Kiss

Hello fans....

Well, there's lots of rumours about concerts in Regina this week, huh? I won't tip my hand -- I'm not in a position to tell anybody anything because, well, I just don't know. But the good thing is that it appears we'll be blessed with some good concerts this summer.

Now, do you think Kiss could come to Regina? Anything is possible -- when I was told a couple of years ago that the Rolling Stones would perform at Taylor Field, I didn't believe it. But look at what happened.

Kiss has an interesting campaign to book concerts in cities where fans contribute to a campaign to get the band to include you on its upcoming tour. There's also talk of a new Kiss album.

To read more, here's a a link ...

http://eventful.com/performers/kiss-/P0-001-000062428-9/competitions

I am a huge Kiss fan -- when I was a kid, I had Kiss posters plastered all over my bedroom walls, and I was such a fan that I didn't understand how any band would dare go on stage without makeup.

Luckily, Kiss reunited, put the makeup on and toured like crazy - and I got to see the whole extravaganza - once in Ottawa in the mid-90s and again in 2000 in Toronto. They were great shows, especially since Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were on board.

It appears the current Kiss lineup features Tommy Thayer in Ace's role, and Eric Singer back where Peter ought to be. Thayer and Singer are great musicians, but still.

I'm sure this modern-day version of Kiss puts on a fine show -- but, unfortunately, since I can head to the afterlife knowing I've seen the original Kiss, I will likely pass on an opportunity to see the current lineup (pictured).

However, for those who want to see "the greatest band in the world," or at least half of the band, here's your chance.

See you later.

A

I've had it with Ticketmaster

Hello friends...

I apologize for taking too long to get this blog rolling again.

If you hadn't heard about Joel Plaskett's show at The Distrikt next month, consider yourself told - one of Canada's best singer-songwriters is performing May 8. I am still listening to his new three-CD offering, so stay tuned to Saturday's Leader-Post for my review.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that I officially think that Ticketmaster sucks. First, I had a helluva time with the site - it kept crashing and/or refusing to accept my credit card information when I tried to buy a couple of Plaskett tickets this week.

So I called the 1-800 number, and was given a couple of different stories about whether I could actually buy them over the phone. One fella gave me another number to call so I could buy them over the phone -- but when I called it, I was told that I could only buy them online. Sure seemed like a lot of trouble.

Anyway, I re-booted my computer and that seemed to do the trick. However, I was stunned at all the charges. We expect a "fee" of some sort, but what I paid seemed outrageous.

I got two tickets at $15 each, and I was charged $4.50 for each ticket for a handling fee. Then, I was charged another $3 delivery fee, even though I chose to pick up the tickets. I'll let you do the math, but the notion that only a portion of what I'm paying is winding up in Plastkett's pocket is a sad thing indeed.

I don't have any grand ideas about loosening Ticketmaster's grip on the ticket industry, but I'd like to hear them - and I'd be happy to support competition to Ticketmaster.

That's it for now -- I need to get to work on reasearching the next Matte's Metal Minute. If you haven't heard, my contribution to Grindhouse, the heavy metal show on The Wolf is becoming more and more fun since it began a few months ago. Last Friday's metal newscast was as close to flawless as I'll ever get. Stay stuned to the upcoming Friday night show (11 p.m.) ... and I may even have an interview or two share in the coming weeks.

Stay real.

A.

concert listings

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From: Dunn, Jessica [JessicaDunn@LiveNation.com] Sent: Tue 17/03/2009 14:25
To:
Cc:
Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 17, 2009



SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS





Most tickets available through www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster Or Charge by Phone:

Saskatoon 306-938-7800, rest of Saskatchewan 1-800-970-7328
Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and facility fees









RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS





MAR 27 / BEYONCÈ – NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS RELEASED

*March 27, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $115.00, $89.00, $59.00 & $25.00 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 20 / GAVIN ROSSDALE – NEW SUPPORT ADDED

With special guest Suzie McNeil

*April 20, Odeon Events Centre Saskatoon / Doors 7:00pm/ Show 8:00pm

Tickets $30.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW







CONCERT LISTINGS





MAR 20 / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – SOLD OUT

With special guests Dope and Archer

*March 20, The Odeon, Saskatoon/ Doors 8:00pm / Shows 9:15pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+



MAR 24 / SERENA RYDER – SOLD OUT

With special guest Royal Wood

*March 24, Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION SEATED



APR 4 / NICKELBACK

With special guests Seether and Saving Abel

*April 4, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm
Tickets $65.50, $49.50 & $39.50/ RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 11 / NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

With special guests Jabbawockeez

*April 11, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon/ Doors 6:30pm / Shows 7:30pm

Tickets $75.00, $55.00 & $39.50 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 12 / NO FEAR ENERGY MUSIC TOUR

FEATURING LAMB OF GOD

With special guests Children Of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, Municipal Waste and God Forbid

*April 12, Saskatoon Prairieland Park, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm

Tickets $39.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 20 / NEIL YOUNG

With special guests Everest

*April 20, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $175.00, $89.50, $75.00 & $55.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR / RESERVED STANDS / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 23 / SUGARLAND

With special guests Billy Currington

*April 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $69.50 & $45.50/ RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 14 / THE STILLS

With special guests Gentleman Reg

*May 14, Louis’ Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $18.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 23 / AN EVENING WITH IL DIVO

*May 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $127.05, $91.55 & $57.05 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 29 / TV ON THE RADIO

With special guests Dirty Projectors

*May 29, Louis’, Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $28.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

***A LIVE NATION & SEALED WITH A KISS CO-PRODUCTION***







NEW SHOWS BEING ADDED WEEKLY

WWW.LIVENATION.COM

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com/investors.





Best Regards,
Jessica Dunn| Media Relations / Western Canada(:: 604.683.4233 / 604.683.4298 fx
8::Jessicadunn@livenation.com
*:: 5th Floor 56 East 2nd Ave, | Vancouver, BC, Canada | V5T 1B1
www.LiveNation.com

Miss ya pal.

One of my favourite guitarists is actually a better photographer than he is an axeman.

Tom Hanson was one of this country's best photographers. But, for me, he was good friend and among group of journalist buddies to attend Friday night poker games at the Ottawa Press Club held on the third Friday of the month. This was a few years ago now -- 1995-97.

I admired him for his creative approach to life - I was jealous of his job - he had one of the best jobs in journalism, helping record the comings and goings of the prime minister of the day for the Canadian Press. I can guarentee you've seen his pictures in newspapers. He's been published regularly in Canadian newspaper for the past two decades.

The last time I saw Tom we were on a plane carrying Jean Chretien -- I was assigned to cover the federal election campaign in 2001 and he was there, as always, to take pictures. We shared some old stories, and he shared some of his wife's baking.

I bring this up because Tom died on Tuesday night -- at 41, Tom collapsed while playing hockey in Ottawa. Needless to say, as a 41-year-old, out-of-shape hockey-playing journalist, this puts an interesting perspective on things.

At any rate, Tom loved the blues - he was a member of an all-media band in Ottawa and he played a smooth Fender Strat. I doubt he liked metal.

But I will always remember his photos, showing up to press conferences on his Harley Davidson and introducing me to fancy scotch over a late night, but spirited, game of cards.

I have been on antibiotics for a couple of weeks, but when they are done, I am going to have a glass, or two, of the Macallan in Tom's honour.

Here's a little more about Tom and his work.

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/thelens/archive/2009/03/11/a-tribute-to-cp-photojournalist-tom-hanson.aspx


http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hGVoyKXFQxS8V0OixzHJjgnK5H7A

You too can miss U2

Hello fans....

Mondays are great, aren't they? My Monday was made extra grim by the news that U2 has announced plans to play shows in Canada. And, of course, on Toronto and Vancouver are on the list. In the story below, the Toronto Sun's Jane Stevenson suggests more Canadian dates could added. Don't hold your breath. There are bigger U2 fans than me, but you won't find me at any of the U2 shows already booked.

Anyway, bigger bands have played here -- so you never know.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/U/U2/2009/03/09/8676421-sun.html

Candy, radio and a fundraiser

Hello fans....

The weekend is officially upon us -- and that means it's time to let down our hair, enjoy a bunch of adult beverages and head to the clubs. If you need some ideas, see the previous post. My advice is to stay out of the movie theatres -- seeing the movies when they come out on DVD is cheaper anyway. Plus, you can have a beer and enjoy some popcorn that's not overpriced.

It seems the Thursday night show at the MacKenzie Art Gallery was nothing short of awesome. I wasn't there -- I was stuck at work until late, but I was told by an enthusiastic music lover that the concert was everything it was supposed to be, and then some. The free event featured music from Library Voices (pictured) Rah Rah and We Were Lovers. The evening was catered by Dessart, which meant free candy for the crowd. So, not only was the evening the perfect opportunity to see three good bands for free, the audience was also treated to complimentary Pixie Stix, Razzles, Bottle Caps, Nerds, Tootsie Rolls, Sweet Tarts and Jelly Bellies.

I'll be certain to let you know when the gallery hosts another Thursday evening show.

For those who will be listening to the radio tonight should turn the dial to 106.9 The Wolf. Grindhouse, the station's hour-long show dedicated to heavy metal, will feature another Matte's Metal Minute. I am in full radio mode, which means I think I'm getting better at my delivery and production. I am already working on upcoming Metal Minutes. Tonight's Matte Metal Minute puts a spotlight on the return of the awesome Toronto metal band Piledriver. So, listen in, it only takes a minute. Actually, listen to the whole show. It's great.

And finally, local music fans can help Library Voices make some money to help recoup their losses suffered when some thieves broke into their van in Vancouver and made off with thousands of dollars worth of gear. The fundraising gig is on March 27 at The Exchange. Other performers include Volcanoless In Canada, Andy Shauf and Matt Goud (formerly of Means). Tickets are $15 at the door.

So, there are two reasons to see this spirited group -- they're terrific live and they need our help. They are also accepting donations of music equipment.

Here's a copy of an email I received today. Have a great weekend. See you here on Monday.

A


Library Voices, a ten piece indie pop band from Regina, had their van robbed while on tour in Vancouver last week. The group lost over $10,000 worth of equipment.

After a long winter drive through the mountains and headlining a capacity concert @ The Media Club in Vancouver the band parked the van on a well lit street and headed in for some much needed sleep. The next morning (literally only a few hours later) they discovered that thieves had taken bolt cutters and chopped away all of the metal on their trailer that secured their "unbreakable" padlock. Instruments stolen included a saxophone, a guitar, heads and speaker cabinets, a vintage tom drum, an accordion, about a dozen pieces of percussion, and countless cables, effects pedals, and microphones. In the spirit of rock and roll, the group has rented/borrowed enough equipment to continue touring but the incident has proved to be a giant setback and are hoping the community pulls together to support an evening of live music - which in turn will help them replace a portion of what was stolen.

Library Voices has curated a diverse evening of music, pooling musicians from all over Saskatchewan to join the festivities. Estevan, Carlyle, Yorkton, Balgonie, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon will be represented on stage.

The band prides itself on it's unique and diverse instrumentation - and so at this time they are also bowing their heads, with their tails between their legs and announcing that they will graciously accept any donations of old and unused instruments you may have cluttering up your garage or storage rooms. They solemnly swear that every donation will make an appearance on an upcoming recording. (contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com)

Library Voices was recently featured in Spin Magazine as an "unheard band you NEED to hear now". Since forming in spring of 2008 the band has also toured the country twice, performed at the Western Canadian Music Award, Regina Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Ness Creek, and Calgary's Sled Island Festival. They have also received airplay in the UK on the BBC, won an award from CBC Radio 3, and their debut EP, Hunting Ghosts, charted nationally on college radio and CBC. The group recently wrapped up a full length album to be released in the summer of 2009.

Friday March 27
@ The Exchange (2431 8th ave, Regina, Sk)

A special fundraiser concert featuring:
Library Voices
Volcanoless In Canada
Andy Shauf
Matt Goud (formerly of Means)

Doors at 8:00 PM

Tickets are available at the door for only $15.00

contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com

CBC Radio 3 posted a plea by the band to the thieves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWQDgEm4RMA



Stories regarding the robbery can be viewed here:

http://exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=129&csid2=844&fid1=36794

This weekend in music

Hello fans...

For those of you who think there's never any decent live music in Regina, I present this weekend in the Queen City. If you can't find anything that interests you this weekend, then I might suggest that you're off your knob.

I picked a great weekend to resume my weekend music rundown duties. I am sorry for missing the last couple of weeks.

My pick for the weekend is the Thursday night show featuring Library Voices, Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. This is part of the gallery's new occasional Thursday night music series. And the best thing is that it's free. Three excellent local bands - for free. You can't beat that.


THURSDAY:
- Library Voices performs with Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event.
- Chris Henderson plays the first of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Kory Istace vs. the Time Pirates and Tabby Grass and the Down Home Boys perform at The Lazy Owl, University of Regina.
- Textbook Tragedy performs with The Holly Springs and Disaster at Centennial Hall in Lumsden.

FRIDAY:
- Arkells and The Walking Eyes perform at The Drink.
- Chris Henderson plays the second of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Women with The Harmoniums perform at The Club. 7:30 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- Rehashed, Blacklisted, Kleins96, Life in Hand, Urindump. - 8 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- God Made Me Funky at The Distrikt. Doors open at 9 p.m. $8 cover.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- We Were Lovers and Sylvie perform at at O’Hanlons
- Country singers Gord Bamford and Jessie Farrell perform at the Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Jordan Cook performs the first of two nights at McNally’s.


SATURDAY:
- Num performs at The Drink.
- Sisters for Sisters, a benefit concert for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, featuring Brittany Kraus, Louisiana Jane and the Zydeco Hurricane, Bev Zizzy, Little Miss Higgins at Regina Performing Arts Centre. Advanced tickets available through Performing Arts Centre box office.
- Big Nothing performs at the Gaslight Saloon.
- Chris Henderson plays the third of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Jordan Cook performs the second of two nights at McNally’s.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Regina Symphony Orchestra’s Mosaic Masterworks Concert Series presents: Tickling the Ivories - with guest artist Angela Cheng (piano) at Conexus Arts Centre, 8 p.m.