WEEKEND MUSIC PREVIEW: Herald the new season of CD releases!
You know the live music calendar is back in season when the CD release parties start happening again – that, plus legendary names in the Canadian musical world start travelling through the city, like Ian Tyson and Jim Cuddy.
Friday
Melanie Doane – With an 18 year career that includes six albums, one Juno award, and a host of other nominations and awards, this singer-songwriter is now touring to support her most recent effort, 2011’s “The Emerald City”. Festival Place (Sherwood Park), 7:30, $28 and up.
Ian Tyson – This 78-year-old Canadian icon has more albums to his name than many younger acts have practice sessions. His most recent album is 2011’s “Songs from the Stone House.” He’s also a member of the Order Of Canada, a rare achievement for any musical artist. Horizon Stage (Spruce Grove), 7:30, $35. Repeats Saturday.
Jim Cuddy – Another singer-songwriter, perhaps best known for fronting Blue Rodeo, one of the preeminent Canadian folk rock bands of all time. “Skyscraper Soul” is his third solo album, and peaked at No. 8 on the album charts – ahead of both of his first two efforts, which were certified gold. Doug Paisley opens. Jubilee Auditorium, 8 pm, $32.50 and up.
The Get Down – This local alt-rock band hosts one of the year’s first CD release parties at New City Legion. Forbidden Dimension and Krang will also perform. 8 pm, $10.
Audio/Rocketry (below) – Although not a release party per se, these local folk-punkers will be showing off their most recent album in vinyl this weekend as they start a Canadian tour that will also see them perform on a train. Jesse Dee & Jacquie B, Swear By the Moon, and George Ireland and His Boxcar Babies will also perform. Bonnie Doon Hall (9240 93 Street), 8 pm, $12.
R.A. the Rugged Man – Edmonton is not a tour stop for many rappers, but this artist has made an exception out of the rule, and plays Avenue Theatre Friday night. Big Nick & J-Reds, as well as Nova Rockafeller, will open. 9 pm, $20.
Saturday
Allen & Alexander – These Calgarian folksters kick off the Black Dog Freehouse’s Saturday afternoon sessions for the year. As always, no cover. 4 pm.
Submerge the Sky – If there’s a burgeoning scene here in Edmonton, it might just be metal, and Avenue Theatre is at the forefront. This local sextet will headline along with Any Last Regrets and Bring Us Your Dead. 6:30 pm, $12.
Audio/Rocketry – A repeat performance of Friday night’s tour kickoff, but with Fire Next Time, Ben Disaster, and The Cosmonauts on the bill. Bonnie Doon Hall, 7 pm, $12.
