It was a night just two past Halloween. Those who pretend to be spirits had returned to their everyday pursuits. That was the cue for the real freaks to emerge, congregate and importantly dance! In a location, both mysterious and open, on the outskirts of town, on a starry night, a rather healthy lot of true characters; werewolves, princesses, witches, demons, and most importantly music-loving locals turned out for a treat.
The Milkbarn Sessions hosted the return of veteran prog rock band (frog surely) from Niagara Falls Ontario, Road Waves. Led by the dark and handsome lead vocalist and guitarist Ji Sharp, the Wavers had just swung through Ohio, into Montreal and were in town before concluding touring season in Windsor. Local band, Molecular opened. Wow. More below.
Road Waves performed a special show. Each year the band will play the entire album of a musical hero to mark the end of the touring season. This year, it was the whole of Axis Bold as Love, by Hendrix. In a chat before the show Ji, admitted that very few would want to jump into the role of Hendrix which is why that album is not often performed live.
They opened with a 45-minute set of their original music from their several albums (available on most streaming services). The music is progressive funk with a jammy flavour. This is a solid professional emerging band. The boys, including Jacob on the skins and Yo on bass, had the place jumping pretty good even before an intermission.
In the break, we were charmed by a stunning performance by thoroughly entertaining fire dancers Angel Vollick and Vita Bowen in the courtyard and when Road Waves returned, it brought its own fire which just grew as the evening progressed. If you get a chance to see Road Waves anywhere you will not be disappointed. Judging by this summer’s activities, this band could turn up literally anywhere that you will be! Follow on FB.
Molecular consists of two young hotshots, Ryan Prince on keys and Paz Ciuk on drums. The band is led by local multi-instrumentalist Kyle Haight who pilots this experimental Rocketship with a driving Warwick bass that can only be described as relentless. The youngsters get put through their paces with smiles all around. Moody, at times dark, but ultimately always smart and optimistic, the music is much like its creator. Despite the complexity, it remains funky and danceable. You do not see music like this in small towns very often. Shout to Jason Savery for mad trumpet solo work!
The Milkbarn is a place, but it is also the expression of a man’s vision. The animal barn had been abandoned, disregarded and underestimated. With the determination of a human sized ant, Haight has cleaned and restored the buildings and area to form a performance stage, gallery for his art, and a paint and recording studio pending completion. It is a place for artists to share their energy and to create in a welcoming environment among like minded people. With hosted local vendors and even a videographer from a local high school earning credits it is a budding cooperative.
It was a rousing cultural success as always, yet a non-profit in the truest sense. (The writer is a guy who thinks he knows something is happening. Dr. Gonzo.)
