October 29, 2017

The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations - Concert Pictures

The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The Pursuit of Happiness at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
Toronto live music institution and rightful holder of the “legendary” title, The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern is celebrating its 70th birthday this year and rather than slip quietly into retirement the venue has been celebrating in style with a series of shows by legendary artists new and old including Hollerado, Billy Bragg, 54-40, The Constantines, Skydiggers, Matt Mays, Rheostatics, Jim Cuddy, Julian Taylor, Lowest if the Low and many, many more including hometown legends The Pursuit of Happiness.

I’ve seen TPOH many many times over the years but never since I’ve been photographing bands or running this site. I was super excited for this night since the band is one of my favourites and has so many awesome tunes along with the bonus of celebrating the Horseshoe Tavern’s birthday.

After The James Clark Institute's opening set and TPOH's set-up, it was time to flash back to the glory days of Toronto indie power pop with a greatest hits set from the one, the only, The Pursuit of Happiness. The band sounded amazing and played with incredible energy. I loved shouting along to the tunes in unison with the band and the sold-out crowd. It was so great to hear these classic tunes blaring from The Horseshoe stage, and they even recorded the show, so hopefully we get to relive it again and again. Here's to hoping that it won't be too long before we get to experience the live magic of TPOH again.

Their setlist spanned their catalog, with emphasis on their debut, Love Junk, and second album, One Sided Story. There are too many favourites for me to summarize, so here's the setlist:

"Hard to Laugh"
"Ten Fingers"
"Man's Best Friend"
"Beautiful White"
"Walking in the Woods"
"Shave Your Legs"
"Consciousness Raising as a Social Tool"
"Food"
"I Like You"
"When the Sky Comes Falling Down"
"Pressing Lips"
"Kalendar"
"She's So Young"
"Two Girls in One"
"Looking for Girls"
"Cigarette Dangles"
"I'm An Adult Now" with a bit of The Tragically Hip's "Gift Shop" in the middle

First encore:
"Downward Road"
"Killed by Love"

Second encore:
"Down on Him"

Third encore:
"Gretzky Rocks"
"Terrified"

Listen to some fantastic tunes from The Pursuit of Happiness:

"Hard to Laugh"

"Consciousness Raising as a Social Tool", which, if pressed, I might proclaim as my favourite TPOH tune

"When the Sky Comes Falling Down"

"Pressing Lips"

"She's So Young"

"Two Girls in One"

"Cigarette Dangles"

"I'm An Adult Now"

"Killed by Love"

"Gretzky Rocks"

The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations - Concert Pictures

The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebrations on October 27, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures photos
The James Clark Institute had the challenging yet enviable task of warming up a sold-out crowd at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern for The Pursuit of Happiness. The venue is celebrating it's 70th birthday and this show is one of the 70 shows in this year's series.

The band engaged the crowd with their instantly likeable power pop tunes, drenched in classic sounds of yesteryear, played with energy and skill. Their latest album, Yesterday's Misadventures, it out now and was produced by none other than The Pursuit of Happiness' own Moe Berg.

Check out some of The James Clark Institute's instant classics:

"The Devil's Punchbowl"

"Charlie Schulz was Always in Love"

"Company Hearse"

October 28, 2017

Cults at Lee's Palace - Concert Pictures

Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cults at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
I'm a big fan of Cults' beautiful melodies, well-crafted songs and unique yet retro sound. On October 20, I got to experience Cults' live performance for the second time. This particular show, at Toronto's venerable Lee's Palace, was a special night for me since Cults was the first band I ever photographed at Lee’s as a member of the local media and the second club show that I ever got proper media accreditation for back in 2013. My photos from that show are here.

And I love the band. The band's music along with singer Madeline Follin's delivery are magic to my soul and my ears. They've just released a new album called Offering and they sprinkled their set with new songs and classics from 2013's Static and their self-titled debut. I loved every moment of the show and will take every opportunity I have to see Cults perform.

Just one thing. No, you should not, under any circumstances refer to Toronto as "The TO" (pronounced "the toe"). Just, no. Don't even think about it again. Please.

Openers Cullen Omori and Hideout did a great job of warming up the crowd for Cults.

Check out my favourite tunes from Cults' set:

"Abducted"

"I Took Your Picture"

"I Can Hardly Make You Mine"

"High Road"

"You Know What I Mean"

Encore tune "Go Outside"

Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace - Concert Pictures

Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Cullen Omori, formerly of the acclaimed Smith Westerns, was second up on the Lee's Palace stage on October 20, sandwiched between Hideout and headliners Cults. I liked his easygoing vibes and summery melodies. The only question I was left with was, what was up with the feathers floating around during their set?

Give Cullen's music a listen:

"Cinnamon"

"Two Kinds", "New Misery", "Poison Dart", and "Cinnamon" live on KEXP

Hideout at Lee's Palace - Concert Pictures

Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout at Lee's Palace on October 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Hideout was the first of three bands on stage at Toronto's Lee's Palace for a fun night on October 20. The band is on tour with Cullen Omori and headliners Cults. Hideout are from New York and played their cool power-trio tunes with power and passion. I liked their energy, vibe and cool melodies.

Check them out:

"See You Around"

"I Got Your Message"

"Where You've Been"

October 23, 2017

Riverfest Elora 2017: A compendium of posts - Concert Pictures

Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
Riverfest Elora 2017 at Bissell Park on August 18, 19, 20, 2017 Photo by John at One In Ten Words oneintenwords.com toronto indie alternative live music blog concert photography pictures
We need the collective joy of music and music festivals more now than ever. In many ways, we live in the best time in human history. In other ways, the world's as messed up as it's ever been and some are even doubling-down on the crazy. Music brings me joy, it uplifts my soul and it fills me with hope and happiness. I try to capture the mood and fun of a show with my photography and bring it to you, patient readers and viewers of this site. Festivals are a great way to collect with like-minded humans, listen so some of our favourite music, eat some great food, enjoy some weather and discover some new favourite artists.

This post is a collection of links to all the posts from this year's Riverfest Elora. I hope you'll spend some time browsing through the posts, checking out the photos and listening to the music. I hope it'll bring you back to the festival, or make you wish you were there and hopefully it'll turn you on to some great new music.

Thanks goes to everyone involved in Riverfest Elora for the joy and happiness you bring each year. I'm already counting down to next year and can't wait to see what you put together in terms of another fantastic line-up and amazing vibes.

 Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

And if you're still in the mood after filtering through all of that, go back and check out all my pics from Riverfest Elora 2016 right here. Or just click on this link for everything Riverfest Elora in page after page of fun!