EDMONTON EXPO-SE: So much money, GTA lives, Bob Ross

EDMONTON EXPO-SE: So much money, GTA lives, Bob Ross

The money that flew through the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo this weekend was mind-boggling. The entire event is designed to suck your bank account dry. Do the math, if you dare! Consider the official count of 41,238 people (up from last year) each paying $80 for their pass. That’s about $3.3 million (more when […]

The Book of Mormon a surprise – not a spoof

The Book of Mormon a surprise – not a spoof

Ding! Dong! There they are at the door bell again – the two earnest young men in dark suits, white shirts and ties, sure of their mission, clutching their theological tomes and looking for converts. Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are back ringing promoting THE WORD as revealed to that “All-American prophet,” Joseph Smith. The […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Rise Against vs. NERDS

MUSIC PREVIEW: Rise Against vs. NERDS

If you’re doing punk rock cosplay at the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo on Friday night, take care not to get into the wrong line – because Rise Against is playing a separate event in the same building. Could be some healthy cross-over here: Straight-edge hardcore band from Chicago whose very name suggests – nay, […]

PLAYBOT: Once upon a romance

PLAYBOT: Once upon a romance

He’s a street musician who’s starting to have doubts about his chosen career path. She’s a beautiful young passer-by who becomes his muse. What could possibly go wrong? Why, nothing, of course – aside from life and, possibly, love. In this multiple-Tony winning musical at the Citadel Theatre Sept. 22-Oct. 14, Julien Arnold and Ruth […]

Win passes to Edmonton Expo!

Win passes to Edmonton Expo!

It’s fun to imagine that the celebrity guests at the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo this weekend could come as their real characters – and have a battle! If Darth Maul (Ray Park) had a fight with Data (Brent Spiner), who would win? No contest. Phaser beats light sabre. Could Aquaman (Jason Momoa from DC […]

Vancouver brain drain Edmonton’s gain

Vancouver brain drain Edmonton’s gain

Back in the day, artists left Edmonton in droves for the literally greener pastures of Vancouver – but now some of them are coming back. Two good examples, anyway. It counts extra if they’re women, right? “Yeah, of course it counts!” says stand-up comedian Kathleen McGee (above), who after four years living in Vancouver has […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: It’s a Barbie World!

MUSIC PREVIEW: It’s a Barbie World!

If anyone’s looking for a blast from the past this weekend – in the opposite direction of the typical classic rock gig, look no further than the Rewind Tour at River Cree Casino on Friday night. Aqua will be performing. Yes, that’s right, the Norwegian Eurodance group that burst onto the scene with their 1997 […]

Smashing Pumpkins play Rock Gods Edmonton

Smashing Pumpkins play Rock Gods Edmonton

Billy Corgan can be forgiven for his massive ego that on more than one occasion almost put the kibosh on the Smashing Pumpkins – the iconic alt-rock outfit that made waves during the dying days of the ‘90s grunge movement. The flamboyant frontman has always been more into glitter than flannel, and it’s not hard […]

REVIEW: Sonic Field Day winners and losers

REVIEW: Sonic Field Day winners and losers

The thing about attending a modern rock festival, as opposed to a classic rock one, is that you can be sure that most of the band members you see on stage are the original band members. From the blatting boom of the Arkells to the incendiary political nu-metal of Grandson to the groovy electro-rock of […]

Two Good Knights make one great night

Two Good Knights make one great night

The Mayfield Dinner Theatre opens its fall season with yet another of its popular chart-topping music celebrations. This time it’s a British bash called Two Good Knights, highlighting the careers of two of Old Blighty’s living legends: Tom Jones and Elton John. When the now Sir Thomas John Woodward (OBE) began to release records in […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Field Day Surprise Mystery Festival!

MUSIC PREVIEW: Field Day Surprise Mystery Festival!

For radio listeners who tune in just for the tunes, SONIC Field Day is a great opportunity to see a band whose name you may not recognize (because you don’t stick around to hear the names of the bands) – and then experience the thrill of seeing them live for the first time and being […]

Foo Fighters postpone Alberta shows

Foo Fighters postpone Alberta shows

Dave Grohl has performed with a broken leg – but the show cannot go on without his voice. Foo Fighters have postponed their date in Edmonton tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 4), and in Calgary on Sept. 6, due to their lead singer suffering “loss of voice” at their tour opener in Seattle last week. Grohl is […]