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Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 22:42
1 REVIEW & 1 NEW DATE || GBS @ CFL & TRBX @ SEA

 

SAT. NOV. 28, 2009 || PENGROWTH SADDLEDOME (GREY CUP GALA)

Every GBS show is worth going to. This past show was also great, but I can't think of anything to tell you, other than "wait for the photos, they're coming soon". But, will I have a chance to get them online before the next "New Date"?...

JAN. 7 - 11, 2010 || TAMPA TO COZUMEL - THE ROCK BOAT X -

This will be my third Sixthman cruise, but my first Rock Boat. I've been told it's better than Ships N Dip, and although I imagine it'll be a blast, those are big words to proclaim. It is sold out, yet I managed to find a bunk by taking advantage of a poor sailor who was unable to make it (not really a sailor after all, I suppose), and because there's less than 10 days left before we set sail, I barely have time to pack let alone suffer from anticipation! Anyway, I'm stoked, I'll tell you more later. Rock on! ;)

 

Sunday, November 22, 2009, 20:30
NEW SHOW DATE || GREAT BIG SEA

 

SAT. NOV. 28, 2009 || PENGROWTH SADDLEDOME (GREY CUP GALA)

So, I'm sad to say that the best Canadian football team, the Eskimos, won't be playing in Calgary during the big party this year, but at least the best Canadian band will be. Great Big Sea will be playing at the Saturday night Gala under the big hat prior to Grey Cup Sunday.

It appears they will be playing with George Canyon, Divine Brown, The Canadian Tenors & Sophie Milman, all of whom I'm sure you know as much about if not more than I do. I always love checking out new bands (or bands that are new to me), however I hope GBS will still have enough time to get more than a few words in for us to enjoy. I'm not sure if tickets are still available, but FYI, doors open at 19:00 and I'll be there before then! Maybe I'll see you there.

 

20:27
SHOW REVIEW || GBS, PROCLAIMERS & YC 2009

 

SAT. SEPT. 12, 2009 || MALKIN BOWL, VANCOUVER

So, I realized I haven't posted reviews for a number of shows I've been to lately. And, because this is mostly for me to read years in the future, I better get on it!

Most recently, I spent a weekend in Vancouver with some friends to catch Great Big Sea. The weekend was so much fun, and the show was amazing, as always. I've learnt that attending 1 of 2 shows (they played Friday night first, and we caught the Saturday show) you might miss a popular song or two that they would normally play, but instead you might catch some tunes that you wouldn't normally hear during a single show. So, although I was hoping to hear a couple songs that they played the night before only, we were happy to be entertained with a few less played items. Great show, all in all, and an amazing weekend (thanks Rita, for all the fun and a place to stay!)

A few months earlier, back in mid July, I was able to take in a great show by The Proclaimers in Edmonton. I'm not quite sure what it is about their music, but they are one of the few bands that I never need to skip a song on any of their albums. New and old. Also, going to shows alone always gives me a great opportunity to meet new people, this time being no exception. Great show, great time.

And, way back in May was YC Alberta 2009. Always a blast, and always a great experience. Some great bands again, and this year I was finally able to get signed drumsticks from Toby Mac. I had a few more responsibilities this year as a team lead, so I didn't take in too much else, but I had a great opportunity to assist in one of my favourite events for young people. Next year? Of course I'll be back. Wanna volunteer with me?

 

Friday, September 4, 2009, 10:05
NEW SHOW DATE || GREAT BIG SEA

 

SAT. SEPT. 12, 2009 || MALKIN BOWL, VANCOUVER

I had originally planned to spend This long weekend in Buffalo, NY to enjoy a Great Big Sea concert on the harbour, but decided that a trip to Vancouver next weekend was a bit more feasable. So, I'll enjoy my Labor Day weekend here(hopefully take in an Esks/Stamps game on Monday), and fly into Vancouver Friday the 11th (9/11, I know) for a weekend with friends and GBS. I'm really looking forward to it, it'll be a lot of fun!

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 00:08
1234, Plain White T's

 

When looking up the lyrics for "Plain White T's" new song "1,2,3,4", I found this, and thought it was kinda cool. Enjoy!



 

Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 12:25
SHOW UP-DATE || THE PROCLAIMERS

 

So, I've made my decision & I've purchased my ticket. I'll be taking the short drive north to see The Proclaimers in a few weeks. Wanna sit at my table with me? So far I'm going solo on Wed July 15th to Edmonton's Century Casino, and by the looks of things, the other 3 seats at my table are the only seats left. Of course I'll be on the floor for most of the show, but you're welcome to join me! Show starts at 19:00! Get your ticket soon!

 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 12:45
NEW SHOW DATES || THE PROCLAIMERS

 

WED. JULY 15, 2009 || CENTURY CASINO, EDMONTON
THUR. JULY 16, 2009 || DEERFOOT CASINO, CALGARY
SAT. JULY 18, 2009 || JERICHO BEACH PARK, VANCOUVER

I've never had the opportunity to enjoy The Proclaimers live.   This summer we get 3!

By the looks of things, they will be playing with "Walter Mitty & The Realists" in Calgary & Edmonton Wednesday & Thursday, and then they'll be joining a whole list of artists at the Vancouver Folk Festival that weekend.  I'm still deciding which event I'll be getting tickets for, but I'll definitely be checking them out at least once.  The Vancouver Folk Festival looks pretty good, worth the drive I think, as artists that I enjoy such as Steven Page (formerly of Bare Naked Ladies) and The Weakerthans will be there performing as well.  Either way, I'm really looking forward to seeing them live!  Maybe I'll see you there.

 

Thursday, May 21, 2009, 12:30
NEW SHOW DATE || YC ALBERTA 2009

 

YC 2009 - LIVE IT LOUD || MAY 22-24, 2009 - REXALL PLACE, EDMONTON

It's here. And I didn't even give you notice. But I'm excited to be a part of it, so I thought I'd share.

This year I'm group lead the doors at the Rexall Place. A bit more responsibility, but I'm sure it'll all run smooth anyway. It always does! This year I'm travelling with Carmen & Tara, and we're all staying at Edmonton's HI (Hostel) just off Whyte Ave. I won't get to see much of the main acts while manning the entrance, but the side shows are just as great, and they happen during my mid-day break. This year I'm really looking forward to seeing TobyMac & Thousand Foot Crutch again, as well as the Irish group BlueTree, who will be the main worship band.

Hopefully you'll have a chance to check it out, but if not, I'll give you a full review from my perspective soon after the weekend is over.

 

09:03
SHOW REVIEW || SHIPS N DIP V

 

I realized I didn't post here about Ships & Dip V at all! I better do that before getting on to the new stuff!

The cruise ship "Norwegian Jewel" set sail from the Port of Miami Feb 1st, and was suppose to make stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas during the 6 day excursion. Due to the weather, though, the Bahamas stop was changed to a day in Key West, Florida.

The morning of Feb 1st started with myself and Pete checking out of the Jazz on South Beach Hostel and getting brekky at The Big Pink (I love that place!). I'm not sure if GBS's Alan Doyle's morning started with checking out of his hostel (hmm) but, like mine, it also included breakfast at The Big Pink. I decided not to interrupt his meal with his family, but that was to be the only time I would see him off stage the entire cruise, unfortunately.

Pete & I made our way to the dock, checked through the gate and boarded the magnificent vessel. And the party began.

The Music:
BNL welcomed us with a rockin' sail-away concert, and Gaelic Storm followed them with an amazing and entertaining show, both on the main deck. Throughout the week, I took in multiple awesome performances by Great Big Sea, BNL, Gaelic Storm, Boothby Graffoe, and many others in passing.

The Bands:
What an opportunity to meet the bands! It was really cool running into the members of some of my favourite bands throught the week. The first day, as I was having some food and catching up with friends from SND III (2008), BNL's bassist Jim Creeggan sat down at my table with his lunch, and chatted with me about the cruise and other random things.

Out on the main deck before setting sail, a few of us hung out and laughed and joked with members of Gaelic Storm (whose music keeps my daughter Nichole happy at the grumpiest of times).

After a GBS show a few days in, a found myself jammed in a corner on long elevator ride packed with NCL crew members, Sixthman staff, Band Hands, and others all with hands full of gear. And across the car in the far corner stood Ed Robertson. After an odd few seconds of silence, I commented out loud that I seemed to be the only one not holding anything. Obviously out of concern, Ed reached across and offered me his hand. So, as the crew and staff laughed, I held his hand for the remaining floors. But just so you don't get the wrong idea, it was deffinately a manly sort of hand holding.

Back in the middle of the boat, in the FYZZ lounge, a few of us "Rock Band" stars were joined by Ed, as he taught us how really to play the game. And we all thought he sounded pretty good. The game, however, disagreed. He did do oustanding on the guitar, however. And I must say, I was not too shabby on the drums.

And, I can't forget to mention that during my only veg time that week, while hanging out on the top deck on a lounge chair visiting, I thought it was pretty cool that Kris MacFarlane remembered me and said hi in passing before I even noticed him.

And although it was a great week, I was a little disappointed in GBS's offstage interactions, from my perspective. Other than saying hi to Kris, I don't think I saw any of GBS off stage at all. I'm hoping that this is because the rumours are true, that GBS will host a celtic cruise in 2010, and that they were laying low trying to get ideas and do some planning. But maybe that's just wishful thinking.

I think that's really the rundown of the music aspect of the cruise. I just have to wait and see what happens in 2010 with BNL deciding not to host a cruise next year.

That's all for now!

 

 

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