A candid shot of Drake

For the umpteenth time I attended the annual MuchMusic Video Awards, and while there are always a few bumps on the road, it was an incredible event once again. Most notably I was blown away by how many screaming fans they were able to pack around the stages and on the street at the corner of Queen and John.

Now comes the fun part. I’ve got 506 photos to sort through and edit, an hour of video to edit, plus random audio bits as well from the press room. That’s after spending 3 hours on the red carpet, and then another 3 hours in the media room.

I have a lot of little stories to share too, but for now I just had to mention Katy Perry‘s arrival on the red carpet.

A few artists always try to one-up each other for the red carpet arrivals, and while it’s getting a little old, Perry had the right idea. She showed up in an ice cream truck and tossed ice cream and popsicles at the fans, who, if you’ll excuse the pun, ate it up.

I was also impressed by Justin Bieber, who came across as a fairly legitimately authentic kid. Co-host Miley Cyrus was not nearly as authentic, to be very honest, but I’m not sure that’s what she’s going for these days anyway.

Since it’s late, I didn’t have a lot of time to put photos together, so here are some very raw images from what I shot. Expect better versions tomorrow when the full gallery goes online.

Hawksley Workman and Jim Cuddy at NXNE 2010

I missed Andy Kim‘s opening set, and I sadly had to leave before the midnight surprise guest, but I can’t say enough about the artists I did see.

At nine there was Justin Rutledge, Oh Susanna, and the brilliant Danny Michel. They were followed at ten by The Skydiggers’ Andy Maize, with Amelia Curran, and the very slick Royal Wood. And then at eleven was Jim Cuddy, Hawksley Workman, and Colleen Brown.

The night was really simply incredible. The song choices were brilliant (Workman’s “Warhol’s Portrait of Gretzky” was maybe the biggest song of the night — it got an insanely great reaction from the crowd), and the singers all worked quite well together.

I think the only oddity was Workman and Cuddy sharing the stage. Their music didn’t quite go together, since Workman is boisterous, and Cuddy is earthy and grounded, but they still capped off the night perfectly.

I’ll post more photos tomorrow, and round up my list of favorite bands for the rest of NXNE as well.

NXNE 2010

This year marks my tenth year attending the festival, and I’m frankly still not sure that’s right.

The festival has grown huge over the years, with 650 bands performing this year alone, spread out over 50 venues. That’s a big event, my friends. It’s gotten progressively harder to plan out a good schedule for the festival because you’re invariably missing at least ten other great shows every hour.

Do I catch a little rock, followed by pop, and then some rootsy R&B? Do I stick to one venue, so I don’t have to worry if there’s going to be a lineup somewhere else? Do I hang out at Lee’s Palace again this year, despite the fact that I almost always end up there?

If you’re still working on your list of bands for the next couple of days, I’ll be posting some music from a few acts for you tomorrow, and lists of shows I’m dying to check out. I’m also still taking suggestions if you want to shoot me a note over on Twitter, or in the form below.

Stay tuned to my Twitter over the next few days as well for my updates from the festival. This is a busy week in Toronto, but aside from the MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday, I’ll be focused almost entirely on NXNE.

Michael Buble accepts an award at the 2010 Junos

It was a reserved evening for the Juno Awards, with little in the way of controversy, with the highlights coming mostly from the performances, rather than any of the speeches. That’s always a good thing, as much as it’s a disappointment, but the Junos deserve credit for running the show strictly on-time and as planned, at least for the most part.

Opening this year, Classified performed his single “Oh Canada” on the streets of St. John’s, and while it was not an ideal performance space, the song was the perfect choice to open the awards. I actually think this is a hugely overlooked single, and I can’t believe more people aren’t as addicted to it as I am.

Following Classified, Michael Bublé made his first of many appearances, performing “Just Haven’t Met You Yet.” The only problem with Bublé’s performance was that, like a few of the songs during the night, he just didn’t seem that energized. Bublé’s a solid performer, but he was more interested in wandering the stage and saying hi to fans than really belting out the tune like he does during his concerts.

From there, the Barenaked Ladies stepped out and bombed with some of the worst dialogue written for a television awards show. I don’t blame them, mind you, they just had nothing to work with, and the best comment they made was to point out that there would be no host for the show. Ditching the host this year did seem like the right thing to do, but it would have worked better if some of the people on stage had something more interesting to say than dull jokes and factual introductions.

As I mentioned, the strength of the Juno telecast is that it’s a lean machine, and they immediately jumped to the first award, Single of the Year, which rightfully went to Mr. Prince of Canadian Pop, Michael Bublé. (Bublé would be back not long after that to pick up the Fan Choice award, and at the end of the night for Album of the Year.)

Other performers during the night included Justin Bieber (who was very bubbly, but not that exciting a performer with his bubble-gum, pre-teen-friendly pop), country singer Johnny Reid, the mesmerizing Great Lake Swimmers, and of course, who could forget Drake.

The best performances of the night, however, came from Juno winners Metric (“Give Me Sympathy”), Billy Talent (“Saint Veronica”), Blue Rodeo (“One Light Left In Heaven”), and of course K’Naan (“Wavin’ Flag”).

Billy Talent rocked the stage like nobody else in a year that was very subdued, but Metric, Blue Rodeo, and K’Naan deserve every accolade. Their songs were just a notch quieter, but I have to say, I admire few artists like Emily Haines and Jim Cuddy.

In terms of the awards, April Wine were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, although they seemed to get played off the stage pretty quickly, Drake won for Best New Artist and Rap Recording, Bryan Adams was honoured with the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award (although he was stuck in London, England thanks to the ash cloud over the Atlantic), K’Naan won Songwriter of the Year for “Wavin’ Flag,” and Bublé took the two aforementioned awards.

There was also one big highlight during the night, and of course I’m talking about Drake.

Okay, I’m being sarcastic.

His performance was okay and all, but I’m talking about the fact that somehow he won two those Juno Awards, despite the fact that he hasn’t even released an album yet. Rap Recording was for a specific single, I’ll admit, but it still does not make sense to me.

While I’m all for a changing music landscape where maybe the world gets away from traditional releases, this just reeks of opportunism to honour someone with a lot of fans. k-os was far more deserving, but that’s just my take, of course.

My real highlight though were actually backstage in the media room (which I saw over a press webcast), where K’Naan called this all a “surreal, dreamy moment” in his life. Second place for moment of the night goes to the presenter for Album of the Year, who called Michael Bublé “Michael Bubble”.

My love of Canadian music knows no bounds, but it was not a very memorable year for me. It wasn’t entirely a dull night, but it was far more dull than it was exciting.

The Juno production seems to be geared on the wrong things, if you ask me. There is no time for memorable moments, personal asides from the artists, or anything that would make the show truly memorable.

I’m no event planner, but they just need to loosen up and give the show to a great host, or group of hosts, and give the performers and artists a chance to shine. Right now, it’s just a job to give out the awards, let some people play a few songs, and get out of there within two hours.

Hopefully, next year’s big anniversary show in Toronto will have a bit more flair.

Emily Haines of Metric performs at the 2010 Juno Awards

Justin Bieber with his fans on the Juno Awards red carpet

What I found amusing was that April Wine, who were later in the media room and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, mentioned that they really had no idea who he was, but they thought he was “adorable” while they also wished him, and all the other young artists out there, luck with his career.

All you crazy fans can go nuts for him, I’m just amused that he definitely does not look or sound like he’s 16. I have nothing against him, but I’ll be curious to see what happens for his career next, and will people still love him when he grows up? I guess it depends how he turns out in the next few years.

More from this year’s Juno Awards will be online later tonight and tomorrow. I’ll have photos from the red carpet and performances.

Justin Bieber on the Juno Awards red carpet

Photos: CARAS/iPhoto

Jacob Hoggard of Hedley at CHUM Fanfest

With the venue packed full of fans who won their way into the show, some of the station’s main DJs were on hand to introduce the performers for the night, which included Danny Fernandes, Headley, Girlicious, Faber Drive, Karl Wolf, Joey McIntyre, and Daughtry.

I’ll be posting more from the night shortly, but until then here are two photos – the one above is Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard, and the other one below features the ladies of Girlicious, Nichole Cordova, Chrystina Sayers, and Natalie Mejia.

The ladies of Girlicious at CHUM Fanfest

When I started this site it was primarily focused on Canadian music, and Canadian Music Week was the first event I was accredited to cover. That makes this year’s Canadian Music Fest just a notch more interesting for me. I don’t think the festival has changed vastly since those days, but my tastes have, and there’s a whole new crop of bands worth checking out.

Tonight, for the first night of the festival, I’m headed out to catch Jason Collett, Zeus, and Bahamas play Lee’s Palace. My only problem with this plan is that I tend to gravitate toward Lee’s Palace each year, and I’ve seen Collett perform there before. That said, he’s an amazing performer, and apparently the three acts will be playing together throughout the night.

I actually spent an hour looking through the list of bands performing tonight, and I really only found a few other I wanted to see, and they were spread across the city. My CMW plan has always been to stick to one venue because half the time, after you’ve wandered across the city, you never know when you aren’t going to make it into the next venue.

Stay tuned to The GATE’s Twitter feed for updates during the night.

Hayley Williams levitates for the fans

Covering some of their biggest songs, including a number from their new album Brand New Eyes, Hayley Williams and the band performed fifteen songs, wrapping up with an encore featuring “Misguided Ghosts,” “Misery Business,” and “Brick By Boring Brick.”

I’ll have a full photo gallery online later today, but for now, here are a few images from the show:
]]> http://www.thegate.ca/blog/photography/05607/hayley-williams-and-paramore-in-toronto/feed/ 1 http://www.thegate.ca/front-page/05412/u2s-360-tour-hits-toronto-for-first-of-two-shows/ http://www.thegate.ca/front-page/05412/u2s-360-tour-hits-toronto-for-first-of-two-shows/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:22:59 +0000 W. Andrew Powell http://www.thegate.ca/?p=5412 U2, in town for their 360° Tour, and the crowd went insane as Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr. all rocked their hearts out.]]>

U2 360 Tour in Toronto

Touring for their latest album, No Line on the Horizon, the band is nearing the end of their North American dates, wrapping up on October 28 in Vancouver, BC.

Here are a few photos from the show, with a full gallery on the way soon (click to view the full-size version):

U2 360 Tour in Toronto - The Edge and Bono

U2 360 Tour in Toronto - Bono

U2 360 Tour in Toronto - Adam and Edge

U2 360 Tour in Toronto - Stage view

Looking down on the 2009 CNE

Call it an obsession, or call it the last great hurrah before fall, but I love almost everything about it. If I’m not down there taking pictures, I go to ride the Ferris Wheel, see the animals, buy some goodies, play some games, or just to wander around a bit.

I have a lot of favorite things at The Ex, and although most of them are pretty general, including a bunch of things run by the CNE itself, I think I owe at least a couple of places a nod.

Topping my list is Carmichael & Company. Located in the At Home Pavilion in the Direct Energy Centre, Hall A. This company sells amazing summer sausage, pepperettes, and jerky that is utterly delicious. Although all their stuff is very good, my favorite is their venison summer sausage, but they also sell a couple of other varieties, like turkey summer sausage. Look for their booth just a little east and south of the middle of the building, and you can otherwise reach them regularly by phone at 1-800-738-5516.

Another favorite stop in the Direct Energy Centre, near the north entrance to Hall A, is a company called Tropical Expressions (I think) that sell bonsai plants in all shapes and sizes. You can find them online at www.bonsaistore.ca, and they have two tables, right as you walk in Hall A, covered in a number of beautiful trees and other plants for sale. I bought a small bonsai cherry tree for $10, while the average price of a mid-sized bonsai tree is around $25. They also sell some stunning large bonsai trees for upwards of $60.

Next on my list is Krazy Kitty (they have a website at www.krazykitty.com), located in the Queen Elizabeth Building (otherwise known as the Arts, Crafts & Hobbies building). If you have a cat, this company sells some great stuff, but the highlight is their Catnip Blanket – which, yes indeed, has catnip inside. Aisha’s cat Munchkin goes nuts for it, and sleeps on it all the time. Look for the booth in the northeast corner of the building, near the exit.

And lastly, a new favorite, which is also in the Arts & Crafts building, is a shop called The Philosopher’s Stone. Hailing from Barss Corner, Nova Scotia, this unique company sells specially crafted stones that have been shaped into small vases and holders. Ranging in price from as little as $10, the beautifully crafted stones can hold a pencil, a single flower, or in the larger cases, act as full-sized vases or hold your cooking utensils. Look for them in one of the middle aisles of the building, or you can reach them at 902-644-3273, and via email at rosebud1@ns.sympatico.ca.

I’ll have some more from The Ex in the days to come (particularly regarding the food), and if you haven’t gone already, check it out. It’s a lot of fun in the evenings, and weekdays (Monday to Thursday) it only costs $5 to get in after 5:00 PM.