REFRAIN MUSIC

On a sunny Friday evening we entered Casino New Brunswick for a triple bill of country music by Tristan Horncastle, Joe Nichols, and Gord Bamford. The near sold out crowd ready for a great night of song, stories, and musical entertainment.

First on the bill was New Brunswick’s own Tristan horncastle whom I had to admit I knew little about. His debut album now just shy of two year’s old, the Fredericton musician handled the opener slot with precision and some really good country music. He played closely with his band and got the crowd into the groove for the night’s two bigger acts.

Nominated for the 2015 CCMA Rising Star award and relishing the success of his first single “A Little Bit of Alright” this performer is well worth the pric of admission.

Tristan Horncastle – Casino NB – 05/20/16 ~ Refrain Photography

After a brief intermission and stage change it was time for act two of the night in singer and musician Joe Nichols. It was the first time seeing Nichols and I wasn’t sure what to expect from a performer that’s hit’s were mainly medium tempo fare.

A pleasant surprise was that he was very entertaining in a way that only an experienced perfomer can be, working the full stage from side to side, interacting with the crowd, and telling stories. Many that read my articles know that ‘interacting’ is important to me in a live performance, that hearing from an artist, their stories behind their songs and such is what make a performance great. Now ‘interactive’ can be taken too far by some and when they run up to the stage and start asking Nichols questions no one can hear, Nichols turns to the crowd chuckling “I’m just trying to do a show here”. Playing hit songs like “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Yeah” mixed with a few new ones from an upcoming album, along with a countrified twist on “Baby Got Back” by sir-mix-a-lot it, it made for a very entertaining set.

Joe Nichols – Casino NB – 05/20/16 ~ Refrain Photography

If you’ve never been to a Gord Bamford show you’ve missed out on a great night of entertainment. This is the third time that I’ve seen the 2015 CCMA Male Artist of the year and I’ve enjoyed every one, probably won’t be the last either. Bamford is far from the modern glitz and polish of modern country like the Aldean’s and Underwood’s and is more akin to the Strait’s and Haggerd’s, landing somewhere in between. The Australian born singer came to Canada when he was five years old with his mother who always encouraged him to chase after a career in music. At 19, he entered a radio contest and won, and his journey began.

Bamford is backed up by an experienced and well rounded band that suprised a lot of people with a classic rock medley of bands like Pink Floyd and songs like ‘Eye of the Tiger’ (sung extremely well by bassist Lisa Dodd) that had the crowd cheering hungrily. But the near sold out, and very diverse crowd, was here to hear Bamford roll through all his hits like “When Your Lips Are So Close”, “Heard You In A Song”, and “Day Job”. Gord Bamford walking on stage looks like a country singer, boots, jeans and button up shirt all the way up to the black cowboy hat. He sings without flash or flare, entertains with his lyrics, stories, and the music surrounding him and puts on a great night of entertainment.

Gord Bamford – Casino NB – 05/20/16 ~ Refrain Photography

Thanks to Gord Bamford, Joe Nichols, Tristan Horncastle, Casino NB, and PPR for another great night of musical entertainment at the Molson Canadian Centre.

It’s interesting to say that I went to a concert on Saturday night at Casino NB when the ‘band’ had no instruments, or what one would typically call instruments. But there were the sounds of instruments, and great vocals, all created by the human voice (and some effects pedals and loop machines’) by the voices of ‘Naturally 7’.

Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography

Taking in different approach to a cappella they perform in style they dub Vocal Play, N7 provide not just the melodies and harmonies, but the sounds of drums, guitars, horns, strings, turntables and beats – using nothing but the human voice. They simulate the sounds of an instrumental band using only their voices, mouths and distortion effects. The group was formed in 1999 in New York City. When the group was invited to sing at a major a cappella competition in New York City, they won and moved onto the next levels at which they took two more wins in further competition. On the back of this success, they had made no decision whether Naturally 7 was an a cappella group or a traditional band, Roger developed the idea that the group would become both.

A small but vocal (sorry no pun intended) crowd attended this show that turned out to be quit entertaining despite thinking ‘a capella for two hours’. The band, or should we call them a group, it’s a bit confusing. The ‘group’ started promptly on time, walking from the shadows and launching into what most would call their most recognizable song “Feel It (In The Air Tonight)” a rearranged cover of the well known Phil Collins hit song.

Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography

Personable and interactive, they pulled the crowd into their performance with stories about developing the band in New York city, even though three members were born in England and the rest from what they call ‘the islands’ of the caribbean. They then launched into a cleverly arranged cover of “Englishman In New York” by Sting. They also performed their owns songs like the title track from their own album Wall of Sound which highlights what the band can do with their ‘vocal play’ and a little of “Rock it” by Herbie Hancock.

Complete with drum and bass solos, guitar solos (yep, a vocal guitar solo) the group held nothing back and the group enjoyed every second of it. A rousing rendition of ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ was well received as was a some Bob Marley (One Love), that was used as a sing along with the crowd, part way through the show. The show included a story of how the group met up with Chris Martin of Coldplay in London and how the two groups hung out the next day at which time the group performed a resounding rendition of “Fix You” which was accurate and as uplifting as the original.

Naturally 7 – Casino NB – 05/14/16 ~ Refrain Photography

Ninety minutes after they began they bid the crowd good night but weren’t escaping that easily as the crowd cheered them back to the stage for one encore of “Ready or Not” that was interactive with the crowd. Entertaining, unique, personable, and fun Naturally 7 will surprise and entertain you with their method of musical performance and entertainment. Than you to the group, and the Casino for another great show.

AC / DC – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Many when they first heard about AC/DC returning were surprised that they would come back to Magnetic Hill so soon, but their fan base is strong and large and I had no doubt that this would be another very successful concert on ‘the hill’. It’s was also a surprise with the health issues of founding member Malcom Young (dementia diagnosis) that the band would go on tour at all, but as cliche as it sounds, the show must go on…Rock or Bust!

Many music purists would turn their noses up at AC/DC as their music is simple, basic, tuned to the masses of rock and roll warriors that want to be ‘Shook All Night Long’. They are not a band that talks a lot between songs (which usually irritates me if a band doesn’t interact) but it’s not as necessary when you have 40 years of music to choose from including a brand new album.

Vintage Trouble – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Before AC/DC sent us off into the night we started with a little known Californian band named “Vintage Trouble”. I confess going in to this show I knew nothing about the band and really didn’t know what to expect, but I’d heard many talking about them on social media leading up to the show. Vintage Trouble ended up being a highlight of the whole day for me, as vocalist and incredible front man Ty Taylor and the band energized the crowd with their electric brand of rythmic rock and blues. Reminiscent of a number of late 50s and 60s blues and rock artists, the crowd even if unfamiliar loved their performanc, many talked about them for days later.

Vintage Trouble – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Up right before the headline act of AC/DC was Canadian rock lifers “Big Sugar”. I really enjoy Big Sugar usually, they are a tight and accomplished band, and that really comes out in their music. Something just didn’t seem to fit for me here though, it was almost a slight dip in energy after the blast that the opening act gave us. Big Sugar are not “performers”, they don’t come out and put on a show, they play, and play very well; but it’s not the energy you expect right before the crescendo of the headline act. I always enjoy seeing them play, but I would have rearranged the lineup to have them as the lead in, followed by Vintage Trouble.

Big Sugar – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

AC/DC burst on to the stage with amazing vigor for chaps creeping well in to their sixth decade of living, and the crowd responded with roars of delight as they launched into “Rock or Bust” the title track from their latest album. Intermixing old classics like “Highway To Hell”, “Back In Black”, and “Thunderstruck” with newer songs from their latest album like “Baptism By Fire” and hits of the recent past like “Rock and Roll Train”.

AC/ DC – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

The build up was palpable for many, those that were at the last show remembering the sea of red flashing horns that swayed on the hill. The energy of pyrotechnics that glitterd from the stage, the large screens, generated an eery glow on the crowd, the huge bell during “Hells Bells” ringing out through the valley. All leading up to the final blast of six cannons on the stage for the bands final song, “For Those About To Rock” sending the crowd off into the night with a clamorous boom.

AC/DC – Magnetic Hill – Moncton, NB – 09/05/15 ~ Refrain Photography

For those that thought it too soon, or that the band would not perform to it’s max, they were dead wrong. The crowd was rocked, shook, and thundered into the night with the precision of a knife from a band that doesn’t have any quit in it. Thank you to the bands, the city, and the fans for another great show on the hill!

When I got word that I was going to be covering Journey on their most recent tour, I admit, I may have squealed at a pitch that even Steve Perry in his heyday couldn’t have hit. Memories of my second floor bedroom of my parent’s house, spinning 45’s on a record player and then on to the cassette tapes of the 80’s. High School dances spinning with a girl crush to ‘Open Arms’, summertime car rides blasting ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, Journey…live.

Journey – Moncton Coliseum – 07/30/15 ~Refrain Photography

There have been many shapes to Journey over the years, many think of the band and automatically (with just cause) think of the iconic vocals of Steve Perry. But, the band that formed in San Francisco in 1973, composed of former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch, it wasn’t several years later (1977) that Perry entered the picture. The early 80’s saw the band enter it’s heyday and it’s most succesful studio release, 1981’s Escape, which led to hits “Who’s Cryin’ Now”, “Don’t Stop Believin'”, and “Open Arms”. 1983’s album “Frontiers” saw the band playing to crowds of 50-80,000 seat stadiums, and rolling out four more hits in “Separate Ways”, “After The Fall”, “Send Her My Love”, and the massive “Faithfully”.

Between 1983-1995 the band went through a long period of transition, taking time off after Frontiers, a few solo projects, members of the band being fired and replaced with studio musicians (like American Idol Judge Randy Jackson on bass). Members of the band melded into other groups like Bad English which Schon and Castronovo became members of. Ironically during this time (Between 1987 and 1995) Columbia Records released three Journey compilations, including the 1988 greatest hits album, which remains the band’s best-selling record. It continues to sell 500,000 to 1,000,000 copies per year.

In 1996, the band, with the lineup from Frontiers, returned with the release of “Trial By Fire”. Although, it garnered some success, even having “When You Love A Woman” reach no. 12 on Billboard; many felt that the hiatus was too long, the magic was gone. When Perry refused to fix a health issue in order for the band to go on tour, the band decided to replace Perry. With a brief stint where they brought in a couple of other lead singers, in 2007 Neal Schon found his man…on YouTube. Arnel Pineda was in the Philippines, singing Journey cover songs in bars and Schon saw him on YouTube, contacted him (Pineda thought it was a joke at first) and the rest as they say is history. They even made a documentary (Rockumentary?) about the finding and transition to Pineda called “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey”.

Journey – Arnel Pineda & Neal Schon – Moncton Coliseum – 07/30/15 ~ Refrain Photography

We didn’t get in for the opening act (Neal Schon’s guitar laden “Vortex”), and were misdirected by security into the pit (where we weren’t supposed to be) and finally got ourselves situated as the band came out full force and greeted the Moncton crowd in the very hot Moncton Coliseum. Even though I had watched the movie documenting Schon picking him as the new singer, Pineda impressed me and by the fourth song when he sang “Open Arms” I was floored. They rolled through song after song, the heat of the band matching the heat in the building. The band was joined on the tour, filling in for long time drummer Deen Castronovo, by Omar Hakim a very accomplished talent of his own right. Hakim, not only having released several of his own albums, has played with the likes of Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Dire Straits, Madonna, Sting, and many more.

It was interesting to hear Jonathon Cain describe sitting in the seats after a show in the early 80’s watching the crew tear down the stage, to move on to the next arena.  He described the emotions that he went through thinking of his family and how the crew must be going through the same thing…a day or two later he finished writing “Faithfully” a song all about life and love on the road while in a band.

There were many nostalgia moments on this night, ushers dancing to ballads in the aisles, many many singalongs as Pineda encouraged the crowd to join in, and streamers shot into the crowd at the end of “Don’t Stop Believin'”.

Journey – Arnel Pineda & Neal Schon – Moncton Coliseum – 07/30/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Crossing this band off my list has been a long time desire, yes it wasn’t with Steve Perry, but who cares, Arnel Pineda sounds like Perry so much it’s incredible, he’s a fantastic performer and the band still entertains you after four decades. I encourage you to get out there and see this band on this tour, your won’t be disappointed!  Thanks to Journey, Evenko, and PPRL for a great musical night at the Moncton Coliseum.

Saturday night was another packed house at Casino NB, another chance to cross an artist off my list that I’ve wanted to see since I was a teenager, and the potential of a highly entertaining evening. Getting the chance to see “Weird Al Yankovic” live is an experience I never thought I’d get to achieve. Walking in tonight was eye opening as there were a diverse bracket of ages from very young to ‘not so young’ filing in the door. Some decked out in their best ‘weird al’ outfits like orange blazers matched with lime green pants, a plethora of hawaian shirts, even saw some long curly hair.

Raised in Lynwood, California he released his first comedy song in 1976 and hasn’t looked back, he has sold more than 12 million albums, recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows.  Since 1985 that’s earned him four Grammy Awards and a further 11 nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States.

Weird Al Yankovic – Casino NB – July 25/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Yankovic’s first top ten Billboard album (Straight Outta Lynwood) and single (“White & Nerdy”) were both released in 2006, which artist Chamillionaire said made his song “Ridin'” which it parodied, even more popular. His latest album, Mandatory Fun (2014), became his first number-one album on its debut week.

This was one of the times that I’ve seen the Casino NB’s “Centre” packed the most, extra seats added and a crowd that was buzzing for the start of the show. The ‘Prince of Polka’ was coming to regale us with his witty words, accordian laden music, and comical costume changes.

In an unorthodox way (who would expect anything less from Weird Al), the lights dimmed promptly at 8pm and the large video screen at the back of the stage came to life, the band launched and there was Al, in a very ‘loud’ outfit outside the Casino with a microphone. He then proceeded to sing his way around the outside of the building, past two random cheerleaders (local dancers Jen & Gretchen), in through a side door and made his way to the stage through the same entrance as the crowd. The crowd loved it, and roared when he entered the room and made his way through the crowd to the stage.

Weird Al Yankovic – Casino NB – July 25/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Interspersed in between almost every song were video montages on the giant screen at the back of the stage, some were new excerpts designed for this specific tour, others were clips from “AL TV” like the classic ‘interview’ with Eminem, from his guest appearances on tv shows like the Simpons, of these used to set up the coming songs.  This was designed to allow the plethora of costume changes that are required at a Weird Al show, hey where else are you going to see a guy in a fluffy purple octopus suit with a smushed ice cream cone on his head, for Born This Way, or a tall thin man in a fat suit and make-up, for “Fat” (I’ve still maazed at how bloody fast he got into that Fat suit and makeup).

Weird Al Yankovic – Casino NB – July 25/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Yankovic was exceptionally interactive with his crowd, from the opening where he walked through the crowd to when he, dressed in his fire suit, walked through the crowd singing to the ladies and the crowd ate it up with high fives and attempted “selfies” with the entertainer.  He rolled through classic songs like “White and Nerdy”, Mr. Yankovic I mus say rides a mean Segway, doing an acoustic Mashup (complete with dimmed lighting and a puffy white shirt) of “Eat It” and Eric Clapton’s ‘Layla’, “Smells Like Nirvana” (where he was joined again by cheerleaders Jen & Gretchen on stage again),  and one of his current parodies “Word Crimes” of the hit by Robin Thicke, ‘Blurred Lines’.  One of the loudest ovations of the night was for the 1996 “Amish Paradise” which parodied the hit movie song by Coolio “Gangsters Paradise”.  It amazed me how many of the words I still knew to this song, and I wasn’t alone, there were many in the crowd that were Weird Al afficianado’s witha chorus of voices singing alone from the crowd.

After over an hour and a half of zany costume changing, hilarious video montages and lyrical mysticism, Al introduced the band and thanked Moncton for a great night, but it wasn’t to end there.

Weird Al Yankovic – Casino NB – July 25/15 ~ Refrain Photography

The fan base was no more evident than during the cult hit “Yoda”, set to the Kinks “Lola”, which is since 1999 the classic ending of a Weird Al show, which it was the encore tonight, complete with a Darth Vader and dancing Storm Troopers (I’ve seen it all now, dancing Storm Troopers).  This brought a roar from the crowd, a vigorous sing-a-long and thunderous applause.

Weird Al Yankovic – Casino NB – July 25/15 ~ Refrain Photography

One of my favourite shows that I’ve seen at Casino NB came to end almost two hours after it started and I even got to briefly meet a gracious and soft spoken Al backstage and speak with him briefly, which was a wonderful and unexpected pleasure.  I’ve spoken to some who went to the show on a whim that said they were ‘shocked’ at the talent that Yankovic displays and how they were glad they chose to attend.  This is a show I very highly recommend even for the moderate fan of his work, it’s a highly entertaining show ( I mean…dancing Storm Troopers, come on!).

Thanks to Weird Al, Casino NB, and PPRL for a fantastic and entertaining night of music and laughs!

Such a great weekend in the Greater Moncton area, Atlantic Nationals Car Show, Friday night street party with Canadian rockers April Wine, Shediac Lobster Festival, and the first of two amazing shows at the Casino starting off with more Canadian content, Marianas Trench on Saturday night!  A beautiful and sunny Saturday evening brought out the people for an all ages show and the Casino was packed for the headliner and opening act The Bellwoods.

Toronto based band “The Bellwoods” played a roughly forty minute set of Indie-folk styled acoustic music which was pretty good but seemed a bit in contrast to what we would receive with Marianas Trench.  Although there was the contrast they warmed up the predominantly female crowd well, engaging them in crowd participation and sing-alongs.  They even got ten young ladies to join them on stage as back-up singers during one song, encouraging them to ‘silly dance’ and have fun.

The Bellwoods – Casino NB – 07/11/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Next up the crowd began to buzz about the headliners, Vancouver based Marianas Trench.  Formed in 2001 and having released an EP and three full length albums (Fix Me-2006, Masterpiece Theatre-2009, Ever After-2011) with their last album being nominated for a Juno Award.  Back touring once again to promote their new release and fourth full length album “Asotoria”, they brought their music, old and some new, to a diverse group of fans at Casino NB on Saturday night.  Impressive is that the band has maintained it’s membership from the original forming for fourteen straight years now with frontman Josh Ramsay, Lead guitarist Matt Webb, Bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Cassleman.

Marianas Trench – Casino NB – 07/11/15 ~ Refrain Photography

I spoke previously of both the predominantly female and diverse crowd, I was quite surprised by it actually, ranging from literally a baby in the crowd (yes, a baby asleep in mom’s arms, don’t worry the mom remembered ear protection), to young kids in the preschool age bracket, all the way up to your average adult and a few seniors.   I also mentioned that for it being a general admission standing show (no seating on the floor, just the rear bleachers) it was packed, with well over two thousand in attendance.

Lead singer Josh Ramsay is the clear focal point of the group, flamboyant, entertaining, energetic and certainly says what comes to mind.  Not just a singer but an accomplished producer and writer, he received a grammy nomination for his production and co-writing of Carly Rae Jepsen’s massive hit “Call Me Maybe”.  He interacts with the crowd, get’s them excited and will even ‘crowd surf’ if the mood strikes him.  A first I’ve seen at the casino (as well as some of the security staff), during their hit “Stutter”, Ramsay embarked on a journey through the crowd, all the way to the back of the room to the bleachers, through the main body of the crowd, and back to the stage all the while the band playing and Ramsay singing.   After about song three, Ramsay discarded his leather jacket and hat and spent the remainder of the show shirtless much to the appreciation of the females in attendance, I could have done with out it, but hey, that’s rock and roll.  Their is a great relationship between the band and the crowd, they want to be involved in what’s going on in the room, which makes for a very entertaining show.

Josh Ramsay – Marianas Trench – Casino NB – 07/11/15 ~ Refrain Photography

I was quite surprised by this show, how entertaining, energetic and overall how much I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  I recognized far more songs than I thought I knew from Marianas Trench, and really enjoyed the songs they featured off their new release Astoria.  I was impressed by the overall vocal ability of the band who have fantastic four part harmonies for a group of their style.  I was also thoroughly shocked when the band hushed the crowd and sang a full song around one mic, acapella in great harmony.  I have to give kudos to the band’s lighting tech too as this was one of the best “lit” shows I’ve seen at the casino in a while (this matters to a photographer), bravo sir.  They entertain from start to finish and I highly recommend checking them out if you ever get the chance.

Thanks to Marianas Trench, The Bellwoods, Casino NB, and PPRL for another fantastic night of music and entertainment!

One of the most common musical names of the early nineties, just about everyone knew who the Counting Crows were at that time.  Today, not as well known, the venues are smaller, some members have changed, but some of the songs remain the same mixed with some new.  Most of the bands that have the longevity of more than two decades like the Counting Crows usually save some of their biggest songs, that draw fans out to the bitter end, until the last few songs or the encore.  But the Crows had a different plan, they started with some of their biggest songs, like their huge 1994 hit “Round Here” which I must admit I was surprised to here right out of the blocks.  I was even more surprised by song three which was probably their most recognizable song in “Mr Jones” from their debut album August & Everything After.

Counting Crows – Casino NB – 05/20/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Many 90’s act rest on the laurels of early successes but Counting Crows actually deliver something different, a little more in the present.  Singer Adam Duritz likes to elongate sections of songs I noticed, and the songs from their latest album, Somewhere Under Wonderland, fit in quite nicely.  I particularly liked one I’d not heard before a song called “Possibilty Days”, a thought provoking song with great lyrics.  There was also ventures into newer and more recognizable songs like the cover of Joni Mitchell’s hit “Paved Paradise” and “California”, both of which induced crowd sing along’s.  The music from the band was tight, well organized, and it was certainly one of the better ‘lit’ shows I’ve seen at the casino (photographers worry about these things).

Counting Crows – Casino NB – 05/20/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Courting the nostalgic only gets you so far with fans, the Counting Crows don’t appear to be chasing that particular fan base.  After 24 years together they appear to have picked up some long-term fans willing to extend them rope to experiment as a band; there were lots in the crowd of people as aware of their newer songs as they were the massive hits from back at the beginning of the almost 90 minute show.   Pulled out for a three song encore that included the hit “Rain King” the Counting Crows put on an entertaining and well rounded show from beginning to end.

Counting Crows – Casino NB – 05/20/15 ~ Refrain Photography

Thanks to the Counting Crows, Casino New Brunswick, Evenko, and PPRL for another great night of music at the Casino.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to check out one of the newest live music venue’s in town, well, new in the sense that it’s now being used by someone new.  The Tide & Boar is already one of my favourite restaurant’s in town (lord the ‘boar poutine’…any that have had it, you know what I mean, the homemade ketchup is heaven).    For several years now, the T&B have had many live performances grace their ‘corner stage’ that is also a seating area when not a stage, but some bands busted that area’s seams (The Mellotones 8 members included in that list).   The popularity of the great food, wide selection of craft beer and live musical performances led to a new addition to the venue across the hall from the main restaurant.  The DUO Wine Bar & Cafe has been open for a while now, serving wine (obviously) along with locally roasted expresso and coffee, fresh baked breads and pastries in a rustic atmosphere.  The latest addition, a stroll down the solitary hallway between the Boar and the Duo, is the Tide & Boar Ballroom.  The ballroom has seem many a rowdy night as it’s life as 30 plus years  Club Cosmopolitan, and a few other variations since then.  When the ballroom became vacant I’d hoped that that the T&B would take it over as a music location for their expanding concert selection.

My first realization was that it’s a little hard to realize where the ballroom is if you don’t know where you’re going, and for someone unfamiliar you’d have to ask staff in either the DUO or T&B.   One thing that I noticed right away is that it’s very dark in the ballroom, which is great when the band is onstage performing but as you wander the room or the balcony it’s a bit disconcerting as it’s a bit hard to see.  The bar selection was a tad disappointing with such a large selection available in the two venues on the front of the building, and counting out money in the darkness (particularly on the balcony) was a bit difficult, that said, it was impressive that the bars took debit.  A great thing was that they took out the old main bar to make room for seating just off the large dance floor leaving room for the crowd to both enjoy the entertainment seated or dancing.  I loved that they’ve kept the balcony which creates a perspective for watching live music that is unique in a Moncton venue.  Overall there are a few tweaks to the atmosphere and logistics that I’d personally make to the venue, but I am so incredibly happy that it is being used by the Tide & Boar and McSweeney’s Dinner Theatre.

The Mellotones – Tide & Boar Ballroom ~ Refrain Photography

The Mellotones show started promptly at 10:30 and began the first of three full sets by the band.  I’d seen a few of the members during the ECMA’s in Halifax perform with other groups but this was my first time experiencing them all together.  The eight-piece group casually stepped on to the stage with no fan fair or introduction, but the horns roared to life and their energy was infectious with the crowd.  If you can sit still while these guys are playing, I swear you don’t have a pulse.

The Mellotones – Tide & Boar Ballroom ~ Refrain Photography

With a superb horn section that is reminiscent of Motown, they rolled through set after set of fantastic R&B, funk, and soul hits that had the crowd on their feet the whole time dancing, singing and bopping to the great music.  This multi talented group led by lead singer and saxophonist, Jeff Mosher, is joined by a superb horn section featuring Jody Lyne on trumpet, Eric Landry with the trombone and Sean Weber playing lead saxophone and EWI.  The band’s rhythm stays in line with Brad Conrad on guitars, Ian Mosher on keyboards, Mike Farrington Jr. on bass and Damien Moynihan on drums.

The Mellotones – Tide & Boar Ballroom ~ Refrain Photography

An amazing night of music, dancing, and live entertainment the Mellotones do not disappoint in any way shape or form.  I highly recommend getting out to see this band the next time they roll into town, and hopefully it’s at the fantastic Tide & Boar Ballroom, don’t hesitate to check out both, or go for the full monty, have a great meal at the Tide & Boar, an after dinner glass of wine at DUO, and a great show in the new Tide & Boar Ballroom.  Thanks to the Ballroom and The Mellotones for a a great night! 🙂

The Mellotones – Tide & Boar Ballroom ~ Refrain Photography

Details on the “Concert Listings Page“!! Check it out!!

   Friday night at Casino NB saw Canadian rockers “The Trews” roll onto the stage to a full house of avid fans on a very, very cold January weekend.  Another winter storm on the horizon didn’t keep fans away from what would prove to be another great night of rock music at The Centre.  Starting right on time the band, introduced by fellow Nova Scotian Mandy MacDonald from the C103 morning show, took the stage to a raucous ovation from the crowd.

The Trews – Casino NB – 01/30/2015 ~ Refrain Photography

From Antigonish, NS the band entered a contest that is held annually by a St. Catharines rock radio station.  Winning the contest would be their big break as they soon landed a recording contract.  The release of their first full-length CD soon followed in 2003, produced by Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson, the album contained their hit singles “Not Ready to Go”, and “Tired of Waiting”. “Not Ready to Go” hit number one on Canadian rock radio and the band was nominated as New Group of the Year at the 2004 Juno Awards  and “Not Ready to Go” was nominated as Single of the Year in 2005. The Album, House Of Ill Fame, has been certified gold in Canada.

John-Angus MacDonald -The Trews – Casino NB – 01/30/2015 ~ Refrain Photography

The brothers MacDonald, lead singer and rythm guitarist Colin and lead guitarist John-Angus lead the band through great songs Like “Hope & Ruin”, “Highway of Heroes”, and the more obscure “Oblivion” which Colin said was inspired by their opportunity to open for Bruce Springsteen a few years back on Magnetic Hill, one of many reasons they had an affection for Moncton, and why they were starting their trip and performing their first show of the year here.

Complete with both drum and guitar solos the band rocked the crowd for an hour and a half before bidding the crowd farewell only to be pulled back to a three song encore with a sing along of maritime favourite “Ishmael and Maggie”, and a crowd favourite “I’m Not Ready To Go”, and after one final song they said their goodbyes and left a happy crowd going out into the cold night air.

Colin MacDonald – The Trews – Casino NB – 01/30/2015 ~ Refrain Photography

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see this great Canadian band I highly recommend that you do so, you won’t be disappointed.  Thanks to The Trews, Casino NB, and PPRL for another great night of awesome music!