Scenic Route to Alaska

ArtsMusic

Did you hear the birds chirping early this morning? Did you notice the dewy grass thawing? Winter if FINALLY over!

The cool breeze this morning confirmed what we’ve been all waiting for. Spring is here for real. And we’ve got some great live bands to celebrate the good times ahead.

A Night Of Rock N Roll Decadence

Les Ismore bring their their grungy classic folk rock to the stage with tinges of LA glam metal and reggae to boot.

They will be sharing the stage with Naghmeh and the Southern Shores who will rock out their folk rockin’ tunes with middle eastern influences and lyrics dripping with sass.

Sharing the spotlight that evening will be Broke Diplomates who’ll showcase some fine 70s psychedelic and British Invasion influences.

Opening act Sella will display some witchcraft influenced dark vibey music drenched with blues soul and dark cabaret.

To top off the list, second opening act Jason Allman, will also appear on stage. With no presence online, who is this mystery musician? Is he one of the Allman brothers?

Les Ismore Montreal, Naghmeh and the Southern Shores, Broke Diplomates and Sella perform at Crobar, 1221 Crescent Street, Saturday, April 14, 9pm, $7-PWYC at the door

Pop Jazz With A World Class Voice

“With an honesty and warmth that sets her apart from so many artists, Doty is an emerging Canadian talent who is clearly one to watch for 2017 and beyond.” CBC Music

Ellen Doty. She’s got a one in a million voice. She’s a real road warrior; her last cross-Canada tour included 42 show that she booked herself.

She will be in town to display her latest album which is all about pop, jazz, soul, folk, and indie music. Yet, instead of the usual instrumentation, this album has no bass, background vocals, horns or layers. Just piano, voice, and drums showing off a raw and spacious sound.

Come see her soulful act, a show you won’t regret.

Ellen Doty performs at Casa del Popolo, 4873 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Tuesday, April 17, 8pm. Tickets are $14.30 and available through Indie Montreal

From YouTube Pranks to the Stage in Montreal

It’s not important that he’s sold 40 million records worldwide. It doesn’t matter that his 80s single Never Gonna Give You Up was a huge hit.

What’s really important here is that Rick Astley, yes THAT Rick Astley is performing here in our hometown.

Not familiar with his work? Sure you are (if you’ve ever been Ric-Rolled).

It’s great to share this video without making it part of a prank:

Rick Astley performs at Theatre Corona, 2490 Notre-Dame Ouest, Saturday, April 14, 8pm. Tickets through Evenko (Currently SOLD OUT) 

An Evening Of Musical Revelrie

Sweet Roger brings his genuine performance to the stage fueled by the sounds of folk, Americana, and alternative.

Also performing that evening is vocalist, guitarist/composer Nolan Hubbard who brings his evocative acoustic-pop songs from his first album recorded in Nashville by recording industry heavyweights.

Also sharing the stage will be passionate singer songwriter Cinzia who, along with The Eclipse, will showcase her rock pop songs with stellar vocals.

To top off the list, Americana country rocker Greg Mcevoy blows in from Toronto.

Sweet Roger, Nolan Hubbard, Cinzia and the Eclipse and Greg McEvoy perform at Barfly, 4062A St Laurent, Friday, April 13, 8pm.

From Ballads To Bangers
Scenic Route To Alaska will be in town to spread their contagious pop sound. They are already a a hit in Australia and Europe, and their unique brand of pop actually has substance. To find out more about this band check out our contest post for details.

Scenic Route To Alaska perform at Quai Des Brumes, 4481 St Denis St, Wednesday April 18, 9pm. If you don’t win the contest, tickets are $11.85 and available through Indie Montreal

* Featured image of Les Ismore via Facebook

* Know a band or an artist that should be featured in Shows This Week? Maybe a show FTB should cover, too? Let us know at music@forgetthebox.net. Our week goes from Thursday to Wednesday, so let us know by the preceding Sunday, though not too much in advance, or you may get lost in the shuffle. We can’t be everywhere and can’t write about everything, but we do our best!

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Impressive three-piece rock pop outfit Scenic Route To Alaska will grace the stage at Quai Des Brumes this week. And now you have a chance to see them for free courtesy of FTB and Indie Montreal.

Pop Band With Substance

They’ve been signed to a number of record labels of the years. They’ve gained a cult following in Australia and Europe. They’ve released singles on CBC Radio to much love. They’ve been recognized at the Western Canadian Music Award. And their songs are all over the place on popular TV shows.

What’s cool about their songs is that the lyrics are simple yet meaningful:

“And after a long day I finally rest my eyes
Under the Eiffel Tower lights
Dream of the river and you by my side”

From Ballads To Bangers

Their latest album, Tough Luck, was produced by the man behind Tegan & Sarah and The New Pornographers, producer Howard Redekopp. The 10 track LP shows off a tight and dynamic live sound that is not afraid to be organic on the production side of things. The album truly engages the listener as you find yourself wanting to hear the songs over and over again.

Maybe that’s due to the fact that it’s a rare find to discover a pop band that has something of importance to say. Or maybe its simply the catchy vocal rhythms, memorable melodies, and rich arrangements.

Either way the album captures the same energy the band projects on stage: an exciting high energy performance, with a fun contagious vibe.

How To Win

To win two tickets, comment below and tell us what your favorite single is of the band and why you love that song so much. Best answer will get their name +1 on the VIP guest list!

If you’re not familiar with them yet, give Tough Luck a listen or check out their BandCamp for more songs:

Scenic Route To Alaska perform at Quai Des Brumes, 4481 St Denis St, Wednesday April 18, 9pm. If you don’t win the contest, tickets are $11.85 and available through Indie Montreal

* Featured image via Facebook

ArtsMusic

We’ve got a little something for everyone in this week’s preview so wherever your musical interests lie there’s bound to be something to peak you interest. Alright, let’s get to it.

Blakdenim

If you’re looking for something to do tonight you can head over to L’Escalier and check out Ottawa based Funk/Jazz/Hip Hop/Rock ensemble Blackdenim. This is a free show and a great way to check out a band that might at present be under your radar.

Blackdenim is known for seamlessly combining different genres into fun catchy meaningful songs. There’s something about horn sections and hip hop that always just works well together. Check out this clip or their soundcloud page to see what I mean.

Blakdenim plays L’Escalier, 522 Ste-Catherine Street East, Thursday, March 30th, 9:00pm, free.

 

Paper Beat Scissors + Ambroise

On Sunday Sala Rossa will be hosting a special evening with Paper Beat Scissors who will be re-imagining their songs with the accompaniment of a chamber ensemble. Set to release a new EP in May, this will be a first look at some of the new songs and well as a fresh look at some of the old ones.

Known for singer/songwriter Tim Crabtree’s hauntingly powerful vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, it will be interesting to hear how this change in the lineup will influence the songs. Opening the evening will be local duo Ambroise whose mix of piano and heartfelt vocals will fit in quite nicely with the vibe for the evening.

Paper Beat Scissors + Ambroise play La Sala Rossa, 4848 boul. Saint-Laurent, Sunday, April 2nd, 8:00pm, $10 through the box office ($15 at the door).

Periphery

Coming to Théâtre Corona on April 3rd in support of their Grammy-nominated album Periphery III will be djent/prog metal monsters Periphery. Around since 2005, these guys are most likely already on your radar if you’re a metal fan, so this is more of a reminder that they’re coming to town.

With Periphery, the live show atmosphere can only enhance the power of their music and the backdrop of the “somewhat Grand Old” Corona seems a perfect fit for giving the show the right aesthetic. Not that there’s anything wrong with rocking out in your bedroom, but now and then you might want to get out a little!

Periphery play Théâtre Corona, 2490 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Monday, April 3rd, 7:00pm (doors at 6:00), $28 through the box office ($33 at the door).

 

Scenic Route to Alaska + Nova

Sunday night Quai des Brumes will be hosting Edmonton-based Indie rock trio Scenic Route to Alaska who are touring their way through the eastern part of the country this spring. With catchy riffs, clever choruses and a laid back vibe, their tunes have that instantly infectious feel where you want to sing along on the first listen.

If you don’t believe me then grab a cold one, kick your feet up and give a listen to the single Love Keeps released last year on their latest EP Long Walk Home. 

Scenic Route to Alaska and Nova play Quai des Brumes, 4481 Saint-Denis, Sunday, April 2nd, 9:45pm (doors at 9:00), $10 through the box office ($12 at the door).

* Featured image of Blakdenim via Facebook

* Know a band or an artist that should be featured in Shows This Week? Maybe a show FTB should cover, too? Let us know at music@forgetthebox.net. We can’t be everywhere and can’t write about everything, but we do our best!