Raffi fights for the rights of the very young
For someone who “accidentally” became a children’s entertainer, Raffi sure has thrown himself into it with a passion. Playing at the Winspear Centre on Sunday, his work has ranged far beyond merely singing singable songs for the very young. Never mind Bananaphone. Raffi has become a global crusader for child welfare. A number of points […]
Bob Seger returns in May, marks spring in Edmonton
That was fast. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band have determined that it should be spring in Edmonton by Saturday, May 11, when they have rebooked Rexall Place after cancelling Thursday’s concert due to extremely crappy weather. The 67-year-old rock legend was concerned “about the safety and well-being of his fans.” Fans may even […]
THEATRE: Kenneth Brown and Tim Hortons a marriage made in heaven
“We didn’t know if Tim Hortons was going to sue us or adopt us,” says Kenneth Brown on his new play set in Canada’s favourite coffee shop. It’s called – you had to see this coming – Double Double. Timmy’s people did ask to look at the script: a romantic comedy between two 40-something divorced […]
Make Something Edmonton made in Edmonton – so far, so good
Here’s a small sign you might doing something right in your town: When the Mayor forms a task force based on your idea. So it is with local writer and neo-marketing guru Todd Babiak, whose “Make Something Edmonton” project will turn into an $800,000 campaign to help Edmontonians develop a better attitude towards Edmonton. The […]
WHO NAMED THE BAND: Captain Tractor sails 20 years
It’s hard to be taken seriously when your band name is a joke. “Captain Tractor” was coined 20 years ago by an actual comedian, one Neil Grahn, current TV guy and former member of Edmonton’s legendary comedy troupe Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie. He was playing on the “superhero” idea for his friends, a […]
Boonstock 2013: From Limp Bizkit to Benny Benassi
Boonstock 2013 has finally announced its line-up! It’s going to be That Band All Over the Radio, ‘80s Band With One Member Left, Generic Folk Band and Two Dudes with a Macbook, plus many more. It will take place at the Three Hottest Days of Summer in a Really Inconvenient Location. Tickets go on sale […]
Mike Plume performs tribute at Stompin’ Tom memorial
Last Wednesday, Canada lost the great Stompin’ Tom Connors, King of Canadiana, everyman chronicler of Canadian history and life, the Johnny Cash of his country. A nation mourns. On Thursday morning down in Nashville, former Edmontonian Mike Plume was lamenting the loss of what he called a “father” figure when he was struck by a […]
Who killed the friendly neighbourhood mall?
Capilano area blades remain dull because no one at the local mall sharpens knives anymore. The coffee shop is long gone, so is the hobby store, plus the shoe store. The funky little curio shoppe run by the guy with the messed up face is a distant memory. Capilano Mall is the saddest mall in […]
MUSIC: 100 Mile House in the vanguard of folk trend
You read it here first: Folk is the latest trend in pop music. All over the radio we are hearing furiously strumming banjos and mandolins, whomping floor toms, lusty male vocals and rousing drink-along sea chanties writ large, from the likes of Mumford and Sons, the Lumineers and, OK, yes, fun. To that list, on […]
DISASTER DOCS: Who needs Towering Inferno?
There was no shortage of disaster movies at this year’s Global Visions Film Festival, which wrapped on March 3 after screenings of more than 45 documentaries from around the world. Thing is, these were real disasters. Who needs Irwin Allen? Who needs Towering Inferno when you have Twin Towering Inferno? The festival people haven’t crunched […]
Alabama Shakes to headline Interstellar Rodeo
One of the hottest new rock bands on the continent is coming to Edmonton this summer. Alabama Shakes has been announced as one of the headliners for the second annual Interstellar Rodeo, taking place July 26-28 at Hawrelak Park. The full line-up and ticket on sale details will be announced later this month. Distinguished by […]
Zebra Pulse too weird for punk rock?
For the last five years, Zebra Pulse has been making noise. Thanks to an arsenal of pedals, processors, cassette players, turntables and anything else that can generate a racket, the group has been a regular fixture at such places as Bohemia and Wunderbar where fans can indulge in their ear-bleeding nuances. Zebra Pulse has become […]
