Wolfe Island resident Emilie Steele and her band started things off with her easy going, country-tinged tunes.
Witch Prophet was next with music that ranged from the ethereal and emotional to the passionate and uplifting.
Mappe of played tender and delicate songs before Sarah Harmer took to the stage.
Sarah Harmer addressed the springlike smell of skunk that was wafting into Longboat Hall. I’m picturing a skunk awakening from hibernation, groggily stumbling out onto Queen Street West and getting smushed by a passing streetcar. And it all happens to the tune of Sarah Harmer's gorgeous melodies. Sarah played some new songs including one dedicated to Darryl Weeks.
The Rural Alberta Advantage were up next with their powerful tunes. Still don't know how only three people make such a glorious noise. I’ve only seen The RAA once before but I remember them as a musically intense band and they cemented that impression with this performance. My photos of The RAA at Riverfest Elora are here.
Jim Bryson entertained with his fun stories and great songs before Sydanie showed us her unique and powerful vision through her songs.
Dizzy, one of my favourite bands, played acoustic and without drums for this intimate performance of "Bleachers", "Backstroke" and "Pirouette". Strong songs are strong songs and stripping away the electric elements and drums can show off just how song a song is. Dizzy's performance was breathtaking, powerful and uplifting as always. I can't say enough about this band and congratulations to them on their Juno win. My other photos of Dizzy are all over this site. Click through for photos of the band at Royal Mountain Records Festival, the Baby Teeth album release, Field Trip and Hillside.
Tim Baker made a mark on the Canadian music scene with Hey Rosetta!. He’s now branched out on his own and is continuing to make a mark. It was special to see him in the intimate environment of Longboat Hall knowing that he’d be back soon for a sold out three night stand in the room just upstairs at The Great Hall. I’ve caught Tim Baker live with Hey Rosetta! on several occasions and Tim Baker at Hillside. Click for my photos of Hey Rosetta! at Riverfest Elora, The Danforth Music Hall and at TURF.
The Elwins closed things out with their endearing and addictive power pop. Always enjoy the music these guys make. I caught them previously when they were part of Cover Me Impressed and at TURF in 2015.
Check out my photos from the event:
The Elwins
Tim Baker
Dizzy
Sydanie
Jim Bryson
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Sarah Harmer
Mappe of
Witch Prophet
Emilie Steele
