Live Acts, the ones I loved and the ones I look forward to

Is it New Year's yet?

Well we're still in that "Year in Review" part of the calender, and I've enjoyed writing these articles.  I am quite excited for Joel Plaskett tomorrow night here in Victoria, and using that as inspiration I've decided to list the live shows from the past year that I really enjoyed, and an act I really want to get out and see.




Mangan and his band at

Alix Goolden Hall

Dan Mangan at Alix Goolden Hall was a really great show.  It was awesome to see him live, after reading reviews of his shows across the country.  Every review seemed to be positive, and it was quite obvious why.  Musically the band could not have been any better, and the fun they shared with the crowd really gave the concert an intimate feeling.  You would be hard pressed to find someone that didn't like Mangan live.



Christina Maria at Lucky Bar

One performance I won't forget from this past year was Christina Maria at Girls with Guitars 2.  Although the majority of the crowd had left, it didn't seem to faze her.  Her performance was amazing.  If you left that show early, you missed out.  It's hard to keep everyones attention in a bar, especially a half empty one, but that's exactly what she did.

Christopher Arruda was brilliant to watch.  We got to see a set of his at Lyme Aid 5 in Victoria, and he was great to see in action.  It was a good set, and it really made me want to see a show that is his own.  With a band and a Grand Piano, I think this guy would blow some peoples minds.

The Malahat Revue at Sugar Nightclub
(Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Taggart http://www.jonathantaggart.com/)

I would have to say there wasn't a show I went to this year that I didn't like.  But I can't very well write about them all again here.  So the last act I'll mention that I enjoyed is The Malahat Revue.  A ridiculous group of musicians got together and played as though they've been a super-group for years.  The fact that they biked from show to show made it all the more awesome.  The best part?  Jeremy Fisher said recently they have some news coming in the New Year, possibly another tour?

And finally an act I am anxious to see.  I am going to Ontario to visit the family in June, and I've just realized that the dates line-up with North by NorthEast.  Although I won't be in Toronto that entire time, I am really hoping The Ruby Spirit will be playing a night I have available.  I really enjoyed their album this year, and have been curious to see their live show.  They really intrigue me and I think it would be quite a spectacle.

Of course there are plenty of other artists I would like to see in the New Year, but I'm even more curious to know what you will be seeing?  What artists did you love from this past season?  Let me know all about your favourite live acts guys, and thank you so much for reading!

Santa photo courtesy blogs.smarter.com

More Stuff I liked

The Island SoapBox Christmas party will never go
for "discount" Santa again...

Well I am on a role now, two posts so close together!  I felt I would just extend my thoughts from yesterday.  2010 was a pretty awesome year for music.  The longer I have to think about it, the more great music I remember!  I enjoyed getting your responses yesterday, I love hearing about what music you like, and what you are looking forward to.  Here are a few more of mine.

I am becoming a fan of Canadian Hip Hop more and more everyday.  I really don't know much about it, and I don't have a ton of artists I listen to, but the ones I do I really enjoy.  Shad is one of those artists.  After seeing him on "The Hour" a few years back, I was intrigued to hear his music.  I've been a fan ever since, and this year's release of TSOL is some of his strongest.  I listened to this album a ton.

Jon Janes approach to the music industry has made me a huge fan in a short amount of time.  "The Mountains and The Trees" is the name of Janes folk act.  For anyone who pre-ordered his 2010 release I made this for you, the East Coast musician sent the album and a hand written note to each individual.  Minimum Wage Lovers is a tune I really love from this record, and the whole thing is a great listen.  With constant touring (Including a tour with Zachary Lucky coming up!), Janes is always working hard to be heard.

I don't know what to say about 100 Blows from "Henry and the Nightcrawlers" except for, it's awesome.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I hit play, but my ears immediately reaped the reward.  It's an album with a great beat, a really fun listen, and it has certainly peaked my interest in this group of individuals.  It was probably my favourite surprise of the year.

An artist who really caught my eye this year, and who I think will continue to grow and have a huge 2011 is Steph Macpherson.  Her talent was quite obvious the first time we saw her, and over the past year she has only gotten stronger.  It seems the timing is right for the B.C. artist to make an impact, and after a big 2010 I would expect no less from her moving forward.





That concludes this go round.  I hope to here more feedback from you guys.  What albums you thought were great, what artists you think we should pay attention to, and what you're digging in general?

*Santa picture from comedy-zone.net