It was that time of the month again...Frankie Foo's monthly gig at Grossman's Tavern. I showed up really late for them tonight, but was still able to catch a decent amount of music, as these guys play all night. I didn't enjoy myself as much as last time, but I think that had more to do with me being so late, and the band being near the end of the night. Although I didn't enjoy myself as much as last time, I still had a great time. These guys are a lot of fun, and will guarantee to leave you satisfied.

The Blue Jackets, are anything but ska, but a friend asked me to take pictures for her, and I figured why not put them up on my site as well. For those of you that don't know, the Blue Jackets are a jazz-funk band that is part of the Humber Music program. There was 3 sets I believe, which each being quite enjoyable. It was a nice change to attend a concert that wasn't ska. Not only were the singers easy on your ears, they were easy on the eyes as well. I had a great time, and would definitely attend another show like this one.

Tonight was a night of mixed feelings from this show. The bands played absolutely amazing, but 2 fuckers decided to ruin it for many. Although some people, including bands, appreciated Phil going up on stage and "singing" into the microphone, I was not of them. If you are going to drink that much to not know what you are doing, don't come to shows. The other guy was going around and punching people in the circle pit. Who does that?

I was blown away by Buda Funk Munk. The differences for me from the last time I saw them was night and day. I can't really explain it more than I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them tonight. They played really well, and the crowd danced up a storm for them. I can't wait to hear some of their soon to be recorded material.

So I had seen the Johnstones for 3 or 4 weeks straight now? This show was much like the first 2, full of energy, and exactly what I was expecting from them. They have started to come (if you haven't noticed by now) one of my favourite live acts. They continue to rock your socks off again, and again. The crowd reacted just as favourably to them.

Next up was Keepin' 6. I hadn't seen these boys for awhile. I think it was Skafest was the last time I saw them, and they played just as well on this night as they did at did at Skafest. These guys are a really tight and talented band that will definitely be around awhile, if they so choose to be. If they keep on playing Toronto shows, they gain the respect and following that they have from their home town of Mississauga in no time.

Green Division is another band which I haven't seen for a long time. Unfortunately, I missed a few songs from their set while I was upstairs checking out Chris Collins' performance. When I came back to the venue, the crowd was exactly how I left them, full on skanking. Green Division played a rockin' set, and it was good to see them again.

The Heatskores finished off the night nicely. Thanks to Eddie, one of the fuckers mentioned above was thrown off stage. I completely enjoyed it, and my only wish, was that another band had done it sooner. A member of Keepin' 6 who had yet to see The Heatskores before was blown away by them, and it is not much of a surprise why. These guys play with more energy than any other band, well they give The Johnstones a run for their money, but it is too close to call. This was probably the biggest crowd I have seen for The Heatskores at a Toronto show, and the crowd was dancing for them, as much as they were for any of the other bands. They were a perfect band to finish off a long night of good ska music.

A-hoy hoy kiddies! It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything and for this, I am greatly sorry. I blame this absence on the Psychology Department at York University, who decided to swallow the last three months of my life. Alas, it all ended this past week so now I actually have the time to write at my leisure and attend some really great shows.

My very first free-from-the-constraints-of-school show-in-2005 happened to be an acoustic show hosted by ontariopunk.com, which took place at Holy Joe’s this past Saturday, April 23. There was another great ska show happening downstairs at the Kathedral, but I decided to capture every minute of the Holy Joe’s show, rather than hopping from one show to another.

When I arrived, I managed to catch the last two songs of the band called Play Oliver. From what I could tell from the short amount of time that I saw them, they were pretty good. However, to be quite honest, I really can’t remember anything else.

Joel and Anne hit the stage next. I’ve seen Joel perform many times before both as part of a band and by himself but this is the first time that his fiancée Anne performed with him throughout the entire set. During previous shows, she would just join him as a special guest during a few songs. Anyway, the performance wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. Joel is a great guitarist and can sign somewhat decently if you catch him on a good day. Anne radiates on stage and can sing some notes that I know I’ll never be able to reach. However, together they clash. The harmonies were off and they chose to play some songs that didn’t quite match the mood of the evening. Although it didn’t sound the greatest, they always look like they’re having a good time on stage, which makes it worthwhile to watch. Individually they’re great but together it can sometimes sound like nails on a chalkboard.

Something magical always happens whenever Chris Collins hits the stage. Everyone in the audience goes from chit-chatting to completely silent. It is completely amazing how quickly this process happens. Chris Collins has gained so much respect from many show-goers in the Toronto area, both due to his performing and song-writing skills for the Cheap Suits, and for his solo act. His voice can literally create chills down your back, and tears in your eyes. He started off the set with a Green Day cover, which brought the biggest smile to my face. He then gracefully moved into some of his own songs, including “Rooftops”, which is a personal favourite of mine and “Sing the Blues” which was a preview for the new Cheap Suits EP. His soulful voice instantly created the perfect atmosphere and set the stage for a memorable night for everyone. I managed to obtain a copy of Chris’ newly recorded “lo-fi” solo disc, which sounds incredible. You know there’s talent involved when the basement recording sounds just as great as mixed recordings.

Last up was Birchview Park Symphonic. I first saw this band about 6 months ago and liked them instantly. They have a certain sound that is unlike no other in the local Toronto scene. Utilizing various instruments, they’re sound is fresh and unique, with the male and female vocalist sounding fantastic together. However, the horns spoil the sound and make it harsher than it should be. It could be just because it was an acoustic show and having loud horns playing in a small venue ruins the mood or it could be that the horns are just too loud for their soft sound. The horn section either needs to get tighter, or decreased. I really regret not picking up a copy of their c.d.

Michael: Thanks for playing You Won't Say It for me Chris.....even if you didn't dedicate it to me.

I've been hounded by one of the band members that I had to come to Hamilton to check them out. After several months, there was finally a show that worked out nicely for me to attend. It was a weird set up for a show in the sense it was a matinee show. It had to be over by 9 I believe.

The Jolly Rogers fulfilled my expectations. I knew they were a young band, but they actually played much better than most other younger bands that I have seen. I really like the horn section in the band. It was weird to see the band dynamics, as 3 of their members seemed to be full of energy and moving around, while 3 others seemed content with not moving much and just grooving to the music they were producing. I found myself dancing to a few songs, while others just couldn't seem to find an approprite rythem for dancing. These guys show a lot of promise and I've love to hear them a year from now, and also their new album they just finished recording.

Thanks to the guys for starting up a ska scene in Hamilton and keep up the good work.

After getting lost three times with The Makeshift Heroes on the way up there, we finally arrived at the show. Unfortunately we had missed Explosure opening set. After quickly setting up their gear The Makeshift Heroes went on. They opend with Demons, which I have said before, and I'll say it again, is an amazing song. I have also said before that I like how it gets the crowd into their set, but at the same time for fans that have seen them many times, it is a song I think I'd rather see at the end and look forward to dancing to. I know, I'm being too picky. The rest of their set was really good. I always take a moment during their set and just realize how talented these guys are. I even saw a few of their Toronto friends that go to Guelph for school come out to the show and skank it up.

Unfortunately The Johnstones didn't sound on tonight. After seeing them twice in the past 2 weeks it was easier to pick out any mistakes they had. Every band has their bad days, so it is not like it is a big shock. NOt to say I didn't enjoy their set, but after being absolutely blown away the other two times, it was harder to enjoy their set as much as I enjoyed the first two. I am planning to see them next week...again, so I'm sure they will more than make up for it then.

Pink Belly closed off the night. I saw these guys about six months prior at a show in Kitchener-Waterloo. For some reason, I only enjoyed about half their songs this time around. I have no idea what it is, as they seemed to be playing well, but I just can't seem to explain it. They played a decent set, and I remember liking the last 3 or so songs a lot. Hopefully I'll enjoy their set more next time around.

Branko is by far one of the nicest people I have met through the ska community. Not only did he drive me all the way back to my house from Oakville, but he did the same on this night. I really can't thank the man enough. So, thank you.

After finding out this would be my only chance to catch these guys before I headed back to school, I knew I had to attend the show. Can't say that I'd be willing to travel 2 hours each way to catch a 30 minute set for many bands, but this is one of them.

They said they hadn't practiced for a month, but it was hard to tell that, as they sounded really good. No real obvious mistakes. After each time I see these guys I seem to like them more and more. They played the covers they usually play, and again, they did them well. I really like the David Hillyard cover they do. The Donuts said they are going to take a month off to write some new songs. Hopefully they will be ready for the show with JFK on the 29th.

I was told this show raised over $1300 for the Newmarket Ringers to go play a tournament in Montreal I believe. Congrats to all the bands that played, and made is possible. Lastly, the artwork in the hallways of this school, was just absolutely amazing.

So after hearing Hangin' On on Sugarkill's myspace, I figured I'd go check them out sometime. This show was actually being put on as part of a birthday celebration for a member of Fresh Meat.

King Minus opened up the show. They are a very polished punk band, that seems like they have been playing together for years. They were very fast, and heavy, although not initally not my type of sound, I found myself enjoying their set.

Sugarkill went on second. I have heard comparisons that they are like No Doubt. Can't really say I saw the connection though myself, other than a very attractive lead singer. The unfortunate part about their set was I was expecting a very heavy reggae-influenced type band mixed with a bit of punk. Instead it turned out to be the other way around. Not to say they didn't play well, as they really did, but I came to the show expecting a much different sound. They are good, and I'd be willing to check them out again.

Sorry to Fresh Meat for not taking any pictures, but it was getting late into the night and I had to get up early for work the next day.

After hearing that Sarnia was going to have a ska show, the first one in many, many years, I knew I had to at least try to attend the show. After a few emails back and forth I was able to hitch a ride with Explsoure. Much thanks to the parents who got us there and back safely. It was extremely windy and the safe travelling was much appreciated.

Explosure opened the show. Being a relative young band, I wasn't expecting a completely tight band that would dominate the crowd. They ended up being better than expected. They got the crowd moving. Although I noticed a few mistakes here and there, they sounded pretty decent. My only real problem I had with their set is it seemed almost too diverse in their sound from song-to-song. It would be interesting to see where these guys are in a year from now.

Next up was Sarnia's own, Over the Top. After listening to a few of their songs they made available online, again, I wasn't expecting much. They also ended up proving my expectations wrong. There was definitely songs that were alright, but there were a few I found really good. The crowd ate them up, which I wasn't surprised to see but am very glad Sarnia supports their local bands. Through the Looking Glass has a KILLER horn line. Just a completely different experience than the recorded copy they have. I really liked the singer's voice, and the drummer (it was apparenly his first show) was really talented. Thanks for putting on a great show guys.

The Johnstones blew away the crowd. End of story. I really don't need to write anymore, but will. This is one ska band everyone should see live. The energy they put out forces one to move, whether just grooving to the beat or making one get their skank on. Can't Tell is becoming one of my favourite ska songs. I like how they open with it to get everyone out on the dance floor. I'm sure they gained many fans on this night, and hopefully they will be able to play Sarnia again.

I unfortunately had to miss the sets of both Baked Fresh Daily, and Angry Agency. It is a shame as it seems like it had been awhile since I saw both of them, and was looking forward to their sets. I'm sure I will see them soon enough. Hopefully the crowd supported them as much as they supported the other bands.

Lastly, the venue has the BEST doorman ever. Really polite, and just had to mention it.