MUSIC PREVIEW: UP+DT takes a stand
A quick recap of the controversy leading up to this weekend’s Up + Downtown Music Festival:
On Sept. 19, after organizers caught wind that former Misfits singer Michale Graves had allegedly shared and written some controversial things on social media, his appearance was cancelled. “Upon review,” a statement read, “his views expressed do not align with UP+DT’s views that strive to build a safe and inclusive festival experience.”
Very shortly afterwards, the Starlite Room announced that the show would go ahead as scheduled (this Saturday night in the Temple space; Graves is on about midnight) – just not under the UP+DT banner. Everybody happy? Not exactly.
Both the UP+DT and Starlite Room people have been flamed by haters – the righties against the former, the lefties at the latter – perhaps most notably from Alex Jones’ Infowars website, material from which Graves has shared in the past. The site has been banned by Facebook, YouTube and PlayPal for promoting “hate.” Infowars recently made two videos about the fracas in little old Edmonton. Such an honour.
Bit of a sticky wicket for those who might see both sides, is it not? Some are pondering the question, “How much do you really need to know about the personal and political lives of your favourite artists? Would NOTHING be OK?” Short answer: No.
As always happens in cases like this, after much heated discussion, the furor has died down as Edmonton’s sixth annual eclectic indie music festival gets underway at 11 different downtown venues.
Friday night features the extraordinary Tanya Tagaq, Polaris Prize winner, at the McDougall United Church. Down the street at the Starlite Room is a full bill topped by SUUNS, a trippy electronic act from Montreal; and then we travel for a few blocks into the world of indie rock with Destroyer and others at 9910.
Saturday night highlights Brant Bjork and more at the Freemason’s Hall, plus another big bill topped by the Afrobeat party band Antibalas at the Starlite. Wrapping it up with a bang on Sunday night is the reformed and revitalized Jr. Gone Wild (top photo) closing a night at the Rocky Mountain Icehouse, which is right next door to the Station, formerly the Needle, which is not part of UP+DT, but one day could be. Let’s get all the downtown bars in on this!
There is of course much more already, something like 55 hand-picked acts operating in almost every imaginable genre.
Full passes are $115, single nights also available. Full information can be found on the UP+DT website.
Thursday 4
Cadence Weapon – Ah, the Prodigal Grandson returns – this Canadian rapper (aka Rollie Pemberton) is the grandson of the late Edmonton Eskimos’ legend Rollie Miles. While Cadence left town for greener pastures (first Montreal, now Toronto), the multi-talented musical poet never left Edmonton behind in his heart. Recent music speaks fondly of his hometown, and he is currently touring with his fourth album, self-titled, and his first since 2012’s Hope in Dirt City. Three guesses what town that’s about. Opening his show at the Buckingham will be Fat Tony & Hua Li and Cartel Madras. 8 pm, $12 advance
Friday 5
Daniel Champagne – From Nashville, where it’s UP+DT practically every night, this mellow singer-songwriter and guitar picker originally from Australia – like Keith Urban! – is actually the opposite of Keith Urban, and is touring on his critically acclaimed debut full-length, The Snap Shot Mixtape. 7 pm, Almanac, $12 advance
Baby Boy Blue – There’s a touch of Drake, a scintilla of the Weeknd, and a moody dash of Depeche Mode in this local “dark-pop” artist. He releases his debut EP Twelve A.M. at the Rec Room South. 7 pm, $10 advance
Saturday 6
Shooter Jennings – The Son of Waylon seems to be travelling down a more mainstream musical road than his dad, while maintaining the ideals of Southern rock and so-called “outlaw” country, which of course is now mainstream – thanks to dad. This is a family show: Sharing the stage will be Shooter’s mom Jessi Colter, a star in her own right. River Cree Casino, 9 pm, advance tickets from $40
The Mariachi Ghost – From Winnipeg, far, far away from their muse, comes this band-slash-art project that lives up to its name, with costumes fitting for Dia de los Muertos, and dwelling in the haunting sonic landscapes of old Mexico. The Station on Jasper, 7 pm, $19 advance
TOP PHOTO: Jr. Gone Wild performing at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, Ontario during Canadian Music Week on May 8, 2014. (photo credit: Colin Smith)
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