FILM: Joy of discovery in CBGB
There are some spine-tingling moments in CBGB, The Movie. It’s the vicarious joy of discovery: Like seeing an unknown band called the Talking Heads play “Psycho Killer” for six pool-playing bikers in the most famous punk rock dive of all time. Or the Police. Or the Ramones. Patti Smith. Blondie. Iggy Pop. The Dead Boys. […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Rockin’ New Year’s Eve!
Edmonton’s eclectic music scene always throws down some mean New Year’s Eve parties, and this year may take the proverbial cake. The biggest draw may be over at the Starlite Room, where local legends Shout Out Out Out Out are headlining. The dance-punk group featuring two drummers were somewhat quiet this year, but they’re going […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Two Bears North among cream of the crop
It’s a banner weekend for live music fans in the city, as a pair of extraordinary albums are being released, with parties to celebrate both of them. And celebrate we should, as both are among the cream of the crop of releases this year by Edmonton artists, in what has undoubtedly been an incredible year […]
Rear End in View: Top 3 of 2013
In a surreal year of major concert events that started with the insufferable Oprah Winfrey – who brandished the “truck balls” purse she was given as a gift by the good people of Edmonton and made us into a laughingstock – the three that stood should come as no surprise. This is the weirdest top […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Savage Montreal invasion
What is it about Montreal that the city produces such buzz-worthy artists? The studies continue with the appearance of Sean Nicholas Savage, who is in town at the Artery Saturday night. In 2011 the eclectic Montrealer took a bold step and released a trio of pop albums on Arbutus Records, each with its own vibe, […]
Say Yes to art rock giants coming to Edmonton
Who’s coming?! No, not the Who, Yes! Yes? Yes, Yes. And so on in an endless rock ‘n’ roll Abbott and Costello routine. Meanwhile, one of the greatest “art rock” bands of yore is coming back to Edmonton. Yes will perform on Monday, March 24 in the Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets from $40 to $90 go […]
CONCERTS: Kings of Leon, Goo Goo Dolls, ZZ Top, R5
A big wad of concerts announced Monday offers something for every generation – from ZZ Top to Kings of Leon, not necessarily in alphabetical order. Getting to the big one, Kings of Leon, the award-winning band whose music can best be described as “alternative Southern rock” will return to Rexall Place on Wednesday April 2 […]
Musicians rally for Edmonton Food Bank
It’s funny how so many local musicians are drawn to donate their time to the Edmonton Food Bank at this time of year. It must be an easy one to get behind because there are least five charity gigs worthy of mention. Almost all genres are accounted for: COUNTRY: Once again donating all net proceeds […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Life beyond The Hip
Paul Langlois joined the Tragically Hip in 1986, just three years after the band’s founding by Gordon Downie and friends, and just one year before their historic debut EP was released. Since then, well, nobody needs an introduction to The Hip, do they? They’ve played in Edmonton at least 25 times since back in the […]
Gaga over Lady Gaga coming to Edmonton
Remember the last time Lady Gaga came to town and her taxicab broke down on stage and they went to fix it and there was a piano inside? Hopefully they fixed the problem – because she’s coming back. Lady Gaga’s artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball is pulling into Rexall Place on Monday, May 26. Tickets go […]
MUSIC PREVIEW: Old school vs. new school
There are a surprising number of exceptional options this weekend for being so late in the year, including the Sonic Band of the Month showcase featuring Death By Robot, and a homecoming gig for the beloved Christian Hansen. Interesting, too, is an old school versus new school rap battle. It’s Shaggy at the Union Hall […]
No bad jazz allowed on P.J. Perry Night
It’s not often you see a Juno-winning jazz musician playing a regular lounge gig in this town. P.J. Perry says he’s seen both interest and audience growing for his new weekly swingin’ soiree at Brittany’s Lounge, a funky little downtown joint that runs occasional burlesque and music shows and has art on the walls. The […]
