NXNE Highlights Part 2 – Sheezer, Jenn Grant, Bruce Peninsula, Evening Hymns

Toronto – This is part 2 of Stacey’s NXNE highlights. For part one, click here.

Sweatiest show

Sheezer at Sneaky Dee’s. Without a doubt. We were completely jammed like sardines (they had to have been breaking fire code), primed for a good time after great sets from The Ruby Coast, Paper Lions and Great Bloomers. Every single person was an exuberant fan, joyfully singing every word to every song, jumping along so hard that it made the floor feel like it was going to fall out from under us, and contributing happily to the steam that made you feel like you were leaving a sauna at the end of the night.

Worst dancer ever

Some poor sad sap in a white tee-shirt at the same Sneaky Dee’s evening, who I am sure has given himself whiplash, dancing around as though he is having a seizure. At one point, gesturing emphatically along to the beat with waving gun fingers, he karate chopped his neighbour (a stranger) in the head.

Most endearing songstress

Jenn Grant at the Horseshoe. Despite the technical glitch at the beginning of her set that let us hear about her upcoming nuptials, and permitted the perfect timing for an unexpected collaborative number with Buck 65, Jenn in her usual way put on a lovely, upbeat and beautiful set that left the whole audience smiling.

Oh My Heart – Jenn Grant by joshuadj

Most lively show

The Bruce Peninsula at the Rivoli. For their first show after a hard break, The Bruce Peninsula put on an amazing set. Every member of this band was clearly throwing it all down on the stage, and the audience gave it right back to them, creating one of the most electric atmospheres of the weekend. The singing, dancing and stomping started immediately and lasted throughout the set. I left feeling somehow exhausted and invigorated all at once.

Steamroller by BrucePeninsula

Most poignant set

Evening Hymns at the Music Gallery. Back-lit with the setting sun through the stained glass, the beautiful, haunting music started with a quiet piano solo by Jonas Bonetta. Playing both old, well known songs, as well as a number of amazing new pieces, this band had the crowd mesmerized from first note to last. With the explanation that the new album deals mostly with the death of his father, Jonas couldn’t have introduced the material in a more meaningful way – playing the weekend of father’s day, at the place where he saw his first show after his Dad’s death.

Evening Hymns – Lanterns by evening hymns