Category Archives: Upcoming shows

Savage Fridays or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Press

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I have to admit that I (David) have never actually seen Dr Strangelove, so despite the title, don’t expect any subtle references to the Kubrick classic in this post. In other news, we’re changing the name of our band to The Merkin Muffleys. Expect a press release shortly…

Savage Fridays

Savage Fridays is a monthly concert series that started this past October. After testing the format at Centre St-Ambroise, they’ve moved the event to Grumpy’s. The first Savage Friday of this new year is happening in two days on, February 3rd.

As usual, the concert series’ creator, Jennifer Johnson and The Big Savage Band will perform. Joining her on this month’s bill are two fabulously talented performers: Laurel Jackson, and Danielle Lebeau-Petersen.

Click the image to join the Facebook group

On a somewhat personal note, I’m very happy to see that this is now happening at Grumpy’s, the bar that’s been at the centre of our roots-rock community for the past six years. It’s the perfect venue to showcase what we have to offer. And by the way, the entertainment at Grumpy’s is always free.

Now what’s this about loving the press?

The press has started to take notice. At our rehearsal this past Monday night we had some guests in to film us, a videographer from the Montreal Gazette, and another from What’s On, the CTV News entertainment segment. Our feature article in the Gazette and the video will both be out on Tuesday February 7th, and the What’s On segment will air a few days before our next show. We’ll let you know when in an upcoming post.

Of course, there are some people we have to thank for this. Namely, The United Steel Workers of Montreal and The Unsettlers. Both bands have helped pave the way for all the others in our community and we’re very thankful. It’s too bad they’ve both broken up.

(Note: The Unsettlers have NOT broken up. A misprint on Nightlife.ca reported they did, but they did not)

You know, someone should really pay a proper tribute to the departed Steel Workers. Who knows, maybe we will at our next show. You should show up and find out. And in case you haven’t heard, we’ll be recording our next show for a live album, so if you’ve ever wanted to be on a recording now’s your chance.

Click the image to RSVP

Have a great week everybody!

If You Don’t See These Shows We’ll Kill This Blog

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Years ago, when we were MySpace-based, we’d send out a more-or-less weekly email called “Tip of the Iceberg” in which we told you about shows that we thought were worth seeing. I don’t know why we stopped, other than the fact that it became a bit laborious keeping up with what everyone was else doing, while trying to stay on top of our own affairs (like recording a new album).

Well for old time’s sake we’re reviving the concept (at least for this post). Here are some shows that we think you should see both in and out of Montreal in the coming weeks:

Jennifer Johnson & The Big Savage Band @ Inspecteur Epingle

When: Wednesday January 18 (TONIGHT)
Where: 4051 St-Hubert
Show starts at: After the hockey game
More info: Facebook event

Jennifer Johnson has yet to get the respect she deserves as a songwriter. She has a great crew backing her up in the Big Savage Band: Tim van de Ven on drums, Shawn McDonald on guitar, and Kevin Labchuk on accordion. Come see what you’ve been missing. Dave Clark from Ol’ Savannah opens the show.

The Steady Swagger CD Launch @ L’Escalier

When: Saturday January 28
Where: 552 Ste-Catherine E
Show starts at: 9:30 pm
More info: Facebook event

They came, they saw, they’re conquering. The Steady Swagger are fitting nicely into our community. This trio of talented and versatile musicians have a big sound. They’re launching their full-length debut at the end of the month, and believe it or not, this show is FREE. Chahut D’Ruelle and Ol’ Savannah will also make an appearance.

Ben Caplan & the Casual Smokers @ All Over Ontario

When: All of January
Where: Ontario, in towns both big and small
More info: Ben Caplan’s website

There’s not much I can say about Ben Caplan that wouldn’t sound like hyperbole, but I’ll try. His show is engaging, energetic, and entertaining. His songs are melodic, and masterfully composed. His beard is veloptuous and smells like beer and whiskey. He’s also an incredibly kind individual. Get out and see this man perform!

Click the image to visit Ben's website

 Dirt Cheap Winos EP Launch @ Barfly

When: Okay, so this show actually took place last Saturday. But the Dirt Cheap Winos’ 5-song EP is fantastic! I highly recommend you download it on via their bandcamp page. Click here or on the image below.

Click the image to hear this album

The Jimmyriggers + Sarah Jane Scouten @ O Patro Vys

When: Saturday February 18
Where: 356 Mont-Royal E
Show starts at: 9:00 pm
More info: Facebook event

This is our first show of 2012, and we’re looking forward to getting back to what I think we do best. Websites and blogs are fun and all, but I’d much rather be playing live. Sarah Jane Scouten will open the show. More details will follow in the coming weeks, but until then, enjoy the poster courtesy of La Bete Rouge:

Click the image to RSVP

(Now you see why we titled this post the way we did, don’t you?)