Kanada Kev

Here are a few quick slideshows of some of the shots I took. Sorry, not really much of the shows and more of my two newest little tour buddies

Oh man. What a show to catch!

I'm sick of being back at work already. So fuck it, i'm gonna write a few things about the amazing week we had at Gratefulfest Baj, thanks so much for steering me towards this festival so many months ago. It was a great choice and one that we will return to for sure. Arriving at this festival just a little bit early really does help a lot. I'm glad we got there on the Tuesday before dark. I was amazed at how many people were already there. Nelson Ledges is well run and they seemed to have a very tuned system on how to deal with things ... and they stuck to it. Arriving early also allows you to enjoy a killer soundcheck/set by DSO as well that was a major highlight and a perfect kick-off. After spending a day packing the RV we hit the road and enjoyed a relaxing ride to Ohio. It's an easy drive. The border crossing was a joke. I couldn't believe that they didn't want to at least get on board the RV to take a look around, but they just welcomed us in and wished us a fun time. My buddy Bryn had no worries either as he was following us in his car (since he would have to leave the festival early to get back for a wedding). We got some good advice from a local on where to go to get any camping supplies, food, etc. which was in Middlefield, about 30mins from Nelson Ledges. With the RV, you can't really make trips in and out of the campsite Once in the park, they sent us to a clearing in the woods that was pretty far back. It was perfect, other than the long distance from the concert/beach area. We had great neighbours where we set up. Once group from Chicago who had KILLER baked goods that they were more than happy to supply me with for the duration and some very sweet organics too (fertilizers from Holland are his biz ). They had a few cute little kids for our Jack and Cassidy to play with. They got along gloriously. I was amazed at the camping they had there. It is almost all nestled into the woods. Every where you looked were funky camp setups and people having good times. It's all under a great canopy of trees which provided for a perfect temperature regulator. Nothing worse than waking up at 7am in a sun-baked tent and not being able to cool down. You get down around the concert area and they have 2 stages set up. All you had to do was turn around when the acts changed. They had it synchronized very well and there seemed to always be somebody performing. This is all with in ear-shot and eye-view from the BEACH. Oh man, that is where we spent most of our days. Cold drinks, hot sun, cool water, sweet tunes, good people ... who said the ticket wasn't worth it??? Since we had a fairly long "commute" from our camp to the show we did our best to try to plan it around certain acts and to get in as much as we could with the kids. Couldn't see it all, but got to see a LOT. Most people have mentioned their musical highlights and I must agree with most of them. For me they were: Greyboy Allstars! RIGHT ON. The only thing better would have been if they could stick around and done a nightime set later on Cormeal! Where the fukc did these guys come from? They were an absolute blast. Tons of energy and fun players. The New Mastersounds! UK Funk. They did a set in between DSO sets one night. We were in a grassy area at the side of the stage and got down for their whole set as they were just feet away from us. My kids LOVED them. We all groved together and life was absolutely perfect. That was what it is all about IMHO. Gotta catch these guys again. If you like The New Deal, you'll love these guys. A bit more on the funk side than the techno. Perfect balance. Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet! WOW. Again, I finally get to see somebody i've wanted to see for ages. Tony looked like a pasty faced corpse up there, but DAMN does he come to life through those fingers as he's picking that guitar. The two women playing with them are a treat as well. I'd really like to track down some more of their stuff. Steve Kimock & Zero! Sweet. Kimock is so amazing to watch and the infectious riffs that dance off that fretboard are so soothing to the soul. I could sit and chill to Kimock for hours. Keller! I completely understand how his schtick can get a little "old" but I hadn't seen him since i did a couple of shows on the Big Summer Classic tour. He is a lot of FUN as well as being very talented. His performance of Doobie In My Pocket had me in stitches. What a riot. I did get a chance to say hi to his soundman Lou Gossain just prior to his set. He's an awesome guy who I partied with a couple of times. And of course, DSO. There's something magical about the sounds of the Grateful Dead pouring through the woods in the summertime. My oh my. It was great to see everyone from the list here too. I was juggling the family duties and all, so I tried to hang out in Wonderland a couple of nights. Great central location which drew in a wild bunch of festival goers I was able to meet up with Skanks at the beach, at the stage, in the woods, on the road, etc. I know I won't remember them ALL, please forgive me if I forget ... thanks for all being a part of my Gratefulfest: Baj, Tara, Rich, Scott, Becky, Mark, Sara, Sarahbelle, Lauren, Mousepad, .... ok my brain is mush from last week and I can't think now so thanks again to everyone who was a part of this trip. Wouldn't have been the same without all'y'all. This festival is IT. I'm tellin' ya. You get a beautiful campground/park, amazing swimming, cliff jumping, hiking trails, beach, skydivers, burning men, FIREWORKS, yummy food, vending, etc. etc. AND who can forget the Forest DISCO! Seriously, in the middle of the woods you come across a dance area with full on sound system, lighting, disco ball, mini bar ... what a trip! I'm bummed i didn't get pictures of everyone as I wanted to, but i did get a bunch that i'll try to post tonight when I get home ... that time is NOW. Thanks again everyone and Gratefulfest '07

Amazing. Glad you guys scored! I had a message on my voicemail when I got home that my buddy had a couple of comps for the show that I could have Too bad. Hopefully next time.

The Tap ROCK!

Win free tix: http://www.nowtoronto.com/cgi-bin/EH/EventHandler.cgi?Actn=Entry_Form&Fnm=rogerspicnic&User_ID=contests REMG Entertainment & Embrace Productions Present THE ROGERS PICNIC, Sunday July 29 at Fort York! Featuring THE ROOTS, BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH, BAD BRAINS, TEGAN AND SARA, THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, LITTLE BROTHER, THE DEARS, APOSTLE OF HUSTLE , TEAM CANADA DJS!

This was a PERFECT way to start the fest. It sounded fantastic and it was a great set of tunes. I'd like to see DSO play some more stuff by other artists. Maybe they should do a "costume" set next year and cover an album or something.

So long folks ... finally outta here! Have a grateful week.

Bertuzzi back with Burke in Anaheim!!! Whoa. There are going to be some killer teams next season.

Rock and roll! Just brought home the RV and it is SWEET. I can't wait to get on the road tomorrow. Shit, maybe we should leave tonight Trying to think of some funky stuff to bring.

I was at that London show too ... def lame after the MOlson Amph show the night before (or 2 nights before). I couldn't believe that they weren't selling beer in the LABATT Centre that night either. Best thing about that show ... we were in front row, the band ripped it up, and Susan Tadeschi came out to sing with the boys.

2 more daze Time to get packing ...

Gomez is NOT worth that kind of coin, IMHO. THat's going to blow up in their face. I'm very impressed by Philly's moves lately. I can't stand Clarke and that team, but they are really making the moves to have a winner. Briere for 8 years??? And a "no movement" clause? Sorry, ridiculous. I think those no move deals are the kiss of death (see McCabe, et al). I do like the Blake move for the Leafs. It ain't gonna win 'em a Cup, but should be fun to watch him paired up with Sundin.

Band and crowd were super energized last night. Great show with Gordie pulling off a lot of his antics and freestyle ramblings. Good fun. When buying beers I paid with Canadian money and got US in return AT PAR! Shows stateside are getting "cheaper" due to the dollar :) Next up: Gratefulfest

RIght on. Glad you had a good time and got up close Now, wtf is the sun?? Time for some more cold beers. Happy Canada Day

Hey man, sorry we couldn't meet and party at the show. Maybe you'll go back for seconds today? How was the show? Front row!!! Wow. I'll be in 6th row tonight Looking forward to getting down.

I know it's more of a May 24 song, but it reminds me of long weekends on the lake nonetheless (fireworks, etc.) #250 Must-Play Songs in the car on the way up to the cottage on Canada Day Long Weekend! 1. Tragically Hip - At the Hundredth Meridian 2. Rush - Lakeside Park 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Buddy of mine saw them on Long Island earlier this week and said they were FANTASTIC. Have a great show!

Velvet ... agreed Love 'em or hate 'em.

Anyone else here hitting these shows? I'm dropping in for the Canada Day show on Sunday night. Should be a partay.

Priming for the Canada Day show this Sunday

funny AND practical

I've always told him he's gotta work on his spitting whilst singing a little more for authenticity. Did you ever think that was why Bobby has grown his crazy moustache and beard?? Spit shields! Spit flaps?

I called it ... Bobby's gonna be there!!! If not, well, Rob Eaton does a pretty good job at being him.