Interstellar Rodeo: Day One July 22nd 2016

It's that time of year again which means it is time to checkout this years Interstellar Rodeo Festival held at Hawrelak's Heritage Amphitheatre in Edmonton. This is the fifth year of this festival that is put on by Six Shooter Records. When I saw this years line up I have to say I wasn't all that impressed. But every year there is a band that I don't know that really impresses me, so we will see which band that is this time around.

Janis and I made our way to the festival but got there a little late only catching the tail end of opener Copperhead from Calgary. What I did hear it didn't sound like we missed much.

FRIDAY, JULY 22

4:30 pm Gates open
5:00 pm Copperhead
6:00 pm Marty Stuart
7:25 pm Andra Day
8:50 pm The Strumbellas

Next up was Marty Stuart and his band The Fabulous Superlatives. Marty is one of the bigger name acts on this years bill. I had never seen Marty in concert before and really never had the desire to see him as I have never been a big country music fan. But Marty Stuart is more then just a country act mixing up his set with some surf music, rock, gospel, rockabilly and of course some country. The venue filled up quickly when he hit the stage with the dance floor filled and the audience dancing away and singing along. I don't know his music all that well but there were a few songs I did recognize. I did enjoy the Merle Haggard song "Mama Tried" that they did. Marty sounded good as did "Cousin" Kenny Vaughan on guitar and vocals, drummer Harry Stinson held his own and bass player Chris Scruggs was quite good as well. Over all a good set by Marty Stuart and Band.

Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives.

The next act up was Andra Day a soul/R&B singer hailing from San Diego, California. I had heard good things about her and heard a few of her songs on CKUA, so I was looking forward to seeing her. I'm not the biggest fan of soul music, I don't hate it, but it has to be really good in order for me to like it. Well, Andra Day certainly has a great voice and I liked her version of Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved", but overall I got bored quickly with her. Interstellar really like there soul music as every year it seems they book lots of soul acts, one a day would be enough for me but it looks like this year there is more then enough soul acts. More rock n' roll roots music is what I want.

Andra Day.

The last act of day one was Ontario band The Strumbellas who are also on the Six Shooter Records label, who are out touring in support of their latest release "Hope". This was my second time seeing The Strumbellas in concert, the first time being at 2014's Interstellar festival. I really enjoyed them that year but this year I really didn't care for them. There new stuff especially the single "Spirits" sounds way more poppy then there last release which was very rootsy. And that song "Spirits", man I can't stand that song. Lead singer Simon Ward sure has cleaned himself up from the last time I saw them, short hair now, trimmed up beard and not near as energetic as last time either. Though keyboard player David Ritter is worth the price of admission himself, he is very entertaining jumping around like a mad man, singing and dancing and carrying on. He looks like he would be a fun guy to hang out with. All and all not all that impressed with their set though.

So best act of Day One goes to Marty Stuart. Good times!!!

The Strumbellas.

Beer koozie I bought at the festival.

Interstellar Rodeo Fest Day 1 July 26th 2014

So last weekend was the third installment of the Interstellar Rodeo Festival in Edmonton. Sadly, the start which was supposed to be Friday night with headliners Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans was cancelled due to a fucking torrential down pour of rain for about twenty hours with wind gusts, so Friday was a wash out.

So Saturday was the start of the festival held at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park. Saturday's weather wasn't looking all that good either with a forecast of rain off and on during the day, but hell, beat the shit out of the Friday weather, so therefore the show went on.

I got there nice and early with my sweetie Janis, our friend Erin and her Mom, cool Mom, I say. Anyways, first band was on at 12:30 which was the Dave Bidini Band. Dave of course used to be the lead singer of the Rheostatics from Toronto, Ontario, whom is also an author of books such as Tropic Of Hockey, For Those About To Write, Around The World in 57 1/2 Gigs, just to name a few. This was the second time had seen Dave Bidini solo in concert. I thought he put on a wicked show, also I am thinking that was Ford Pier on bass.

Dave Bidini Band.

Next up was another band from Toronto called the Strumbellas. Now I had heard lots about this band and heard some of there tunes on CKUA Radio. I kind of thought they were a hyped band and figured they were going to be a disappointment, why I thought this, I have no idea, jus hate being let down. Well, I have to say, they were fucking awesome live, way better then what I had heard recorded. A very energetic band, great songs, great characters within in the band. Reminded me of a mix of Edward Sharpe and Gogol Bordello. Great stuff, I will be seeing this band again for sure, and picking up some of their music.

The Strumbellas.

After the Strumbellas was band from Australia called Wagons. Wow, what a great one, two punch that was one after the other. The Wagons played an awesome hour long set of Americana country rock. They fuckin' kicked ass, very entertaining. There song Willie Nelson was a crowd favorite. Another band I will be watching.

Wagons.

Lee Fields and the Expressions were up next, yet another band I had never heard. Well, I can say they kicked ass, great soul music, easily compared to James Brown in his hey days. Tight band, had the crowd up and dancing. Surprisingly this guy has been doing this since the late sixties and just now getting his exposure. Good stuff!!!

Lee Fields & The Expressions.

Interlude between bands was Ford Pier out of Vancouver. While I had seen him before with his own band The Ford Pier Vengeance Trio, this time he was playing a solo show, well for the most part, he did have a drummer come up half way through. I enjoyed his set, I know many people found it weird, but that is what I expected. All and all, I thought he was alright. Ford played in many a bands before, checkout his page here.

Ford Pier.

The next band Hydra is what I guess you would call a super group, Canadian wise anyways, with Leslie Feist being in it, lots of other members from other bands I have no idea whom are, maybe I am out of the loop. Regardless, there music was fucked up, at times I thought they were incredible. other times, I thought they were gawd awful. Don't know what to make of this band other then interesting yet terrible. hmm, just plain weird.

Hydra.

To close out the first night of the Interstellar Rodeo was Andrew Bird & The Hands Of Glory out of Chicago. His brand of music was a little soul influenced, folky/indie rock. His voice was great as was his violin playing. All and all not a bad show. Overall, a great day of music, weather wasn't the greatest, but still good times!!!

Andrew Bird & The Hands Of Glory.