MUSIC PREVIEW: McMorrow the real deal
Sam Smith gets all the attention – and a big “hey, thanks, man!” from Tom Petty – for his high voice and soulful sincerity, but there’s a guy coming to the Winspear Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 24 who could sing circles around Sam Smith – and no one will say it kinda sorta sounds like […]
REVIEW: Tragically Hip fully, completely Canadian rock
Thirty years into their career, the Tragically Hip have managed to turn Canada into their own personal niche market. Their modus operandi continued to be in fine working order for a packed house at Rexall Place in Edmonton Thursday night. Early on in the band’s career, they wrote some songs that referenced America – Last […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Hip folk forever
For folk fans who find all that new-fangled hipster folk at the folk fest a little off-putting, Winterfest 2015 just might be up your hill. This is a pure Canadian folk deal. Are they not hip? Let it be known that the acts performing at this three-day event in Fiddler’s Roost were – and in […]
AC/DC to Rock or Bust in Edmonton
The last time AC/DC came to town – at the Commonwealth Stadium on Aug. 27, 2009 – a terrible thunderstorm broke out in the middle of their show. More than 50,000 fans got completely drenched, along with the band on stage and all their equipment. We learned later authorities had come within a hair’s breadth […]
Jim Head and the MacEwan music legacy
In the wake of being nominated for his first Juno award, local jazz guitarist Jim Head reveals the secret to making it as a jazz musician in Edmonton: “If you’re the last man standing when the smoke clears.” In other words, if you spend years learning your art, more years paying your dues eating Kraft […]
Ed Sheeran to headline Edmonton in June
Taylor Swift knows a good man when she hears him, and when Taylor Swift speaks, people listen. Two years after opening for the pop queen in Edmonton, Ed Sheeran is big enough to headline the big buildings on his own. The British star plays Rexall Place on Sunday, June 14. Tickets start at $64.50 and […]
Imagine Dragons to play Rexall in June
Imagine one of the most imaginative new indie rock bands finally being given a building big enough to fit their … er, imaginations. Imagine no more! For Imagine Dragons will be playing Rexall Place on Saturday, June 6, on tour behind their new album Smoke + Mirrors. With the opening act Metric, tickets start at […]
Local Hiphead at 67 shows and counting
Music critics who complain about being paid to get a free ticket to review the Tragically Hip for the 25th goddamned time should hang their heads in shame in the presence of the Hiphead. Edmonton businessman Michael Schayer is a huge Hiphead. He’s seen the Tragically Hip 67 times – 68 after the band’s show […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Back to the Hip
Just one week of sleeps remain until The Day of the Hip! Now that Linkin Park has cancelled its Valentine’s Day show (due to an injury suffered by its singer) the Tragically Hip at Rexall Place on Thursday, Feb. 12 is the only Big Rock Show in Edmonton’s February – notwithstanding upcoming local appearances from […]
Journey returns to Edmonton in July
Canada loves its Journey – and doesn’t seem to mind a bit that it’s not even with the original lead singer. One of a handful of acts that carry on successfully with a new frontman, Journey is mounting an extensive tour this summer – only in Canada. Edmonton is on the list. With Filipino singer […]
Border hassles can’t stop young bluesman
The way our border cops treat Taylor Scott and his band, it’s a marvel he keeps coming back to play Edmonton. “It was our worst experience yet,” says the 21-year-old frontman of the latest crossing ordeal. “They literally tore our van apart,” adds keyboardist Jon Wirtz. They’re talking after a set at Blues on Whyte […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: For the Birds
Editor’s note: This is what happens when you get a theatre guy to do a music preview. Guest editor Trent Wilke has produced several plays in Edmonton, has written for CBC’s The Irrelevant Show and is co-founder of the Mostly Water theatre company. He also loves music. Sit back kiddies, for here is a tale, […]
