From Lift-Off to legends

Those in attendance were certainly not disappointed when the line-up for the upcoming Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off festival was announced at their kick-off party on May 28, at Rangatangs.

Lamoureux Park is sure to rock, with headliners Amanda Marshall (July 9), Finger Eleven (July 10) and Classic Albums Live tribute to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (July 11). Supporting acts include locals Rub Salt, The Shiners, Graham Greer and West Fourth (me and my boys).

For a modest $20 you can enjoy the entire weekend of entertainment. There’s no better ticket around this summer if you’re a music fan, and really, who isn’t? Hope to see you there. ********

Here’s a selection of new music sent to me that you might enjoy….

For those of you who like the music of John Mayer and Kurt Cobain, Edmonton signer/songwriter Greg Wood has just released his first full-length self-titled CD. The collection contains a nice variety of strumming ballads and driving rock tunes.

The Groove Kings’ Blood Red is a great mix of soul and R&B with touch of jazz, featuring the strong vocal performance of Irene Marc. Together with the well-written music of Montreal songwriter Howard Forman, the duo’s modern take on the genre every once in a while reminded me of ’70s sound of Gloria Gaynor and Thelma Houston, minus the disco beat.

If you’re in the mood for clubbing, Kim Esty, of the late ’90s Squeezetoy fame, has released a best of compilation. The music, with its infectious beats and not-too-deep lyrics, does exactly what it was meant to do—make you dance.

A very interesting mix of genres come together for Celtic/folk singer Sora in her Heartwood collection. The music, which at time has classical qualities to it, is as enchanting as her lovely soprano voice.

The Fight that Broke Your Heart is a straightforward modern rock album by Alberta band, Five Star Trailer Park. The emotion-packed lead vocals by Nick Spence are as legitimate as any of the better-known singers of that genre.

You can check all these artists out on line. ************

I recently got to play “rock photographer” when the legendary Elton John and Billy Joel sold out Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on June 1, as part of their “Face 2 Face” tour. It was the first time I’d been there, and found it surprisingly intimate for an arena. The impressive lighting system may have had a lot to do with it. My pass only allowed me to stay for a handful of numbers—an industry standard for press photographers—but from the songs that I did hear, the sound was spectacular. “Love Lies Bleeding” rocks.

A word to the wise though: If you are planning a trip to see a concert or a game in Ottawa, leave early. It took me and my crew almost two hours to get from door to door. The traffic off the highway into the venue is very heavy when there is an event going on.