Ticket/CD Giveaway: Beth in Battle Mode @ Silver Dollar, 24 Apr.

For some reason it took me a long time to get around to seeing Beth In Battle Mode perform. Once I did, I kicked myself for not partying with them sooner! Their indie synth pop is just so catchy and danceable, and they've got stage presence and energy that match the songs perfectly. (Plus: attractive musicians!) The band has a new album out---Hot Science---and they're headlining a show this Friday, 24 April, at the Silver Dollar, a great spot for them. Opening are The Hey Now and Clouds (that look like things). It's been too many months since I last saw this band, and this bill also featuring two local acts I have yet to see (but have heard good things about) at a venue I rather like. That is pretty hard to beat. Here's to hoping I can persuade a few of you to join me at the show... with free tickets and some freebie downloads just to get you in the mood!

For more info, instructions about how to enter the contest for 2 free tickets and a free CD, some downloads, and everything else you need to know, check out my blog.

Ticket Giveaway: Woodhands @ The Phoenix, 17 Apr 2009.

My favourite pairing, Woodhands, is back in Toronto, headlining a show this Friday at the Phoenix (!). Paul Banwatt and Dan Werb haven't given Toronto too much love since their sold-out CD release show last spring at Wrongbar. But after playing a whole lot of shows elsewhere in Canada, south of the border, and in Asia, it's about time they headline again in the town of their founding.

The last time I saw Woodhands was during Pop Montreal in early October. The show featured some crazy crowd surfing, guest vocalist Aleks (from Chicago band Aleks & the Drummer), and freestyling courtesy LA's rap duo The Knux. The last time they played Toronto they opened for Cadence Weapon, who joined them on-stage during their set. Back in August they brought out a lazer as part of their live show. Paul's been known to join The D'Urbervilles for some live guest rapping . . . my point? I wonder what tricks these guys have up their sleeves for us this time.

Courtesy The MuseBox, I've got a pair of tickets for Friday's Toronto show to give away to one lucky reader. For a chance to win, e-mail me at historyjenATgmailDOTcom. Put "Woodhands" in the subject line and your full name in the body of the message. Deadline to enter is noon on Thursday, 16 Apr. I'll let you know soon thereafter if you're the winner. If you don't win, tickets are $10, and also get you in to see The Carps, Creature, Golden Girls, and DJs Famous Players. Doors are at 8pm; the Phoenix is at 410 Sherbourne St.

For song downloads and other goodies, check out my blog.

Presents from me to you.

Canadian Musicfest is upon us! Boy howdy, are there a lot of great bands playing. I've got some non-CMW events listed here. The latest podcast details are here. And get the new Amos the Transparent EP for free here! I like what I've got for you this week!

My week in shows + free .mp3s.

My latest "shout out" post is now up on my blog. I've cheated and combined it with a post going over some of the great stuff I took in last week. So, bonus: read about my adventures and download the soundtrack at the same time! Best set of last week was Diamond Rings at the Boat on Sunday. All the details about this and everything else I did are here.

Shout out.

Merry Christmas! I've got a few downloads available on my blog, featuring bands I saw this month. Check here for songs from The Rural Alberta Advantage, The Golden Hands Before God..., and The Speaking Tongues. (Bob, you would have LOVED that last show, I think. Seriously.)