern played host to A Primitive Evolution, Secret Broadcast and headliner, Die Mannequin. It was a packed house and trust me, nobody went home disappointed. From the first note to the last, the energy level was high and the fans were all in.

Last night the Where It All Began Tour (#WIABtour) stopped in at The Mod Club in Toronto.  I have to say this is one of the better one-two punches to hit Toronto in the last couple months.   Dan + Shay brought 32 year old Canaan Smith from Williamsburg, Virginia along for the ride.   I had the chance to sit down and chat with Canaan earlier in the day and that will be posted soon.  So I can’t deny that I was pretty excited for his set.  And let me tell you he did not disappoint.   So much talent packed into this guy.  Strong lyrics, outstanding vocals and a kick ass performance!

The Franklin Electric out of Montreal, put on an amazing show last night at The Drake Underground and we were there to take it all in. The second of two sold out shows, found the band excited and enthusiastic. Let me just add a side note – I love this venue for live music. I love the size, the acoustics, the location, the staff.

Elizabeth and the Catapult, think about it, for just a second. What a great band name, seriously. They were in Toronto this week to open two shows for The Franklin Electric at The Drake Underground. Being completely honest, I’d never heard of E. and the C. before last night. Is it because Elizabeth Ziman is a Brooklyn musician and not local? I don’t know but, now I can’t un-hear her and that’s a very good thing. Elizabeth won me over wholly and completely. Her voice, her lyrics, her personal interactions with the audience. All of it. She was a spectacular surprise.

Last night in Toronto The Lovelocks made their Hugh’s Room debut and it was magical. As a supporter of local talent they’ve been on our radar for a while. This was my first time seeing them live but we’ve covered them before, and we’ll be covering them again. Now when I say local, you can’t get any more local than these ladies. They let us know during their set that they live in the neighbourhood!

Well, let’s just say last night wasn’t your typical Tuesday night for this guy.    On most occasions I would be home hanging with the family just enjoying a night of whatever we could find on the boob tube.  Not last night.