Buzz April 22

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This coming week is going to be legen— wait for it— dary.

Not only is Neil Young coming to the Enmax Centre, April 25, but there is a cornucopia of music happening.

One of my favourite quirky country bands, Luther Wright and the Wrongs, will be playing April 24 at the Slice. They get extra cool points because a few years ago they released a double album of country versions of Pink Floyd's the Wall, which is just outstanding. Plus they used to play with Sara Harmer in a band called Weeping Tile, so don't miss them.

Endangered Ape is releasing a new EP the same night at Henotic, with Amelia Earhart, the Myelin Sheaths, Evan Van Reekum, Kent Aardse and The return of Ran! Most of them were playing at Henotic this week too, so if you missed them this week, catch them on Friday.

A big event is happening at the Slice, April 25, unfortunately competing against Neil Young. The semi-final competition of this year's South Country Fair songwriting take place featuring Lethbridge acts Shaela Miller, Karen Romanchuk, George Arsene and Bruce Roome. It starts at 8 p.m., I'll most likely miss it as I'm going to be “rocking in the free world” with Neil Young, but it is sure to be an outstanding show.

The first two were both performing to packed houses this past Saturday night, April 18.

Romanchuk and a full house of well wishers, enjoying the music from her new CD “Shine” as well as a lot of new material and choice covers from the likes of Willie P. Bennett, and Lucinda Williams. She sounded fantastic, bringing the spirit of old school country back.. Her backing band including lead guitarist James Oldenburg, bassist David Popovitch and her husband Darwin pounding out rhythm on a “Cajon” were tight.' Romanchuck is also going up to Calgaryon May 9 for the Calgary Folk Fest songwriting competition in the Alberta category with her song “Tired and Trrue” which she played at her show.

I hadn’t heard Shaela Miller play for a few months until her Front Row pub debut, April 18 so I was impressed to hear how much she has improved her craft. She played a most of the music off last year's EP including an uptempo version of my personal favourite, “Manchester” as well as a lot of cool new old country style throwbacks including the song she entered in the South Country Fair songwriting competition called “Loving Me,” which was exceptional. her backing band drummer Tyler Bird and stand up bassist Paul Holden were outstanding and as always Shaela has a unique vulnerable, yet edgy sound that makes her immediately appealing.

 

There was a lot of excellent music throughout the week.

Also on Saturday, Saskatoon's “The Deep Dark Woods” who were a highlight of the South Country Fair Last year played their original Wilco. Jay Farrarr style alt-country music to a receptive crowd of approximately 35. They started out with a really laid back Gordon Lightfoot -style number, but I was digging the interplay between organ/ piano, vocals and some really tasteful guitar soloing throughout their performance.

I also enjoyed an acoustic set from Paul Kype and Leah Marie King who were the hit of the Slice, April 1. Some highlights were classic hits, played acoustically including the Who’s “Squeeze Box” and Lynard Skynard’s “Three Steps” as well as “Bad Bad Leroy Brown.” They were to go electric after, but I wasn't able to stick around.

On April 16 a couple of Vancouver's best bands played a sold out show at Henotic. it was crowded even with the chairs and tables removed.

Said the Whale, who have played the Slice numerous times, warmed up the crowd with original emo-pop music with a touch of punk and a smattering of Beatles. they had the crowd dancing and loving every note.

Mother Mother, who most were there to see , introduced Lethbridge to their neo-B-52s style pop which featured two girls harmonizing and playing keyboards with infectious energy which kept the masses on their feet.

I stopped by the Slice after most of Mother Mother's set in time to wait a good hour for Montreal’s Madcaps’ second set. They provided a set of pure rock and roll for about six people. There was a touch of reggae tinged with blues and a lot of classic rock plus some excellent bass and keyboard playing. They even added some sax to harmonize with all of it.

This week

In addition to all of the cool things mentioned previously, check out the Wolf’s den open mic on Friday, April 24 and an open jam at the Slice with Paul Kype and Texas Flood on April 28. Treeline hosts the Slice jam, April 21. For more dirty rock n’ roll, check out the Dead Rockstar party, April 23 with Lustre Cream and the Dirti Speshuls. And if you like outlaw country, the Smokin’ Pistols have a double date at HB’s Lounge the Holiday bowl, April 24 and April 25. Another fun show comes up April 27 as Coco Love Alcorn is set to return to the Slice.

 

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Last Updated ( Saturday, 25 April 2009 17:01 )