wednesday. ah the festival begins for a few locations across the sprawling city of toronto. one of such locales being the venue i was to be at all week, the El Mocambo.
Now I don't know nearly enough Toronto history to classify myself as a local but it is important to note the status of the Elmo. This 2 floor bar/stage place may seem washed out and dingy at first glance but important names have played there, including the Rolling Stones in '77[I may have mentioned this before...x a hundred] and if it's washed out, it's done so by history herself. Downstairs the area has been opened up for a bigger audience space and is charmingly lit by candles and lights held in hung paper/middle eastern styled lanterns. The tables may be wobblier than my comfort level needs but overall the good space is just that, good. It feels nice to be in it and as the Beatles put it, "a splendid time is guaranteed for all."
But enough about the venue. Each night the music seemed to be themed or at least half-frenziedly categorized starting off with an acoustic/alt-country/folk set. This, generally is not my thing. In fact, far from it. But I appreciate, or try to, all music, especially when performed live. It takes talent to be able to pour out your musical soul to a roomfull of strangers and do so earnestly and passionately. Having said that, these musicians did a wonderful job.
Chris Velan : http://www.myspace.com/47133765
Dave Hause : http://www.myspace.com/davehause/music
Chuck Ragan : http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan/music
The Cavaliers : http://www.myspace.com/thecavaliersmusic
That may have sounded campy and cheesy, but there's something about being in the moment that really makes this apparent.
Noteworthy sets included Chuck Ragan who belted a la Springsteen to a surprising amount of people. Unfortunate that Ontario group Cavliers' set was the last to go and hence very under appreciated. Not to mention that the sound settings were set for a much rockier sound than those guys needed.
Good way to start learning the ropes of being a stage hand..not much equipment to handle, but just enough last minute requirements to keep you on the edge of your toes [combining expressions, 2 at a time.]
Now I don't know nearly enough Toronto history to classify myself as a local but it is important to note the status of the Elmo. This 2 floor bar/stage place may seem washed out and dingy at first glance but important names have played there, including the Rolling Stones in '77[I may have mentioned this before...x a hundred] and if it's washed out, it's done so by history herself. Downstairs the area has been opened up for a bigger audience space and is charmingly lit by candles and lights held in hung paper/middle eastern styled lanterns. The tables may be wobblier than my comfort level needs but overall the good space is just that, good. It feels nice to be in it and as the Beatles put it, "a splendid time is guaranteed for all."
But enough about the venue. Each night the music seemed to be themed or at least half-frenziedly categorized starting off with an acoustic/alt-country/folk set. This, generally is not my thing. In fact, far from it. But I appreciate, or try to, all music, especially when performed live. It takes talent to be able to pour out your musical soul to a roomfull of strangers and do so earnestly and passionately. Having said that, these musicians did a wonderful job.
Chris Velan : http://www.myspace.com/47133765
Dave Hause : http://www.myspace.com/davehause/music
Chuck Ragan : http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan/music
The Cavaliers : http://www.myspace.com/thecavaliersmusic
That may have sounded campy and cheesy, but there's something about being in the moment that really makes this apparent.
Noteworthy sets included Chuck Ragan who belted a la Springsteen to a surprising amount of people. Unfortunate that Ontario group Cavliers' set was the last to go and hence very under appreciated. Not to mention that the sound settings were set for a much rockier sound than those guys needed.
Good way to start learning the ropes of being a stage hand..not much equipment to handle, but just enough last minute requirements to keep you on the edge of your toes [combining expressions, 2 at a time.]
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