Edmonton, you may have a new legacy to be proud of. But instead of Gretzky, Kurri and Messier, your dynasty just might be lead by Six Shooter Records.
The inaugural Interstellar Rodeo took place at Hawerlak Park over the course of the weekend, to much fanfare. They welcomed guests such as Randy Newman, Gillian Welch, Hawksley Workman, Richard Buckner, Jason Plumb & The Willing, Blue Rodeo, Cadence Weapon, Wagons, Jenn Grant, Shakura S'aida, Whitehorse and many more. Oh, and The Beauties. ;)
It was nice to witness a city embrace such a varied playlist of styles. People came in droves. I really think this is the way more festivals need to happen in Canada. If your programming sticks to one specific genre of music, you really alienate yourself from discovering something truly inspiring. You don't have to look any further than Guelph's Hillside Festival to realize this is the truth. Good music is good music, no matter what genre. If it's played with conviction and honesty, I could never speak ill of it.
A fresh and open ear keeps the soul anew.
This is where Six Shooter succeeded.
We played a tight and spirited set to a responsive audience who was trickling in to see headliners, Blue Rodeo. I like playing to an audience who aren't really familiar with the band. But by the end, everyone was singing "Devil Do". Mission accomplished.
If you read my last blog, you remember that Anna (our bassist) cut her hand open on the handle of a rented amp. Basically, she missed her window to get stitches, but still pushed on though the sets. Thankfully, the cut wasn't near the fingers that do all of the walking. Painful, still. A trooper, that Anna.
It was nice to see Luke Doucet & Melissa McClelland as Whitehorse, finally. Their re-working of Passenger 24 had an increase in intensity that was appreciated. I look forward to hearing new material from this astonishingly talented duo.
As always, a show with Blue Rodeo is somewhat of a love in. Michael Boguski joined us on keys for a couple of songs, and chilling with Glenn Milchem is always a pleasant time.
Sadly (for us), Jim Cuddy called us up to sing the last song of their set, and one of my personal favorites, "Lost Together". Unfortunately, we had already left to set up for our perfomance at the afterparty. He filled me in on this at The Pawn Shop, where we were performing for the vollunteers. I've sang and plaued it with them before, and am always honored to be asked up with them. He understood why we had to leave, so all was forgiven. You don't want a surly Cuddy on your hands, friends.
It was great to see Greg Keelor, Colin Cripps, Bob Egan and Bazil Donovan, too. Truly a Can-Rock supergroup that I am proud to look up to.
Our evening ended with us setting the dancefloor afire at The Pawn Shop. Wagons shared the bill, again. I get the feeling those Aussies are having a blast. I am also pretty sure we will be seeing more of them down the road. Great blokes.
As I write this, we are travelling to Camrose to play the new Bailey Theatre with Serena Ryder. Back home, tomorrow. Wherever that is...
Link arms with love.
Dd
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