Sweet 16

Jon Bartlett's Kelp Records turned 16 this year, and as usual the usual (and sometimes unusual) suspects turned out to help celebrate. There were a couple of big shows at the Mayfair Theatre, including a rare appearance by pop-folk legend Bill Fox that I was sorry to miss, but at least I had the Saturday off so I could see a triumvirate of events celebrating all things Kelp. The first was at the Carleton Tavern, which naturally means pulled pork sandwiches and a bunch of bands playing from lunch to dinner. The first performer of the day was Guelph musician Jenny Omnichord. I keep seeing Ms. Omnichord performing with other people, most recently Richard Laviolette, and maintained my perfect record of showing up late to see her do her own stuff this time. When I bicycled up to the tavern, The Secret Loves were performing.

They sounded even better this time; particularly Christine's vocal parts. As before they threw in a cover of The Sonics' He's Waiting.


The Secret Loves at the Carleton Tavern, May 15, 2010

It wouldn't be a Kelp anniversary show without an appearance by Andy Swan. Andy is now living in P.E.I., in the bustling metropolis of Breadalbane, pop. 170, but still made it out west to perform a very-country tinged set.


Andy Swan at the Carleton Tavern, May 15, 2010

He was aided by Jon Higney, Jon Bartlett on drums and Shayne Cox on bass.


Andy Swan at the Carleton Tavern, May 15, 2010

He was followed by Flecton Bigsky who played some stoned folk with a bunch of covers (I at least recognized a Rolling Stones tune). Dreamcatcher Scott Terry played some psychedelic guitar as a backdrop.


Flecton Bigsky and The Dreamcatchers at the Carleton Tavern, May 15, 2010

The Flaps finished things off with some of their instro-rock ... it's been a long time since I've seen them; they were as tight as ever. They inspired at least one couple to dance along before I had to hit the road.


The Flaps at the Carleton Tavern, May 15, 2010
 
A few hours later it was time to head off to to Raw Sugar, first band up was The Michael Parks ... which is Andy Swan again, with Shayne Cox on drums and Greg Smith on bass. Higney helped out on guitar and Jenny kicked in some extra vocals. Jon Bartlett also popped in to hit some tambourine and sing later in the set.


The Michael Parks at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

That was followed with a very rocking set from Camp Radio, who are also wrapping up their second record and played a bunch of the new stuff.


Camp Radio at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

They also brought on a few special guests, including Jim Bryson.


Camp Radio at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

The anniversary party made me think of Shed Sessions, one of the reasons being that I saw Wayne Omaha for the first time at one of them many years ago and the next act up features Yawd Sylvester (also of the Violet Archers). Parks man and Weakerthans bassist Greg Smith is also on board. The music was quite loose and trippy. There wasn't any nose-flute this time around, but there was some stylophone. There show was unfortunately somewhat delayed by electronic difficulties, but things worked out well enough in the end.


Tres Bien Ensemble at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

Jon Bartlett's Rhume finished the night off, which naturally meant another appearance from Chris Page, along with Higney and Jamie Gullikson from The Flaps and brother Jarrett on bass.


Rhume at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

Scott Terry did some singing, as did Jim Sproull on Uncontrollable Urge ... even Piet from Reverend Glasseye ducked in through the side door.


Rhume at Raw Sugar, May 15, 2010

Jon concluded the set - which included a great cover of The Mice's Second Best - by singing out the secret location of the final show by The White Wires. I wasn't that surprised that it turned out to be Victoria Island, and not just because I'd been told as much earlier in the day. The White Wires drove their U-Haul truck past as people began heading down Somerset, and over to Booth St. (or took a shortcut down the Empress St. stairs). Up went the back door of the U-Haul van, and the rocking commenced! Then stopped about 30 seconds later when the generator conked out. After some fiddling stuff was running again, so it's on with the show!


The White Wires on Victoria Island, May 16, 2010

The crowd was mighty entertained ... a few folks even danced on the truck's roof (no points for guessing it was members of The Girlfriends getting up to trouble).


The White Wires on Victoria Island, May 16, 2010

A fine end to a full day.