According to the Albert's Facebook page, Winnipeg's own Greg MacPherson makes his triumphant return to the local stage on Friday, May 24th at the newly-reopened venue.
Speaking of which, Toronto-based indie-rockers Hooded Fang play the joint on Wednesday, June 12th.
First up, burgeoning indie artist Louise Burns has teamed up with labelmate Sun Wizard for a cross-Canada touring adventure, including a pit stop in Winnipeg on July 8th at, umm, Rock Bar (of all places).
Montreal-based pair Handsome Furs are at the WECC on July 15th.
Braids are playing a string of dates in September/October alongside Pepper Rabbit with both bands due at the Albert on September 16th.
Edmonton’s Doug Hoyer and the Joe have booked a pair of dates in Peg City: July 21st at the Lo Pub and Mondragon on August 22nd.
Sweden’s Opeth play the Burt on October 8th alongside countrymen Katatonia.
Australian 8-piece urban roots band Blue King Brown is at the Pyramid on June 22nd.
Gt. Dane releases his debut EP, Mourning Yer Host, Gt. Dane, at the Lo Pub on Thursday, June 23rd with Sit Down Tracy.
Multi-talented performer Socalled is at the WECC on October 12th.
And finally, the award for best local concert poster, possibly of all time, goes to…The Eardrums! Catch the guys at Aqua Books on June 29th w/ Texting Mackenzie and Johnny Sizzle.
First up, triple bill at the WECC on July 20th: chamber-folk six-piece Dark Dark Dark headline while Narwhal Strike and Demetra support.
Returning for the third time in 18 month, Vancouver's intrepid guitar 'n' drums duo Japandroids play the Albert on September 27th. Fun fact: third venue in as many visits.
Troubadour Danny Michel pays a visit to the West End Cultural Centre on October 1st.
Big congrats to local anthemic rockers Les Jupes for signing with German label The Instrumental Village.
Rise Against play the MTS Centre on October 6th, w/ Flogging Molly, which could easily change once the Falcons/Jets home schedule is released.
Frank Turner is at the West End Cultural Centre on October 22nd.
And finally, my 2010 Polaris Prize picks, which I locked in late last night:
1. Diamond Rings - Special Affections
2. Young Galaxy - Shapeshifting
3. Braids - Native Speaker
4. PS I Love You - Meet Me at the Muster Station
5. Imaginary Cities - Temporary Resident
Local songstress Jenny Berkel is holding an album fundraiser and tour kickoff show at the Lo Pub on May 25th. Joining her on the bill is resident folk acts The Crooked Brother, Fire & Smoke, and The Empty Standards. Look for her full length album sometime this fall. Check back this weekend for "11 Questions..." with the up-and-coming singer-songwriter.
Winnipeg's The Details have officially landed the prime opening spot for Jimmy Eat World, next Thursday the 26th at the Garrick.
Toronto act Dearly Beloved open for Sloan, May 28th @ The Pyramid.
Vancouver’s Unleash The Archers rock the Albert on June 1st alongside Laika, Alphakill, and Pathogenic.
The Provincial Archive - fresh off just playing, well, the Manitoba Provincial Archives - make a return trip to Winnipeg for a gig at the Lo Pub on June 6th.
Spend an evening with Viking Metal band Amon Amarth on August 9th at the Garrick.
And finally, The Warped 45s play Times Change(d) on June 30th.
Brisbane indie exports An Horse return to Winnipeg for a date at the Park Theatre on June 27th w/ Enjoy Your Pumas. The duo are touring in support of their sophomore release, Walls, which dropped on April 26th.
Icelandic alt-rockers Miri make their debut at the Albert in two days (May 13th) as part of this year's Nuna Festival.
And finally, Southern arena rockers Kings of Leon play the MTS Centre on October 4th. Band of Horses to open? Stay tuned.
Read more...
Local indie-rockers Les Jupes have a very fun and up-close-and-personal new video out for “One Solemn Oath” off their debut record, Modern Myths.
For those who haven’t been reading this site’s comments: Exhibit A and Exhibit B suggest that Sleigh Bells is not coming here with Neon Indian. Which completely sucks.
Legendary metal act ANVIL will fry synapses at the Albert on Tuesday, May 24th.
Canadian crooner Matt Dusk plays McPhillips Street Station on April 12th.
And finally, add Calgary rockers Deadhorse to the April 30th bill at the Lo Pub, also featuring Gobble Gobble.
First up, great double-bill going down at the Lo Pub on March 25th: guitar-and-drums pair PS I Love You continue their tireless touring schedule in support of their excellent disc, Meet Me At Muster Station (#9 on my personal top ten records of 2K10 list) w/ lo fi indie-popper Diamond Rings.
Oft-buzzed-about indie act Braids release their debut disc, Native Speaker, tomorrow before embarking on a major North American tour; the massive trek includes a date at the Albert on April 2nd.
Resident singer-songwriter Ingrid Gatin performs at the Exchange Community Church on January 22nd.
Speaking of Winnipeg talent, the Children's Rehab Rockout – a local band competition/charity fundraiser featuring 5 up and coming Peg City bands – takes place on February 17th at the Pyramid. All proceeds go toward the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.
Also, The Bluebird North Songwriters’ Showcase – featuring Don Amero, Bean, Scott Nolan, and James Struthers – is being held at the Park Theatre on Tuesday, February 8th.
All ten members of Five Alarm Funk will bring their fun and relentlessly energetic live show reputation to the Pyramid on March 4th.
And finally, prog-metal act Protest The Hero return to town for a gig at the West End Cultural Centre on March 30th w/ Maylene and the Sons of Disaster & Tesseract.
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So…Martha was here in the summer. And…her brother, Rufus, is, well, currently here.
Finally...their Dad, Loudon, becomes the third Wainwright to play Winnipeg in less than 365 – he’ll materialize at the West End Cultural Centre on January 28th.
Two members from horror-metal act Gwar will appear at CD Plus (1630 Ness) this Saturday from 3 to 4. Over/under on cascading cd racks is at a generous five.
Erstwhile PoS interviewee / rising local hip hop star Magnum K.I. performs at the Pyramid on January 23rd.
Speaking of rising Peg City bands, Les Jupes are releasing their new record, Modern Myths, on January 11th and are celebrating the album release at the tres chic Plug In Gallery on January 15th.
Moses Mayes get their funk on at the Pyramid on January 22nd.
Electro Quarterstaff, Rebel Yell, and L’Viv comprise a triple-bill at the Albert on December 23rd.
Whether through word-of-mouth, show reviews, or enthusiastic comments on this blog, Small Sins' reputation for engaging and memorable live shows is spreading. And may go viral.
I’ll admit, it's all deeply intriguing.
Tomorrow night, Winnipegers have the chance to see this buzzed-about band in the flesh. The Toronto-based pop collective -- comprised of Thomas D’Arcy (vocals, guitars, many other instruments), Brent Follett (drums), Kevin Hilliard (keyboards), Todor Kobakov (strings, piano), and Steve Krecklo (guitars) -- materialize at the Albert, touring in support of their fantastic, brainstickingly melodic record, Pot Calls Kettle Black.
I recently caught up with band founder / principal songwriter Thomas D’Arcy for 11 questions. Here’s what the man had to say.
1. Where are you right now?
In my studio in Toronto, feeling quite hungover.
Let’s talk music…
2. What are some albums that completely changed your life?
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco was a big one for me in my adult years. Zeppelin as a kid.
3. Of the records you own, which has the best cover art?
The Monks, Bad Habits
4. Who is one producer, alive or dead, you’d just love to work with?
Already worked with him.. John McEntire.
5. What’s the oddest thing a fan has yelled during one of your shows?
'Fags!'
6. What is your favourite music video?
I guess OK GO! is starting to steal that title. Take your pick.
And some hodgepodge…
7. What tv shows are you currently following?
East Bound and Down, Boardwalk Empire.
8. What book(s) are you currently reading?
You are Not A Stranger Here by Adam Haslett
9. Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert?
Colbert
10. What’s your current ring tone?
Vibrate
11. And finally, would you rather have the ability to fly or turn invisible?
It’s been a crazy-busy year for Sydney, Australian indie-rock band The Jezabels.
Over the past 52 weeks, the Aussie foursome (vocalist Hayley Mary; keyboardist Heather Shannon, guitarist Sam Lockwood, and drummer Nik Kaloper) have toured constantly, even sharing the stage with Polaris-short-list-makers Tegan & Sara; they’ve dropped the final two entries of a planned EP trilogy; and, most importantly, the Jezabels really evolved their sound, letting their ideas bounce around and grow during the recording sessions behind the Dark Storm EP (released last month).
At times sinister and moody, the Jezabels keep the brooding, dramatic sound on Dark Storm in check with surprisingly catchy pop hooks that are impossible to ignore. See and hear for yourself - the Aussie quartet perform live this Saturday at the Albert w/ Two Hours Traffic.
I recently caught up with guitarist Sam Lockwood for 11 questions, who revealed two albums that completely changed his life, shared the most inappropriate thing a fan has yelled during a show (said attendee happened to be dressed as Harry Potter too), and, like many musicians featured on 11 Qs before, professed his love for, you guessed it, The Wire.
1. Where are you right now?
2210 7th Avenue Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. It's the Thriftlodge!
Let’s talk music…
2. What are some albums that completely changed your life?
I'll say two... The first was Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I heard that at a friends house; his Dad had it on and I immediately felt shock and awe. I think it was the kind of music that I had been looking for a long time. The second would be Gillian Welch's Soul Journey. I feel that Gillian Welch is by far the greatest song writer going round at the moment.
3. Of the records you own, which has the best cover art?
Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake it's Morning - it's all embroidered and beautiful. It's such a cool way to represent the general sound of the album. Folky and well sewn?
4. Who is one producer, alive or dead, you’d just love to work with?
I think it would be Jim O'Rourke - though maybe not for our band? For the Jezabels, I'm really not too sure. Lachlan Mitchell is still our ideal man/producer!
5. What’s the oddest thing a fan has yelled during one of your shows?
Just last night, a man dressed as Harry Potter (it was Halloween) yelled out to Hayley our singer 'Your voice makes me Horny!!!'
6. What is your favourite music video?
Every time I see Johnny Cash's Hurt film clip I cry so much. But it is a nice sense of crying - that is such a beautiful cover of a once not-so-beautiful (but still awesome) song. The film clip and its images only compound the emotion of that song.
7. Where do you shop for music?
I don't know if I can name shops, but So Music on King Street is great. Also Title has some good stuff as well, though it is a bit snooty! (Both in Sydney.)
And some hodgepodge…
8. What’s one film you can watch over and over again?
THIS sounds snooty but Michael Haneke's Hidden is definitely the best movie ever made. It is hard to watch, but I find it so helpful to understand the disaster that is the current world we live in.
9. What book(s) are you currently reading?
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen (above). It had heaps of hype, and I'd read his previous one. It's living up to the hype I think, but it's actually quite hard going. In a good way...
10. What tv show(s) do you follow?
I love the Wire, and that's about it really. That show is incredible, and it's hard to watch anything else after watching that.
11. And finally, would you rather have the ability to fly or turn invisible?
I think fly - I think invisibility would lead to some bad behaviour; I wouldn't trust myself with that. Flying would just be really fun.
First up, if you’re looking for a solid New Years Eve bet, try the quadruple bill at the Albert headlined by Vancouver-based dance-punk fivesome You Say Party; also on the bill: The Hisses, The Blowholes & Still Lights.
Some exciting new shows at the Park Theatre:
November 11th: Les Jupes w/ Flying Fox and the Hunter-Gatherers & Cannon Bros
November 12th: Cat Jahnke CD release w/ Scott Nolan
November 13th: The Liptonians w/ Wool on Wolves & Henry and the Nightcrawlers.
First up, local bluegrass/folk treasures The D. Rangers are calling it a storied career this year and have booked a farewell show for November 25th @ The WECC. Also, the event will be recorded for posterity with plans for a farewell documentary film to be released shortly thereafter. Having caught the D. Rangers rambunctious live act a few times over the years, it can easily be said the city is losing a fine live entity. See ‘em next month before it’s too late.
Those attending Stars October 29th show at the Burton Cummings Theatre may wanna consider stopping by the friendly neighbourhood Lo Pub on the way home: Torquil Campbell is DJing there after. Plus, they have tasty local beer on tap, which is always reason enough to visit. Told their menu rocks, too.
Meanwhile, over at the Pyramid some new shows have come to light…
Hollerado rock the joint on November 17th w/ Free Energy and Foxy Shazam.
For a good time, seek out Moses Mayes on December 23rd.
Cyclist opens for Shout Out Out Out Out, October 27th.
Telephoned materialize on stage there November 28th w/ DJs Co-op and Hunnicutt.
And finally, according to the Winnipeg Folk Fest's twitter page, if you head down to the store and purchase a ticket to the Owen Pallett concert, they'll throw in a free copy of his Polaris-nominated disc, Heartland. Better go post-haste!
Show goes down at the Garrick on October 28th.
Read more...
First up, Charlottetown-based power-pop band Two Hours Traffic just released the above video "Happiness Burns" into the You Tube World. The cut is off their '09 album, Territory, a record the guys are still touring heavily behind including a stop at the Albert on November 6 The Jezebels.
Speaking of the Albert...
IDM maker Otto Von Schirach and Venetian Snares materialize there on October 30th (gate night!).
A quadruple bill goes down there on October 2nd: Falklands, Kids on Fire, Forever Dead, and Plus Perfect all rock the dark, dank, cavernous, yet always-enjoyable joint.
Falklands also return to the city on October 19th for a show at the Lo Pub.
In two days time, Whale Tooth take the stage at the Park Theatre.
On November 26th, Vancouver-via-Halifax chanteuse Jill Barber is at the Burton Cummings Theatre w/ Michael Kaeshammer.
Local singer-songwriter Del Barber has a bunch of shows coming up: On November 4th and 5th, he’ll be at Times Change(d); then, on December 16th, he’s opening for the Weakerthans at the WECC.
The Skate4Cancer Dream Love Cure Centre Fundraiser takes place at the Pyramid on October 16th; local acts scheduled to perform: The Lytics, Pip Skid and DJs Co-op and Hunnicut.
And to cauterize this post, here's some bad news, Jared Leto fans: 30 Seconds to Mars' September 18th show at the Burt has been postponed.
