Open sesame

The first weekend in June has a special significance in Bytown: Many buildings and institutions normally closed to the public open up for visitors and tours as part of Doors Open Ottawa. CKCU was one of 119 facilities offering access to the public, and addition to showing people around they also offered up some free food and music. It was supposed to be an outdoor show, but threatening skies forced things indoors to Rooster's. University exams being held nearby also meant things were a little quieter than usual for some of the bands

I was a little late getting over to the University Centre building ... things have changed a bit since I was on campus two decades ago - the layout still stinks. I scooted up to the fourth floor to find that Vapourizer were on their second-to-last song. Last time I saw most of these folks (besides as audience members at other shows) was this time last year, almost to the day, at Liquor Pig Fest.


Vapourizer at Rooster's, June 5, 2010

They were followed by Mark Alexander McIntyre. Mark has been in a hope of local bands and currently serves in The Band Whose Name is A Symbol and Cold Coffee and Salty boots. He was accompanied by Rance Mok and Bill Guerrero on a heap of tunes that wouldn't be out of play among the catalogue of artists like Kurt Vile and Ariel Pink.


Mark Alexander McIntyre at Roosters, June 5, 2010

I also shot some video so you can see and hear for yourself.


Mark Alexander McIntyre at Roosters, June 5, 2010

Next up was The City Above - and this time they actually had their bassist. I also shot some video of them, but YouTube doesn't want to upload it right now ... maybe later. 


The City Above at Roosters, June 5, 2010

The Suppositories finished things off with their usual minimalist punk and lots of standing on monitors.


The Suppositories at Roosters, June 5, 2010

Among other things, the early show meant a lot of parents and children showed up to watch ... it was a family and friends affair, really. My day wasn't even remotely over - I also saw shows by The Flats and The Woodrunners at Zaphod's, then caught The Sin Sisters burlesque and The Action at the Dominion Tavern, but that's going to have to await an orgy of downloading.

• Show reminder: Speaking of afternoon shows, White Lung, Chang-A-Lang and Cicada are at 279 Flora St. - a.k.a. The Rat's Nest. White Lung also play later in the evening at Nine, with The Blind Shake headlining a bill that also includes The Birthday Suits and Pregnancy Scares. Howard Gladstone, Peter Verity and Front In Centre play The Rainbow; Striker, Evil Survives, Endyium and Forbidden Dream are at Mavericks.