Canadian Music Fest Night 1

I hate having to pick and choose between amazing acts I want to see, but alas our lives are full of choices. I was completely torn between heading to The Bovine Sex Club to see some incredible rock and roll with the likes of Dead Messenger, or heading to The Dakota for some soul soothing blues.

 

I ended up at The Dakota to celebrate the opening of Canadian Music Fest. As I walked in I noticed something. There were so many beards in one place!  It was like the convention for men with overzealous facial hair decided to have their support group at The Dakota on the same night we were there.

They made a good choice though, as there was lots of amazing blues rock to be heard.

First act I caught on stage was The Coppertone fronted by Amanda Zelina.  I hadn’t seen them perform since Indie Week and was really happy with what I saw. The first time I’d seen them they were a two-piece act. Since then they’ve had a change of drummer and added a bassist to the mix. I have to say The Coppertone as a 3-piece really works. Having a bass really helps to fill out the sound and grounds the music that much more.  I absolutely love their grungy blues style. Zelina has such a dynamic voice. At one time she’ll be soft and alluring, and at others she’s shaking you to the core with her raw vocals. Every once in a while hints of Allison Mosshart peak through. I’ve decided that The Coppertone need to find a way to collaborate with The Dead Weather. In my mind that combo would be above and beyond amazing (Amanda, if you’re reading this, we gotta find a way to make that happen).

 

 

The Coppertone aren’t afraid to drag you through the mud with them as we all get down and dirty to their sound.  Showcasing some new pieces and hammering out favourites including Heroin and Nighttime Wishes they play everything with force and soul. Even when playing pieces of a slower tempo their presence and conviction remains strong.  A truly great beginning to the festival.

 

 

The next acton stage were The Wildbirds out of Wisconsin. This 5-piece also had a blues style, but were nothing like the previous acts. Their sound was crisp, clean and uplifting much like something you’d hear from The Black Crowes.  From the very beginning these guys set out to have some fun and that’s exactly what they did, smiling and laughing through their entire set.  Just more proof that joy is contagious. They had me dancing within minutes and everything felt really fresh.  This band is the kind you take on a road trip with you, or to the beach to keep you and your friends company as you drink beers and look out over the water. Cottages +Beer+ Sun+Friends+ The Wildbirds = a winning combination.  While talking with a couple people in the audience a theme emerged. “ I don’t like blues much” they would say “ but I do really like them!” It’s no wonder why. The Wildbirds offer an inviting, open, and positive place to share their sound. I was quite entertained that the lead singer resembles Chris Murphy of Sloan and this only endeared them to me more.  If you’re looking for a sunnier blues style, The Wildbirds are definitely for you.

That concludes night one of the CMF adventure. I must say I’m very excited to see what night #2 will bring. I’ll be tweeting live from the events again tomorrow too! Same bat time, same bat channel…er, twitter.

 

** photos of  The Coppertone courtesy of Mikey Riot. Check out more photos of the band and many others from CMW at www.mikeyriotphotography.com **