Photos: Tamara Lee
Well 2012 has been a busy year so far, with lots of variety and too many pictures to stay up to date…. so, what have you been missing? Well, let me tell you!
Most recently, I was out this last weekend checking out some newer and cutting edge bands, Veronica Falls from England and Grimes from Montreal… but you will have to wait a few days for those ones. Prior to that, I was out enjoying another British Band and long time favorite over at the Electric Owl….
Los Campesinos!
We expect energetic pop music at it’s best; and they did not disappoint, tearing up the crowd into a right sweaty state.
Apparently, as Gareth explained, their first show in Van was with local favorites, You Say Party! He also told us that we’re a favorite city to come to, nicknaming us “Couver” and cooing at us with proper English cheekiness in between songs.
Well, Campes, we like you too!
PHOTOS HERE
If you are not familiar, well why not? It’s time to have a listen!
Rhythm City Mess Around
Ever see the movie Swingers? (Of course you have!) Wonder what that scene is all abut when Jon Favreau meets Heather Graham in some hip underground bar, where men in zoot suits rhythmically toss around ladies in twirly dresses, while the jazz band cries “Go Daddy-O!”…?
Well, it is just some hollywood fantasy… this type of thing is happening now too! And better yet, it’s happening frequently around our town, right here in Vancouver!
Yes, there is a whole culture of swing dancing enthusiasts out regularily at bars and halls around the lower mainland. This community is also connected to many other cities far and wide, and once tapped in, you can find out where to dance all over North America, or meet people visiting from out of town. And the best part is this friendly scene is open to all, just based one one stipulation- you just gotta love to dance.
So if you think it’s the bees knees, like we do, check out our review of last month’s dance weekender RCMA.
PHOTOS HERE
Taboo Sex Show
Hundreds of curious couples, career voyeurs and college kids came out to the convention center to see how the other side is playing. And there was much to see including sexy clothing, pole dancing demos, toys, jungle gyms, fetish devices, instructional seminars (given by porn stars?), burlesque and drag queen acts… if you can think it, it was there. In a shoulder to shoulder crowd, eyes were wide and people tried hard not to trip over their dragging jaws.
It may have been many’s idea of a fun Saturday night, (especially being toga night which seemed to account for the college crowd) but overall the whole thing just kinda seemed over the top and a little ‘put on’. More so for me, since my press badge and large camera seemed to attract those looking for their break through close up or hostile visitors ashamed that they were caught (publicly) in such a scene. But at least the vendors were mostly of good humour creating a comical atmosphere, complete with the vagina game (contestants throw sperm shaped bean bags into an eight foot vagina to win a prize!)
After seeing it once I don’t know if I would attend again; but despite not being my scene, I can’t blame anyone else for being curious… and if you wanted to but didn’t make it, well lucky for you the press was invited..
PHOTOS/ARTICLE HERE
CONCRETE BLONDE
Nearly three decades after their inception, Johnette Napolitano proved that girls (still do) completely rock. The lights were dim and the press was forced to a birds eye view (on the Rickshaw balcony); but despite the distance we could hear that she still has the chops to be as badass as she ever was, telling us that she still longs for the return of Joey…. (baby)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y6vc49unAc
For a 3 piece band that has had 3 drummers and 3 reunions in 30 years, they certainly proved that they were more than just a comeback special. They may have faced some career hardships but when they took the stage it was sultry and alluring with the sharp edge of live rock music. Always nice to see that a returning act has still got it.
PHOTOS HERE
CITY AND COLOUR
It was a mellow atmosphere and the Queen Elizabeth. The fans stayed properly seated and attentive for Canadian folk sensation, City and Colour. And although I never had the pleasure of seeing them, this must be a far cry from what Dallas Green was used to from his days with Alexisonfire. Nevertheless, the enthusiastic cheers could be heard between songs. During we floated alongside the acoustic and slide guitars, enjoying a nice relaxing grass roots atmosphere.
PHOTOS HERE