MUSIC PREVIEW: Dierks works!
There is a lot of buzz and fervent anticipation for fans awaiting Dierks Bentley’s gig at Rogers Place on Thursday night.
Since releasing his debut album back in 2003 Bentley has released eight additional albums, and has toured relentlessly. He toured his 2018 album The Mountain already last year, and is on the second tour to support it. The first tour didn’t include any Canadian dates, so it’ll be local fans’ first chance to see the new material live.
Both singles from the most recent album – Woman Amen and Burning Man – reached No. 1 on the Canadian country chart, but he’s certainly no stranger to that spot, with five other songs reaching the same pinnacle since 2011’s Am I the Only One. He’s also no stranger to award shows, both nominations and wins. Heck, he’s even hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards a couple of times.
Opening the show will be Jon Pardi, and Tenille Townes. 7 pm, advance tickets $45.25 and up, BUY.
Thursday 24
Del Barber – This artist out of Winnipeg has been pegged as folk, folk rock, and alt-country. Regardless, he’s an extraordinary storyteller, and despite being dropped by his management company and label a few years back, he’s made a go independently; his newest release, Easy Keeper, was recorded right here in Edmonton, and should be out later this spring – expect a lot of material from it during this performance. Soft March opens. Station on Jasper, 7 pm, $10. BUY
Courtneys – Another well-loved act here in the city, this West Coast band released their eponymous first album in 2013 on Hockey Dad Records, and have been going strong ever since. The members blend garage rock with jangle pop to come at you hard, but melodically. Soothing and searing at the same time. Tee Tahs and The Eclipse open. Buckingham, 9 pm, $15. BUY
Kelly Ruth & Private Investigators – A pair of new albums are celebrated at this gig, with the former’s experimental-ambient debut solo album Uncanny Valley will be front and center. Not to be outdone, the latter will scissor their way into your brain and attempt to explode it from inside with their cacophonic frenzy of psychedelic electronic sounds on a fresh double album. Tension Collectors also perform. Sewing Machine Factory, 9 pm, $10.
Friday 25
Loudon Wainwright III – This Long Island folk singer has released over 20 albums since his first back in 1970 (and is known from his role and music in early episodes of M*A*S*H); his most recent is 2014’s Haven’t Got the Blues Yet. He also released a two-CD compilation last fall, which included 42 songs spanning the breadth of his lengthy career. There’s still quite a few tickets remaining in the back few rows. Arden Theatre in St. Albert, 7:30, $48.15. BUY
Lee Aaron – This famed Canadian rocker was here back in September, but she is dearly beloved in this city, and will almost always sell out her shows. Which is in fact the case this time around as well. Her latest album – Diamond Baby Blues – dates from last spring; it’s a heady blend of hard rock, straight forward rock, and unsurprisingly, her take on the blues. With Holly Woods & Toronto. Century Casino, 8 pm, SOLD OUT.
National Hotel – Friday night the Sewing Machine is hosting another release party, this time for this band’s new EP. National Hotel finds itself bouncing around influences that range from ‘60s psych to ‘90s Britpop, all the while modernizing it in their own unique way. The New Haunts will also perform. Sewing Machine Factory, 9 pm, $10.
Saturday 26
Rebecca Lappa – Black Dog continues their “Hair of the Dog” afternoon showcase series with this extraordinary singer-songwriter. She’s performed at almost every noteworthy folk festival in the country, and has both Canadian Folk Music Awards and Edmonton Music Awards nominations to her credit as well. Her latest album dates back to 2016, though she’s released the odd single since, so fans are anticipating an album forthcoming – possibly this year. Black Dog Freehouse, 4 pm, no cover.
