Toronto – Part 1 of Stacey’s highlights from NXNE.
Best ‘NXNE Special Guest’ show
Yukon Blonde at the Rivoli. My first experience with this band was for an afternoon set at Hillside last year – and honestly, I just couldn’t get into their sound that was a bit heavy for the afternoon, and was interfering with my happy, hippie Hillside vibe. However, at one in the morning, on the first night of NXNE, they blew my socks off. With a sound that is evocative of a heavy 70’s classic folk rock, their music is somehow still modern, and perfect for dancing along to all at once. From the audience sing-along to Wind Blows, the jumping and screaming that came when they broke into Brides Song, and just the sheer love that they were having at performing, these guys really set the tone for an amazing weekend.
Yukon Blonde – Wind Blows by DawsonCityMusicFestival
Best drop-in surprise
Paper Thick Walls at the Painted Lady. I was actually going to see Ketch Harbour Wolves (who also put on a fantastic set), and happened upon this great 5-piece from Chicago. Each member of this multitalented band contributed hugely to the great sound coming off of the tiny crowded stage. Kate’s vocals (a bit reminiscent of Basia Bulat) harmonized beautifully with Eric’s lovely co-lead, not to speak of her addition on piano and trumpet. Eric on guitar and Andrew on drums were flawless, while Jacques mixing it up between the fiddle, mandolin and guitar added a quality that put this band a step above the average. Finally, it was Roger, on the upright base that won me over. Second only to the cello (which I will learn to play one day), if you mix an upright base with a great indie sound, you’ve hooked me. Next time these guys come to town, you should certainly try to catch them.
Paper Thick Walls – Orange Tree by beatsurrender
Worst drop-in surprise
The Star Department at the Cameron House. Oh boy. Their tone was off, their timing was off, their audience interaction was bad, and their songs, well, let’s just say were not my taste. I felt somehow transported back to a garage in the ‘90’s where I would watch some of my high school guy friends practice, so I could crush on the cute one with the blue spiky hair. Had it not been for the great pint of beer, I wouldn’t have seen the end of this set.
Best accessory for NXNE
The answer is certain – my bicycle. Jumping around between shows at the Rivoli & Horseshoe, the Music Gallery, Kensington, and the Ossington strip, my new shiny bike meant that I was no more than maybe 12 minutes between venues. The best way to get around at NXNE is on a bike.
Best picnic show
The CBC radio 3 (Moniski) picnic in Trinity-Bellwoods Park with Wayne Petti (Cuff the Duke) and Matt Barber. Maybe it was the perfect weather, maybe the lovely acoustic stylings, maybe the surprise appearance of Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club, etc) for a couple tunes, maybe winning a free copy of Grant Lawrence’s book which he signed for me… or maybe it’s just that Matt Barber doesn’t even need to play music – I could watch that guy do math for hours… Whatever it was, it was the perfect start to a full Saturday.
