Festival Guide: Thursday
The Bagel
Greg Hobbs Humorous or beautifully sad Dylanesque folk-country with a wry eye for detail. 9 pm.
Art From The Ruin Edgy yet accessible duo with hypnotic vocals, soaring melodies and twisting guitars. 10 pm.
Rory Lavelle Elegant arrangements and melodies mixed with intricate vocal harmonies combine in pop songs that have drawn comparisons to Beck. 11 pm.
What The Thunder Said A live dance band with hiphop, funk, electronica and jam influences who often improvise live. Midnight.
TBA 1 am.
Black Bull
TBA 9 pm.
The Blue Seeds Likened to Eleni Mandel, Portishead and Cowboy Junkies, the Blue Seeds use tender vocals to evoke desolate, late-night bars and tumbleweed-strewn landscapes. 10 pm.
The Parkdale Hookers No bio available. 11 pm.
Canteen Knockout Including members of Luther Wright and the Wrongs and Slit Slot, their rootsy sound mixes electric and acoustic guitar stylings. Midnight.
Bobcat Gray A talented and young quartet that premiered at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2004, who've been honing their live show in the capital. 1 am.
Bovine Sex Club
Phattoe Their energetic live show fusing hard rock, punk, hiphop and funk has won them a loyal following across Canada. 8 pm.
Flut Described as Betty Boop if sung by the Breeders, their modern beatnik sound centres around vocalist and songwriter Lily Amirpour. 9 pm.
Droids Attack Their debut album, All Your Chicks Are Belong To Us, mixes neo-punk with heavy metal and humour. 10 pm.
Camera Imagine Motown and Stax on a trip to Carnaby Street. Camera have opened for Hot Hot Heat and the Von Bondies, and are signed to Davy Love's Icicle Records. 11 pm.
Ballistic Edna Bio not available. Midnight.
Poxy Passionate for punk rock and influenced by the Cure and Sex Pistols, Poxy have redefined rock 'n' roll with their style of "pirate-pop." 1 am.
Cadillac Lounge
Pat Guadagno "His remarkable repertoire spans decades of blues, rock, country, folk and pop, and his musical journey is always an unpredictable ride," says the New York Times. He has opened for B.B. King. 9 pm.
David Picco After playing in Lady Luck and Cisco Parlor, his first solo album was produced by Don Kerr (Rheostatics & Ron Sexsmith) and varies from alt-country to pop and rock. 10 pm.
Brothers Chaffey Together for just over a year, Matthew and Chris Chaffey mix blues, country, rock and folk in songs with lyrical honesty and soulful vocals. 11 pm.
Heather Morgan & The Company of Men A genre-defying songwriter with a lovely voice, Heather fuses alt-country, R&B and jazz, and has been compared to Lucinda Williams and Gram Parsons. Midnight.
The Cosmic All - Stars Well-schooled in jazz, country rock and bluegrass, they craft an appealing sound dubbed "cosmic American music." Singer Fordham is also known as the Reverend Freakchild. 1 am.
Cameron House
Azalia Snail L.A. Weekly described her as an all-American original who reinvents popcraft. With 11 critically acclaimed albums, Azalia has toured Europe and played alongside kindred spirits Sebadoh and Low. 9 pm.
The Tunahelpers Bio not available. 10 pm.
In Uniform His lyrically strong material is more concerned with mood than genre, and incorporates piano and strings. 11 pm.
Catlow The new incarnation of Natasha Thirsk, singer of the Dirtmitts, she easily achieves a flow between innovation and power pop. Midnight.
Wren City Churches Bio not available. 1 am.
Clinton's
Jeen O'Brien Former singer for Lilith, O'Brien has a powerful, vibrant voice that sends shivers up the spine. On her solo EP she worked with producer Mark Makoway (Moist). 9 pm.
Alun Piggins Former singer for the Morganfields, Piggins now performs with a style that moves seamlessly from roots to rock. 10 pm.
Parkas The Parkas play music soaked in country pathos and gospel menace. Michael Brown's reputed to be one of Canada's most formidable soul singers. 11 pm.
The Telepathic Butterflies This trio delivers a pleasing blend of power pop and modern psychedelia with two albums on the prestigious Rainbow Quartz label. Midnight.
Rick Temporao & The New Low Bio not available. 1 am.
Club OVs
Sometimes Why Seamlessly moving from edgy, challenging material to silky guitar pop, they're reminiscent of the indie scenes in the late 80s and early 90s. 8 pm.
Crush Luther Genre-hopping quintet play wingy, reggae- and rock-influenced music. Influenced by everyone from Faith No More to Billy Joel. 9 pm.
Common Thrill Thrilling and passionate rock inspired by Jim Morrison, Jeff Buckley and Radiohead. 10 pm.
Beneath Augusta Songs teeter from dramatic and bittersweet to cathartic rock with Interpol-esque moments. Debut album has received glowing reviews. 11 pm.
Sundogs A full-bodied rock sound that won the Emergenza competition and saw them tour Europe while charting in Ireland and the U.S. Midnight.
Leviride Short, sweet pop epics with a sound that varies from aggressive, melodic punk to gorgeous, lush guitar pop. 1 am.
Club 279
Britt Black At 10, she co-wrote a song recorded by Bif Naked. By 14 she formed LiveonRelease and wrote the hit I'm Afraid Of Britney Spears. Now at 20, Black has gone solo with full-blooded rock music. 9 pm.
For the Mathematics Fragments of post-punk and math rock are combined with spastic Latin rhythms for a frantic live show. 10 pm.
Pony Up! An indie-pop femme five-piece armed with charming and harmony-heavy songs that have been featured on a Rough Trade compilation. 11 pm.
Sunriser Championed by Exclaim! for their first EP, their music has appeared on Queer As Folk, TV commercials and college radio. Midnight.
Les Six Alumni from the Stills, the Undercovers and the Spy whose sound is rich and darkly romantic. 1 am.
The Drake Underground
Maybe Smith Electro-pop for the masses that weaves sample-heavy electronics through a core of striking pop melodies. 9 pm.
Ridley Bent A mix of breakbeats, phat bass, sweet country lead and a melody that comes together as hick-hop. 10 pm.
Bella A danceable indie-pop foursome who have performed with Pretty Girls Make Graves and Imperial Teen. 11 pm.
Junior Pantherz With four albums in six years, they've been tipped for indie rock stardom by Chart magazine. Midnight.
the High Dials Formerly the Datsons, they draw their sound from 60s pop and psychedelia. 1 am.
El Mocambo
Rise Electric Bio not available. 9 pm.
AMPOP Winners of 2002 Icelandic pop album of the year with their organic pop sound. 10 pm.
Matthew Barber & The Union Dues With honest lyrics and meandering melodies, Barber has played with Stars and Sarah Slean. 11 pm.
Marah From Philadelphia, passionate rock 'n' roll with a poetic edge. Fans include Bruce Springsteen. Midnight.
Memory Bank A visceral and unfettered sound, both disquieting and uplifting, that has been compared to Radiohead's. 1 am.
El Mocambo Upstairs
Stop Die Resuscitate Bio not available. 9 pm.
Sleepy Atlantis Meaningful lyrics, progressive melodies and elaborate string arrangements drawing influence from Wilco. 10 pm.
Hinterland Evocative, atmospheric and irresistible wall-of-guitars rock and whisper-soft ambience. 11 pm.
Seth Mixing rock, country, blues, performance art and spoken word, Seth cites Willie Nelson and Leadbelly as key influences. Midnight.
Balthazar Since 1995, they've thrilled audiences with their mix of ethereal and percussive pop and rock style. 1 am.
Fox & Fiddle
JP Hoe and the Truly Richards Tasty, memorable melodies, acoustic pop in a genre-bending style. They've had CBC airplay. 9 pm.
Katiya Borlant An extremely versatile singer with catchy material, evoking Britney Spears and Billie Holiday. 10 pm.
Sleazy Cherub Acoustic duo combine dark, haunting melodies with folk-rock sensibilities and frank lyrics. 11 pm.
Brazz Tree Innovative duo with virtuoso violin playing influenced by jazz, roots and world music. Midnight.
Cassis Compared to Nico and Debbie Harry, she has recorded with Marc Ribot. 1 am.
Free Times Cafe
Sam Turton Acoustic-based singer/songwriter/slide player described as folk-soul. 8 pm.
Joe Lapinski Loved by CBC, his songs full of gentle guitar work are inspired by long train journeys. 9 pm.
Harmony Trowbridge Plays truly original neo-inde-folk. Her EP received four Ns from NOW. 10 pm.
Karyn Ellis Acoustic, bittersweet folk ballads with a warm, powerful voice and poetic honesty. 11 pm.
Pamela Means Boston-based outspoken indie folk artist with a kamikaze guitar style and provocative songs. Midnight.
Funhaus
Lodown Bio not available. 9 pm.
Big Jeezus Truck Like Johnny Cash out on the town with Joey Ramone. They play hi-octane hotrodcowpunkrocknroll. 10 pm.
CRASH KELLY New rock with an appreciation for Sweet and Kiss that rocks with righteous abandon. 11 pm.
C'Mon Fronted by indie rock icon Ian Blurton and featuring members of Nashville Pussy, C'mon play high-decibel sonic savagery at its absolute best. Midnight.
Backyard Babies Trashy punk rock heavily influenced by Guns N' Roses, the Dolls and Sex Pistols. 1 am.
Gladstone Hotel
Nathan Coles Outfit Evocative songwriting and arresting vocals that won them praise at last year's Hillside Festival. 8 pm.
Ken Dirschl Former singer for rockers Gasoline has played alongside the Tea Party, Headstones and Junkhouse, now focuses on country, rock and blues. 9 pm.
the creaking tree string quartet Juno nominated roots music favourites with instrumental acoustic style featuring bluegrass, jazz and chamber music. 10 pm.
The Black Swans Slow and dark classical music dressed in folk with literary, raw and emotional songs. 11 pm.
Roses in the Snow Bio not available. Midnight.
Laura Repo and The Blue Healers A favourite on the folk festival circuit, singer/songwriter Repo has opened for Beth Orton and returns with an ace new band. 1 am.
Healey's
Rob Reynolds Lauded by the Mirror as "one to watch out for," Reynolds has scored wide airplay in the UK with his first single. 9 pm.
Mike Evin Whimsical, piano-based songs that borrow from cabaret, country and new wave. 10 pm.
Kevin Hearn & Thin Buckle The keyboardist for Barenaked Ladies plays good-natured blues stomping with sentimental melodies and classical allusions. 11 pm.
The Dudes An overzealous approach to multi-emotional inter-disciplinary cultural tasteworks that results in radical yet unuasually nice music. Midnight.
The Dope Poet Society Their intelligent and witty lyrics have won this hiphop trio opening slots for 50 Cent, De La Soul and Dead Prez. 1 am.
Holy Joe's
Ben Sures A gifted folk songsmith with a distinct talent who's been performing for over a decade. 8 pm.
Grassy Knoll and the Magic Bullit Bio not available. 9 pm.
Julie Mack Her smokey and thoughtful voice complements her insightful songs, influenced by Hank Williams and Cowboy Junkies. 10 pm.
Sara J Bio not available. 11 pm.
Maplewood Lane Since 1998, their haunting Americana-meets-dreampop features lead female vocals and has been compared to Mojave 3. Midnight.
Kidnapped Heiress Have recently recorded with the singer of Jacksoul. Their pop-savvy melodies and energetic performances are creating a buzz. 1 am.
Hooch
sj the Wordburglar Humorous underground MC who gained popularity in CKDU's The Bassment Show shows off his unique style and sense of fun. 9 pm.
Introspect Bio not available. 10 pm.
OK Cobra Bio not available. 11 pm.
TBA Midnight.
Mindbender Bio not available. 1 am.
The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
Elliott Brood Dark and deeply menacing roots music from a group with an enigmatic presence. A big hit at NXNE last year. 9 pm.
Luke Doucet Multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer who has toured and recorded with Sarah McLachlan and has been praised for his distinct musical style. 10 pm.
Christine Fellows Enchanting Winnipeg-based songstress who has received rapturous critical applause for her recordings. Also collaborated with members of Weakerthans. 11 pm.
The Floor New wave throwbacks have opened for the Pixies write songs ranging from sweeping melodramas to angular guitar assaults. Midnight.
Shout Out Out Out Out Truly volatile dance music built around two drummers and four bass players. Part rock band, part techno collective. 1 am.
Kathedral
The Arsoncityscape With all members just 15 years old, their moody rock has been compared to Jimmy Eat World and Thursday. They plan on world domination. 9 pm.
Walkers Line Drawing on influences like Third Eye Blind and Smashing Pumpkins, Walkers Line create memorable hooks through solid songwriting. 10 pm.
The Straits For 18 months the Straits have been infusing soul, art rock, garage and beat rock with a righteous energy and ambitious integrity. 11 pm.
Navar A ferociously passionate foursome who pump gritty rock and heart-wrenching soul though the listener's veins. Midnight.
Sugarkill A unique blend of rock, punk and reggae that goes down like a storm live. 1 am.
Lee's Palace
Brian Byrne The singer of I Mother Earth presents a more sensitive and sometimes roots-influenced side anticipating his solo record. 9 pm.
The Novaks Acknowledging influences like Tom Petty, the Stones and the Cars, they've opened for Sam Roberts and toured England. 10 pm.
Hugh Cornwell A legend as the creative force behind punk/new wave pioneers the Stranglers, he enjoyed 10 hit albums with the band. Always a powerful performer who stretches himself sonically. 11 pm.
The Mahones Around since 1990 playing a raw mix of Celtic, punk and rock, they've won a huge fan base and have been compared to The Pogues. Midnight.
Stirling An epic, swirling sound has won them opening slots for Kasabian and the Futureheads, while also being applauded by NOW for "summoning the ghosts of Britrock past." 1 am.
Oasis
carey-cox Raw and soulful vocals evoke the spirit of Donny Hathaway. His acoustic guitar playing mixes urban, R&B and adult contemporary elements. 9 pm.
Robert Wilson Soulful and sweetly melodic, exuding a chilled-out West Coast feel, Wilson opened for Stereophonics and Jason Mraz. 10 pm.
Jessica Rhaye A finalist in the International John Lennon Songwriting Competition due to her distinctive voice and contemporary folk-styled songs. 11 pm.
Mitch Willer His songs are described as personal and emotional while retaining a light-hearted pop energy. Midnight.
Marynka Enchanting songstress who sings in Russian, English and French, whose performance at last year's SXSW caused a stir. 1 am.
Rancho Relaxo
Michael Johnston Highly praised singer/songwriter/keyboardist with an inspired mix of exquisite melodies, rootsy ballads and spirited vocal harmonies. 9 pm.
Jennifer Foster Member of the Pursuit of Happiness. Her solo debut, Sleepyhead, shows her pop smarts and insightful songwriting. 10 pm.
Clark Genre-defying band with smartly crafted melodies and thoughtful sonic textures drawing comparisons to Talking Heads and Neil Young. 11 pm.
Ben Gunning Solo project from member of Local Rabbits that incorporates rhythm-heavy jazz, new R&B and progressive rock elements. Midnight.
The Scribbled Out Man Rock, folk, classic 60s pop and psychedelia are openly embraced by this fresh sounding combo that includes the producer for the Rheostatics and Ron Sexsmith. 1 am.
Reverb
Sylvie Hard-working post-punk band from Regina. Lead singer started out in now defunct Despistado. 9 pm.
Josh Martinez One of the best live hiphop performers, who comes correct with humour and intensity while his band, the Pissed Off Wild, tears it up live. 10 pm.
The Most Serene Republic Part of the Arts & Crafts collective, with epic songs based around intensive drum machine rhythms and influenced by the Postal Service. 11 pm.
Holy Fuck Improvised loops and grooves from a noisy dance trio whose songs careen with a vivacity and urgency that will make you boogie and flail. Midnight.
The Old Soul Creating a stir with an orchestral pop sound that blends the Beach Boys and Flaming Lips in a compelling live show. 1 am.
Richmond Lounge
Pocket Co. Seven-piece band that plays a mix of old rock and new groove with keyboard accents. Spontaneous jams make their live show a treat. 9 pm.
Chris Bottomley Veteran funkster with three albums who has shared the stage with Living Color, Barenaked Ladies and Michelle Shocked. 10 pm.
Rhythmicru Multi-talented urban music collective rooted in the subculture of inner-city hiphop. A powerful live act with past dates on the Warped Tour. 11 pm.
Loudlove A heavy rock reggae band known for marathon shows that have left the crowd happily exhausted. Midnight.
God Made Me Funky Specializing in soul, R&B and hiphop originals in an inspired and inventive style that combines the best of modern funk. 1 am.
Rivoli
Easily Amused Named by Warner Music Canada as Canada's best online indie artist earlier this year, they're a new pop-rock act and a force to be reckoned with. 9 pm.
Brad Stella Bio not available. 10 pm.
the Heck With an average age of 17, they aim to absolutely destroy their audiences with a sheer sonic assault and frenzied energy. Consider yourself warned. 11 pm.
Craig Cardiff Singer/songwriter prone to fits of edginess and obnoxious honesty. Songs about being barefoot and being a geek. Midnight.
Clifton David Fefe Dobson's guitarist mixes electronica and rock 'n' roll in exciting ways. Influenced by NIN, Hendrix and Radiohead. 1 am.
Silver Dollar
The Perpetrators Fiery blues-rock trio inspired by AC/DC and Muddy Waters. Praised for their high-energy songs. 9 pm.
Whiteboy Slim Gritty blues with a contemporary sensibility. He's not afraid to spice up his sound with jazz, hiphop and world music seasonings. 10 pm.
The Kieran Ridge Band Back to basics roots rock-and-roll band with elements of blues and country that is completely unique. 11 pm.
TBA Midnight.
Allison Thrash Bio not available. 1 am.
Sneaky Dee's
Agony Hill Hard-working, hard-driving, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll influenced by Rush and Rocket from the Crypt. 9 pm.
The Threat Deafening punk rock in frenetic, high-energy live shows that blend together macabre lyrics with punk and psychobilly. 10 pm.
Sam Lawrence 5 Bio not available. 11 pm.
63 Monroe Veteran punks who've played at CBGB's and reunited three years ago to resurrect the energy of their live performances. Midnight.
Sinkin' Ships Alumni of local punks Armed and Hammered, Bomb Shelter and 2Pump Louie. Fast and loud sound spearheaded by vocalist Naomie Allan. 1 am.
Vatikan
War Party Nominated in 2002 for the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for best rap or hiphop album, War Party have an established reputation as artists and role models. 9 pm.
OBSIDIAN Enthusiastic purveyors of hard, heavy and melodic rock. Progressive sonic barrage reflects influences ranging from the Deftones to Tool and Santana. 10 pm.
Bleeker Ridge Bio not available. 11 pm.
TBA Midnight.
Vampire Beach Babes Drawing on the best aspects of retro horror kitsch with dark undercurrents of goth and on the self-parodying humour of the Cramps. 1 am.
