Toronto Unplugged

What is it that people like about Jack Johnson? I would argue that it is his easiness, his laid back style and his ability to make music that draws you in to a softer, more mellow place.
For us, residents of Ontario, Burl’s Creek today may be the perfect place to see Jack. After a rain drenched summer, the day has been sunny, hot and pretty near perfect.
The crowd encompasses the same mellowness that Jack is accustomed to back home – although that may be due to the readily available joints…practically everywhere you turn.
All in all, a good vibe.
At …read more

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The bearded wonder – Neil Halstead – took the stage second promoting his album ‘”Oh Mighty Engine”
Halstead’s four-piece band carry a Beach Boys, Cat Stevens type vibe with some killer mandolin – reminiscent of a slower paced Kinks hook.
Amidst some technical issues Neil Halstead and his band delivered the crowd with another very talented and fitting performance.
He dedicated a song to the beard…manly beards.
Check out Neil Halstead if you haven’t already.

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Mason Jennings was the first to take the stage for the sun drenched and mellow, yet eager eco-fans.
He looks like a cross between Eddie Vedder (of the TEN era) and David Arquette.  His sound is a southern warm and soothing acoustic and harmonic twang.  Thoughtful lyrics, soft passion and some nicely timed harmonica made Mason Jennings a fantastic opener.  I can assure you he won some new fans.
Mason’s track listing included ‘Your New Man’ and a very cool ‘Be Here Now’.  Check them out at Mason Jennings Myspace.
It was a great set that ended with Jennings heartfelt thanks and a …read more

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Burl’s Creek is an interesting spot for a concert – 20 minutes North of Barrie and home to a family campground, the Barrie Speedway and after today…the Greenest concert in North America.
The doors opened at 4pm and the crowds are quickly rolling in.
Waiting for Mason Jennings to take the stage…

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Stay tuned to Toronto Unplugged throughout the day tomorrow as we will be updating the blog throughout the day with an ongoing diary of the events and happenings at the Jack Johnson concert at Burl’s Creek.  With a forecast calling for rain, a solid line-up including Rogue Wave, Neil Halstead and Mason Jennings, and a very unique venue, there is no doubt it will be an interesting and entertaining day.
We will bring you all of the onsite info.  Pictures will follow on Monday and Tuesday.
If you are going to the show, feel free to comment on any of the diary …read more

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Everyone has a handful of websites that they check out on a regular basis.
Within the Toronto scene, I have three clear cut favorites, but when a solid act rolls through town I always stop by Concertaholics to see if there is a review.   Concertaholics reviews are always in depth, more often than not the reviews include pictures and the full AV gamut and they (Jeff and Todd) do a great job communicating the overall vibe of the shows.  They are both Concertaholics and they bring you insights into the city’s top shows.
Their Black Crowes review was awesome and their …read more

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After a one year hiatus, Edgefest returned to the Toronto summer calendar with a very impressive showing.
Highlights included the return of the Stone Temple Pilots, an energetic set by Sam Roberts and a killer performance through a massive downpour by The Bravery.
In my opinion…the more big acts coming to Toronto the better – so welcome back Edgefest and kudos on a strong lineup.
Check out Jam’s review… 
If you were there, give us your highlights.
Image Credit:  Electrobus

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The Black Crowes rolled into Massey Hall on Saturday night as part of their Euphoria or Bust Tour.
The reviews of the show have been pouring in. Texts, emails, chats with friends and colleagues have all alluded to the fact that while it is cool to go see the Black Crowes live , it’s a fairly ordinary show.
The band has been at it a long time and for the most part, they are a tight band when they perform, but they also have the tendency to coast a bit. There is no denying that the band enjoy what …read more

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A great throw back/nostalgic show this week.  Peter Hook will be playing The Sound Academy on June 27th at 9pm.
Hook was a co-founder of the post-punk band Joy Division along with Bernard Sumner in the mid-1970s. Following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band reformed as New Order, and Hook played bass with them throughout their career until his departure in 2007.
Hook has also recorded an album with Revenge (One True Passion) and two albums with Monaco (Music For Pleasure and Monaco) as bassist, keyboardist and lead vocalist.
There are some bands that simply resonate with a generation and …read more

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Some great pics from the Princess Superstar Show a little while ago at Circa.  The photos are courtesy of our man Zach at Take More Photos.
Princess Superstar (born Concetta Kirschner, 1971) is an American emcee.  Her musical style —a mixture of hip hop, rock and electronica— is flip-flop, as she describes it.
Princess is a world reknowned DJ with her eclectic mix of electro house/mash-up/party jam crazee style! She has DJ’d with Felix Da Housecat, Daft Punk, The Glimmers, ?uestlove of the Roots, Ms. Kittin, DJ Hell at the Gigolo Party at the Love Parade, 2 Many DJs, James Murphy, etc …read more

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