The John K Samson show took place at the former Toronto Buddhist Church, now known simply as 918 Bathurst, which is now a culture, arts, media, and education centre between Bloor and Dupont. The main room was perfect for a quiet intimate show with 90 percent of guests seated. The show was an all ages and also a dry show so it was minus the distraction of bottles and glasses clinking. On the way out the door I even saw some that chose to bring their young kids.
Michael Feuerstack, guitarist of Wooden Stars and more notably Snailhouse, opened the show with a solo set of well-crafted heartfelt songs telling the stories of a veteran Canadian singer/songwriter. As well, he stayed busy played electric guitar and lap-steel for most of John K’s set.
The set started with John K Samson playing most of his solo album “Provincial” which was released back in January. The second half finished with some Weakerthans songs that translated well in to solo acoustic tunes. Samson took requests for the encore and invited Feuerstack back on stage to finish up. Samson is one of the most underrated Canadian modern songwriters but when listening to him engage the crowd with the stories and meanings behind some of his songs, it made it all the more special to be there. He finished by standing and balancing himself on a tall stool while playing and singing “Virtute The Cat Explains Her Departure”.
Beyond the show, I must point out that Samson has some really decent beard growth going on. You can catch the two of them who are finishing off a southern Ontario tour this week.
9/11/12 John K. Samson & Michael Feuerstack Hamilton, ON
9/12/12 John K. Samson & Michael Feuerstack Meaford, ON
9/13/12 John K. Samson & Michael Feuerstack London, ON
9/14/12 John K. Samson & Michael Feuerstack Peterborough, ON
9/15/12 John K. Samson Kitchener, ON