THURSDAY
Terra Lightfoot at Peter Clark Hall by Claire Wilcox
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Terra Lightfoot and her band brought their fun roots-rock sound to open for BROS on Thursday night.
A snake was loose somewhere in the University Centre, but worries subsided as the crowd grooved along with the band’s unique energy and sound. The Hamilton native’s unmistakable voice rang through Peter Clark Hall as the space filled with eager fans. Equal parts soul, blues, and rock, her distinct vibrato blended with sweet, catchy keys and light percussion.
The band opened with favourites “No Hurry” and “Lily’s Fair” before rocking into new tracks “See You” and “Hold You” which displayed rootsy lead guitar and keys solos. By the closing “Never Will,” one of Lightfoot’s catchiest tracks, the crowd launched into a dance contest.
Lightfoot’s new record Live in Concert was released the following day, so she offered advanced copies at the door.
FRIDAY
Steve Poltz at Mitchell Hall by Robert Janes
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Steve Poltz walked onstage, denim shirt, denim pants, braided pig tails underneath his hat—just one man and his acoustic guitar.
He began his show by playing a version of “Far Away Eyes” by the Rolling Stones, admitting that he didn’t actually know the song, but looked up the lyrics just before he got on the stage.
After an entirely improvised musical bit, Poltz played many original songs about his past, his dog, his family, and politics. He also told many stories. He spoke about the first show he went to, his relationship with Jewel, his stroke, and drug addiction.
Poltz displayed not only the skills of a professional musician, singer or songwriter, but also of a storyteller and entertainer.
SATURDAY
Heat at Mitchell Hall by Claudia Idzik
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Montreal indie-rockers Heat filled the stage with frenetic energy, propelled by the fresh release of a new album. Kicking out singles from their latest release, Heat proved that they stand out from the Montreal music scene and refuse to pigeonholed into “Quebec Music.”
Lido Pimienta at Mitchell Hall by Claudia Idzik
Colombian-born singer-songwriter Lido Pimienta set Mitchell Hall’s stage with figurative fire. Throughout her performance, Lido preached about social justice issues with melodic lyrics backed by electronic beats.Her performance was filled with talent, converting new listeners to fervent fans.
DJ Shub at Mitchell Hall by Claudia Idzik
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DJ Shub, former member of A Tribe Called Red, had a few surprises in store for the Guelph audience. The last time DJ Shub performed at Mitchell Hall was with A Tribe Called Red for Hillside Inside’s 2014 concert series. While this time he came alone, there was no lack of intensity.
As soon as he hit the stage, the crowd was incredibly receptive to his opening track. Throughout the night, the energy was kept high as DJ Shub dropped tracks from his most recent EP release, PowWowStep. Blending electronic and dub-step music with samples of First Nations music, everyone from the front of the venue to the back was dancing along.Two Indigenous performers danced on stage with Shub and offstage with the crowd. DJ Shub even treated fans to new tracks, and despite the unfamiliarity, the crowd enjoyed dancing along.
Feature photo by Claudia Idzik.
Check out our article on the band that kicked off Hillside Inside: BROS.