Chi Pig Scholarship in the Works for Victoria School of the Arts
It would be cool to go back in time and tell Mr. Chi Pig (Ken Chinn) that there would one day be a scholarship in his name at his old Alma mater, the Victoria School of the Arts. Would he have believed you – in his darkest hour? Maybe. Before he died in 2020 at […]
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Hair Metal Legends Rock 50,000 in Edmonton
Let’s do a little music history lesson involving Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett, shall we? How many times do you think these bands have played Edmonton? Any guesses? Well, Def Leppard and Motley Crue have played here 14 times each – 14! – plus seven appearances each by Poison (or frontman Bret […]
INTERVIEW: Mr. Downchild Answers Three Questions Ahead of Edmonton Show
Donnie Walsh, founder of the Downchild Blues Band in 1969, doesn’t do many interviews anymore, but agreed to answer some email questions in advance of the band’s appearance at the Edmonton Blues Festival in Hawrelak Park on Friday, Aug. 19, part of The Longest 50th Anniversary Tour Ever. Q: I interviewed you at least once […]
REVIEW: Hamilton Brings Fantasia of American History to Life in Edmonton
The experiment was to see if one could understand and enjoy Hamilton without knowing any of the backstory – other than that it was created by and stars a guy whose name I can never remember (Lin-Manuel Miranda, had to look that up) and has something to do with the American Revolution. The answer is […]
Our Lady Peace Helps Pussy Riot on Brave New Song
Putin’s got his hands full enough without having to worry about some Russian feminist protest band raising hell. After years of persecution, arrests, and even prison for their outspoken views, Nadezhda (Nadya) Tolokonnikova and the band Pussy Riot are currently and relatively safe in Los Angeles, USA, making a living in the music business, on […]
WHAT’S GOING ON: Arcade Fire Returns to Edmonton, Beck to Open
Contrary to some reports, Canada’s premier alternative big band has not broken up – Arcade Fire is still going strong. It’s just that Will Butler – brother of frontman Win Butler – has left the band. Don’t worry, there still seem to be lots of musicians left. Extra horn players, at least. The band returns […]
WHAT’S GOING ON: Garth Brooks Coming, Country Music Taking Over
News that MacEwan University has launched “Distinguished Visiting Artist in Country Music” workshops within its music program, and that Brett Kissel will be the honorary campaign chair, has been met with some arched eyebrows among some MacEwan music alumni nerds – like me. Having attended (but not graduated due to going on the road with […]
