LOCAL CONCERT ALERTS (Bone Yard 225), More Weekend Concert Previews, And More!!

(Updated on Monday at 6:27 PM) As promised, let's wrap up the St. Patrick's Day weekend concert previews in this post, but thanks to big updates and more LOCAL CONCERT ALERTS from one of the bands in question, this post was nicely filled out on its own. With that said, let's get things rolling!

Local southern hard rock trio Bone Yard 225 (yes, they did in fact change their name) will return to Reggie's Place for newly announced concerts on (Good) Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th! These shows were announced on the concert calendar on the band's brand new website, and will be a part of a "triple header weekend" there, counting their recently commenced role as Thursday jam night hosts at Reggie's. If you want some hard rocking classic and southern rock hits from Greg, Alex, and Warren over the Easter weekend, they'll be happy to oblige, and March surely won't be going out like a lamb this way! These shows are 19+ affairs with 9:00 PM start times and no cover charges. As we're on the subject, while Soundcheck are the entertainment at Reggie's this weekend, Bone Yard 225 will instead be at Shooters Downstairs Lounge as part of the venue's St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities TONIGHT!

Previously announced by the band, this one-nighter will see the guys bust out their fan favourite classic and hard rock covers at a venue going all out for the holiday, and they're definitely not saving everything for Soundcheck's short notice gig TOMORROW. Drink specials (presumably including green beer and the $5 lucky leprechauns, not to mention the infamous "Bone Yard shot") will be on tap, as well as prize giveaways (presumably some of the Molson ones?) will be offered as well. Wearing green attire might help your case as well! If you're curious, The Queen Of Hearts Club upstairs will be hosting a video dance party and themed photo booth concurrently with Bone Yard 225's show downstairs. There's no announced cover charge on either floor, this is definitely a 19+ event, and Bone Yard are on at 9:00 PM tonight. Visit the above links for more details on what to expect on Dennis Street!

Before we get to our customary preview video for upcoming live bands, I should address Bone Yard 225's website, as there is some new content there that isn't (yet?) on Facebook! The site contains an electronic press kit that highlights the band's run since 2009, and it 100% confirms that they are working on original music, something that they have frequently teased over the years. Their first single "F.A.F.O." (short for "fuck around (and) find out") is expected to be released to major streaming platforms in "late spring", and a 30 second sample of it is streamable there. They're also looking to ramp up tour dates out of town, presumably beyond just Sudbury, so contact them at this link if you'd want to book Bone Yard 225! No insight into the name change was given, but there are other Bone Yards out there, so distinguishing themselves makes sense (it's not a steelworkers union reference, thanks to bassist Warren Reville for clarifying!)

The band has also joined TikTok, but I'm pretty sure there isn't any substantial exclusive content there (yet?). Lastly, a brand new promotional video was posted to their Facebook page and the website, featuring Bone Yard (225) covering Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" at an undated pre-name change show at Jay's Piston Broke Pub. Shockingly filmed in horizontal landscape orientation (a rarity for Bone Yard's Facebook videos), this partially acoustic cover (with Greg jumping from guitar to drums) is well handled for Pink Floyd fans, and well shot with effective stage lighting, so give it a look for yourselves below!

Finally, here's one more concert preview for TOMORROW NIGHT, as local skate punk trio Hails will play their first show of 2024 when they headline at The Distraction! The Vanity First side project have gotten off to the right, if somewhat sporadic, foot last year with their up tempo punk originals, and hopefully Brent, Mikhal, and Keeghan will be up to their old tricks once again tomorrow, perhaps with new band merchandise available? Ha!ls will be atypically joined by their "good buddy" Shane "DJ Seith" Erickson, whose well established and fan favourite turntable mixes (which have dipped heavier in the past) should provide a fun opening soundtrack! This all ages show has doors opening at 6:00 PM, and admission is $5 or "pay what you can". As far as St. Patrick's Day goes, the bands/venue have not confirmed any themed events, but if you want green beer, you'll have to go elsewhere, as alcohol is not permitted at this venue.

The Distraction has proved to be good value for rising original artists since opening last fall, and hopefully Hails rock the old barbershop on East Street well to ring in the work/school week! Remember, this starts at 6:00 PM tomorrow and only has two acts, it will be an early night. Visit the official Facebook event page for more details, and for a preview, here's Hails live!

That's all for today, but stay tuned for more news and notes on the site this week! Thanks everyone, and enjoy St. Patrick's Day responsibly!