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Recipe for an awesome party? Cold beer, great music, free admission. Hell yeah! Why wouldn’t you?

Things really got hot in Aurora, Ontario Thursday Feb 4th.  It was wall to wall people and great music as I had the pleasure of attending a very special community centered event. This was the launch of the Say My Name Canada 2016 campaign at Aw Shucks Seafood Bar and Bistro.

I recall a time, not so long ago, when women dominated the country music scene. Fast forward to the second decade of the 21st century and it’s almost the exact opposite…to the point where one radio consultant, Keith Hill, actually went on the record and said “If you want to make ratings in country radio, take females out.”

The Dakota Confessions

It was late November and Autumn Hill, Jason Benoit and River Town Saints played four shows on a quick little jaunt across Ontario with the first stop in Ottawa then off to Hamilton, Kitchener and London to close things out.   Four fantastic nights of music.  We were made it to three of the shows and well we all agreed that all were fantastic.

Caveboy is a three piece all female band out of Montreal. Michelle Bensimon (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Isabelle Banos (Synth, Bass, Backing Vocals) and Lana Cooney (Drums, Backing Vocals) have just finished up a tour with Rah Rah and Dear Rouge.  After blowing away our founder, Hendrik, in Kingston we knew we had to find out more about this band.

Sunday nights are usually pretty low-key and I spend them catching up on a week of music.  But this past Sunday night I spent at Maxwell’s in Waterloo, ON watching 2 very impressive artists.  

This past weekend Hanson returned to Toronto with their Roots & Rock ‘N’ Roll tour. Ten cities, two nights each, the #RNRTour is giving Hanson fans a look at the music that influenced the band as well a large helping of Hanson’s back catalog. If you’re a fan, you’d know they’ve released 10 albums since 1995 and that they’ve been touring since 1998. Saturday night they brought along Paul McDonald to open the covers show.

McDonald, ex-American Idol contestant (he finished 8th) hit the stage at 7:00pm with his acoustic guitar and immediately won the crowd over. With a unique, recongnizable voice, Paul sang some heartbreaking lyrics, smiling at the crowd between songs and engaging in banter. “This is the saddest song I’ve ever written” he smiles, looks down and begins to play.

ALEXISONFIRE

One of the few reunion shows, makes me feel
pretty lucky, although I may have heard a rumour there could be some more shows
added.

Motörhead

Oh Lemmy, what can I say! Their mix of
rock, punk and heavy metal intensity is just what I’m looking for.

Weezer x2

I’m just going to say it, I’ve never seen Weezer live. Thank you RiotFest for letting me get in a two for one. Day 1 – Pinkerton, Day 2 – Blue. I can hardly wait!

The Airborne Toxic Event

One of my all time favourites, super happy they’re on the bill and any time I can see these fantasic musicians play, I’m in.

Wu Tang Clan

What??? Yes, I can’t believe I’m going to get to shoot these guys. They’ve got a new album, “A Better Tomorrow” dropping December 2nd and I’m pretty sure we’ll get to hear some of it on Sunday.

Rancid

They’re playing Out Come The Wolves, only my favourite album. When did this become a thing? I’m glad it is.

Andrew W.K.

This is another “I can’t believe I get to shoot this” moment. Not only does he party hard, he’s so smart!

Thrice

A reunion I’m thrilled about.

Die Mannequin

Love, love, love. So glad they’re on the bill.

Against Me

Insert emotional attachment here. Lots of history with this band. Looking forward to new material.

Gwar

CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE THIS BAND! Masters of the stage show this should be fantastic.

The Dirty Nil

I first saw these guys at Canadian Music Week and they blew me away. Great energy, they’re localish, from Hamilton and they deserve to be there.

Stuck on Planet Earth

They were on the same bill as The Dirty Nil at CMW and well worth your time at Riot Fest.

Tasha the Amazon

And I’ve been told I absolutely have to check out Tasha the Amazon doing zero research and going into it open.

I’m going to stop but there are so many more go check out the schedule and if you haven’t bought a ticket yet, what are you waiting for?

To be honest, this lineup is problematic in that, it’s impossible as one human being to see everyone you’d like to see. A pretty awesome problem to have.

Did I miss your favourite? Let us know who you think we should add to our list!