Remember me?

So after a not so brief hiatus, I return. Failblog is a pretty fitting name for me, but obviously is already taken. These past few months haven't really been too exciting or groundbreaking. I've been working, lots. Don't worry this isn't a bitter lament just a comment as to where I have been.

Renovations at work are done and the new store is all shiny pretty. The girls are all good and my sister is happy that I have started to hang out with them when I have time off. All that aside, let's get to the good stuff. When not working I have managed to get some great shows in the mix as well.

My summer concert series:

I kicked things off with a killer show at the Horseshoe Tavern and Born Ruffians CD Launch.

St. Catharines does a one day festival hosting 140 bands in 15 venues, so I took on The Rumble Devils, The Lucky Ones, The Strange, Sea of Burgundy and Gold and a few others before the night was through. I was stuck at work for most of the day but a free pass with a free beer attached(thanks to my neighbour Mark) was not an offer to turn down.

As per usual caught a ton of great acts at Ottawa Bluesfest (unfortunately I was only there for 3 of the 12 days). They are as follows: The Moody Blues(briefly), Andrew Bird, B-52's. This was day one I finally managed to drag Alison from Party of 3 out to the fest. How someone could live in Ottawa so long and not make an appearance is beyond me.

Day two included an unforgettable set by John Butler Trio (in the rain, *swoon*). Then I popped over to catch The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie with his new back up group the Country of Miracles. Hole of Courtney Love fame was somewhat underwhelming so I hung around Babe Ruth and Marc Cohn until it was time for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

Saturday was my last day in Ottawa before I had to take the overnight bus back to St. Catharines in order to work Sunday morning. I made sure to arrive in the afternoon and take in as much as possible. Kings go Forth had some fun beats but nothing like that of Caravan Palace. Jumping from stage to stage I took in Bear in Heaven and then Basia Bulat. Then I was off to see Metric's main stage set(four times in one year! Starting and ending in the capital). 7:45 called for Carolyn Wonderland, if you like bluesy women she is a must see. It was no surprise to see the Texas Horns up on stage with her as they are festival regulars. 8:00Pm hit and it was time for Rodger Hodgson. That man still has it. I watched out the end of his set before jumping over to Passion Pit. Although they were putting together a solid set, The Flaming Lips were calling my name. Wayne Coyne (the lead singer) did not disappoint when he started the show by crowd surfing in a giant hamster ball. All in all it was a pretty great weekend closing out with roughly 30,000 people singing Do You Realize? the lips most recognizable tune.

That fantastic weekend didn't close out my summer of shows although as usual it was definitely the highlight. Ribfest brought out The Cavenders, a surprisingly solid Beatles cover band. I danced on a stool in front of the Rumble Devils in the best shoes an adult with tiny feet could (Did I mention they light up?) when they opened for The Strange at their Cd release party. Late August brought another trip to Toronto this time to see Crosby, Stills and Nash open for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Just in case you thought what next? I failed to mention my short jaunt to Hamilton for Festival of Friends a free concerts in the park weekend where I was lucky enough to see the man who opened Woodstock, Richie Havens!! Buckwheat Zydeco played too.

There are a handful of shows good, great and reasonable that have come and gone and all I can say is I wouldn't have it any other way. Also, "hey fall, what's up?"

To those unfamiliar with some, any or all of these acts, if "all" get your head checked, I suggest you check 'em out via youtube, grooveshark or whatever outlet you have.

Cheers for now,

Becca