2/9/11 - Ashelin @ The Levee for The Measure

The Measure is a show hosted on a weekly basis at The Levee (Holdsworth Court) by Dave Walsh, solo acoustic and The Worst Kind.
http://www.theworstkind.ca/
I have yet to hear the full band play live, however I am a big fan of Dave's acoustic style, and he is a very genuinly nice person. He always has a smile on his face, and it's hard to be in a rotten mood if he is around. I feel like going to The Levee just for the good people there and the great atmosphere. It is cozy with art and memoribilia covered walls. And they light candles. And India beer 3 for five bucks until one!! Cant complain at all.
I hadn't yet seen Ashelin perform since their name change (previously the Palmer Girls.) These five sisters have great harmony and unity, and they are from the same small town as I am, I am pretty certain I know like 3 of the members. Anywho, they were very diverse, I would catgorize them as Irish Folk with a cool contemporary / pop twist. They were a full five piece band consisting of two acoustic guitars, bass, violin, bass and one of them switched between various percussion instruments. They had such a full and harmonious sound, also very talented singers. I havent seen a band this in sync and delightful to watch. They all seem like such beauitful people and they have the rare quaility to produce tears. Well for me anyway. I just thought of what a beautiful family they are and how I cant wait to have my own haha. My favorite song was Dead End Road, a song sung about the small town of Foxtrap and consequently a road I know very well that I lived on during my high school years. That song hit home! I am going to Fred's as soon as I have some money to get the CD. I will actually listen to the on my own time, and I am pretty picky. The quality of their charachters nade it even better for me. The tookt he time to talk to the audience during and after the show. Just generally great, what else can I say? They are also playing at The Ship on Feb 25th, sure to be a block er down. Not to be missed!!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=187100184652348
http://www.ashelin.ca/
I also had the opportuinity to see Joanna Barker. I think she is fairly new to the scene as I havent yet heard her name or seen her play. I was very impressed with her presentation, as well as rhythmic jazzy guitar style. I also really loved her vocals - think of a more composed Kimya Dawson or an edgy version of Colbie Calliat. She was very enjoyable to listen to, espeically considering the atmosphere of the bar, she just seems to go well with candles and chilling out. I loved how she told back stories to the songs. I really felt like I knew her just be listening to her set. It takes a really good and unique musician to bear themselves to the world in that manner. She pulled off a flawless set and I was very pleased ot meet her after the show.
http://www.myspace.com/joannabarkermusic

	Pictures to come soon.

So thats about it for now folks, I am still trying to finish writing that novel. I am off to CBTG's tonight for Davey's birthday zombie show thing, and the Rose and Thistle on Saturday. Then back to work on Monday :( . But at least I got a blog to entertain myself on the cold winter days.
Now, read my poetry. Fucking losers.
Peace and love,
Les.

I got a review apparently :)

You can read it here:

http://therollingkings.com/2011/02/04/them-apples/

Just made my day. Its a review of my review that ends up being a review of my music. Thanks bys! I appreciate it.
Wanted to give you all an update - winter is ruining my life and I find it hard to get out when I want to - the red wine and pajamas are just way too enticing. But I will try to update this shit as much as possible.
I am also working on my first full length novel! It should be finis in the next few months and hopefully someone will want to publish it. We shall see.
Please, if you got the winter blues, take a few minutes and read my poetry, which is categorized by the links on your left!
Any and all feedback is so very appreciated.
I love you all!
PS - good mood caused by Vitamin D tablets and general life contentment
-Les :)

A Jesse Walker Experience - Feb 4/11

So for those of you who missed Jesse's latest artistic performance/ installation at Victoria Park, I feel very sorrowful for you. Jesse had managed to light fire inside of cylindrical, star and globe shaped ice formations. Using various chemicals he created a spectacular fire show. There was a collective hush as we all watched the elements both work with and against each other. It was truly an amazing moment for me, Im sure everyone who was lucky enough to see it came away with something. I myself spent the night contemplating human nature and making some big extreme art ideas of my own. I feel very lucky that I was in attendance.
I first met Jesse a few months ago when I moved to St John's after a music tour that took me to Ontario and back. He is a great cat that I am always happy to run in to and say hi. Jesse is one of those rare people that is a genuinely good person and easy to get along with. Being energy oriented as I am a good vibe is important to me.
I had the opportunity to discuss the installation with Jesse over a bowl of soup afterwards. Jesse had been worked with the Lantern Festival in Victioria Park from 2001-2004, and his idea stemmed from some work he did with a fire artist./ pyrotechnic or whatever the fuck you call it, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He had been planning to complete this project last year, but it was of course weather dependant as the ice needed adequate temperatue to freeze, and it just worked out for this time of year.
He is a wicked artist on the rise and I would definitly keep my eye on this guy. He recently had a painting hung at Bar None in St John's (previously The Spur alley) so if you enjoy cheap drinks and a good time in a chilled place please spend at least twenty minutes viewing the piece and simultaneously contemplating what it means to you. That is your job after all - not the artists. And I am sure whether or not the intention of the installation was understood, everyone came away with something different, and that of course is the beauty of his art.
I am not going to repost the pictures as my fiance added a slideshow on his site! Here yah go.
http://nwf.tumblr.com/
And of course, check out Jesse`s site.
http://www.jwalkersite.com/
Well I am chilling tonight at Coffee and Co, the whole thing made me pretty speechless the whole night. It was a moment of great beauty. However for right now I drank too much coffee and am starting too many sentences with prespositions, so I am going to stop writing.
If the universe loves me at all it will bring me a glass of red wine sometime this evening.
Man, that was fucking sweeeeeeet.
It takes alot to impress me.
I am damn impressed.
Ok, well I am out for now. I missed The Idlers last night and I sure hope you didn`t.
Have a great night, and when in doubt, just look at some art. Preferably some J Walker FuckTrees.
Such an artists name...I wonder if he changed it or he was born that way. Either way, sick as a slick dick.
Ok peace and love, before I say anything innapropriate.
Laterrr!