Weekly Round Up Weekday Edition: May 21st – 24th

It’s Victoria Day. , which means the long weekend kicking of summer is coming to a close, and everyone’s back to work tomorrow.

But here in Windsor, we believe in partying until the last minute, and that there’s nothing wrong with going to work a bit tired the next day.  In addition to the arrival of summer, we’re celebrating the season of weekday shows. So here’s what you can find around town for the next four days.

Monday May 21^st

At Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) there’s a solid lineup of bands ready be loud and throw one hell of a party. Kicking off the night at 10 pm we’ve got locals Jeffrey David’s Blue Connection, featuring past and present members of Omnisyn and Wicked Angel. These guys have a tight presentation of some crunching blues tunes. Joining them from London, and making their Windsor debut, is Ghostship Victoria. These guys blend progressive and hardcore into a violent pool of squealing, raging guitars, aggressive vocals, thunderous drums, and punchy, growling bass. Rounding out this night will be Anchoress from B.C., who are currently on tour and have just released a new album, available via their Bandcamp page. This is a band that I highly recommend catching.  High-energy tunes presented with vigor, a sound that blends British hardcore punk band Gallows with Alkaline Trio’s jumpy vibe and various influences from rockabilly to southern metal.  This show is 19+ and there is no cover.

Over on the west end at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) it’s hardcore bands all night long.  New York hardcore band Dr. Acula will be making an appearance. Signed to Victory Records these guys make a party of their music on their records, so I can’t even fathom the excitement to be found at their live show.  Joined by metal band Bermuda from California,  hardcore outfit The Last Ten Seconds of Life from Pennsylvania,  and locals Always a New Day (who are debuting a their new second guitarist) and We Sleep At Dawn this show promises some nasty pits, great music, and an all around awesome time.  Doors are at 6 pm,  all ages are licensed, and if you didn’t manage to pick up an advance ticket for $12, they will be available for $15 at the door.

Tuesday May 22^nd

I’ve been waiting almost a year for these guys to come back, and I couldn’t be more excited now that the time is finally here. Five Alarm Funk is a 10-piece party funk band from Vancouver who make it impossible to resist the temptation to dance. They always pack Phog with an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd, blasting out a high-energy show that get’s everyone moving. Rock solid performances each and every time, and a brand new album to boot, there’s no way music lovers can afford to miss the spectacle that will be taking over Windsor’s coziest of venues. Advance tickets for $12 are still available, or you can hope to find a few leftovers for $15 tomorrow night (but I wouldn’t count on it).

Thursday May 24^th 

After the recent release and success of their first EP, The Cities Will Fall, Falling With Glory is ready to release their first music video, and will be doing so Thursday night at Loft Nightclub (20 Chatham St. E) with help from Windsorites Bleach and Torontonians Riding Shotgun. The video was filmed by Glenn Fricker, and you’re likely to notice a few faces on the screen wile you follow the story that the song has to tell. An all ages show that starts at 5pm, even kids who have to go to school the next day should have no problem making it out to this one. Advance tickets are available for $8, or you can pay $10 at the door.

May 21, 2012 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekend Round Up: Feb. 16th – 19th

Last weekend was a slow one for the Windsor Music Scene, as everyone took some time nursing the hangovers from everything that happened the week before. But we’re back in full force this time, with lots of great shows to choose from.

Thursday, February 16^th

At Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) Toronto’s Teenage Kicks will be joining up with Windsor acts Orphan Choir and Raised By Weeds (now a full band!) for a night of punk rock. With a new EP scheduled for release in March, and free downloads available on their Bandcamp page, Teenage Kicks are working hard on their old-meets-new punk sound. Teamed up with the infamous Orphan Choir, this isn’t a show to miss, even though it’s on a Thursday. 19+, $5 admission, 10 pm.

Friday, February 17^th

Villains (256 Pelissier Ave.) must be in a very punk rock mood, as they’re continuing the trend on Friday night when they bring in The Rowley Estate and The Magnificent Bastards. The former are a trio following in the steps of Blurt with their aggressive skate-punk sound. The Bastards are comprised of seasoned local musicians teaming up to bring back the glory days of Windsor’s punk scene. These bands on the same bill are certainly spanning the years in the evolution of punk rock. 19+, 10 pm.

Newfoundland’s moustached menace Mark Bragg will be playing with his full band at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) livening the place up a bit with his saloony jazz rock. Dancing shoes recommended, here. Joining the bill will be Hamilton’s Wax Mannequin who always brings the party with his brand of broken down folk rock. Windsor’s Kara Kaufmann will add some femininity to this show of rambunctious boys, her pure and soulful voice and piano accompaniment making for a great way to open the night. 19+, $5

The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) will play host to the one night only world tour of EVL and NeanderTHRALL before the first mentioned punk-rockers go off and hibernate somewhere. NeanderTHRALL made their debut last year and have been doing well ever since, with their doomy, chugging, stoner-metal music. Joining them will be thrash band Dead Weight, prog group The Riptide Project, and heavy metal monsters Dead Man’s Will. Doors to this show open at 6:30, all ages are welcome, and admission is $5 at the door.

Saturday, February 18^th

The Coach and Horses will be hosting Listowell’s fun-loving punkrockers Chachi on Acid and Brantford’s skanking headbangers Hangman Pinata. Local acts on this bill include crusty punks Repetitions and Valerie Page. $5 to help out with gas for visiting bands, 19+, 10 pm.

Things will be heavy at The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) when the stage is taken over by local bands Devilz By Definition, Dead Man’s Will, and After Ashes as they play along with London death metal outfit Psychopathy. 19+, $5, doors at 8 pm.

Monique Belanger will be bringing her voice and acoustic guitar to Taloola Cafe (396 Devonshire Rd.) for a free, all ages show that starts at 9 pm.

Phog Lounge will be welcoming rock and rollers Diesel Junkies, proggers Awake to a Dream, and Toronto’s Stone River who recently returned from France where they played the MIDEM Festival. Their sound is clean, classic rock with a southern tinge.

Sunday February 19^th

New Song Church (999 Drouillard Rd.) has become well known for hosting hardcore shows, but they also dabble in acoustic ones, as well. This Sunday they’ll be doing another installment of Cafe Glo, featuring the Eastern-Western blend that is Daniyal Malik, the sweet songs of Our Little Show, and the reunion of the mellow Moonland Drift.

February 15, 2012 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekend Round Up: February 3rd and 4th

It’s going to be a busy weekend in Windsor for music, but with such a diverse array of shows, it’s likely everyone will be able to find something to make them happy.

Friday February 3^rd

At Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) the walls will be shaking, and the roof might fall in, as this cozy venue hosts a super-loud-ultra-amazing stoner rock show! Classic Windsor groove metal band Gypsy Chief Goliath will be bringing their tunes, fresh off the release of It’s a Walk in The Mist released through Sweden’s Black Vulture Records. They will be joined by Cellos, a highly-talked about three piece local metal band, who often play in a droning, noisy style. Rounding out the bill is London’s Thunder Hora. Show starts at 10 pm, admission is $5, and 19+ are welcome.

The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) will be offering up a show to fans of hardcore, featuring Chatham’s Anu Beginning, Abide from Hamilton, and locals Desertion, Dead Man’s Will, and Always A New Day. It’s set to be a night of shredding and blast beats, complete with rambunctious crowd and growling vocalists. Doors open at 6 pm, admission is $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

At The Room (255 Ouellette Ave.) Windsor’s newest darlings, the unquiet dead will be showcasing their hobo-folk music. This ten-piece features past and present members of Magic Hall of Mirros, Surdaster, Two For The Cascade, Magnificent Bastards, and Jamology, among others. Their eclectic, ethereal sound has been making waves in Southern Ontario since their debut in October 2011 – in fact, this is their send off show as they prepare to take the show on the road, having been selected to play at Canadian Music Week in Toronto this March. Joining them will be the ambient, psychedelic, instrumental duo Learning, who will be spilling out their electronic and guitar jams. Finishing it off will be The Swillingtones, an entertaining group of rockers who are experts at their craft. This show is 19+ and doors open at 9 pm, with music starting at 10. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

An early show at Taloola Café (396 Devonshire Rd.) will feature Efan and his ukulele. This all-ages show is the solo project of one of the members of Michou, a Windsor pop group who have been celebrating some recent national success. Efan’s show is a light-hearted hour of fun acoustic ukulele and vocal entertainment. Music starts at 8 pm, all ages are welcome, and there is no cover.

The Hypnotics will be hosting the official release of their new album, Static Fuzz Radio, at FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W. Main Level). Their surfy garage pop rock album has been charting on college radio stations across the country, and peaked at number 11 nationwide. They will be joined by brassy punk rockers The Nefodovs, garage band Raised By Weeds, and the city’s favourite indie band, James O-L and The Villains.

Saturday February 4^th

A couple of weeks back The Blue Stones invited music fans to come out to Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) dressed in their best 50’s getups to take part in the filming of their new video for the track Vain Vixens.  It was directed by Gavin Booth, the same guy responsible for their first video featuring the use of the iPhone 4 Facetime technology for the song I’m A Stereo. This new period piece is set to be unveiled the place of it’s creation this weekend, and patrons are once again invited to don their 50’s and 60’s duds. This time the best dressed will have the chance to win a signed copy of The Blue Stone’s new Special Edition CD, featuring new tracks, live recordings, and the originals from their self-titled EP. 19+, no cover, 9 pm.

Will Currie and The Country French are an indie rock band from Waterloo that will be visiting Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.).  This is a band that has toured Canada extensively with acts such as Our Lady Peace and Tokyo Police Club. Their melodic vocals, poppy drum beats and energetic sound make for great dancing. 19+, 10 pm, $5.

February 2, 2012 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

This Weekend @ (Jan.27/28)

The Dominion House: (3140 Sandwich St.)

Friday, Jan. 27.

Road To Canadian Music Week.

The show will feature:
Acousticfire - https://www.facebook.com/pages/AcousticFire/81348131244
Bleach - https://www.facebook.com/bleachband?sk=info
Intra Meridian - https://www.facebook.com/intrameridian?ref=ts&sk=app_2405167945
KING MISFIT - https://www.facebook.com/pages/KING-MISFIT/51081797329?ref=ts&sk=app_2405167945
Mike Cerveni - https://www.facebook.com/mikecervenimusic?ref=ts&sk=app_178091127385
Ravenscode - https://www.facebook.com/Ravenscode
Shortcut To Last - https://www.facebook.com/ShortcutToLast?ref=ts&sk=app_178091127385
Sophist - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophist/126796970718797?ref=ts&sk=app_2405167945
State of us - https://www.facebook.com/stateofus?ref=ts&sk=app_2405167945
The Classix - https://www.facebook.com/theclassix

Tickets will be $10 in advance – $15 at the door. Doors @ 8.

Saturday, Jan. 28.

Africa or Bust Benefit Concert with Devilz by Definition, Taken, Slaughterhouse on the Prairie, Dead Man’s Will, Aurelia, Your Best Bet. Bleach, NeanderTHRALL,  all ages, 6pm, $10 ADV/$12 ATD.

Phog Lounge: (157 Chatham St. W.)

Friday, Jan. 27.

The Tyres, Eric Welton Band, Years of Ernest

Taloola Cafe: (396 Devonshire Rd.)

Friday, Jan. 27.

Eric Welton Band,  All ages, 8 pm

Saturday, Jan. 28.

Tony Coates,  All ages

The Room:  (255 Ouellette Ave.)

Friday, Jan. 27.

We Can Be Heroes, StereoGoesStellar, Bleach, Hello Audio, Melodoc Aftermath,  All ages, $10, 6 pm.

F.M. Lounge: (156 Chatham St. W. Main Level)

Saturday, Jan. 28.

The Only Open Mic on Saturday Night, hosted by Acousticfire

The Dugout: (300 Ouellette Ave.)

Saturday, Jan. 28.

The Magnificent Bastards

The Coach and Horses: (156 Chatham St. W. Basement)

Friday, Jan. 27.

BETRAYER AND OMNISYN!!!

January 25, 2012 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekend Round-Up: January 13 &14

There are all sorts of things happening in music this weekend in Windsor, here’s your comprehesive guide to what you can find.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Catch an early show at Taloola Café (396 Devonshire Rd.) where Pat Robitaille will take the stage from 8 until 9 pm. The Windsor native will be playing his original folk songs that are at the same time classic and cutting edge.

The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W.) will have an eclectic blend of rock with some of the most unique bands in the scene right now.  Awake to a Dream is coming right off the release of their new EP, Living the Immoral Life. The music itself is an eclectic blend of everything from prog to grunge, and their live shows never disappoint. Sophist’s take on pregressive rock is a tad more radio friendly, with obvious stoner-rock and ‘80s influences. Omnisyn is an instrumental three-piece with an altogether lighter sound that the other two bands playing. While still holding with the progressive theme, the lack of vocals puts more pressure on everything else, resulting in some fantastic, Tool-esque jams.

At Phog Lounge, (157 University Ave. W.) Toronto’s Hands & Teeth will be playing, bringing their pop-rock and impressive vocal stylings. Fans of MGMT are likely to enjoy this. Joining them will be one of Windsor’s favourite folk songstresses, Jackie Robitaille.  Another local favourite, indie-folk-rockers The Locusts Have No King will also make an appearance.

Saturday, January 14^th, 2012

Erin Gignac will be taking over Taloola Café (396 Devonshire Rd) with her ethereal singer-songwriter tunes, just her and her guitar.

The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) will be playing host to a rock sure with some of Windsor’s younger bands. Bleach plays alternative rock music, that would make for a great soundtrack to a house party. Aureila has just released an EP, Latex, and Hot Sex, that was recorded with the help of Glen Fricker at Spectre Sound Studios. Their alternative and punk sound features past and present members of Trajectory, Bleach, and Weirdonia. With Glowing Hearts takes cues  from hardcore, pop, and punk when creating their aggressive and melodic tunes. One of the most successful acts coming out of Chatham right now, three-piece rock band Letterbomb has a well put together sound that belies their young age. Equal parts alternative rock and pop-punk, they are likely to inspire dancing in the crowd. The Putties and Jerry at Risk will round out this bill of rock and pop-punk that costs only $5 and is open to show-goers of all ages.

At The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) two-piece rock band from Oshawa The Standstills are coming to Windsor to celebrate the release of their new 7” The Barn Sessions. Very vintage and organic sounding rock, these two are making new fans with ever show. At their last stop in Windsor as part of The Harvesting the F.A.M. fest they blew the crowd away. Creative guitar and extremely well-played drums fuse with perfectly gritty vocals to form a cohesive sound that you’re certain to be pulled in by. Joining them will be Windsor’s Los Habaneros, a three-piece party band.

Starting off the entire night is a special event at FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W. Main Level) where part of 4 on the Floor, a documentary on Windsor’s music community will be filmed, featuring 4 local musicians and their improvised blues jam. Read the interview with the director here and come out at 9 pm to take part. Following the filming will be the weekly open mic hosted by AcousticFire. 

January 13, 2012 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

New Year’s Eve Weekend Round Up

There are parties and shows galore this weekend as Windsor sets to ring in 2012. Here, The Windsor Zene gives you the break down on all of the bets places to visit.

Friday December 30th

Classic rock and psychedelic fans should check out The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W.) where The Tyres will have the stage. Relaxing and enjoyable tunes, this will be a great spot to enjoy good music and company. Show starts at 10 pm , 19+.

The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) is well on it’s way to becoming the next Loop Building. Tonight they’ll have music on two levels, with hardcore and metal in the basement, and pop upstairs.

Downstairs is a lineup of fast and heavy locals featuring Devilz by Definition, Goliath, Hellraiser, Legions, Get Bent, Repetitions, Suppressulant, and This Ghost. Doors open at 7:0, admission is $5, all ages are welcome, and the will be featured drink specials.

Upstairs things will be a bit on the lighter side with visiting group Hello Beautiful from Whitby bringing their unique blend of punk, pop, and hip-hop. Upbeat and dance inspiring, their set is certain to be energetic and fun. Joining them will be Courage My Love, a trio featuring twin sisters from Kitchener-Waterloo. With their brand of pop-punk tinted by hardcore they have played the Vans Warped Tour along the likes of A Day to Remember and Tokyo Police Club. Equal parts dance and head banging music, they are certain to get the crowd moving. Third on this bill are Windsor’s pop-punk favourites, Shortcut to Last. These guys have been enjoying a great year, including the release of their second disc, Two Minutes in Heaven. Their sound is pure pop-punk, and their shows are always entertaining. This show starts at 9 pm and is all ages.

The Hoop will be bringing their groovy sounds to Taloola Café (396 Devonshire Rd.) along with Derek Harrison and Jack Goodall. All ages, 8 pm.

A classic Windsor group, catch Kenneth MacLeod and The Windsor Salt Band at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) at 9 pm.

New Year’s Eve, Saturday December 31st

Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.) is hosting their Pop Your Cherryoke night, where first-timers are invited to come out and give karaoke a shot.

The Manchester (546 Ouellette Ave.) is offering up a party hosted by DJ Jamie Greer, one without tickets or a guest list, just a $5 cover at the door.

Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.) will be cover-less and far more dance-themed than normal as DJ Stephen Hargreaves takes over spinning indie dance tunes and anything else that might get your feet moving.

If you’re looking for a party with live, original music, The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W. Basement Level) is the place to be. Awake to a Dream will be releasing their first EP, Living The Immoral Life. Dreams Destruction will be making their comeback, Slyde will be bringing their videogame rock all the way from Ottawa, All Against I will be visiting from London with their eclectic rock sounds, and Perpetuate will be jamming out their take on heavy metal and prog. Doors open at 9 pm, tickets are $5 at the door or $4 in advance, and 19 and over are welcome.

December 30, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

This Week @ (Dec.19 – 25)

Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. W.)

Monday Dec. 19: The Monday Milkmen

Tuesday Dec. 20: Open Mic with Mary Allan

Wednesday Dec. 21: Open Mic with Shrimp Yogurt

Thursday Dec. 22: This Man Tells Stories Farewell Goodbye Show, featuring Tony Coates and The Birds of Paradise.

Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W.)

Monday Dec. 19: Open Mic Surgery with James O-L

Wednesday Dec. 21: Travis Reitsma, The Hung Jury, Mys Co. Super Fantastic Mega Smash Super-Jammm

Friday Dec. 23: ASK & Years of Ernest wsg. Construction and Destruction (Halifax)

Saturday Dec. 24: The Unquiet Dead wsg RYE & George Manury

https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-unquiet-dead/154602187946749?sk=wall

The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.)

Monday Dec. 19:  Open Mic with Clinton Hammond

Tuesday Dec. 20:  Tuesday Night Music Club with Jamie Reaume

Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier Ave.)

Tuesday Dec. 20:  VOMIT (Villians’ Open Musical Instrument Talent) Show with the Eric Welton Band

The Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W. basement)

Friday Dec. 23: NeanderTHRALL, Slaughterhouse on the Prairie, Repetitions, Devilz By Definition

The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. W. main level)

Wednesday Dec. 21: Long & McQuade’s Jam Night

Friday Dec. 23: Magnificent Bastards “Famous When I Die” Video Premiere, with Old Punks 4.

Saturday Dec, 24: The Only Open Mic on Saturday Night, hosted by Acousticfire 

The Dominion House (3140 Sandwich St.)

Tuesday Dec. 20: Open Mic with Alec Lauziere

Friday Dec. 23: Abide, Always A New Day, Blackheart, Your Best Bet.

Blackheart

Untouchables (138 University Ave. West, above California Sushi)

Wednesday Dec. 21: Weird Wednesdays: Techno, Minimal, IDM, DubStep w/ DJ Kero, Annie Hall and Sabrinski

Hoagy’s Tap and Eatery (13169 Tecumseh Rd. E)

Wednesday Dec. 21: Diesel Junkies, The Nefidovs, and James O-L and the Villains

https://www.facebook.com/thenefidovs

The Honest Lawyer (300 Ouellette Ave)

Monday Dec. 19: Open Mic with Dave Russell

The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.)

Friday Dec.23: Orphan Choir, James OL & the Villains, Silent Movie Type (CD release)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-O-L-and-the-Villains/139233310205?ref=ts&sk=wall

December 18, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekend Round-Up: December 2-4

Lots of great music happening in WIndsor this weekend, as per usual. No matter what your genre is, there’ll be something for you to go out and enjoy.

Friday December 2

The legendary Coach and Horses (156 Chatham St. W, basement level) will be hosting a night of metal on Friday, include scene staple Devilz By Definition, (check out a recent interview with band member Bruce Munro) Reasons Lost, heavy metal from Leamington, a new metal-core band from the area, Always a New Day, and visiting from Hamilton, Blacktop Recess. Heavy breakdowns, melodic vocals, and technical shredding define this metal band’s sound. (Doors at 9pm, 19+, no cover)

At The Dominion House Tavern night one of a showcase of local punk and hardcore bands will be taking place. Bands featured include Dead Weight, Get Bent, Autumn’s Autopsy, and Ad Nauseam. Check out this week’s feature on the show. (Doors at 7pm, all ages, $5/$7 for both days)

Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. W) will be hosting a techno/hip-hop night, with Toronto’s D-sisive making an appearance with his smooth lyrics over solid beats.  CWMA nominee CityReal from Vancouver will be performing his politically charged raps as well, with Windsor’s own dubstep master, Dstruct.o rounding off that bill. (doors at 9pm, 19+)

Saturday December 3

It’ll be an all instrumental night at The Coach (156 Chatham St. W) on Saturday, with Celtic-metal outfit Aeron’s Wake fiddling their way into your consciousness. They’ll be joined by Red Red Run who perform a very free-flowing, organic type of music, and the relaitively new Omnisyn with their ambient and technical style. (9pm, 19+, free)

The Dominion Hosue Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.) will be on round two of local hardcore, punk, and metal, this time with Seven Out, Reasons Lost, Blackheart, and Dead Man’s Will. Further details can be found in the show’s highlight article posted earlier this week. (Doors at 7pm, all ages, $5/$7 for both days)

One of a number of shows displaced by The Blind Dog’s misfortune, Silverstein, Falling with Glory, The Tragedy of Mariam, and Horizons will be performing at The Room (255 Ouellette Ave). A night of local pop-rock in support of a national radio artist in an intimate setting; couldn’t ask for better. (6 pm, all ages, $15 ADV/$20 ATD)

Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier) will be the scene of metal outfit Grand Maris’s CD release party, where they will be joined on stage by Gypsy Chief Goliath.  Check out the most recent installment of Richtig’s Reviews where GCG’s It’s A Walk In The Mist is scrutinized, and this show is plugged.  (10 pm, 19+, $5)

Indie garage-rocker and multi-instrumentalist Paul Jacobs will be lending his sound to the event of Chase Davidson’s BMX video premiere at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave W.) early in the evening, with Kenneth Macleod and The Windsor Salt Band taking things over later on.

Sunday December 4

Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave W.) is hosting an acoustic showcase featuring Diesel Junkie’s Jonathan Loiselle, Beijing Bike Club’s David John Zelko,  Windsor’s best eastern-influenced act Daniyal Malik, fifteen-year-old Toronto-Area Francesco with his emotional, poppy sound, Kaleb Stropkovics of the band Rivers, and an acoustic set by local pop-punkers Another Intention. (6 pm, all ages, $5)

December 1, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

All dressed up and nowhere to go? Here’s your musical Halloween week guide!

Halloween is always a festive time in Windsor. People will stretch the costume wearing (although some outfits really push the meaning of “costume” – seriously. Throwing a cowboy hat over your normal weekend attire is not a Halloween costume. It’s an announcement you’re creatively unimaginative) and All Hallowed Eve’s party-going for three or four days, just to avoid re-entering the glum reality of not being able to going out in public dressed like Batman, a zombie or a giant vagina.

Here’s a quick run-down of all the events going on from now until Halloween night for all your costume wearin’, pint raisin’ Halloween goodness.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28: Metal Massacre Halloween Show (Coach & Horses, 156 Chatham St. West, basement level) Five of Windsor’s finest metal bands of the past year or so – Repetitions, After Ashes, Dead Man’s Will, Reasons Lost and Slaughterhouse on the Prairie – combine for one pure metal devastation with a FREE show at the legendary Coach. Doors at 8pm (with an EARLY start to accommodate all the bands involved), 19+

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28: The Antiques Freakshow (FM Lounge, 156 Chatham St. West, main level) Roots songstress Allison Brown is joined by musical guests Erin Gignac, Chris Crossroads, Richard Dreiger, Tim Swaddling, Kate Romain and many more, singing “classic country and roots music tales from beyond the grave; murder ballads, ill-fated outlaws, deathbed confessions, soul selling, phantom trains, dark dungeons, tragic bar-room brawls, and graveyard ghosts.” Doors at 9pm, 19+

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28: Zombie Appreciation Night (Milk Coffee Bar, 68 University Ave. West) Veteran indie rock darlings Meters To Miles teams up with Mud Lions and Paul Jacobs to throw a rock and roll shin-dig of undead proportions at Milk. Doors at 8pm, All-ages

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28: Eric Welton Kill Them With Kindness CD Release Show (Phog Lounge, 157 University Ave. West) Welton returns to release his fourth album (first in 3 years), with special guests, from Chatham, The Long Lots. Read the review here. Doors at 9pm, 19+

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29: The Return of Kenneth MacLeod & The Windsor Salt Band (Villains Beastro, 256 Pelissier Ave.) Roots rockers The Windsor Salt Band, lead by the fire haired wildman Kenneth MacLeod, rips up the Villains stage for a great night. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29: Anonymous Bosch Halloween HellFest IV (Blind Dog, 671 Ouellette Ave.) One of Windsor’s finest metal outfits, Anonymous Bosch, throw their fourth annual Halloween onslaught, with special guests Perpetuate, Laval and Clutch tribute, 10000 Witnesses. Doors at 7:30pm, 19+, Tickets $7 Advance (contact band members) or $10 at door

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30: Palindrome debuts at the Coach (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) Palindrome – the newest supergroup featuring ex-members of Closed Casket Funeral, Corprophemia, Monolith, Cleansed By Fire, ADHD and more – unleash their new tech metal sound with their debut live performance, joined by guests Dr. Altenhof and a reunited Destroy Thy Will. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29: Dented Halos and Beijing Bike Club (FM Lounge, 156 Chatham St. West, main level) Gutter-garage punk Hallowgans Dented Halos rock the FM Lounge with local rock newcomers Beijing Bike Club. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29: Halloween Imposter Night (Phog Lounge, 157 University Ave. West) Three of Windsor’s most beloved indie music bands toss aside their originals and play entire sets dressed as and performing music of some of their heroes. This unique event features The Blue Stones performing as The Black Keys, The Hypnotics performing as the Ramones, and The Nefidovs performing as The Specials. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30: Devilz By Definition’s Devilz Night Massacre (The Coach & Horses, 156 Chatham St. West, basement level) One of Windsor’s finest metal bands, Devilz By Definition, throw their 2nd annual Devilz Night Bash, with guests Go Man Go, NeanderTHRALL and Slaughterhouse on the Prairie. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30: Library Voices return to Phog (Phog Lounge, 157 University Ave. West) Regina’s majestic indie pop darlings Library Voices return to Windsor on tour, with Toronto’s Will Currie and the Country French and Windsor’s Dave Russell & The Precious Stones. Doors at 9pm, 19+

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30: Devil’s Night Bash (Villains Beastro, 256 Pelissier Ave.) The mighty Southern prog crunch of Surdaster meets the undeniable thunder of CELLOS for a night of devilish proportions. Doors 9pm, 19+

MONDAY OCTOBER 31: the unquiet dead Hard Road Single Release Show (FM Lounge, 156 Chatham St. West) The ten-person “hobo symphony” who debuted opening for Yukon Blonde at the Capitol Theatre in early October unveils a 2-song single with their first full show on Halloween night, with special guests James OL & The Villains and Zarasutra opening up. Doors at 9pm, 19+

October 25, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | 2 Comments »

Weekly Round-Up: September 12-18

What a huge and busy week of music in Windsor-Essex last week, with the Home Coming Electronic Festival, Shores of Erie Wine Festival, The Bradford Helner Memorial…and that’s not including all the great shows put on at the various live music venues in town! A lot of great shows this week as well, including PhogPhest 3!

Tuesday September 13

Ottawa’s garage meets stoner rockers The Polymorphines hit Windsor as part of their tour, with a stop at the legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level). Think if the Sonics met Queens of the Stone Age. Also on the bill are Waterloo’s The Wormwood Scrubs as well as a special reunion of Windsor act I Invoke.

Vancouver’s quirky indie pop outfit The SSRI’s play Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) after a secret Monday house show. Joining them will be Windsor’s own Red Red Run and Space Vampire.

Friday September 16

The Magnificent Bastards, a new 70′s-punk influenced project featuring members of 70′s punk icons The Spy’s as well as The Vaudevillianaires, The Hard-Tops and Guitar Army, release their debut album with a release party at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level).

As some veteran punk rockers release their album downtown, one of the new breed – The Rowley Estate – unleash their anticipated album, albeit in the more DIY route. They’re throwing a house party to celebrate (1339 Hall Ave.), joined by friends The Nefidovs, Hellraiser, Ape Cassette, With Glowing Hearts and the debut of new metalcore band Always A New Day. Begins at 7pm and this BBQ is a BYOB affair. CD’s will be available for $8 this night (raising to $10 after).

EVL – one of Windsor’s hardest working and hardest to classify bands – brings their eclectic mix of hard rock to thrash sounds to the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) and are joined by London’s The Watershed Year, Chatham’s SUDS and Ghetto Blaster.

The gorgeous indie folk from Newfoundland’s The Mountains and The Trees return for another show at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) on their Canadian tour. Opening the show is eclectic cabaret folk of Hamilton’s Ben Caplan.

Erin Gignac (Dresden Sky), one of the area’s finest roots singer/songwriters, leads a Gospel Music Hour at Taloola Cafe (396 Devonshire Rd.) between 8 and 10pm.

Brazilian megastar DJ Tatiana Fontes hits the Boom Boom Room (315 Ouellette Ave.) for the night, continuing Boom Boom Room’s dedication to bringing world class electronica to Windsor.

Saturday September 17

One of the biggest indie events of the year is back for it’s third year, the 2011 installment of Phog Phest. Hosted in the side parking lot of Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), Phog Phest hosts a nice blend of the best in Canadian indie music mixed with the best local indie. Headlined by ex-Windsorites and now international music darlings Elliott Brood, Phog Phest also features The High Strung (from Detroit, the first US act to play the festival), Winnipeg’s Grand Analog (who had to pull out last year but promised to return this year), plus locals What Seas What Shores, Explode When They Bloom, fiftywatthead (doing their new AC/DC cover set) and ASK. Following the live music portion outside, the Windsor Zene’s own Jamie Greer will be DJing a small after-party inside the bar.

The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level) is throwing their own Phog Phest after party with a special show featuring the return of Surdaster to the stage. They’ve been on hiatus all summer prepping the release of their long awaited CD, which is almost upon us. Opening the show is the indie punk of Frontiers.

Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) continues to house and nurture the city’s finest indie singer/songwriters with a showcase featuring Paul Jacobs (Get Bent) and Joey Strasburg (Earth at Night) performing solo sets.

September 12, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekly Round-Up: September 6 – September 11

As dramatic and ever-changing as the weather can be in Windsor, the music always continues to flourish and interchange, and this week continues that trend by showcasing so many avenues of what Windsor has to offer in terms of quality in any genre.

Tuesday September 6

The big buzz of the week has to come from the electronica scene, one of Windsor’s most overlooked scenes but one that houses some of the most rabid followers and that’s produced some of our biggest musical icon exports. Richie Hawtin (better known to many by his alter ego, Plastikman) is a Windsorite who arguably helped change the face of electronic music with his early adventures into Detroit techno, helping shape the entire electronic landscape in the early ’90s. He returns to co-headline the Coming Home Music Festival (put on jointly between the University of Windsor and St. Clair College) with world-renowned club DJ and Grammy winner, Benny Benassi. Also on the bill is another globe-trotting Windsorite, DJ Heidi, as well as Rivaz and Manzone & Strong. The event is being held down at the new Riverside Amphitheatre down at Riverside Plaza (across from Caesar’s Windsor), beginning at 4pm. The electronic dance party of the year in Windsor is free to any UW or SCC student, or just $5 for the rest of us.

Thursday September 8

Shores of Erie Wine Festival, in historic Fort Malden Park in Amherstburg, is always a great excuse to check out some local vintners, try some local grub and take in some national acts rubbing elbows with some of the area’s finest local musicians. Thursday night is generally the”big show” night and this year, one of Canada’s finest rock bands, The Sam Roberts Band, headlines an evening that also features Windsor’s Pat Robitaille and our own (XM Radio Artist of the Year) Michou. Music kicks off around 5pm.

Vancouver’s new country darling Aaron Pritchett hits Windsor with a special intimate and interactive “Up Close and Personal” showcase at Windsor’s newest club (and country music venue) The Bull & Barrell (670 Ouellette Ave.). This is a rare chance to see Pritchett in a smaller setting and he’ll be alone and acoustic, rather than his touring full band arena show. Opening the show is Windsor’s own Crystal Gage, and tickets for this event are $25 (plus tax) advance, or $30 (plus tax) day of. There’s a $40 (plus tax) VIP ticket also available, that includes a private meet-and-greet with Aaron Pritchett.

Friday September 9

Windsor’s favourite punk rock sons (and easily the hardest working band in the city) Orphan Choir are returning once again from another East Coast tour for a homecoming show at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.). They’re being joined on the bill with the tour mates for the past few weeks, Windsor’s own indie-folk outfit James OL & The Villains. Should be a packed house for this one as both bands deliver some of the most honest songs and performances in town.

Over on the West End, The Sandwich Towne Festival is highlighted by a massive out-door concert as part of the BeaverFest Concert Series. Striving to bring some of Canada’s top up-and-coming and national music artists paired with locals on the rise, the crew from BeaverFest bring Orillia’s hot alt. rock leaders Bleeker Ridge to the stage alongside Windsor’s The Classix, with special guests Oshawa’s Hollowick (formerly known as Rides Again). This all-ages show starts at 7pm on the streets around The Dominion House (3140 Sandwich St.). Tix are $10 and are available ahead of time at Jam Space, Dr. Disc or any of the participating West End bars (The Dominion House, The MiLL Tavern, Hurricane’s Roadhouse, Billie’s Place or Rock Bottom).

With Michou back in town for their Shores of Erie gig on Thursday, members Stefan Cvetkovic (under his solo moniker Efan!) and Michael Hargreaves are playing an acoustic show at Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West). Expect a little bit of sunshine and a whole lotta ukulele.

Two of Windsor’s most exciting new hardcore punk projects, Repetitions and Valeri Page, are throwing a benefit bash to raise funds for their upcoming split 7″ together. Repetitions has been getting on some great bills lately – both locally and out of town – and Valeri Page has been a internet hit with their downloads. The loudness will be contained at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.).

Another of Windsor’s metal heavyweights returns to the legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) with a stacked bill. Goliath (featuring members of Aquila, In A Hail of Gunfire, Monolith and Weapon of Choice) returns from a series of out of town shows, with Toronto’s My Hollow in tow. Get Bent! (formerly Get Rad!) and Weapon of Choice fill out this monstrosity of awesomeness.

EVL, one of Windsor’s most unique musical collaborations, bring their hybrid thrash punk meets prog Danzig sounds to the FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level) alongside grunge alt. rockers Awake To A Dream.

April Wine – yeah, those guys – are headlining at Shores of Erie Wine Festival. To be honest, I always get April Wine and Trooper mixed up…

Saturday September 10

The Windsor memorial for Bradford Helner (Huladog, The FourJury, Eric Welton Band, The Hung Jury, Vice Aerial, Mr. Chill & The Witnesses, NOT_Digital, Twistin’ Tarantulas, Greg Cox Roots Combo, etc.) is being held on this day at The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.), from 12noon until 6pm. This all-ages event will have a $10 all-you-can eat pasta dinner. Music will be provided by The Last Trio, The Hung Jury, Ray Whimsey, George Manury, Travis Reitsma and The Rockafellas. There will be a donations box (which all proceeds collected from the pasta dinner will go towards) set up to help raise funds for Bradford’s medical bills from being an American in a Canadian hospital.

The Britpop stylings and rock star antics of Bombs returns to Windsor with another rock and roll spectacle at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.). Watch for Bombs’ guitarist/vocalist Ryan Yoker’s solo project RYE in the coming months. It’s the Verve to his usual Oasis slant. Also on the bill are a newer act to hit Windsor’s stages that have been acquiring some ears, the blues rock sounds of Diesel Junkies.

Windsor’s shock-rock zombified stoner rock vets The Vaudevillianaires attempt to deconstruct their fist pounding catalogue and strip it down for a ’90s-era MTV Unplugged-style showcase in the intimate confines of Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West). Grunge rockers StateSideSin will also be performing a special acoustic set and the evening will feature the solo debut from MicLordz & Sauce Funky‘s Matt Lalonde.

The Sandwich Towne Festival continues Saturday night with a show headlined by Years of Ernest, yet another Windsor act recently back from an East Coast tour. These Windsor veterans are still working hard promoting their amazing CD A Crooked Storyline hit the outside stage at 10:30pm, so there’s still plenty of time to head back downtown and catch one of the other shows later that night. Pop-punk specialists Pulp City Inn open the show.

Dave Russell & The Precious Stones (another Windsor musician returning from a road trip) opens up Shores of Erie Wine Festival at noon. Detroit R&B singer Kimmie Horne headlines the night, that also features Nemesis, Johnny Rocca, Toronto’s Brett Caswell & The Marquee Rose, The Kings of EC (featuring Tom Hogarth), and Dan Woods.

Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.) continues to showcase another great local tribute act, with Evil Empire releasing a live tribute to Rage Against The Machine. Their joined by special guests Anonymous Bosch, one of Windsor’s most talented young classic metal bands.

Menos Mal, a new indie blues pop band from Windsor, has their debut on the stage of Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West).

Oh, and if you happened to get tickets (cause it sold out in record time), this guys playing in the Spitfires’ home…

Sunday September 11

Shores of Erie Wine Festival winds up the weekend with a stacked bill headed by the 519′s own piano power-pop darlings StereoGoesStellar. Kingston’s amazing songstress Sarah Harmer also highlights a bill that includes New York’s guitar sensation Raul Midon and Windsor’s own eclectic and prolific genius Johnny West and a dynamite pairing of Jackie Robitaille and Crissi Cochrane. Music kicks off at noon.

September 6, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekly Round-Up: August 29 – September 4

First up, sorry for the nearly monthly delay in Weekly Round-Ups. But due to our day jobs, Murad getting ready for Harvesting The Fam Festival 2011 and the passing of our dear friend Bradford Helner, it’s been a crazy time for many of us at The Windsor Zene. Thankfully, there’s been a slew of great shows over the past few weeks that word of mouth alone assisted and great times continued to happen with our local music scene. And luckily, there’s more to come!

Tuesday August 30

Eric Welton has been a local musical favourite for many years now, either through his non-genre specific solo outings with his rotating cast of veteran musicians or with Chatham’s legendary psychedelic prog rock outfit Square Root of Margaret. As he preps the release of his latest album, Kill Them With Kindness (which really pushes some boundaries of his limits and songwriting, including the electro dance hit of the year, “LC/DC”), he’s congregating every Tuesday night at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.). Backed by his most recent incarnation of the Eric Welton Band, featuring Eryk Myskow (The FourJury/Hung Jury, ASK), Billy Myskow, Suzy Myskow and “Big Lou” Luke Pelotte (Vice Aerial, The Hung Jury, The Locusts Have No King, Theory of Everything), Eric Welton hosts VOMIT (Villains Open Musical Instruments and Talent), the Beastro’s newly anointed Open Mic. Come jam with your own band or jam with the “E-Dubs”, every Tuesday night.

Wednesday August 31

For the past three weeks, Venue Rock Parlor (25 Chatham St. East) has been home to a Battle of the Bands presented by MicLordz & Sauce Funky (hosted by ML&SF’s Boots) and sponsored by Venue Rock Parlor, Jam Space and Lunker Studios. Judged by a panel including Lunker Studio’s Joel Bishop (who also plays bass in Ashes of Soma), Jam Space’s Richard Rodgers (who also plays in Luna Borealis) and The Windsor Zene‘s own Jamie Greer, this week’s Finals include three weekly winners – week one’s Devilz By Definition, week two’s Intra Meridian and last week’s winners The Nefidovs – plus wild card selection The Glow. If you’re a fan of any of these fine four acts, swing by and cheer them on!

Thursday September 1

A rare Thursday night show at the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), as Cambridge’s UNLIMITED hits the legendary metal dungeon. They’re joined by locals EVL, Kiriyama and Aurelia.

Friday September 2

The metal scene has always been one of Windsor’s strongest due to the abundance of bands that infiltrate it’s blood stream and the rock or be eaten lifestyle each band brings in. Reasons Lost has been making strides over the past year and had some impressive shows of late (they were even tapped to open for metal icons Napalm Death at the Blind Dog in a few months). They headline a showcase at the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) with local metallers Edge of Existance, Slaughterhouse on the Prairie and newcomers Dead Man’s Will.

Saturday September 3

The apathetic stoner drone of underground ’90s grunge has been making an embraced comeback in the music world and Windsor has been stricken by the nostalgic inspiration as well. One of the bands leading that resurgence is Awake to a Dream, who are appearing at the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) this Saturday.

The Mud Lions are a throw back rock band as well who have been slowly building an audience with a series of strong shows throughout the city. They head the night at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.), joined by veteran indie pop rock outfit The Tyres, who have toiled for an easy decade in Windsor’s music scene. Fronted by singer/songwriter extraordinaire and underrated guitarist Domenic Carlone, and backed by bassist Ken Jean (The Vaudevillianaires) and drummer Damien Zakoor (The Vaudevillianaires, The Swillingtones, The Golden Hands Before God).

August 29, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | 1 Comment »

Weekend Round-Up: Fri. July 22 – Sun. July 24

Big weekend of music and I must say, that Saturday July 23 is PACKED with a lot of amazing shows – if you only pick ONE day to go out and see some music, go out on Saturday – every venue has an amazing show and it would be a great night to bounce around and catch a great cross section of the scene’s musical offerings. Friday has some great shows as well. So what’s up and what’s going down? Let’s find out…

FRIDAY JULY 22

Nicole Wood, long time bartender at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) and die hard supporter of our local music scene, is throwing her stag and doe at her place of business with a two-day music festival that rivals just about any local festival we’ve seen. Night one is a fire-cracker of a line-up, headlined by the return of the almighty Poughboy. These controversial scallywags of heaviness lead a roster that also includes Fiftywatthead, Pitch Union, TON, Explode When They Bloom, Blackbarn and Acousticfire. There probably won’t be any strippers (unless Poughboy’s Uncle Piss decides to show everyone his rock and roll wang) but this might be the coolest stag and doe of the year.

Oshawa’s The BoneDevil ride into Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) as part of their pre-CD release promo tour (their new album drops in August). This indie blues rock outfit is being joined by new Windsor outfit The Hoop.

Ontario Plates, an amazing new instrumental band following in the footsteps of such great Windsor bands like The Bulletproof Tiger, What Seas What Shores and the legendary Bloemfontein, are at Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West), with special guests Cody Howard, Colton Young and Emerging Artist Zarasutra. Milk is the perfect venue to experience such intimate songwriters.

Guitar Army, led by former Spy‘s guitarist Dale “Elad” D’Amore, returns for a two night stand at The Lion’s Head Tavern (7880 Wyandotte St. East). Guitar Army is chock full of some of Windsor’s 70′s and 80′s punk rock pioneers and amongst their own originals and Spy’s tunes, they cover classic tracks from Iggy & The Stooges, MC5, Ramones and more.

Tony Coates is playing an early evening show at Taloola Cafe (396 Devonshire Rd.), with this acousti-soul, and he’s joined by Rayven Howard. Shows at Taloola start at 8pm and are over by 10pm, so it’s always a great option to start the night for a pre-drink, great grub and some fine music before heading out.

SATURDAY JULY 23

The shock rock theatrics of the demented and painted zombies that are The Vaudevillianaires return from a hiatus with a free show at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.). Still playing in support of last year’s (sold out) EP Satan’s Thundering Hooves, they’re being joined by the monster sludge rock of Voodoo Mafia.

Nicole Wood’s two day stag and doe festival continues at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West) with another all-star line-up. Headlined by the fabulous Orphan Choir, Nicole also snagged Gypsy Chief Goliath, The Nefidovs, The Rowley Estate, Devilz By Definition and Seven Out for the second night. Again, all money collected goes towards Nicole and fiance Jarrod Feetham’s wedding.

Windsor’s kings of alt. country, The Locusts Have No King, return for a special showcase at Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.) in the heart of the arts core. Although various members of the band have been seen gigging around town solo or in other projects, this is the first Locusts Have No King show in awhile, as they’ve been writing new material for the next album. Shall we get a preview?

It’s double the Robitaille experience at The Gourmet Emporium (1799 Wyandotte St. East) in Walkerville on Saturday. The beautiful voice of songstress Jackie Robitaille kicks off the show at 9:30pm, followed by three solo sets by her brother, the amazing Pat Robitaille.

Windsor’s rap-rock sensational Richy Nix returns home for a special show at the new Untouchables Lounge (128 University Ave. West, above California Sushi).

SUNDAY JULY 24

The D12 show (that was supposed to feature EPMD and more) from back in June that was postponed is happening on Sunday, although a lot of the special headliners won’t be back for the make-up show unfortunately. It’s still going down at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) and The Expansion Family and Windsor’s own Academy are still on the bill alongside D12.

Faithful Unto Death once again headlines New Song Church (999 Drouillard Rd.)’s monthly hardcore/metal showcase, alongside Waterloo’s Blind The Carrier. They’re joined by local metal legends Betrayer as well as Kitchener’s Three Crowns, and Windsor’s Protect Ya Neck and We Remain. Doors are at 5pm for this All-Ages event.

The Holden House is a secret location destination (those who know know) for a series of great cheap shows in a safe and drama-free environment and their shows have only built momentum since its inception. This Sunday they’re having an all-day BBQ music day, starting at 2pm (bring your own grillables), with music starting at 4pm. Music is being provided by such local favourites as Repetitions, Get Rad, Devilz By Definition, Ad Nauseam, Valerie Page, Goat Law, and Suppressulant. For certain reasons, we will not reveal the location of this house (it is someone’s house after all), but you can find out through various means on Facebook or contacting one of the acts.

July 21, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | 1 Comment »

Weekly Round-Up (July 11-17)

Windsor has never failed to impress that a city with this size can continue to deliver a solid mix of touring national acts (and interesting ones at that) with a diversely rich cross-section of musical genres. It’s not often in city’s our size to be able to see such amazing talent from folk to heavy metal and with the degree of regularity that it occurs. This is something very distinct to the Windsor-Detroit region and is something we should all be proud of, supportive of and respective of. And this week has more of them as well!

MONDAY JULY 11

Christian metal has always seemed like a bit of an oxymoron to me (but perhaps it’s because I remember the atrocity that was Stryper), but the heavier side of Christian metal and hardcore has done surprisingly well over the past years. California’s Impending Doom headlines a huge bill at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.), an all-ages affair that kicks off at 6pm. Also on the bill are Alabama’s mychildren mybride, Texas outfit A Bullet for Pretty Boy, Ohio’s The Crimson Armada and Windsor’s own Faithful Unto Death (coming off a solid CD release at New Song Church) and newcomers Legions.

WEDNESDAY JULY 13

The Montreal whisky swill orchestra known as The Unsettlers hit Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for what will surely be a packed house. Check out the recent preview of the show for more details.

THURSDAY JULY 14

In anticipation of the weekend’s BluesFest, The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) and the Windsor Bluesfest are uniting to showcase a free jam night starting at 8pm. Rumour has it some of the artists at this year’s Blues fest will be jamming as an early warm-up for the weekend’s festivities, and may be joined by some of the area’s top musicians.

FRIDAY JULY 15

Ottawa’s progcore metal kings Today I Caught The Plague hit The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) headlining a great showcase of local metal including perhaps Windsor’s current kings of the Iron Throne, Assassinate The Following, the impressive young upstarts of Perpetuate, as well as the reliably strong Cyreene, Sirens & Serenades and Blackthorn City. Opening the show are newcomers Dead Mans Will.

If you’re into the slow groove swagger of bands like Sublime or Jack Johnson, you’ll dig Toronto’s The Unknown Culprits who swing through the city with a show at the legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), where they’re joined by George Xenophon and Mad Dog Tanner.

ASK makes their Windsor homecoming at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West). With mainman Chad Howson relocated to Toronto, Windsor doesn’t get ASK as much as we used to (although the members all continue in other successful projects around town). Hard Sell opens the show.

SATURDAY JULY 16

Windsor’s cigarettes and alcohol swagger answer to BritPop bands like Oasis, The Verve or The Jam, the four piece called Bombs (which also calls Toronto home), return to Windsor for their only show of the year (following a sell out show at Lee’s Palace for this year’s NXNE) at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.). There are few acts in town that live the rock and roll lifestyle as much as they do bring it to their live performances, but Bombs is definitely one of them.

Toronto’s The Womb hits the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) with a brand of 90′s inspired metal, alongside locals No Subject.

Detroit’s Car Parts are a quirky indie pop band who are self-described “Detroit Northern Soul” – which as strange as that sounds, makes perfect sense, as they sound like Motown’s answer to late 80′s Mod bands with just enough Detroit bravado. They’ll be playing at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave.).

SUNDAY JULY 17

Seems to be a week dedicated to out of town acts and the trend continues on Sunday with Toronto’s Victory, Sweet Victory hitting The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) for an all-ages show at 5pm that also features Montreal’s Third Place, as well as stong local acts in Pulp City Inn, Beijing Bike Club and newcomers Empty Spaces and No Dice.

July 11, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekly Round-Up (July 5-10)

Sorry for the lack of a round-up last week – been a busy week! Here’s a look at what’s going on musically around the Rose City this coming week. And it all begins tonight!

TUESDAY JULY 5

Pat Robitaille, one of Windsor’s finest songwriters, returns home for a full band show at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level). While Pat no longer resides in Windsor, he still proudly calls Windsor home and always returns with an emotionally driven show for his hometown audience. To add even more punch to the show, he has the stellar (no pun intended) powerpop of StereoGoesStellar sharing the stage, with an opening slot by Frank Deresti, a Sault Ste. Marie musician who has worked alongside Coco Love Alcorn amongst many others.

WEDNESDAY JULY 6

Red Wood Rising, an indie roots-rock outfit from Tulsa, Oklahoma, rides through Windsor on tour with a stop at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West).

The Holden House is becoming a well-known underground scene for some notorious hardcore/punk/metal house shows and they come through again with two Maryland area hardcore bands, Vestiges (from Washington, DC) and Full of Hell (Ocean City, MD). Local openers Hellraiser, Suppressulent and Valerie Page begin the show, which starts at 8pm. We are withholding the address for the house to avoid anyone crashing this house party with bad intentions – if you know of the house, you know where it is…

FRIDAY JULY 8

One of the big shows this night was to be the Windsor debut of Indiana’s punk rock cult heroes Waxeater. But last month, singer/bassist Elliott Turton suffered severe electric shock while performing in Austin, Texas and had to be revived. They’ve canceled several shows in the incident’s wake and Windsor’s show is unfortunately canceled as well,  but expect to see the band make up the date in the coming months. The show which is still on features great local punk from Hellraiser as well as the debut of new metal project Blackheart (featuring members from some prominent other local metal acts including Shinje and Tyburn Tree).

The Windsor Feminist Theatre is throwing a fundraiser at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), with some great local music supplying the soundtrack. Rock and roll veterans Ten Indians headline a night of music that also includes Meters To Miles and Tara Watts.

Montreal’s spectacular gypsy folk ensemble The Unsettlers invade Windsor with the first of three shows in a week with a free daytime performance at this year’s Festival Epicure. The band may call Montreal home but this rag-tag band of musical vagabonds all individually come from various cities from across Canada. Main man Ben Brandes is actually from Windsor (he was part of popular 90′s outfit Big Daddy A & The Merves) as is pianist Dustyn Lucas. They hit the stage at the Riverfront Plaza Amphitheatre at 7pm sharp.

A great compliment to seeing the Unsettlers would be Vancouver’s Five Alarm Funk at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), another massive musical ensemble that has simply crushed with each and every visit to Windsor. This funky monstrosity of awesomeness sold out quickly last time. Local funksters The Bad Mothers open up.

SATURDAY JULY 9

Opening night of the Shell Agency Windsor Showcase at the Blind Dog, this all ages event starts at 4pm. The opening night line-up features Devilz By Definition, After Ashes, Falling With Glory, Beijing Bike Club, Acousticfire, Burn This River, State of Us, Mother May I, White Fire Reed, Aeron’s Wake, Dead Mans Will, Aurelia, Sophist, Mjr. Problem, With A Smile, and Overdrive 145.

If quirky indie pop is more your bag, Toronto’s Papermaps return to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for what is sure to be another full house this weekend for CBC Radio 3′s Best Live Music Venue in Canada.

Villains Beastro (256 Pelissier St.) continues to showcase local music with a show featuring the dirty grunge sounds of relative newcomers Diesel Junkies, who are joined by the 90′s tinged rock sounds of StateSideSin for a free show.

The beautiful jazzy stylings of Montreal’s Amanda Mabro graces the Riverfront Plaza Amphitheatre for the second day of Festival Epicure, with a free set at 5pm.

The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) throws a hardcore show featuring local heavyweights ADHD, 100 Proof, Closing The Distance and Follow The Leader.

SUNDAY JULY 10

Day two of the Shell Agency Windsor Showcase continues at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) with another 4pm start (all-ages). Day two features Reasons Lost, Weirdonia, Olympia, Silver Glory, A Dream In The Morning, Jeffrey David’s Blues Connection, His Demons Her Words, Jerry At Risk, Emperors Among Kings, Overcome Your Kingdom, Look to the North, Obscure, Conscripted Youth, Virulent Friend, and Letterbomb.

The Unsettlers play their second show of the weekend with an earlier 5pm slot, again at the Riverside Plaza Amphitheatre as part of the closing festivities for Festival Epicure.

Pulp City Inn are the special live musical guests when local podcast/radio show 7 Out of 10 holds a live taping at The Manchester (546 Ouellette Ave.). The band should be on around 10pm.

July 5, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekly Round-Up (June 23-26)

Lots of great music to check out this weekend! Peruse what’s happening all this weekend, and you’re sure to find something that excites or intrigues your musical palette.

THURSDAY JUNE 23

The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) continues their Acoustic Thursday showcases on the upper stage. Local acts strip their styles down for an Unplugged style performance. This week features Sophist.

FRIDAY JUNE 24

Legendary Detroit hip-hop crew D12 co-headlines a huge night at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) with other hip-hop legends in New York’s EPMD and Compton’s WC (who was in the supergroup Westside Connection with Ice Cube and Mack 10). Windsor’s own Academy is also on the bill, which also features The Expansion Family and DNizzy.

The experimental instrumental project known as Star Trek: The Band returns after a lengthy hiatus with another show at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level). Composed of members of some of Windsor’s finest groups, such as James O-L & The Villains, Orphan Choir, What Seas What Shores, The Vaudevillianaires, Surdaster, Cellos and much more, this sound ensemble scores a completely improvised soundtrack for two full episodes of the original Star Trek series live before an audience.

The garage rock fuzz of Windsor’s The Blue Stones returns to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) with what is sure to be a hot and sweaty rock and roll affair. They’re bringing a couple of bands in from London to open up the show, Lucky Louise and The Vibes.

Windsor’s “death ska” kings The Nefidovs lead an all-star bill down in the Legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) that also features the punk rock attitude of The Rowley Estate and the intense post-punk stylings of Silent Movie Type. Toronto’s The Gentlemen Thieves rounds out the bill.

Singer/songwriter Leighton Bain has emerged as one of the city’s brightest voices, with a maturity and confidence stronger that his years. He’s playing at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) this Friday, still promoting his new EP, Oh Alaska, which is free to download on-line…

“Coma Mike” Fortier, the bassist for Guitar Army, turns 50 this weekend and he’s celebrating with a two night stint at Lion’s Head Tavern (7880 Wyandotte St. East). Guitar Army is a supergroup of some of Windsor’s earliest punk players from the 70′s and early 80′s, including frontman Dale “Elad” D’Amore from the legendary Spy’s.

SATURDAY JUNE 25

Instrumentalist favourites What Seas, What Shores bring their voiceless beauty to The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) to headline a night without words – the opening band is another in the Windsor wave of great instrumental acts, Ontario Plates.

David John Zelko is becoming quite the prolific songwriter. As well as being a part of the popular indie rock band The Beijing Bike Club and forming the new duo The City and The Sky with Cerah Steele, he has his own solo work under the moniker This Man Tells Stories. It’s under that name he’s performing at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), alongside Deni-gan, The Birds of Paradise (an acoustic project that features Dave Nisbet of Falling With Glory) and Acousticfire.

The psychedelic folk of Luna Borealis and the alt. rock of SixtyFirstSecond combine with the rock and roll sounds of The Mud Lions and Matt Dee for a solid showcase at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West).

SUNDAY JUNE 26

The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.) is throwing a fundraiser for musician Kit McEvoy (Tartan Army) to help raise funds after he was injured and left unable to work. The event starts at 3pm with musical performances by Vice Aerial, Jamie Reaume, The Swillingtones, The Tighe Brothers, Alec Lauziere, Twisted Sisters and The Hung Jury.

June 23, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Week-End Round-Up (June 10-12)

This heat is warming up the streets, but it’s the music that’s warming our hearts and melting our faces! Some great shows this weekend, and, like usual, the weekdays continue to showcase some great Open Mics and jam nights (check out our Live Calendar for all your mid-week events).

FRIDAY JUNE 10

Local indie pop darlings StereoGoesStellar releases their follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut with a new EP, Unstoppable, with an EP release showcase at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). This All-Ages show opens its doors at 7pm and SGS are joined by one of Windsor’s finest punk bands, Shared Arms, as well as former Yellow Wood multi-instrumentalist Tim Davidson. Admission is $10. You can also download the title track for free at their website.

The dark electro-acoustic stylings of Two For The Cascade make their return to the Windsor stage this Friday with a show at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level). Two For The Cascade are one of the few Windsor bands who let their music breathe by not playing every month, making their shows events rather than common place. Their haunting duets are enveloped by a layer cake of acoustic and electric guitars, E-bows, Moogs, keyboards, iPhones, drums and the only active Theramin in local music. They’re joined for this show by two newer acts – the soul/dub sounds of The Swillingtones and the lovely voice of Zarasutra, whose Emerging Artist piece on TWZ a few months back remains one of the most read articles we’ve done. Although they are principally original, Two For The Cascade have also become known for their heartbreaking renditions of some other songs, such as “The Bear” by My Morning Jacket, as captured one day at a band rehearsal.

Perhaps Windsor’s busiest and most successful metal offering of the past few years, Assassinate the Following, reclaims the legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) with a mighty line-up featuring Victoria, BC’s Unleash The Archers, Windsor prog-metallers Perpetuate and Strathroy’s Invitation to Die. Doors at 9pm for this great metal onslaught, with the first act (Perpetuate) kicking things off at 10pm sharp.

SATURDAY JUNE 11

Windsor’s latest prog-rock gods (is it just me or is prog making a serious comeback in Windsor right now?) King Misfit release their heavily anticipated debut CD this Saturday with a huge show at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). One of Windsor’s tightest and musically proficient acts, this show will be a wet dream for musical purists. Opening the show will be one of Windsor’s legendary metal acts of the past decade, Betrayer. Doors are at 8pm and the $20 ticket includes a copy of the debut CD.

Years of Ernest, one of Windsor’s finest pure rock and roll outfits, are gearing up for the release of their debut CD with a sneak peek show this Saturday at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West). Playing cuts off their upcoming album, this supergroup (which features the talented folk singer Andrew MacLeod joining forces with Locusts Have No King members Leigh Wallace, Paul Loncke and Joey “Wiseguy” Desroches) never fail to leave a lasting impression, in your heart and your ears. Opening the show is the brilliant songwriting of Leighton Bain.

Coach & Horses bartender Nicole Wood is throwing a birthday party at her place of employment (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) that is an acoustic showcase featuring some of the burgeoning talent in the city’s singer/songwriter circuit, including Tony Coates, Acousticfire, Rayven Howard, Paul Jacobs and Nicole herself. Swing by for a birthday drink for a woman who not only slings a mean Irish whisky, but who has been a tireless promoter of not only the local metal scene, but local Windsor music in general. Happy Birthday Nicole!

Pop-punk rockers Pulp City Inn headlines a three band bill at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) that also features one of the city’s finest singer/songwriters, Dave Russell (whose bringing a few of his Precious Stones backing band with him), as well as a special set from Hamilton’s Matthew de Zoete, whose acclaimed songwriting has drawn comparisons to Nick Drake and Elliott Smith.

SUNDAY JUNE 12

Fresh off the hugely successful CD release for Set Faces to Stunned, Windsor’s horns o’ plenty The Nefidovs host a huge party at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) that also features Newmarket’s Stack and Large, London’s Stuck Out Here and Windsor’s own punk rogues The Rowley Estate.

The guys at Hardcore Church present another stacked line-up for the hardcore crowd at New Song Church (999 Drouillard Rd.). Kitchener’s Exalt headlines a monster of a show that kicks off at 3:30pm for an all-ages event that runs until 10pm. Cover is only $2 and also on the bill are Winds0r-Essex’s Faithful Unto Death, Hellraiser, Legions, This Ghost and apecassette as well as some other out of towners in Longshot (Ajax) and A Night in Paris (Mississauga, formerly Hawking’s Chair). Another jam packed line-up for a remarkable price.

June 8, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | 1 Comment »

Friday June 3: Monster Night of Music

Wow.

Windsor is blessed with so much talent musically – much of which goes unnoticed or under appreciated by the general public. But if any music goers were to pick a weekend to experience Windsor’s diversity and strength of talent, this Friday would be an ideal launching pad to get to know some of the heavyweights. Here’s a quick spin around the horn to see what’s going on on Friday June 3rd.

FIELD ASSEMBLY with Rowsdowers @ PHOG LOUNGE (157 University Ave. West)

Field Assembly is the moniker of one of Windsor’s most intelligent songwriters of the past decade, Adam Fox (formerly of Ten Year Drought). His alt. folk debut, Broadsides & Ephemera, drew critical acclaim across the country and was followed up with a cross Canada jaunt. He hasn’t played in town in some time so perhaps we’ll be getting a sample of some new material. Opening the show is a new project, Rowsdowers, featuring members of What Seas, What Shores.

ALL HANDS BENEFIT with a local All-Star Line-Up @ THE FM LOUNGE (156 Chatham St. West, main level)

All Hands is a non-profit group that “hit with maximum impact, minimal bureaucracy, by helping communities that have been devastated by natural disasters.” To raise funds and awareness, they’re throwing a musical event featuring four of Windsor’s finest – Surdaster, The Locusts Have No King, Vultures! and The Nefidovs. This is sure to be a party from start to finish.

THE VAUDEVILLIANAIRES with Cellos @ VILLAINS BEASTRO (256 Pelissier St.)

Windsor’s shock rock quintet The Vaudevillianaires bring their stoner rock and Tim Burton-esque kabuki make-up to Windsor’s newest live music stage at Villains Beastro. Still playing in support of last year’s sold-out EP, Satan’s Thundering Hooves, they’re joined by new sensation Cellos (featuring members of Orphan Choir, Surdaster and Poughboy), for a free showcase.

GOLIATH leads a full metal showcase @ THE COACH & HORSES (156 Chatham St. West, basement level)

Fresh off the heels of their debut video, Windsor’s metal lords Goliath headline a fist pumping, head banging orgy of destruction in the legendary Coach & Horses along with Seven Out, Door to Door, Human Gore and Desertion. Easily the loudest show of the night (with no disrespect to the Vaudevillianaires and Cellos).

DENI-GAN @ TALOOLA CAFE (396 Devonshire Rd.)

Definitely one of Windsor’s finest up-and-coming songwriters, Danielle Heslip (aka Deni-gan) is a star on the rise. Taloola Cafe’s intimate setting is a perfect place to experince Deni-gan for the first time and with an early start (Taloola shows begin at 8pm and are done before 10) it makes for an ideal night out for the early birds or a great warm up to any of the nights other offerings.

ONTARIO PLATES hosts benefit @ MILK COFFEE BAR (68 University Ave. West)

One of the scene’s young and hungry new bands Ontario Plates hosts a special benefit to raise funds for a local family in need. There’s a $5 cover to help this cause and once again Windsor’s local talent has risen to help out the community. Leamington’s Raised By Weeds is also on the bill.

THE GREAT CANADIAN BEAVERFEST kicks off @ THE RIVERSIDE AMPHITHEATRE

Organizers insist the stage is done, so it looks like all-systems go for Windsor’s latest summer festival that brings national acts Finger Eleven, The Trews, Danko Jones, Dean Lickyer, Tim Chiasson and local alt. rockers Seven Year Riot to the brand new Riverside Amphitheatre (across from Caesar’s Windsor). Doors open at 5pm for day one of this festival.

June 3, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | 5 Comments »

Your Weekly Round-Up (May 27-29)

One of the quieter weeks we’ve had for touring and original bands in recent months, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some biggies going down. Here’s a look at what’s coming through or happening in Windsor this weekend.

FRIDAY MAY 27

Vancouver’s pop-punk darlings and Black Box recording artists Living With Lions are touring the country in support of their brand new disc, Holy Shit!, and that includes a return visit to Windsor and The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). Living With Lions have been causing all kinds of controversy due to their Bible-themed (and not in a flattering light) new release. Apparently it was recorded on money from FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Candian Talent On Recrodings, a Canadian grant that helps pay for production of CDs, etc.) and when Candian Heritage Minister James Moore discovered the government had just helped fund an album that mocked the Bible, all Hell broke loose (apparently, LWL has given back the FACTOR money). Rochester, NY’s Such Gold is on the road with them, and for this show, locals With Glowing Hearts, Hellraiser and Frontiers are warming up the stage.

Windsor metal giants and CDN recording artists Shinje make a return to the dungeon of the legendary Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level). Always a packed house as these guys have become one of Windsor’s most important metal bands without as much of the fanfare of most. Montreal’s President opens the show with them.

Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) continues to be one of the city’s finest nurturing grounds for singer/songwriters, and this Friday continues that magnificent tradition. Port Colbourne’s Beth Moore and Guelph’s Jordan Raycroft headline a night of story and song at the intimate Absinthe cafe, joined by Toronto’s Graydon James & The Young Novelists and Windsor’s own multi-instrumentalist Kevin Echlin.

Waker Glass, one of the surprise stars of last year’s FunnelFest, exploded with a couple of great shows following and then disappeared on a self-imposed hiatus to work on their heavily anticipated debut album. While they’re still hard at work in the studio, they’re popping up briefly to breathe and, luck enough for all of us, a quick show before they dive back down to the audio recording depths. Intimately compacted into Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), they’re being joined by Barrie’s Brett Caswell & The Marquee Rose.

Tyburn Tree has been a force on Windsor’s metal scene for years now, following the release of 2008′s impressive Parliament of Trees. They will also be the headlining the second show at the new Villains Beastro (256 Pellisier St.) on Friday. In a somewhat odd pairing, they’re playing with quirky indie pop veterans The Tyres, who must be close to finishing their long awaited debut disc…

SATURDAY MAY 28

Barrie’s Brett Caswell & The Marquee Rose (who pull into town on Friday for an opening gig at Phog) expand for a headliner spot at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.). Joining them will be Windsor’s latest rock supergroup Years of Ernest (featuring acclaimed singer/songwriter Andrew MacLeod, teamed up with The Locusts Have No King‘s Leigh Wallace, Paul Loncke and Joey “WiseGuy” DesRoches), who are on the verge of releasing their debut album by summer’s end.

90′s Grunge seems to making a strong comeback in some of the newer acts and the line-up at the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) is a testament to that. Windsor’s own Olympia, Dr. Altenhof and Planet World team up for a 3-band bill of melodic riffs and strong grooves for a triple threat of dirty rock and roll. Olympia is releasing their new EP More at this show (which includes as a bonus, their previous Welcome To EP).

This Man Tells Stories is the side project of Beijing Bike Club‘s David John Zelko. He’s putting together the debut release for TMTS, but in the meantime, he’s headlining a showcase at Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) that also features Tony Coates, Rayven Howard, Acousticfire and The Birds of Paradise.

SUNDAY MAY 29

Winnipeg’s power-pop darlings Sons of York bring their Strokes and Weezer influenced sounds to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for a special free show, joined by Windsor’s State of Us.

May 25, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Your Weekly Round-Up (May 17-22)

Once again, a busy week in Windsor music, with not one but two huge CD release parties, not to mention the Windsor stop for the legendary Anvil. Read on to find out what’s up and what’s going down this week in live music in Windsor…

TUESDAY MAY 17

Toronto’s Wilderness of Manitoba return for another stop at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) while touring to promote their latest, When You Left The Fire. Fans of Fleet Foxes or Yukon Blonde will be in for a huge treat with this one, as Wilderness of Manitoba is another bringing back the huge tight harmonies that made Crosby, Stills & Nash (and for a time, Young) famous, but with a darker tone.

THURSDAY MAY 19

Windsor’s Seven Year Riot unveil their new CD with a release party at LOFT (20 Chatham St. East). These guys have been playing primarily on the road the past year, including a show during Canadian Music Week in Toronto, bringing their high energy alternative rock sounds to great crowds out of town.

Halifax songstress Mary Stewart brings her sweet voice to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for an intimate night of singer-songwriting. Stewart’s style is like a more minimal Kathleen Edwards, and this young musician has already shared the stage with such Canadian artists as Blue Rodeo, By Divine Right, Wintersleep and In-Flight Safety. She’s joined by Windsor’s own (by way of Halifax) Crissi Cochrane as well as Den-igan.

FRIDAY MAY 20

The legendary Poughboy unleash their opus, End of Men, at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for what is sure to be a writhing, reptilian sold out show. These heavy rock deconstructionists have developed a cult status that borders on frightening and rumour has it that this latest CD comes with a huge coffee table book. These guys are guaranteed to disgust and delight. Opening the show are Toronto’s The Mad Ones and Windsor’s (wh)y.m.e.(??).

In the world of Canadian heavy metal, perhaps none have been as legendary and influential as they were commercially unsuccessful as Anvil. But thanks to a remarkable and emotionally powerful documentary a few years back, they’re finally getting the credit and success they’ve so richly deserved. They make a long awaited stop in Windsor at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) on Friday, backed up by Windsor’s own metal legends, Betrayer. Perpetuate and Final Stage are also opening the show.

Meters to Miles, who seemed to have disbanded a year ago after a promising single (“American Primate”) leaked, have returned with a force over the past six months. Said single is available on the new compilation disc City of Roses and their live shows have become memorable rock and roll events. They’re playing at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), and are joined by Years of Ernest, arguably one of Windsor’s best new rock bands of the past few years. Solid classic 70′s rock feel with great licks and vocals.

Instrumental rock has always been a form that Windsor has embraced and last year saw a boom in the genre with acts like Bulletproof Tiger and Red Rows. Another act that quietly began to attract a legion of fans was Red Red Run (who have a new album in Rejoyce), who are playing at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), along with Greater Than Gatsby and Diesel Junkies.

Post-grunge band Sophist returns to Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) with an intimate show at Windsor’s best cafe for music, coffee and absinthe (what a combo!). Opening the show is the classic rock stylings of Acousticfire.

SATURDAY MAY 21

Villains Beastro (256 Pellissier Ave.) unveil their first night of live music with two of Windsor’s finest. The mighty Surdaster are headlining the party with their dirty Southern prog rock and are joined by the infectiously energetic Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers.

Toronto’s Frailfragment brings their neo-grunge hard rock for a showcase at The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.).

Toronto indie-pop darlings The Ruby Spirit swing through Windsor on tour with a stop at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West). Windsor’s The Rheostats and London’s Say Domino warm up the crowds.

The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) bring in the metal thunder with a three band attack featuring Bullet Tooth Tony, Edge of Existance and Starbucket.

Joe Pasco performs at Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West).

SUNDAY MAY 22

Sudbury’s dreamy folk pop band Meadowlark Five stop by Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) with special guests, Windsor’s Ontario Plates.

May 16, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Your Week Ahead (May 11-15)

Another killer week of music, as May continues to showcase a great representation of local and national acts taking over the stages of Windsor. It’s proving to be a pretty fertile time as well, as we’ve witnessed a large amount of CD releases in the past month (The Blue Stones, Inoke Errati, One Man’s Opinion, Perpetuate, Faithful Unto Death, City of Roses compilation), with several more in the coming weeks (The Nefidovs, Seven Year Riot, King Misfit). Some critically acclaimed indie bands from many genres are sniffing around Windsor-Essex again, which means that the bands and their booking agents are getting excited by the Windsor crowds – which can only mean we’re doing something good here folks. Continue to support local acts so that they can continue to follow their dreams and represent the musical voice of our city. Continue to support national touring acts, show them that Windsor hospitality that has kept national acts like Holy Fuck, The Pack AD, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Fuck The Facts coming back to Windsor despite playing bigger venues anywhere else in North America.

WEDNESDAY MAY 11

Toronto’s Hunter Valentine returns to Windsor for a Rose City stop on their current North American tour in support of last year’s Lessons from the Late Night, released on New York’s Tommy Boy Records. This all-girl rock band falls somewhere between Hole and The Runaways, or a more sugar coated version of Die Mannequin (but by no means less deadly). They’re being joined for their show at Phog Lounge (157 University Ave.) by Minnesota’s Sick of Sarah and a solo set from Lucas Silveira of The Cliks.

THURSDAY MAY 12

Hamilton metal meisters Threat Signal hit Windsor on Thursday with an all-ages show at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.), with doors at 5:30pm. This show also boasts a top notch representation of some powerful local metal, featuring Goliath, Bloodshoteye (rumoured to be their final performance ever), Cyreene, Blackthorn City and A Dream In The Morning.

FRIDAY MAY 13

The Mark Inside has been a success since they first played Windsor several years ago at The Avalon Front for PA Festival. Now countless packed shows at Phog and a spot on last year’s Phog Phest have garned the Whitby rock and roll outfit a spot in Windsor’s musical heart. They’re hitting Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), bringing another Toronto act, the infectious rock pop of Chang-A-Lang. The show opens with Windsor’s The FourJury, who are coming off some strong opening sets for Grady, The Creepshow and New Country Rehab.

The Nefidovs have become one of the city’s most energetic live shows over the past year with their own brand of “Death Ska”. Playing with an abandon and inserting themselves on a variety of diverse bills has broadened their fan base and created something of a buzz amongst the indie scene in Windsor. They launch their highly anticipated debut album, Set Faces to Stunned, with a huge party at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), featuring some very talented friends in The Blue Stones, Shared Arms and The Rowley Estate.

British Columbia’s Daniel Wesley brings his rock and roll to The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.), with a bill that also features Toronto urban reggae-folk artist KO, the ska-pop of Toronto’s Rebel Emergency, as well as local representation in the rock of The Mud Lions and the soul stylings of Tony Coates.

Formerly known as Focal Point, local alt. rockers SixtyFirstSecond return to the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), along with Silent Movie Type and [NO SUBJECT].

SATURDAY MAY 14

Gateway Productions, a new Windsor-based concert promotions group, is launching their inaugural Gateway Festival at The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.) featuring a massive line-up of some of Windsor’s best metal and indie rock bands together in one colossal showcase. This all-ages festival begins at noon and features Inoke Errati, Falling With Glory, The Blue Stones, The Tragedy of Miriam, We Can Be Heroes, Beijing Bike Club, Hello Audio, State of Us, Bleach, Diesel Junkies, Empty Spaces, No Clue, Letterbomb, Thieves in Remand and out-of-town special guests Breaching Vista, Pull Start Rockets and Truth Be Told. That’s a lot of music.

Though they may have relocated to Toronto to continue their quest for greatness, Bulletproof Tiger will always be a hometown band. These prog metal instrumentalists continue to impress and always pack the place when they return home for shows. Expect the same when they hit The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) with Toronto’s Isoceles Project and Windsor’s Red Rows in tow.

Whenever Lindy plays Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) it feels like he’s from Windsor. Despite being a successful solo musician and member of the national act Major Maker, Lindy always feels so at ease on Phog’s stage and comfortable with Tom behind the bar, that one would assume he was just another regular who also happened to play guitar. That comfortability and familiarity with Windsor always just translates into another great show for the audience. Lindy will actually be playing earlier, with the night closed out by new Windsor funk-soul band The Swillingtones ending the night with a West side dance party. For reals.

Montreal’s Kill Matilda headlines a huge metal showcase at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) that also features powerhouses Gypsy Chief Goliath, Devilz By Definition, The Heat Seeking Moisture Missiles and Chatham’s Davis Block.

If you’re looking for a quieter night, Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West) continues to be the nurturing ground for some fantastic singer/songwriters with the Play for Love Show headlined by Samantha Hooey. She’s joined by the voices of Mike Cerveni, Joe Iannicello and Rayven Howard.

SUNDAY MAY 15

One of Windsor’s favourite punk rock sons Orphan Choir return from the road with another show at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level), with label mates Shared Arms . As if these two alone wasn’t worth the price of admission, their actually the local support for New York’s Sister Kisser‘s Canadian tour, that also brings two of Montreal’s finest, Prevenge and Laureate along for the ride. Gonna be a barn burner of some great punk rawk.

Upstairs at The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West, main level), the instrumental beauty of vibe generators What Seas, What Shores will be playing, alongside the quirky experimental pop of Vancouver’s Alicia Hansen, currently touring in support of her latest release, Fractography.

May 9, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »

Weekly Round-Up

Lots of shows across the board this week. Lots of options to check out!

TUESDAY

Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) opens its doors for a rare Tuesday night show, but its an intimate and quiet one (compared to past shows). Featuring Saskatoon’s haunting sounds of The Deep Dark Woods, as well as Shuyler Jansen and Windsor’s own Dave Russell.

WEDNESDAY

Quebec’s Celtic punk rawkers Farler’s Fury are gonna make it St. Patty’s day all over again when they play at The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) on their cross Canada tour on Wednesday. They’re joined by Suppressulant, Bad Assets and Get Rad!

THURSDAY

The charity compilation CD, City of Roses, to raise funds for The Hospice of Windsor-Essex, holds it’s launch party at The Manchester Pub (546 Ouellette Ave.) at 8pm. Tix are $15 and include the CD, which features tracks from local mainstays like Inoke Errati, One Man’s Opinion, Tara Watts, Vultures!, The Hung Jury, Blasternaut, Dave Russell, (wh)y.m.e.(??) and more. Live performances from Dave Russell & The Precious Stones, Blasternaut and Vice Aerial launch the disc.

Halifax’s Rebekah Higgs swings by Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) for an intimate set, that includes Crissi Cochrane opening up the night.

FRIDAY

Local stoner rock legends Pitch Union return to the Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West), with special guests, the amazing Cellos.

The 70′s Mod rocker sounds of Toronto’s The Tranzmitors hit Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West), with support from Windsor’s The Hypnotics.

At 12 midnight, Jeff Burrows (The Tea Party, Crash Karma) begins his annual 24-hour drum marathon to raise money for local cancer charity Transition to Betterness out at The Franchise Grille (2601 Lauzon Parkway). He’ll be jamming for 24 hours on drums with several local musicians, including Drop Dead Famous, Twisted Sisters, Shade Stone, Vice Aerial and The Joys. Burrows will be closing out his Saturday night with his local supergroup Is There A Band In The House? that also features Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe (Big Sugar), Daren Dobsky (Vice Aerial, Magic Hall of Mirrors), Nick Belulis (Porcelain Mary, Royal Dose) and David Cyreene (feal).

SATURDAY

Local alt. rockers One Man’s Opinion are calling it quits (for now) but not before an EP release/farewell show at the Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave.). Joining them are local favourites StereoGoesStellar and The Brilliance.

The industrial mayhem of Uxbridge, Ontario’s Promonium Jesters infiltrates the dungeon of The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, basement level) this Saturday, alongside Adaptive Reaction and Orphan Grinder.

Calgary’s Ryan Bourne brings his guitar and band to Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) on Saturday for some classic Canadian indie. He’s bring fellow Calgarians Deadhorse while Windsor’s Red Red Run opens up.

If nothing here floats your boat, The Dugout (300 Ouellette Ave.) has 10,000 Witnesses, a Clutch tribute band, rocking their stage.

SUNDAY

Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) and their nearly weeklong musical journey concludes with Victoria’s Northcote. Opening the shows are solo sets from faces/voices better associated with some of Windsor’s top bands. David Dubois (The Locusts Have No King) and Jesse Fellows (Shared Arms) will be starting things off.

Hardcore Church continues their hardcore shows at New Song Church (999 Drouillard Rd.) with the heavily anticipated release of Faithful Until Death‘s Coming Home. They’re joined on this huge bill (starting at 6:30pm) by Right Before The Rise, Cyreene, Hellraiser and Shinje.

May 3, 2011 | Categories: Weekly Round Up | Leave A Comment »