Out of the West

Looks like Kelp Records are having some kind of twofer at Barrymore's; Greenfield Main and Andrew Vincent and The Pirates are playing April 1, The Recoilers and South of 78 are playing April 2. It' all part of the "Rolling Tundra Revue 2005" - The Weakerthans and Constantines are sharing the bill both nights. An odd mixture of bands, I'll say.
Anyway, those aren't the only shows of interest slated to play the Barrymore's stage. There's a showcase for Alberta headed our way (thus the post title):

• The Corb Lund Band will offer up some traditional country, with Mike Plume and Tim Hus April 30. Tickets are $20 in advance. Eek.
  
• Old Reliable, The Swifties and The Populars, May 5, for a more bearable $12.
  
• The Ramblin' Ambassadors, a killer surf-instro band which grew out of Huevos Rancheros, are appearing with headliners Hot Little Rocket (influenced by XTC, Television and Jawbreaker, says their website) and Chad VanGaalen May 6. I gather this is the "Alberta bands that don't sound like other Alberta bands night". Price is also $12.
• If you prefer the harder stuff, Choke, Kiros and The Wednesday Night Heroes are playing May 7. Cheap at $10.

I for one welcome our new Alberta overlords ...