Rock

A Dreary, Gloomy and Rainy Monday – S05E06

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On-Air Studio Control Board
It was totally unexpected but I got to fill in on-air again. It’s funny how I was on-air for Friday, the end of the week and now hosting at the beginning of the new week. I was hoping to be co-hosting with Kristal on her show and weigh in my thoughts on F**ked Up winning the Polaris Music Prize for their album, The Chemistry of Common Life.
On the show, I got to mention in short detail that I will be going to Basia Bulat at The Black Sheep Inn on October 3, 2009. I’m trying to not write as much but listen to the show for anyone who missed it, as you will be surprised with the songs I played and as usual, the playlist is posted up.

Here’s the player for anyone who missed it live or want to listen again. Press play to listen.
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The Balconies CD Release Party at The Black Sheep Inn – S05E02

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The Balconies at Their CD Release Party at The Blacksheep Inn
Last night (Saturday night), I got to check out The Balconies CD Release Party at The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, QC. This time, I went by bus to the Blacksheep because I did not ask this friend of mine if he wanted to come. Overall, it was an exciting event for The Balconies to finally release their first album out. The performance started off with Leif Vollebekk, who is now residing in Montreal, Quebec. His set was acoustic and mellow to starting off the night. He also brought his “arsenal” of instruments, which were his other guitar and violin. The second band, Whale Tooth, of Toronto, performed to loud and songs to dance to. The main singer, Elise LeGrow was full of energy. They were great with their performance because the crowd were really into it. I almost forgot about who’s in the group and their genre because it has been awhile that Whale Tooth has performed in Ottawa. The last time was at The Rainbow Bistro.

Onto The Balconies, as usual, they performed their usual tunes and one new song. The same style and energy being brought to the crowd. Towards the end, Jacquie did a solo song which amazed the crowd and myself since it was brought a different part to their performances. I don’t know if I mentioned it before but what I like with The Balconies is their parents fully supporting them as they are they to root for them.

Photos are now on my Flickr account, you can click here.
Overall, The Balconies were great and hopefully they will do well in Toronto. Keep up the good work.
Even though I enjoyed the concert, I got so distracted with the new iPod nano (5th generation) because I was trying to test out the video camera. So far, I can’t post the ones I recorded at The Blacksheep Inn because of sound issues. Here’s one of the clips;

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXJvRKvoqNw&hl=en&fs=1&]
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August Extra #3 – i(heart)music festival With Oh No Forest Fires, Modernboys Moderngirls, The Love Machine and The Balconies

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The Balconies at i(heart)music festival
I decided to blog another Summer entry and it’s nearing a fifth series/season because this person lit a fire under me because this person enjoys reading my live music entries. The hint is this person works for the Ceeb #2 (in Radio). That’s all I will get into, but thanks! (Hope you read it). With the fifth season looming may come a name change for the blog due to the fact that I am not really traveling around the world.
On Friday night, I checked out the i(heart)music festival at Cafe Dekcuf for The Love Machine and The Balconies. I am familiar with those two Ottawa bands because my brother is good friends with them. What’s nice is that both bands are great friends with each other. It’s good to see connections from one another.
For anyone who doesn’t know about i(heart)music, it is by an Ottawa-based music blogger who writes and promotes up and coming Canadian indie singers and bands. It’s more like giving them exposure and bringing good music to the Nation’s Capital and throughout Canada.

The First Two Bands – Oh No Forest Fires and Modernboys Moderngirls
There were two other bands I got to check out who were on the bill. First up was Oh No Forest Fires, they started off with a wild and rocking set and during their performance, the lead singer of Oh No Forest Fires made jokes about Jerry Seinfeld in Ottawa. What was even funny during their performance was their mic stand kept falling off and one almost hit my head. That was a close call and would of knocked myself silly. What’s also surprising is the lead singer is the brother to one of the members of Hey Rosetta.
You can check the photos here via Flickr.

Onto Modernboys Moderngirls, I missed the first part due to interviewing the members of Oh No Forest Fire. They’re a new band and they performed to a great rocking set.
You check the photos here via Flickr.

The Beloved Two Ottawa Bands
How could I not say about returning Bandwidth host, Amanda Putz’s favorite Ottawa band, The Love Machine. They totally rocked and energized the crowd for their performance. At one point of their set, Jacquie and a friend were doing the robo dance and it was funny part to their performance. They announced that they will be doing their first music videos and needing females to be part of it and there were some jokes included, which I won’t say.
You check The Love Machine photos here via Flickr.

Last, but not least, The Balconies. Prior to arriving early, I decided to hang out with Jacquie and Liam for some food. Went to a Thai restaurant and I only ordered shrimp spring rolls. The worse part was that I didn’t stay for all of their performance because of a lousy bus service in Ottawa. I only stayed for about 10 minutes to hear their usual rockin’ songs. They still rocked out pretty late and even a good turnout. There were worries about the turnout due to Jerry Seinfeld at the NAC, Ottawa Folk Festival and Britney Spears at Scotiabank Place. Overall, things were pretty good for a Friday night at Cafe Deckuf.
You check the The Balconies photos here via Flickr.

That was my Friday and now onto Joel Plaskett at Ottawa Folk Festival for Sunday (Aug. 23).

August Extra #2 – Horses Spilled Milk and Guest Hosting for Kristal’s Method

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View From The Tay River in Perth, Ontario
I know the photo is not really linked to this particular entry but I mentioned at the start of Horses Spilled Milk that I went to Perth, Ontario on Saturday for 2 lion dance performances. Check the 2009 Summer page for the short entry. I had to sub in for co-host for the beginning of the show because he was running late. I was basically a lifesaver for Horses Spilled Milk and Kristal’s Method.
Halfway through Horses Spilled Milk, there was a classic 80s song played and the hint; The Breakfast Club, directed by the late John Hughes.

Afterwards, I unexpectedly decided to guest host Kristal’s Method because Kristal wasn’t around. I had to scramble and figure out what songs to play. I had help from Armen of Thematics at CKCU-FM at the first host break. This time, I totally played 100% Canadian independent music.
Note: Audio for both shows are no longer available to listen.
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Young Rival with The Balconies and The Bicycles on Thursday – S04E04

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I can’t believe I did not create a good title for this entry. I want to write that I went to the Young Rival with The Balconies (of Ottawa) and The Bicycles on Thursday night at Zaphod Beeblebrox. I gotta say that all three bands were great. The Balconies had full of energy to start off as the opening act. Plus, it was also Jacquie Neville’s (the lead singer and guitarist) birthday. The Bicycles had a musical style simliar to The Beach Boys or The Monkeys which had a fun Pop feel. Even though they had a short set due to time, it was still enjoyable. Last but not least, Young Rival were totally rocking the house at Zaphod’s. It’s another week where another band still rememebring me from the previous gig. It was my second time to see Young Rival while it was the first time my bro got to see them live. Here’s the photo from above with all of the members of Young Rival. Also in that photo, you will see me with new glasses and no more browning from my glasses as I don’t have Transitions. I know it’s a very minor detail.
Unfortunately, I did not take any photos for the concert on Thursday night.

Oh yeah, a funny story before going to Zaphod’s, I was at Chapters and I somehow saw Liberal MP and former Ontario Premier (NDP), Bob Rae. There wasn’t a mob mentality or anyone approaching him thanking him for being elected.

What are my plans for this weekend? I don’t have a clue whatsoever. I got this exam testing for Saturday all day. I hope I can pass it.
Seeya!

The Flick Off Express in Ottawa – S04S03

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This afternoon, I decided to check out the Flick Off Express down at Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa. It was an event to raise awareness on climate change. Musical acts who performed were Spiral Beach and The Constantines. Guests on hand were Gill Deacon and David Suzuki. I enjoyed the event except that it was a bit chilly out and I carried a small bag for the camera. I didn’t expect to get some free goodies like an aluminum water bottle and an enviromental package from Flick Off. Trust me, this is a good cause to go for because the environment is a priority to everyday lives in Canada and abroad. Photos from the event are also on my Flickr account, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157608148500002/. There’s a photo of myself and David Suzuki in the Flickr set. Enjoy!

Said The Whale and Dan Mangan at Mercury Lounge – S3E23

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Last night, I went to the Mercury Lounge for the Dan Mangan with Said The Whale concert. It was an excellent concert because I usually listen to them on CBC Radio 3 and getting to talk to members of Said The Whale were nice and cool. If it wasn’t for Amanda Putz appearing, she wouldn’t reveal that I am one of the blog posters on R3’s website.
There were some funny moments during Said The Whale’s performance, as the lead singer’s glass water was spilled and then his beer “exploded.” Later on, the keyboardist’s glockenspiel fell. My own funny moment, towards the end of Dan Mangan’s performance, there was a standing ovation and I was trying to stand up but fell back on the couch but got back up. The photo on top is with three members of Said The Whale.
Here’s the link of photos from Flick, [Link]