National Capital Rock: Clap your hands, say yeah

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Clap your hands, say yeah

Saturday I had a chance to check out a couple of bands I've heard good things about at the House of Targ. Stella Ella Ola was the headliner, but judging ffrom the the ebb and flow of the audience I'd guess that Mackenzie Rhythm Section was the real draw for a lot of folks. They traffic in blue-eyed soul, plus some lashings of surf and ska and seem like a most capable party band, so no surprise there.

Here's some vocal action from frontman Conor Kehoe.

Mackenzie Rhythm Section at House of Targ

Handclapping action with bassist Nicolas Sobzcak!

Carl Hageraats handles the keys (and also played some guitar later in the set.

JF Chevrier hits!

Rhythm section action!

More guitar!

Bonus JF!

Extra Conor!

Carl sings!

On to Stella Ella Ola. I was particularly interesting in catching them live since a couple of members _ the Boyd brothers, that is - are also in one of my favourite bands, Hollerado. The band is fronted by singer-guitarist Anne Douris, who also did some art and design work for Hollerado, and also features drummer Vince Rice. They're a really fun, peppy band - it's unfortunate that the audience dwindled a bit during their set.

Here's Nixon and Anne!