2005-11-18, The Docks - Toronto, ON

Due to certain circumstances and miscommunication, I did not receive a pass to let me past the barrier to take pictures. Sorry for the suckage, but it was the best I could do with my stalker lens.

I have only been to one other show where the permission to take pictures was as strict as it was at this show. Much respect to Big D and the Kids Table for assisting me in obtaining a press pass when no one else would.

I didn't have that enjoyable of a night, and thankfully (unfortunately?), it wasn't because of the bands' playing ability. Big D put on a great set. Full of energy, and a good mixture of new and older songs. The Dropkick Murphys are a big draw in Toronto, and since many of the kids at the show were there to see them, I was surprised to see as many people as I did get into Big D and the Kids Table, especially after hearing many people say "Who are they?" If Big D didn't win them over on this night, than they never will. A great show, by a great band. I hope David had a great night for his birthday.

Big D and the Kids Table (set 1)   Big D and the Kids Table (set 2)  


Comments (5)

(Posted 2006-01-05)

2005-11-05, Club Denim - Guelph, ON

NOTE: The pictures from this show were taken by Claudia Francescutti!

The Donuts, The Red Rockets, The Johnstones, The Flatliners and Catch22, the perfect mix of “ska punk and other junk”. Again, most of these bands are new to me, so seeing them was a pleasure. The crowd was shamefully small for such a great line-up, but the show was successful none-the-less.

The Donuts were up first easing into a night of Ska. The Donuts were took you to a place of pure delight. With their smooth and sultry sounds, they definitely set the mood for the rest of the evening.

Dressed in red, The Red Rockets picked up the pace a little with their energetic and rhythmic set. You could feel their excitement. The crowd fed off their enthusiasm and began a circle of skanks.

ACTION! The Johnstones were up next and their sets are never short of any action. Infused with music and the thrill of being on stage they gave a grade-A performance as usual. Their interaction with the crowd as well as each other was quite charming. By this time, everybody was pumped...

And if you weren’t pumped, the voice cracks, melodic bass, ripping chords and double kicks of the Flatliners were sure to have grabbed your attention. The Flatliners always provide you with in your face lyrics and high-speed action. With their mesmerizing set, the crowd was ready.

The end was near with Catch22 in sight. This is the first time I have seen Catch22 live and I was not all that impressed. But their die hard fans seemed to thoroughly enjoy the set. Although the crowd had dwindled a bit, Catch22 was still able to make them sweat and skank like nobody’s business.

The Donuts   The Red Rockets   The Johnstones   The Flatliners   Catch 22  


Comments (5)

(Posted 2005-12-30)

2005-11-04, Burlington YMCA - Burlington, ON

This was my first, and probably last Burlington show I will ever go to. Sorry to all the people that come from this city, I feel very sorry for you. I don't think I have ever seen that many kids stand there with their arms crossed, not doing anything. It was as if they had nothing better to do on a Friday night.

The first band that I got to see was Angry Angecy. I hadn't seen these boys in awhile, and it was about time I got to see them again. Unfortunately for them, not many people were dancing. That didn't stop them from putting on an amazing set. If you have ever seen these guys play, you know they rock out with their cocks whether it is 5 kids or 500 kids. I can't get enough of the energy these guys emit when they perform.

The softer, more poppy ska sound of The Knockouts got a few more people moving. They have added a new trumpet player to the band, and had a guest trombone player for the night. I think the trumpet adds to the sound they are going for, and made for an enjoyable set.

The Johnstones played yet another energetic set. Still didn't get a majority of the people moving, but what can you expect from the people of Burlington. I wasn't as into their set as I have been at other shows. I think it was due to the fact of them pulling out a lot more of their newer material, some of which I have only heard once before. Still had a blast though.

I ended up missing The Jolly Rogers due to the technical difficulties throughout the night. It is a shame, as they are now no longer a band.

Angry Agency   The Knockouts   The Johnstones  


Comments (14)

(Posted 2005-12-22)