Constellation Festival: Day Two -- 07/27/19

Day Two of the Constellation Festival went off with mostly clear skies, and not the rain that was threatened by the forecast (to at least one pale person's chagrin), with an eclectic mix of music throughout the day.

Fred Penner - Christine McAvoy Photography

A crowd gathered early in the day for Fred Penner, with a collection of all ages; kids as well as adults with a nostalgia for the classic children's entertainer. And Fred clearly knows his audience, slipping a Monty Python reference in to one of his songs.
Penner had the kids (and, let's face it, most of the adults) singing and miming along to songs about celebrating differences and just generally being a good person. He was also joined by a few special guests for "Sandwiches", festival director and general all-around superhero Tamara Stanners, as well as Badgerchild and Valor Grey for backup vocals. Valor Grey also then performed her song "Phoenix" with the ensemble, before Fred ended his set with the perennial favourite "The Cat Came Back". And in yet another nod to his varied fanbase, he slipped in a medley of songs from Ray Charles, The Turtles, and even k-os.

Sam Lynch - Christine McAvoy Photography

Next on the Creative BC stage was Sam Lynch and her band, including Stephanie Chatman on violin. Sam’s voice lilted throughout the festival grounds carrying her soft, singer/songwriter sound. Her set started soft, and slowly built in intensity, with songs like "Off The Rails" growing to a heartfelt finish.

Art d’Ecco - Christine McAvoy Photography

Next over on the main stage was one of the the wildest turns they could get to follow Fred Penner: Art d'Ecco.
Adorned in a grey jumpsuit and gold boots, Art d'Ecco started off with "Never Tell", bringing the energy up with their glam rock. I had, for some reason, not had a chance to check them out up until now and was kicking myself for waiting this long, won over by songs like the haunting "Nobody's Home". There was an effortless presence, both singing, bantering and joking with the crowd between songs, and I am definitely
going to make sure to check out more from them in the future.

I caught most of The Sunset Kids while taking advantage of the food cart area. Their synth rock and split vocals drove big, grandiose songs like "Brave" and their upcoming single, which I think was called "Volcano" and sounded like it could be a huge radio hit. Though I have to take issue with the fact that they were playing at 5pm with the sun bright in the sky.

Jocelyn Alice was up next on the main stage. With an incredible voice propping up her soulful, poppy songs, she amassed a growing crowd of people. Some clearly already fans and, from the response, more than a few new ones as well. Songs ranged from the sultry "Jackpot" to the absolutely heartbreaking piano-driven song called "You're The Worst", before ending with a little Hustler-themed mashup of Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Foxwarren - Christine McAvoy Photography

Next over at the side stage was Foxwarren, the latest project from Andy Shauf. Their chill, downtempo indie rock was highlighted by songs like the infectious "Everything Apart", but I think the timing of the set was a bit of a detriment to the band. Playing smack dab in the middle of the day, I feel like their moody vibes would be better suited to a dark and smoky venue at night, rather than in direct, intense sunlight. Especially when the last song of their set ended with an extended jam. I didn't dislike the set by any means, but I definitely would have appreciated it a lot more in a different setting.

Peach Pit - Christine McAvoy Photography

Luckily Peach Pit was next on stage to get the energy back up. Dressed in various pastel and primary colours, they kicked off with their single "Being So Normal", hair swinging wildly as they played.
They kept the energy up throughout the set, with a smattering of new songs like "Psychics in LA", telling the story behind the song about an actual psychic in LA who didn't have a great reading for singer Neil Smith's friend's cat. They also played “old” favourites like "Drop The Guillotine", and finished off with a rousing cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl"

Back to the side stage was Shad, no stranger to playing Squamish festival(s). He started off with "The Fool pt. 1 (Get it Got it Good)" as his unmatched charisma drove the set full of hits and favourites, like the rapid-fire "Stylin'", which ended with a powerful freestyle, and recent single "Magic".
Other highlights included the best song ever written about saving money, "The Old Prince Still Lives At Home"; and "Fam Jam (Fe Sum Immigrins)" a song that is (sadly) as relevant, if not more, today than it was when it first came out 6 years ago. I haven’t seen Shad play in a few years, it feels like, so it was definitely a treat, and one of the highlights of the festival so far.

Shad- Christine McAvoy Photography

A Tribe Called Red then hit the main stage, with some unfortunate news to start the set, saying that one of the performers that was supposed to share the stage with them was profiled by the RCMP, and removed from the festival earlier that day. But they were not going to let that stop them as they started off with "We Are the Halluci Nation", the soul-thumping-bass pounding throughout the grounds.
Admittedly, I am not that into dance-electronica music (Christine was having a great time), but I can absolutely recognize how good they are at what they do, as the growing mass of people (and Christine) dancing proved. In addition to their music, they also put on a very engaging live show, with the various dancers and performers they have on stage, many in traditional or ceremonial garb.

A Tribe Called Red - Christine McAvoy Photography

Much like the previous day, I wasn't sure how anyone was going to follow that, when the attention turned to the final act of the night on the side-stage, multi-instrumentalist Cosmo Mandrake. He had a really cool and chill electronica sound, that didn't nearly match the energy of ATCR, but was more of a calm break between two storms. Throughout the set he was joined by a few people, local singer Andrea Vargas for the song "Rich" (who was on the recording, but they had never got to play live together), and then during the final song, he was joined by some backup dancers in large sunflower outfits.

And finally, closing out the night was Jessie Reyez, her first live show in a couple months, since as she put it “fucking her back up”. I did end up taking off early for the evening, but caught the first few songs of her brash and unapologetic hip hop, as she had the crowd in the palm of her hand, dancing, jumping (much to her management’s chagrin), and even raising middle fingers at her command.

Jessie Reyez - Christine McAvoy Photography

Which brings us to the third and final day of the fest, which will feature Bahamas, Begonia, Half Moon Run, Wintersleep, and loads more. And again, keep an eye out for Christine's daily photo recaps (including ones from Day 2 - click here)!

Constellation Festival: Day One -- 07/26/19

The first ever Constellation Festival kicked off last night, rising from the ashes of Live @ Squamish and the Squamish Valley Music Festival. The inaugural edition took place at on the same grounds, at Hendrickson Field, with a beautiful mountainous backdrop, especially over the main stage.

Christine and I arrived to scout the grounds as Sarah Macdougall sang a cover of "Ramble On" by Zeppelin, as I took in the setup; a large field with two stages at either end --- bands alternated so there was no bleed in music, and you were never too far from the next act. There was also a selection of food carts, and a nice row of local vendors in the middle of the grounds.

The Boom Booms - Christine McAvoy Photography

The first full act I saw was The Boom Booms (evidently the rumours of their demise were somewhat exaggerated). Their upbeat and fun soulful sound was a great way to get the day rocking as the crowd flowed through the gates.

Parker Bossley - Christine McAvoy Photography

Next on the side stage was Parker Bossley, former frontman for the Gay Nineties. His solo material was similar to the band, with a bit more of a pop bent, like the synth-fuelled "LIfted". Parker has always had a captivating energy on stage, and this was no different as he oozed charisma throughout the set.

Fast Romantics were next over on the main stage, starting hot with a broken string on the very first song, "Why We Fight". Six members large, they had a big, boisterous indie pop sound, blasting through songs ranging from the slower ballad "Mexico" to the blaring fun of "Julia".

Fast Romantics - Christine McAvoy Photography

I caught a bit of Daysormay from Vernon while getting a bite to eat, with their eclectic alternative indie sound, before Dear Rouge took to the main stage. They hit the stage mostly dressed in all black, with Danielle McTaggart also adorned in a flowing black & white robe and giant silver spaceboots. With said robe flowing in the wind, they immediately launched into "Modern Shakedown" from their most recent album Phases.
Every time I see them, I feel like they've levelled up, and this time was no different, as Danielle stalked the stage with incredible swagger, her voice ringing through the valley. And of course not forgetting Drew McTaggart ripping it up on guitar, and the rest of the band holding their own.
They went through their catalogue of hits, including "Boys and Blondes" and "Best Look Lately", as well as "Black to Gold" which had a pyrotechnic element, as Danielle brought out a purple smoke flare.
After an incredible cover of "North American Scum" by LCD Soundsystem, they transitioned into "I Heard I Had" with Danielle jumping into the crowd, literally in the faces of the people in the first few rows, before running back on stage. And somehow after that, they still had one song in them, finishing off with "Live Through The Night"

Dear Rouge - Christine McAvoy Photography

Dear Rouge - Christine McAvoy Photography

Dear Rouge - Christine McAvoy Photography

Scenic Route To Alaska - Christine McAvoy Photography

They put on a set that proved they shouldn't be doing anything except closing out the night on festivals like this, because when they were done, I was spent and practically ready to go. Which might be part of the reason I only caught bits and pieces of the last two acts, getting tied up in a conversation while Scenic Route to Alaska played the second stage — through a few times their catchy indie rock pulled my attention, including songs like the driving "Paris".

Serena Ryder - Christine McAvoy Photography

And finally, it was Serena Ryder closing out the night. She started off hot with "Stompa", her powerful voice carrying to the mountains. But thanks to a bit of rain and a lot of bugs, I decided to save my skin for the next day, and let the sounds of Serena serenade the walk back to the hotel.

Day two of the festival features Fred Penner, Foxwarren, Shad, Peach Pit, A Tribe Called Red, and loads more, and keep an eye out for Christine's daily photo recaps!

Sam Roberts Band & Basia Bulat @ Vancouver Folk Music Festival -- 07/20/19

This year marked the 42nd annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, though sadly I was only able to make it for one evening this year. But on the positive side, that evening had the two acts I most wanted to see playing back-to-back!

I arrived Saturday evening and walked the grounds a bit (sad that the stand I get a frozen banana from each year seemed to be missing this time around) before heading to the main stage for Basia Bulat. With flower-adorned mic stands, Basia and her backing band -- which included Vancouver's own Colin Cowan -- started off the set with "La La Lie", the lead off track for her most recent album, Good Advice.
From there, she weaved through a set of folky, chamber-pop songs, jumping from keys to her acoustic guitar. Songs ranged from the soaring "Tall Tall Shadow" to the darker and sombre "Someday Soon", with Bulat a ball of energy on stage, even dancing and twirling around when not on mic.
Aside from her own music, she slipped in a couple covers from Canadian legends, "Moonshot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie, as well as Joni Mitchell's "People's Parties". Other highlights included one of my favourites, the amazing intensity of "Infamous", and "Fool", which ended the set as a beautiful spotlight for her incredible voice as the sun set.

Not long after, Canadian Tuxedos filled the stage as Sam Roberts Band made their entrance. I don't know if it was their "festival set", but they started off hot with "Detroit '67" and from there just played a steady stream of hit after hit, giving a good reminder of both the longevity and musical depth of Sam Roberts.
Classics like "Where Have All The Good People Gone?" and "Hard Road" had the crowd joining in on the chorus, while everyone -- including the usually-seated middle section -- danced to ragers "Fixed To Ruin" and "Them Kids".
After a solid hour, they played right up to the 11pm curfew, capping off the night with the breakthrough hit "Brother Down", turning another giant singalong, which even ended with Sam jumping off the stage and into the photo pit to mingle with the crowd while the band jammed out (I think even slipping in other songs, as I'm positive I heard a bit of "Wicked Game" in there). It was the perfect ending not only to the set, but to the evening of the folk festival.

It's been a few years since I last saw Sam Roberts Band play live, and it was a great reminder why they should, if not already, be considered Canadian Rock Royalty.

Basia Bulat setlist
La La Lie
Time
Good Advice
Five, Four
Heart of My Own
Moonshot [Buffy Sainte-Marie cover]
Someday Soon
In The Name Of
People's Parties [Joni Mitchell cover]
[New song]
Tall Tall Shadow
Infamous
Fool

Sam Roberts Band setlist
Detroit '67
Shapeshifters
Fixed to Ruin
Where Have All The Good People Gone?
Metal Skin
If You Want It
Climb Over Me
Hard Road
Them Kids
Brother Down

Skye Wallace @ Wise Hall -- 07/09/19

With her new self-titled album released last month (and newly on vinyl, too!) Skye Wallace returned to Vancouver to show off her new songs in front of a Tuesday-night crowd at the WISE Hall.

Opening the night was BB, a band I had been hearing about for a while, but hadn't had the chance to see perform yet, so I was glad they were supporting. The duo of Bella Bébé and Megan Magdalena took the stage in matching white gowns & boots, and launched into a highly energetic and rocking set. From chill, surf-rock vibes to venue-rattling screams, they drew the crowd in with songs like "Nu Blu" and "Drowning", both from their recently-released 7”. The pair also bantered between songs, more often than not seeming like they were just trying to make each other laugh, giving it a loose & comfortable feel.
Part way through the set they mentioned it was their last show for a while, as they'll be recording for the summer, so I am looking forward to hearing more from them in the future.

It wasn't long before Skye Wallace hit the stage, joined by some familiar faces in her backing band, including Jasper Sloan Yip. With a fan directly below her, blowing her hair wildly throughout the set, Skye & the band started off with, ironically, the last song on the album, the dark and moody "Suffering For You".
From there, the set ranged from the haunting "Stand Back" to the soaring "Death of Me", as Wallace spun stories based on Canadian history, including the powerful intensity of "Swing Batter" -- written about the 1911 trail of Angelina Napolitano. And while Skye focused on the recent release, she also slipped in some older tunes, like "Mean Song 2" and the burning hot "Scarlet Fever".
With a knowing wink, she "ended" the set with the frenetic "Coal In My Window" before returning moments later, alone at first, to play a band new song which she introduced as "almost" the first love song she's written. From there the band rejoined her for a couple more, ending the night in the most raucous way possible, with the frenzied "Blood Moon".

I’ve seen Skye Wallace play many times over the past six years or so, and I can easily say this was the best she’s ever been. That, combined with the strong new album, leave no doubt that she’s at the top of her game right now, and I’m already looking forward to hearing what’s next.

setlist
Suffering For You
There Is A Wall
Death of Me
Mean Song 2
Stronghold
Scarlet Fever
Swing Batter
Always Sleep With A Knife
Body Lights The Way
Coal in my Window
(encore)
[New Song]
Stand Back
Blood Moon

Tim Baker @ Commodore -- 06/01/19

When Hey Rosetta! broke up a few years back, to say I was sad was an understatement. They were among my favourites, and always blew me away with their live shows. A few times even overshadowing the band they were opening for. So when frontman Tim Baker announced his solo album Forever Overhead, and subsequent Vancouver stop on his tour, I was equal parts excited (for the new music) and nervous (it wouldn’t live up to the full band).

Sadly I missed both opening acts, Titus Calderbank and Charlotte Cornfield, getting to the Commodore just before Tim Baker took the stage, joined by his backing band. He started off on the piano with a couple songs from the new album, including the melancholic “Dance”, before jumping to guitar, and even banjo, rotating through the three instruments throughout the night. His unmatched voice went from emotionally fragile lows to passionate soaring highs on songs like “Pools” and the absolutely heartwrenching piano-driven lament “The Eighteenth Hole”. Baker also brought out some Hey Rosetta! favourites, with stripped down versions of “Welcome”, which sent chills throughout, even without everyone singing along; the breathtaking “Bandages”; and the deep cut “Red Song”.

Near the end of the set he invited a few people on stage for the appropriately named “All Hands”, including Charlotte Cornfield, members of Yukon Blonde & Said the Whale, and Dan Mangan, who all lent their pipes to backup vocals — Mangan even taking over for a verse. Baker joked that for some reason, they still had a song after that, ending the main set with “Don’t Let Me Go Yet”, another apt song which was written in the waning days of Hey Rosetta.

Of course, he was out for the encore moments later, taking the piano once again for “Two Mirrors”, which featured one of my favourite (but weirdly specific and somewhat rare) things to see live. Halfway through the song, Baker lost his place simply because he was so surprised at the audience singing along. The song was so new, and it had never happened before, he said, before quickly regained himself and nailing the rest of the song. Finally, he finished off with another gorgeous Hey Rosetta, song, “A Thousand Suns”, before once again thanking us for coming, visibly overwhelmed by everyone’s support.

But, that support did not end there, as the crowd was relentless, continuing to clap and cheer and stomp (and I think a few people even singing) which prompted what I think was a rare legitimate encore. Baker came back on stage, alone at first, for the perennial favourite “Red Heart” before being joined by everyone else that was on stage that night, singing along for a moment I won’t be sure to forget any time soon.

Any worries I had about Tim Baker not living up to the Hey Rosetta live shows were almost immediately quashed, and this show is bound to be one of my favourites & most memorable come the end of the year.

setlist
Dance
Strange River
Hideaway
Kintsukuroi
Spirit
Pools
Welcome
The Eighteenth Hole
Red Song
Bandages
Our Team 
All Hands
Don’t Let Me Go Yet
(encore)
Two Mirrors
A Thousand Suns
(real encore)
Red Heart