MUSIC PREVIEW: Golden age of music venues
It seems like not all that long ago the local music scene was in disarray, with venue after venue closing within a very short span. And now here we are in the middle of 2016 and there’s a plethora of new and cool stages around the city to check out the rich tapestry that makes […]
KISS STILL ALIVE!
“Let me remind you that patriotism is always cool!” declared Paul Stanley at Rexall Place on Tuesday night. There was general agreement among the 10,000 members of the Edmonton regiment of the KISS Army. Cue O Canada – the proper version – sung by a proper member of the Canadian military: Maj. John Kim. Man […]
Insane Clown Posse lives up to its name
Their reputation precedes them – but Insane Clown Posse is not so evil after all. The hundreds of Juggalos who turned up for the group’s first Edmonton show at Union Hall Saturday night aren’t about to run out and do any of the horrible things depicted in ICP songs, just as they wouldn’t go out […]
REVIEW: Blink-182 comes on strong with the new guy
Shuffling band lineups are nothing new in music. It’s a rarity to encounter a group with any sort of longevity behind its name that hasn’t endured its fair share of turnover. But losing a key member, particularly one whose voice has become a band’s hallmark, can be a make or break moment. Blink-182 doesn’t appear […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Blink-182’s mature immaturity
Paul the Apostle had something to say about Blink-182: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child – but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Times sure have changed! And one could find no better rock band to embody […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Jazz fest ends with a bang
The second weekend of the official summer, the Canada Day long weekend, and barbeque season is well underway. The weather is looking a little spotty, so maybe after enjoying the outdoors for Fire Aid, you might want to check out an indoor venue this weekend. Or not. Your pick. This weekend’s festival of choice is […]
Fire Aid so Alberta it hurts
There’s something about Commonwealth Stadium that makes Edmontonians nostalgic for all of the big events held there throughout their lives. There’s the long list of Edmonton Eskimos’ games (are we ever going to change that name?), Grey Cups, the 1983 Summer Universiade, Oilers Stanley Cup Parades, and the visit of Prince Charles & Lady Di, […]
Edmonton Music Awards celebrate best and brightest
It’s always such a great joy to partake in any type of celebration of awesomeness in Edmonton. Tuesday night was so exception, as this year’s Edmonton Music Award winners were announced at an all-star gala at the Winspear Centre. Where else can one see metal bands interacting with folk acts mingling with singer songwriters enjoying […]
REVIEW: Rustic, dated comedy pokes middle age marriage
Watching the Mayfield Dinner Theatre’s new production of Henry & Alice: Into the Wild, you may find the ear worm theme for the 1960’s rustic sitcom Green Acres rattling around in your head. “Green Acres is the place to be! Farm living is the life for me!” sings a former Wall Street millionaire – while […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Jazz fest a MacEwan affair
Did you know that Edmonton is crawling with monster jazz musicians on par with any in the world? It’s true. Why this is so is no mystery. Most of the heaviest local jazz cats in town make their living by teaching others to follow in their path, most at the famed MacEwan University music program […]
Meat Loaf recovers from stage collapse in Edmonton
The audience thought it was part of the act – a theatrical rock legend laying on his back to perform his big encore – but it soon became horribly real. Meat Loaf had collapsed on stage at the Jubilee Auditorium Thursday night. UPDATE: He’s going to be OK. A statement released Friday morning said the […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Porkapalooza serves gravy
In one of the most interesting evolutions of a festival that’s been seen in quite some time, the musical offerings of this weekend’s Porkapalooza went from a three-day ticketed event to being “admission by donation” in the blink of an eye. That being said, proceeds will go towards assisting Fort McMurray, so it’s a great […]
