Friday, February 5, 2010

Quite Frankly's New Singer, Pop Evil Concert Updates, And More! Also, Do You Wanna Play Fesitvals?

As promised, I have lots of news to get to today! And we'll start with a story I postponed for too long as it is!

It was announced on their Facebook group on Monday that local hard rockers Quite Frankly have parted ways with frontwoman Jacky Alisat. That sucks to hear, I really liked Jacky's vocals, she has definite talent! That being said, Quite Frankly have announced her replacement, naming Ryan Seabrook to replace Jacky behind the microphone. I wonder how they'll sound with a male singer now? I don't recall Ryan from any other local bands, but bassist Harley Syrette tells me he's really good, and can play harmonica too! So now that they've named a new frontman and announced Dustin Proulx as their temporary drummer, will we see some shows again from these guys? Matter of time, I suppose, it's been forever since we heard of a new concert! I'll keep you all posted if I hear more!

Next up, a bunch more updates from February 27th's Pop Evil concert at The Dreammaker's Theater at Kewadin Casino! Remember how I said the show would have two local openers? Well, we know the second band joining Nixxon Dixxon to open for Pop Evil and Evans Blue, but they ain't local. The newly announced band on the lineup are The Spider Rockets, a female fronted hard rock quartet from New Jersey! Not bad sound to them, they don't sound like the Evanescence types you hear so much on the radio! Check them out by clicking here! It's also been announced that this concert will also benefit not just the late Kim Rogers, but also Sault Michigan high school student Kelsey Raffaele, who tragically died in a car accident last week. Four bands for a great cause, for just $15. What excuse do you have NOT to go?

Apparently, in support for Kim and Kelsey, people who don't even intend on going to this show have been buying tickets as a donation, then giving the tickets to those that would use them, which is a great gesture! Since this idea first started picking up steam, local businesses have been buying numerous tickets at once to donate and to give to would-be concertgoers! In response, Rock 101 and 99.5 Yes FM have been challenging local businesses, at no charge, to buy concert tickets and designate them to local schools for free student distribution. Businesses who do will be recognized on air. Great idea all around, I sincerely hope this concert is a huge success! Kim and Kelsey would be proud of all the work and love going on in their memories! My source for all this information is from an article in Sault Michigan's The Soo Evening News, link here!

Here's a question for those of you in bands: How'd you like to play on major out of town music festivals? Music & Film In Motion, a non-profit music/film development company from Sudbury, are holding an InSight & Sound Seminar entitled "The Festival Circuit" at The Algoma Water Tower Inn on Great Northern Road on February 17th. Instructed by Ontario Council of Folk Festivals director Peter McDonald, this seminar is designed to help bands, up and coming or established, learn how to get booked on major Canadian summer music festivals! Playing the festival circuit can apparently have benefits in bend exposure and give your career a boost, so think about that! The seminar is February 17th at 7:00 PM, it runs for two hours. Admission is just $5 (unless you're an OCFF member, then it's free), but you have to book ahead by calling 674-9954 or visiting MFM's website. Live streams of the seminar are available if you can't make it. For full details on this seminar, check out SooToday's article on it! This could be a big opportunity, maybe some local metal bands will take an interest and attend? Who knows!

And now here's a little tidbit I thought I'd mention that I'm surprised I never brought up earlier. Are any of you guys familiar with a documentary film called "Full Moon Lightnin'"? If you're not, I'll tell you a bit about it. It's the story of legendary New York blues artist Floyd Lee, as he and his band travel to Mississippi to reconnect with his family roots. His guitarist Joel Poluck (that's him on the left) takes a prominent role in the film as he tries to balance Floyd's music career and his own personal life. The movie's been getting great reviews since its 2008 release, but the reason I bring it up is Joel Poluck. Does that name ring any bells? If you were active in the local scene in the 1980s and early 90s, it should! Joel was the guitarist in former local metal band Driver, which was one of many older bands featuring Glen Thomas on drums! Click here to check out an old Driver song! He's never forgotten his local roots, having conducted interviews and DVD signings up here thanks to his role in The Floyd Lee Band and with the "Full Moon Lightnin'" film! Check out one from SooToday at this location!

And finally, a Facebook event page has been launched for the February 27th Garden of Bedlam/Papa Fogals Chair concert at Foggy Notions! Through there, I can confirm that this concert is partly in celebration of PFC percussionist Adam Chillman's 30th birthday! Plus, the cover charge will be $5 and there will be merchandise for sale! Get full details on this concert, and confirm your attendance, at this location! That's all for now, more news and updates are on the horizon, including my review of TONIGHT'S Half Past concert at Foggy's! Hope to see you guys there! Also, have fun at tomorrow's packed Saturday night of hard rocking shows!

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