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By Seph Martin
Contributing Writer
Photos by Sprout

Making a life as a quote unquote Rock Musician is not without its pitfalls. Take pawning a handmade acoustic for rent money. Or never having enough scratch to buy more than a can of tomato soup at the grocery store. BUT, these things aside, the circles you travel in can make for some fine entertainment. This perk came through in spades last Thursday Feb 20th as I had more than my share of stellar entertainment courtesy of three of Vancouver's finer venues.

8:00: Feeling like getting my culture on, I dropped by Richard's on Richards to observe the Bluebird North singer/songwriter showcase. Included on the bill were veteran Canadian artists like Shari Ulrich, Blaire Packman and former Chiliwack frontman Bill Henderson as well as rock icon Niel Osbourne of 54-40. Representing for the younger generation were Sarah Slean, east coast wonder Dahmnait Doyle, Danny Michel and hip-hopper Choclair.

The event consisted of each performer briefly discussing their influences and writing techniques before playing a sample. Highlights included getting an acoustic sneak peek of new 54-40 material, hearing Choclair rap over Danny Michel's funk vamps, and (my personal fave) watching Mr. Michel woo the crowd with his charming songwriting and endearing personality.

As the Richard's gig was the first for this year's Bluebird North tour, there were inevitable quirks to be worked out. Namely with sound problems and shaky instrument changes, but the informal attitude set up by hosts Shari Ulrich and Blaire Packman forgave such misgivings.

10:30: Feeling that my mellow folk side had been sated, I made a call to a friend who made a call to a friend and before I knew it I was strolling into the sold-out Commodore Ballroom to the heavy grooves of the Roots. The sudden blast of smoke and overdriven bass was enough to take my senses to a 'hightened' level and I managed to spend two hours taking in what will likely be known as one of the year's best shows.

Playing a healthy portion of cuts from their latest release, the Roots bombed through a set that came off like the Song Remains the Same of hip hop. Bass and drum solos, extended jams and seamless musical segues allowed the group to show that they really are larger than their records and are musical talents to be reckoned with. After a two and a half hour set, the group packed it in and said goodbye to crowd that still seemed all too disappointed to see them leave.

1:30: With the booming echoes of the Commodore fading from my ears, I made my way over to Gastown and the Purple Onion where none other than ?uestlove from the Roots was set to spin. His blend was decidedly retro and he cut into numerous funk hits from the past. With the exception of an oddly placed Smells Like Teen Spirit spin that left the dance floor a little confused, his choices were foot happy and kept the dance floor busy. Unfortunately, the room wasn't packed and by 2:30 the vibe had started to fade noticeably, (although ?uestlove looked like he was good for another couple hours) and I figured it time to head out.

Like I said. Sometimes good things happen to bad people. I mean... sometimes I luck out and the whole broke-ass musician thing gives me something to smile about. Like free concert tickets. Either way, the real moral of the story is: No Fun City is not entirely true. There are times when this city bumps, so make sure you catch as much as you can.

Seph Martin plays in the Perfect Strangers. Check them out at these upcoming shows:

Mar 7th, Steamer's Pub, Victoria
MAr 8th, Steamer's Pub, Victoria

See Choclair, Danny Michel, The Roots, Shari Ulrich, Blaire Packman, Blaire osbourne, ?ovequest Bookmark Choclair, Danny Michel, The Roots, Shari Ulrich, Blaire Packman, Blaire osbourne, ?ovequest Go to Commodore Ballroom, Richard's On Richards, The Purple Onion Nightclub Bookmark Commodore Ballroom, Richard's On Richards, The Purple Onion Nightclub

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