With so many shows to go to this weekend at Indiefest how do you possibly choose? Here are some of our thoughts on what is not to be missed!
The Joel Plaskett Emergency at the Capitol Theatre August 25th, 8pm
All of Us: Let’s be honest, there are going to be a lot of amazing musicians playing all over downtown Chatham this weekend at the Elephants Nest, The River Rock, Jazzbah, but there is a reason that The Joel Plaskett Emergency is the headliner: They are very, very good. It is not uncommon for Plaskett to perform shows as one man act, but this weekend we are getting not only him but his whole band. If you enjoy a high energy rock show, then this show is for you.
By Divine Right performing at the River Rock Friday August 24th, 12:30am
Fannie Vavoulis: I’m really excited about Indiefest. So many bands, so little time. But I have a suggestion – make sure you go see By Divine Right. Jose Miguel Contreras is the founder of BDR. A Canadian musical icon (not just my humble opinion either), BDR puts on a live show like no other. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this band perform but not once hav I walked away disappointed. Get ready to dance, have some sing alongs, and witness what Canadian Indie music is all about. This part is my humble opinion, although I think many who know about Canadian music would agree, we have Jose to thank for the likes of Feist, Broken Social Scene, Stars, etc.. So, if you want to see one of the greatest Canadian bands ever, you better be at the River Rock on August 24th. Promise By Divine Right will not disappoint.
The Pining performing at Jazzbah, Friday August 24th, 10:15pm
Mark Reinhart: I’ll be at the Jazzbah in downtown Chatham, Friday night watching The Pining. They are one of the great bands that the Culture Factory has brought to our town. In the words of Brian Joseph Davis of Joyland Magazine, ” There is a sound. A real old one. It comes in off the Prairies, wanders in from Cape Breton and it pings off the giant nickel in Sault St. Marie…. The sound is an ancient memory of all things not big city or fancy: it’s gingham and gasoline; it’s the sound of drunk daddies laughing on Friday night and weeping mommas on Sunday; it’s a natural resource, like something hauled in a net or burned out of a smokestack. The sound is The Pining. It’s about everything lost and found.”
Passalacqua and TRIAD at the Elephant’s Nest Saturday August 25th, 11:00pm
Nicole Fricot: I urge any of you who are hip hop and rap lovers to make your way to the Elephant’s Nest where Detroit based Passalacqua and London based TRIAD will be bringing thier incredible mixtures of hip hop and Rap to Chatham’s downtown. That is right folks there will be a rap and hip hop show downtown Chatham. Try not to miss it.
Olenka and the Autumn Lovers at Jazzbah, Friday, August 24th at 11:30pm
Ben Srokosz: “There are too many amazing bands playing this weekend to truly narrow it down. But I must say that I am pumped to see Olenka and the Autumn Lovers from London.”
Olenka and the Autumn Lovers are a unique musical force. They manoeuvre seamlessly through a mix of styles, ranging from Eastern European to North American folk. Part gypsy caravan, chamber ensemble, and honky tonk jukebox, the indie folk orchestra’s diverse instruments (classical guitar, cello, violin, trumpet, lap steel, pedal steel, mandolin, etc.) provide a distinctive musical backdrop to the provocative narratives of the Polish-born singer-songwriter.Olenka and the Autumn Lovers are a unique musical force.
Sarah Hiltz at Frendz, Friday August 24th at 8pm
For those of you who know singer song-writer Sarah Hiltz, you know that she has a unique ability to put together uncannily truthfull lyrics over incredibly beautiful sounds. Having recently opened for Gordon Lightfoot there is no doubt that Hiltz is a star on the rise.
The CK Mountaineers at The River Rock Saturday, August 24th at 12:30am
Nicole Fricot: It is going to be a late show but if you have the stamina to make it, I really wouldn’t miss the CK Mountaineers. They are amazing live and if you can make it till 12:30am you will be rewarded with incredibly danceable Irish/ folk tunes played by an incredibly talented band.
And for the rest… what can we say, we chose them because we truly believe they are all amazing artists. From the Thornbills to The Grave Misunderstanding to THe Blue Stones and The Unquiet Dead… we really can’t recommend these performers enough. So we urge you to check out the schedule and make sure to see as many shows as you possibly can! For tickets to all shows go to www.culturefactory.ca or call the box office at 519-354-8338!
