Drive
to the Coast Photo
Zine
Drive
to the Coast is a photo zine compiled by Aimee Power.
There's something special brewing in Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island these days. This
column is an attempt to take a snapshot
of what's going down and to try to take its pulse. Whenever good things
are happening in Charlottetown Aimee will be there to document it.
These
days Aimee can be seen with camera inhand around the streets of Charlottetown,
though she has spent time throughout the country. She let me put on
a show at her house a few years ago for The Death Set from Baltimore
and Windom Earle. We filled the basement to the brim and we danced
all night. It turned out to be one of the best shows of my life. Aimee
has a kitty named Battle Cat & another kitty named Gideon. You
can contact Aimee by sending an email to missaimee at gmail.com.

East
Coast Music Awards from Cape Breton March 04.10
I
will tell you, that getting your Cape Breton face on is a lot of hard
work during ECMA weekend. It involves eating very little, drinking
very much and rocking a mid-afternoon nap to keep it all in. We arrived
Thursday afternoon and checked into a questionable hotel. The first
show of our weekend was a Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative
showcase. It happened at Smooth Herman's which had a very Myron's-esque
vibe. Take that as you wish, I guess. When
I walked in I heard my first dose of fiddle music! Cape Breton does
not disappoint when it comes to celtic tunes! Colin Grant was making
the crowd go crazy with his insanely quick fiddle playing, and I have
to admit that I was impressed. People were stepdancing...what?!
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE ECMA PHOTOS

New
Royalty from Baba's January 21.10
These
young pups never fail to entertain me. New Royalty are the happiest
kids on Prince Edward Island and I am proud to have had their very
first show (i think?) in my basement in 2007. Since that night, they've
gained more confidence and creativity, and I feel so thrilled as to
how they've grown. Okay, I sound like a dorky mom, but all I want
is for these guys to keep playing shows so I can keep attending. Not
so much to ask, I don't think.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE NEW ROYALTY PHOTOS

Cold
Warps from The House of Rock January 30.10
Their
quickie EP has a poppy, vintage quality, but these boys are hopefully
just getting started. Cold Warps recently made a stop into the JUNNKTANK
house party at the House of Rock in Charlottetown. I arrived late
to the show, but got there just in time to shimmy around a Kent Street
living room and sing along to their catchy sound. Come back and play
again soon? Please?
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE COLD WARPS PHOTOS

English
Words from Hunters January 15.10
The band
we once lovingly called "Smothered in Hugs" is under a new
name, and they are celebrating. This Friday night party was one to
remember. They gave out an EP to each smiling fan just to remind them
that English Words were here to stay.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE ENGLISH WORDS PHOTOS

BA
& Jimmie from The Capital November 21.09
Back
when I lived in Fredericton, I took that sucker everywhere, including
to shows at the Capital. The room is bright and those brick walls
make a great backdrop. I felt like a big dork taking band photos there
with my lil' camera but I am glad I have those photos to look back
on. My life was great and carefree back then, and I enjoy reminiscing
with those (seemingly) ancient photos. November 21st was the first
time I had been in Fredericton since early 2008 and I was excited
to see the old friends in the old places. We gathered at The Capital
and were able to see two Sappyfest favourites: Shotgun Jimmie and
BA Johnston. I've seen their antics before, but it didn't make the
show any less entertaining. The crowd was explosive and by the end
of the night, they were downright crazy. At one point a girl asked
for her bra back after she had thrown it up onto the stage, and countless
men were throwing their t-shirts at BA. It was a zany night in Fredericton.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE BA & JIMMIE PHOTOS

Wax
Mannequin & Rae Spoon from Baba's November 19.09
The headliner
for a dark and rainy night at Baba's Lounge was no other than the
gruff (yet sweet) Wax Mannequin. One of the many men I love in Hamilton,
he delivers every song with a boyish smirk. He is fascinating to watch.
Joining him on this evening was Calgary native Rae Spoon, who I ADORED.
I had missed him on several occasions in the past, but that night
I spent my last dollars on "superioryouareinferior". We
howled along with "We Become Our Own Wolves" and from then
on I would make it a point to never miss Rae again. I guess I felt
a bit of a connection with his songs concerning Calgary landmarks,
and some general distaste for how that City can make you feel like
an outsider. Regardless, it all worked for me.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE WAX & RAE PHOTOS

Ohbijou
from Baba's October 22.09
I am
a new fan of Ohbijou. Although I've heard the name pop up in blogs
and reviews over the past few years, my Sappyfest experience was my
first time getting connected with this lovely troupe. We huddled behind
the stage in Sackville this past August, but this October, Ohbijou
were front and centre at the best little bar in Charlottetown. I hate
that I didn't arrive early enough to squeeze up front for The Acorn,
but the whole show was worth any discomfort I
felt they smiled through most of their set, which gave off an infectious
happiness to the entire crowd. Although I was too squished to dance,
I tapped my foot to the harmonies and was able to see what the hype
was about. Even with "Beacons" being a great album, it does
not compare to the warmth and community you feel when seeing this
band.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE OHBIJOU PHOTOS

North
Lakes from Baba's October 13.09
I decided
that The North Lakes and I are new friends. Our friendship started
when I got to see them open up for Rah Rah at Baba's on a Tuesday
night. And like all new relationships, it was shy and optimistic at
first. Once their folkier side started to show, I felt I was really
getting to know them and what they were all about. Near the end of
their set, I felt invested in their playful rock songs and would assuredly
buy an EP once it is available. I find it great seeing a new PEI band.
I feel pride and pleasure in getting to know them and excitement over
their progress and success. Here's hoping The North Lakes receive
both.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE NORTH LAKES PHOTOS

Rah
Rah from Hunter's October 07.09
Their
live show is even better than the album. It's the type of show where
you don't have to be embarrassed about screaming the words along with
them. I love yelling "In Reginaaaaaa, Saskastchewaaaaaan"
in unison with these lovely folks during their song "Duet for
Emmylou and The Grievous Angel". Shouting geographical locations
reminds me of seeing the Weakerthans, and that is a giddy, giddy feeling.
With all of this choral fun, there is also lots of heart, soul and
upbeat fun that comes with their music and that's what makes me happy
to be labeled a "Rah Rah fan".
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE RAH RAH PHOTOS

Mount
Eerie from Ampersand August 03.09
Mount
Eerie stopped by the ever rad Cafe Ampersand in downtown Charlottetown
last month and our very own Aimee Power was there to snap a few photos
and let us know what she thought. "It was a dark night at Ampersand
when Mount Eerie took the singin' chair and the crowd was truly appreciative
of every request that came out. Mount Eerie played both I Felt Your
Shape and The Moon, which was incredible. . We all sat in the dim
light and it felt like we were all buds. I had fun in thinking about
how jealous all of the Saturday night Sappy goers would be if they
saw this. The ones who had to sit at the back of the Vogue Theatre
in that heat, just to get a glimpse at Phil. Whereas we had him within
arm's reach. Oh, Charlottetown."
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE MOUNT EERIE PHOTOS

Sunday
from Sappyfest 4 August 02.09
Our
car crew was heading back late that evening, but a little birdy tipped
us off and we were told that the Constantines were playing a secret
show at George's Roadhouse. We get there nice and early and attempted
to secure one of the best spots in the joint. We waited patiently
and the rumours were true! And it was all Neil Young covers! The Cons
were joined on stage by Ladyhawk guitarist and miss Simone yet again.
They danced, sung and everyone took a turn belting out their favourite
Neil song. We danced as much as our tiny confines allowed but eventually
got shoved out of the way by dumb bitches and pushy photographers
so we took our happiness to the parking lot. They ended the night
with "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World" and we all felt
awesome to have just been Sappy'd.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE SUNDAY SAPPY PHOTOS

Saturday
from Sappyfest 4 August 01.09
Saturday
was a big day - main stage music, zine fair, craft fair, Uncle Larry's
music... phew. BA Johnston threw pool inflatables into the crowd,
some drunk dude gave him a Rev and he ended the night with the Littlest
Hobo theme song. After that insanity, the D'urbervilles were up next
and they kept me interested in dancing for the rest of the night.
I found their music simple and likeable, in the best way possible
of course. Dancing to them just came so easy.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE SATURDAY SAPPY PHOTOS

Friday
Night from Sappyfest 4 July 31.09
I ended
my night at the bar show at Uncle Larry's. Although the bar itself
looked like the stock market exchange, the venue was the perfect refuge
from the rain. I got there just in time to see one of my favourites
- Windom Earle. They all adorned underwear, but were tastefully covered
up in ponchos. The karaoke was loud and exciting, and screaming "Living
on a Prayer" never felt so good. The music ended and I headed
back to my tent to sleep in a giant puddle. I was wet, but happy..
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE FRIDAY NIGHT SAPPY PHOTOS

The
Sleepless Nights from Evolve July 18.09
Halifax
band Sleepless Nights were the big closer on my mega-music weekend
in the backwoods of Antigonish. Like Share, these guys are apart of
the Forward Music Group and have been making fans all across Canada
with their avid touring schedule and acclaimed album Turn Into Vapour.
They get glowing reviews from blogs everywhere, and I just counted
on my fingers and it seems I've seen them...ten times.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS PHOTOS

The
Hidden Cameras from Baba's July 24.09
I waited
in line for what seemed like forever, and I decided to cut all loyalty
and decency to my friends and other folks waiting to try to get in
there. It eventually happened and I pushed my heart to the front stage
and listened on. I didn't capture much, as I felt I was in such a
happy daze. Everyone was having so much fun - even the ampersand kids
(cafeampersand.blogspot.com)
were all dressed as animals! I left feeling complete, happy and hoped
my friends weren't mad that I pushed past them at the door.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE HIDDEN CAMERAS PHOTOS

Share
from Evolve July 18.09
In late
2005, I wandered into the Underground Cafe(RIP) in Fredericton and
heard a ukulele as I entered the room. Andrew Sisk was the one strumming
away and it was interesting enough that I picked up a copy of "Ukulele
Tragic" to listen to on my walk home. The track "Soil"
had me pretty hooked so I kept my eye out for other Share performances
while I lived in Fredericton. . During my Evolve weekend, Andrew was
flying solo and I was not disappointed. Although he had the first
slot of the day on Saturday, he still drew lots of people to the stage
with his one man show. The songs were lovely, as was my company.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE SHARE PHOTOS

Rich
Aucoin from Evolve July 17.09
This
year was my third Evolve and I was happy to see lots more local bands
being added to the bill that didn't fall within the "jam band"
category. One of which was Rich Aucoin. I had first witnessed one
of his sets last summer during the first HFF and was pretty blown
away by the one rockin' dude. I wasn't really sure how he would translate
from living room show to a big stage, but my expectations were surpassed
tenfold.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE RICH AUCOIN PHOTOS

Whale
Tooth from Baba's July 09.09
This
Thursday night at Babas was one of those instances where I had some
friends drag me to come out and have some wine with them, I refused,
refused, refused but then was finally persuaded. I was delighted when
I ran into band Whale Tooth (from Toronto) playing as I walked up
those stairs. The lead singer (Elise Legrow) was so fun to watch and
her voice had a lot more soul than the many of other indie rock bands
that I usually see.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE WHALE TOOTH PHOTOS

Greenbelt
Collective from Baba's June 30.09
The west
coast came and conquered Baba's on Tuesday night with Vancouver's
the Greenbelt Collective. They sang their hearts out and everyone
felt it. The stage was more packed than I had ever seen and everyone
climbed aboard like it was our show, and not just theirs. We sang,
cheered and danced until closing time.
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THE GREENBELT COLLECTIVE PHOTOS