By Dr. Gonzo,
If you are a “citiot” or just a fan of the creative scene of downtown Toronto you may miss the great Indie bars that show new, emerging artists. Going down for a show is a trip…… in a bad way.
Taps and Tunes (TnT) has been standing at the entrance of downtown, waving and trying to get attention, politely suggesting: “Maybe you don’t have to go to the city”?
On a Sunday night in Collingwood before the holiday season; Cold; Rainy; football on TV; 3 bands fronted by Women warmed us by ‘burning down the house’* at Taps and Tunes!!!
Sunday isn’t the usual night out, but you don’t get 3 acts that are this accomplished into CW on those nights, kids!
Let me tell you what you missed.
New original music! Full-time Toronto based touring bands you would see on West Queen.
Jumpin! Punkin! Funkin! Dancin! Laughin! Smilin!!!!!!!
Multi- Instrumentalist Sarah Fazackerly has played downtown venues like The Danforth, Riv, and Lee’s in various bands. Lately she has spent a bit of time around here playing solo and collaborating around CW but is in the middle taking a massive jump into the fire as the new lead singer for explosive funk/horn band My Son the Hurricane, one of the ‘next’ Canadian bands. Sarah’s showed us the power and passion she is going to bring to the big show although her solo work is a different feel from her work in MSTH; imagine Alanis solo. Many in the crowd made that ‘knowing’ nod to each other. What a privilege. Taps & friends say bon voyage!
Altered by Mom were completing their most recent tour with their co-headliners and pending drop of their next album. Fronted by Gina Kennedy, vivacious, ironic and with tons of attitude! Her life and musical partner Devon Lougheed is also a producer and brooding intellectual by my assessment (when confronted, he did not dispute this). Add rock steady beat by Max Trefler, touted (for that is the appropriate word!) as the best drummer in Ontario, and you have an indie powerhouse that will be appearing on bills across Canada during the festival season. They had us dancing and smiling and clearly the band really enjoyed themselves on that little stage. Music is supposed to “make you feel some kind of way” and their way was happy!
Goodnight Sunrise took the stage after warming up by dancing to ABMom! The favour was duly returned by ABMom! With the evening ‘progressing’ (an extra round surely!), things got more animated yet, but in the best way possible! The power couple fronting this high energy band is Vanessa Vakharia on keytar and David Kochberg on guitar, sharing vocals. It’s a 5 piece that can verge from punk to Floyd which the Dr. thinks they should explore for the right situations. There was jumping, monitor climbing, adapted stage diving and other thoroughly wonderful stagecraft.
All of these wonderful musicians came and gave us the greatest time and in turn enjoyed their visit to TnT. With continued support this local scene is building. Don’t miss the next one!
Keep an eye open for these bands on your music service and across Canada. A great time for a $20 at the door and home by 11. Taps. The Vibe is special.
Check here for upcoming acts: facebook.com/p/Taps-and-Tunes-Bar-and-Grill
