WEEKEND MUSIC PREVIEW: Thaw on the way
With the weather transitioning over the weekend to more normal temperatures, there’s no excuse not to head out and catch some live music. Friday’s schedule is a bit light – but Saturday night more than makes up for it.
Friday
African Guitar Summit – If you’re looking for something completely different from the city’s usual fare, this might be your chance, as nine of Canada’s finest guitarists of African origin (who collectively won the 2005 Juno for World Music Album of the Year) get together and perform at Sherwood Park’s Festival Place. 7:30 pm, $28 and up.
Blake Paul – This local singer-songwriter, who grew up in Melfort, Saskatchewan, is an eclectic blend of country, folk, and blues. Jon Bryant opens. Haven Social Club, 8 pm, $10.
Tiff Hall – This fabulous adult jazz-pop songstress is giving up her regular weekend stint at NOLA on 118 Avenue to perform at The Artery, along with Bombchan. 8:30 pm, $12.
Owls By Nature et al – Wunderbar features a cadre of incredibly talented local bands. Besides the aforementioned, The Weekend Kids, Scenic Route To Alaska and The Joe will also perform. 8 pm, $5.
Saturday
Gordie Tentrees – You think we know cold? I’m sure this Whitehorse artist could tell us a thing or two. He’s the feature musician at the Black Dog Freehouse’s afternoon performance. No cover charge, as usual. 4 pm.
Red Threat – Winners of the People’s Choice Award at 2011’s Edmonton Music Awards, this hard rocking band from Sherwood Park is sure to raise the temperature of the North side at least a couple degrees. On Your Mark and High Hopes also perform. Avenue Theatre, 6 pm, $10.
Library Voices – One of Saskatchewan’s preeminent alt-rock acts plays an early show at the Pawn Shop. Definitely a highlight of the weekend’s schedule. The Fight and Doug Hoyer open. 6 pm, $20.
Stephen Fearing (above) – Maintaining a solo career outside of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, this Vancouver songsmith’s lush, rich voice may just help you forget how cold it’s been recently. Queen Alexandra Hall (10425 University Avenue), 7 pm, $22.
Rankin Family – Eastern Canada’s first family of folk play return to the Winspear Centre. Unsurprisingly, the show is sold out. The group’s haul of East Coast Music Awards (15) and Junos (6) may just eclipse all other artists coming to Edmonton in the next few months, combined. 8 pm.
Locomotive Ghost – This Calgary band fuses modern folk with ‘70s rock, and throws in just a little bit of some genres between those times. Collective West opens. Wunderbar, 9 pm, $5.
