Category Archives: Concert Reviews

Alan Doyle has come a long way from his roots in Petty Harbour, playing in bars on Water Street in St Johns, Newfoundland. Most of us first saw Alan as a member of popular Celtic Rock band Great Big Sea where he played for 20 years before they called it a day. He transitioned from Great Big Sea to his own solo career and now tours with his band The Beautiful Beautiful Band.

On November 19, 2021, I was able to photograph Robyn Ottolini and Lindsay Ell at Midway for their first stop of Ell’s Want Me Back Canadian tour at Midway in Edmonton, Alberta.

When Black Label Society’s show in Sault, Ste. Marie, Michigan was cancelled, the venue King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio swooped in to negotiate a show with only 15 days till the concert – it sold out in 13 days. Columbus BLS fans who snatched up the tickets for the November 13th show welcomed Zakk Wylde and crew along with openers Obituary and Prong for a wild night of metal mayhem! Check out images from the show below by O’Rock Photos:

Abbey Stewart played the Isabel Bader Centre For The Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Kingston on October 26th and we were there! Photos: Ron Pettitt

Blue Rodeo’s first album, Outskirts came out 34 years ago, longer ago than most bands ever see. They are not only still playing together, but actually getting ready for a brand new release, Many A Mile, which will be available to you on December 3^rd. A band of the stature of Blue Rodeo could just go out there and play the hits and people would be happy, but last night at Leon’s Centre, they unveiled a handful of new songs, possibly future hits.

Being the first concert at Leon’s Centre since February of 2020, people are starved for live music and they came out last night, and were not disappointed. The concert started out with a couple of well known hits, Trust Yourself and Diamond Mine to get things rolling.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

They sprinkled in a selection of the new tunes like Ride Your Bike, I Owe It To Myself, When You Were Wild and I think About You. Jim Cuddy jokingly commented about people not wanting to hear new music but added “new songs have to start somewhere”. Blue Rodeo still have things to say, and that’s a good thing.

One of the highlights for me was a moment about halfway through when the band left Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor onstage to do an acoustic version of Bad Timing. It was great to have a more intimate moment with them and Jim can still hit those high notes as well as he ever did.

When the rest of the band returned, we heard a great version of The Railroad where Colin Cripps traded licks with the mandolin of Jimmy Bowskill who currently plays with The Sheepdogs but pops up in many other places when called upon. If it has strings on it, it’s likely Jimmy can play it. Colin Cripps is quite possibly one of Canada’s best guitar players and I thought he played a stellar show last night, treating the audience to some world class guitar solos.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

Jim Cuddy has a voice that for most Canadians is instantly recognizable. He has given us some great performances such as the song Try, which was in the encore along with You’re Everywhere and Lost Together. Try was Blue Rodeo’s introduction to most people and even today stands as a crowd favourite as was evident last week. Cuddy’s vocal range was amazing and last night’s performance by the whole band was amazing. Maybe they are as excited to play as we are to listen. As I drove home from the show, I thought about the evening and I was moved. I had just witnessed a great moment in Canadian music, Blue Rodeo remains one of the best. Great to be back.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, you still have time with stops coming up in Peterborough, Barrie and Niagara Falls. Check out Blue Rodeo’s website for more information.

The Ace Of Cups had a full house with Baroness fans ready for some heavy metal heat from and they definitely got their fill! But Baroness is more than just a metal band as they are known for their experimentation as well as their incredibly beautiful album art created by frontman and founding member John Baizley. Their merch table, with all of the albums on display, is an experience in itself!

Philidelphia-based rock band Low Cut Connie, featuring wild frontman Adam Weiner entertained a good sized crowd at The A&R Music Bar in Columbus, Ohio Thursday night. You’d have thought the venue was sold out by how loud the crowd showed their appreciation which brought on an encore at the end of the performance.

Montreal’s Béatrice Martin, better known by her artistic name “Cœur de Pirate” delighted an eager crowd gasping for music last night at the Danforth Music Hall. After what seemed an eternity it was a breath of fresh air to be able to bask in the sound of her voice. A heavily pregnant Beatrice took in all the love she received from her Toronto audience at the almost sold-out show.

British post-punk IDLES performed at The Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday night (presented by CD92.9). The crowd was jammed in tight ready to riot, mosh and get sweaty.