Saturday, July 23, 2011

From Centretown to Hamilton

Sometimes a few years passes between getting to catch a performer, but not many are as dipped in amber as Hamilton's B.A. Johnston. First time I posted about him was back in October 2005 - a show he had played at the Avant-Garde Bar. A long time? Let's just say the opener was The White Wires' Allie Hanlon, a.k.a. Peach Kelli Pop, back when she was a teenage goth synthesizer player.

This show was opened by The Allrights, who played a brisk, three-course set. It's been a while since I caught a show at Irene's, but the rug remains the same ...

The Allrights at Irene's
The Allrights at Irene's, July 22, 2011

Since I'm a photographer, I notice they repainted the previously white ceiling blue.

The Allrights at Irene's
The Allrights at Irene's, July 22, 2011

On to Time Machine Millionaires, featuring Jason Vaughn and Patrick Shanks, who I last saw playing together in Cold Coffee and Salty Boots. This combo leans closer to Patrick's solo work and Shanker and Romps stuff. My photos of this set basically alternate between pictures of Jason and pictures of Patrick.

Time Machine Millionaires at Irene's
Time Machine Millionaires at Irene's, July 22, 2011

That was Jason! Here's Patrick!

Time Machine Millionaires at Irene's
Time Machine Millionaires at Irene's, July 22, 2011

Finally, B.A. Johnston. I could probably cut and paste my review from his 2005 show, right down to the bits about deep-frying and being paid in pirate booty. As before, he alternated between goofball humour, drunken stumbling and flashes of unrequited love. He himself jokes about the unchanging nature of his performance. He had a big crowd out this time and put on a heck of a show. First, some drinking!

B.A. Johnston at Irene's
B.A. Johnston at Irene's, July 22, 2011

Then, some guitar-playing!

B.A. Johnston at Irene's
B.A. Johnston at Irene's, July 22, 2011

And finally an encore in the ladies' room!

B.A. Johnston at Irene's
B.A. Johnston at Irene's, July 22, 2011

Lots of fun!

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