Justin Bieber a mannish boy
Justin Bieber has matured – yet the boy inside the man still likes to play. At the show on Tuesday night in Edmonton, there was a slide, swings, monkey bars, a trampoline and a water park! Justin even appeared to be dressed in play clothes. His fans have matured, too. The 13,000 women who turned […]
Young cast soars in Rent revival
The story of the first night of the rock musical Rent in 1993 could be an opera on its own. The music, lyrics and book were all written by Jonathan Larson, whose day job up until opening night was working in a fast food joint in New York City. He died of a heart attack […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: City and Colour going for the soul
There’s this idea that City and Colour is the evil twin of singer Dallas Green (first name city, last name colour) – who was once known for rocking out with one of Canada’s hardest rocking out-est bands, Alexisonfire. So when solo material came out that revealed serious adult contemporary hit potential, a penchant for balladry […]
James Taylor’s got a friend in Edmonton
If an artist can ruin his music by acting like an ass – we’re looking at you, Kanye – would it follow that good conduct could actually improve an artist’s music? It’s all very subjective and personal, of course, but it’s worth thinking about. Think about the easy listening legend James Taylor, who donated proceeds […]
Music fest dips toe in comedy
The original Drunk Young Punk is coming back to the stompin’ grounds from whence he came – to perform at Edmonton’s biggest club-hopping music festival this fall. Kids in the Hall’s Bruce McCulloch, who went to Scona High in Edmonton (he says he doesn’t remember much), will return as one of the headliners at the […]
REVIEW: One drummer down, show must go on
The Lamb of God concert in Edmonton was a classic demonstration of how the show must go on – even with one drummer short. Shortly before opening band Corrosion of Conformity was set to take the stage at the Shaw Conference Centre Sunday night, drummer Reed Mullin reportedly suffered a seizure after “prolonged, extreme and […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Pride, in the name of love
“Pride” has come to mean so many different things since it was shortened from “Gay Pride.” It’s pride for your own sexual identity, be you gay, bi, trans, somewhat curious or simply straight and supportive of the rights of all of the above in a lengthening cluster of LGBTQQIP2SAA consonants become so unwieldy that only […]
Wickham gives the skinny on 64 folk fest acts
Every year the entire media of Edmonton assemble for a spring ritual – to hear Edmonton Folk Music Festival producer Terry Wickham talk about who’s coming to the festival this year, and to show us why we should care. He cares. That makes a big difference. Every year, he educates the press on another crop […]
Prince still Sexy MF in musician’s memory
Local soulman Jeff Hendrick has picked an interesting tune to pay homage to Prince at the tribute show on Friday. It’s one of the late great artist’s best songs (from among many), from one of his best albums (among many): the 1992 release whose title was the symbol Prince once changed his name to (long […]
Twenty One Pilots to headline Sonic Boom
This year’s edition of Sonic Boom has revealed a solid line-up of acts that don’t easily fit into any musical genre save for “alternative” – which is apparently the whole idea. Twenty One Pilots tops the bill for the annual music festival happening in Borden Park Sept. 3-4. The duo, which doesn’t so much defy […]
Nickelback to headline Alberta Fire Aid Benefit
A who’s who of the cream of Canadian country and rock artists are banding together to raise money for Fort McMurray fire victims. Many of them have deep connections to Alberta. Announced yesterday, Nickelback (from Hanna, Alberta) will top a bill that also features Alberta legend Ian Tyson, along with Blue Rodeo, Randy Bachman, Corb […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Oh Wonder lives up to name
The aptly-named band Oh Wonder continues to to support their standout 2015 eponymous release on an anything-but-traditional rise to fame and glory – and Edmonton is lucky to get them on Monday night at the Starlite Room. The British duo Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West crafted the album by writing, recording, and releasing one […]
