Friday, March 30, 2012

Chairlift, Nite Jewel and Bell at the Horseshoe March 28th, 2012 Toronto

On the night of the most important game in Toronto FC, IKvsDK decided to forego his football passion to take in three acts at the Horseshoe. Tuco tagged along. Started the evening at BQM with a pitcher of 1516 and some local fare reflecting on the recently released provincial budget.

We headed over to the Horseshoe nearing the end of first half of the game (pleasantly surprised with the 1-1 scoreline) and met up with IKvsDK's friends E and J. Grabbed another brew and headed in to take in the first act.

Which was Bell, a late addition to the bill. Standing behind a keyboard and some other electronic devices, Bell came across as a naturally anxious but pleasant person. She launched into her set which got a favourable response from the half-filled venue. Some solo artists try to use a laptop and just end up rapping or playing over top a track but Bell was working the electronics on her own. At one point Bell got out another guitar-keyboard and worked that into her set. Tuco bought her CD.

Nite Jewel was next. By this time Allison and Paul from Panic Manual had joined us and the venue was about three-quarters full. This band got high praise from the recently completed SxSW festival. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling the vibe. Something about the singer seemed too laid back and disinterested. Alot of the crowd were turned around talking with one another as Nite Jewel went through the paces. Not surprisingly they packed it in a little early and left the audience in a long wait for the headliners.

Finally, Chairlift took to the stage ... late (much to Allison's chagrin). My sightlines were average as the audience had pushed up near the stage. I caught a glimpse of stage right with the (left-handed) guitarist and a drummer hiding behind him. The other wing had the bassist and centre was the comely vocalist who had a smooth sound and engaging presence. Still a little quiet for my liking. The crowd liked what they heard and a few young ladies were dancing by themselves. Chairlift ran through about 25 mins of material, stopped and finished with a two song encore. So one out of two from SxSW were decent.

And Toronto squeaked out a 1-1 draw and have a slim hope on the return leg.

Go Reds.

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