Blog Archives

1997 was an epic year. The Simpsons was named the longest-running prime-time animated series, Steve Jobs returned to Apple and Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer to ever win the Masters. In Canada, fans of award-winning The Tea Party were celebrating the release of the band’s fourth studio album, Transmission.

Warner Music Canada recording artists Billy Talent will begin 2017 on a high note, heading out on a coast-to-coast Canadian tour that will take them all the way across the country. Dates for the 12 city tour run from February 16 through to March 6, with tickets going on sale on October 28^th and 29^th at www.livenation.com. Joining the band on tour are fellow Canadian rockers Monster Truck & The Dirty Nil. For a full list of dates and on sale dates, see below or go to BillyTalent.com. 

Hot on the heels of a kick ass show by Disturbed with Nothing More and Chevelle at TD Place in Ottawa comes another rock announcement that will certainly keep your heads banging.  Canadian rockers the Headstones will roll into Barrymore’s in Ottawa on November 25.

Arkells announce 2017 North American tour dates with English folk troubadour Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls. The band, who are currently finishing up dates with alternative rock band KONGOS, will join Turner this fall for a handful of East Coast dates before Turner takes over the support roll for Arkells’ two SOLD OUT headlining shows at Massey Hall in Toronto.

The crowds came out enmass to TD Place on Wednesday night but it wasn’t to cheer for the RedBlacks or the Ottawa 67s it was to pump their fists in the air, slam into each other in the mosh pits and scream at the top of their lungs all night long as Disturbed rocked Ottawa, their second of only two Canadian stops on their current world tour (the first was the night before in Quebec City).

Toronto based blues/disco/punk five piece July Talk have returned with a follow-up to their critically acclaimed self titled debut record. The new album entitled “Touch” is a ten song masterpiece, meshing their bygone era songwriting style with synth and keyboard sounds, punk and blues influences, and a disco feel that makes this the most danceable rock album of 2016.

Saying the crowd was alive Friday night at Mavericks would be an understatement. 300 bodies packed the room as we (Iconoclast) took to the very crowded stage. Often when opening for larger acts, we end up having to set up our gear in front of their back line, which makes a tight fit for five six foot rockers. But you learn how to move around without space. Dodging guitar necks and mic stands while you strive to put on the show the screaming fans deserve. Or just dive into the pit, and fist bump fans while shredding licks. It’s a good life.

It was a beautiful late summer afternoon in Canada’s Capital, the great lawn at Lansdowne park was still soggy from the rain on Saturday but the crowds were starting to make their way down for the final day of CityFolk.

Day four of CityFolk Fest offered clear blue skies, warm temperatures, and short shorts. Rounding out a weekend of unique musical experiences, the final day of this annual Ottawa tradition actually provided some of the strongest and quite possibly most dynamic performers.

Ottawa’s annual Folk Festival returned to Lansdowne Park for a second consecutive year on Thursday, and is continuing strong as we plow through the weekend events, with more to follow starting Sunday afternoon. The festival, now widely known as CityFolk has continued to grow in new and inventive ways, included an expanded lineup of incredible performers throughout Ottawa’s local bar and restaurant scene….Marvest.