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2021/2022 HEADLINING DATES ANNOUNCED FOR NORTH AMERICA WITH JUNO NOMINATED ROCKER JJ WILDE AS SPECIAL GUEST

Technically speaking, a last stand is a military situation in which a body of troops holds a defensive position in the face of overwhelming odds. Nashville-based For King & Country did just that in Ottawa on Thursday night being the last band to play the venue for the foreseeable future.

Whether you’ve been a fan of Queen since the 70s, became a fan of Queen thanks to “Bohemian Rhapsody” being featured in Wayne’s World in 1992 or more recently joined the bandwagon after the smash hit Bohemian Rhapsody graced the silver screens around the world one thing is certain…when that familiar beat starts and those lyrics “Buddy, you’re a boy, make a big noise Playing in the street, gonna be a big man someday You got mud on your face, you big disgrace Kicking your can all over the place, singin’ ” I guarantee you your feet will be stomping and your hands will be clapping.

Friday, January 31st saw Montreal indie-rockers Half Moon Run bring their ‘A Blemish in the Great Light’ World tour to TD Place in Ottawa.  Their 19-song set was a melange of music from their previous 2 albums along with their November 2019 release. Early in the eve, Devon Protielje exclaimed “This is a good place to be Ottawa” and indeed he was right. The night ebbed and flowed as they wove through the songs that shaped their set.  From the opening crescendo builds that bind “21 Gun Salute”, to the softer silken harmonies of “Need It”, to the formidably heavier moments in “She Wants To Know”, there was a particularly pleasing oscillation in intensity. This was amplified by the talents of a string quartet accompanying them, at times ethereally emerging from the shadows of the stage.

Notably, there were some non-music moments that had uplifting qualities that made the night even more memorable. Gratitude was expressed by the band to their fans, for this was their first headline arena show, and sold out no less. Also, the band recognized their tour manager, Doug, for he happily found out that day he was going to be a Dad. Also, the sheer glee in the face of a little tyke as he rose from the stands and giggled to the audience’s applause, after being acknowledged by the band for contributing his “cooing” to the intro of “Razorblade”.

After a standing ovation for the original 3-song encore, the band returned with an acoustic  gather ‘round one mic performance of “Sun Leads Me On”. A well chosen end to an indelible evening. Last Fall, Half Moon Run was nominated for a Juno award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, an accolade last night’s performance underscored is so well deserved.

Opening the evening was Winnipeg-native Taylor Janzen. This young artist, guitar in hand, came to the stage with a story to tell and beautifully balanced voice to express it.  At 20 years old, this accomplished singer-songwriter has 2 critically acclaimed EPs under her belt, and her recent release “What I Do..” was recognized as a critical cut by SiriusXM.   Though the Ottawa show represented her last stop on this tour, after a brief sojourn Half Moon Run continues with European dates the end of February through March, before being back in Montreal for 2 sold out shows for a home-town crowd.

more photos from the show

Due to popular demand,Trevor Noah returns to TD Place with his new show Sorry, Not Sorry 2020 Canadian Tour on Friday, September 25 at 8p.m.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT FOLLOWS THEIR 14,000-TICKET

       SOLD-OUT HOMETOWN SHOW AT KINGSTON’S RICHARDSON MEMORIAL STADIUM

      TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 10AM

NEW ALBUM, A BLEMISH IN THE GREAT LIGHT

WILL BE RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2019

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE NOW

LISTEN TO ANOTHER NEW SINGLE/ LYRIC VIDEO FOR
“FLESH AND BLOOD“

WATCH ANOTHER NEW VIDEO MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16th

AT 12:00PM EST VIA YOUTUBE PREMIERE

WORLD WIDE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

INCLUDING ANOTHER 20 INTERNATIONAL SHOWS FOR 2020

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SPECIAL HALLOWE’EN / ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

AT MTELUS IN MONTREAL

Nordstock is Canada’s fête of the 50th Anniversary of the original Woodstock Music Festival and we want you to be part of the Woodstock experience.

starring Ivan Decker, Debra DiGiovanni and Ali Hassan

TICKETS ON SALE Monday, June 3 @ 10:00 AM

Try not to step on the chalk outlines when navigating through prairie pickers The Dead South’s catalogue. Over the course of two full-length albums, it’s true that the villainous, murderous match-strikers and revenge-takers outnumber those with good intentions, but in the end, no heinous act goes unpunished.