grandson, along with local openers Open Air and Crooked Spies, absolutely packed The Rec Room in Calgary Friday night (Sept 7th).
Revival rock is alive and well in Calgary. Crooked Spies started the night off strong with a “30 minute power set” as bassist Aaron Samson put it before they hit the stage. Playing cuts from their 2017 album “High Plains”, their good natured and entertaining stage show kept the crowd moving through all 30 glorious minutes.
Open Air took the stage next. These guys are right in my wheel house. Singer Steven Mansfield has a beautiful voice that fits right in with bands like The Glorious Sons, One Bad Son, Rival Sons (starting to see a theme here…). Will be keeping my eyes on these 5 year veterans of the Calgary rock scene, and hope to catch them again soon!
grandson took the stage just before 11 to a very warmed up crowd. Hands stayed in the air throughout the night as frontman Jordan Edward Benjamin ran through (almost) the bands entire repertoire. “Best Friends”, “Bury Me Face down”, and the top 40 charting single “Blood // Water” which has been remixed by AWOLNATION and is the driving force behind the groups success kept the sold out crowd at The Rec Room moving. At one point there was even the beginning of a circle pit.
The few times we’ve been to The Rec Room, one of Calgary’s newest venues, we have been very pleased with the atmosphere and service provided. One of these days we’ll make our way down to the arcade, but for now, will keep enjoying the stellar acts they are bringing in.
grandson finished off their set with no encore (I’m not sure they had any songs left to play) but a promise to return. It was their first headlining show in Calgary (and I believe one of their first headlining shows anywhere). I, for one, will be lining up to get tickets for their next date. I recommend you do the same.
Review and photos by Dave Di Ubaldo, a Calgary based freelance photographer. To check out more of his work, visit Worn Leather Media on the web, facebook, or Instagram. More photos below.
