“It’s night number one of a three week tour — with all of us together, can you believe that?” Todd Kerns addressed the crowd at the Commodore Ballroom on Friday night. The Kerns brothers and Dahle brothers, who make up The Age of Electric, are touring the country this spring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album Make a Pest a Pet.
They kicked things off with I Don’t Mind, a single that any Much Music faithful would recognize from the time when music videos were played on TV and counted down once a week.
The last time I heard all of these songs together I was listening to the CD I purchased at A&B Sound on my discman — and AOE sounded even better live. They sounded better than I remember at any of the all ages festival shows I saw when I was in high school 20 years ago. They sounded better than any CD or mix tape I might still have kicking around next to a yearbook in a box somewhere.
The show reached beyond Make a Pest a Pet and into their self-titled album from 1995, with Ugly, Enya, and an epic rendition of Untitled pleasing the crowd that sang along and filled in the Ugly lyrics. Then it went even further, with covers of Canadian rock classics like Taking Care of Business followed by the entire ballroom singing the national anthem.
The guys played some new music too, including Keys and Kids Break Bones from The Pretty EP released this year. For the inevitable encore, Todd remarked: “You’ve been to a rock show before, you know how this works,” the audience cheered and clapped, because everyone was genuinely hungry for more even though it was past midnight.
They came back out on stage to play the one tune that was noticeably missing from the set list all night: Remote Control.
While they have all been busy with other projects, it was a delight to witness Todd Kerns, Ryan Dahle, John Kerns, and Kurt Dahle on a stage together once more. They belted and shredded, and made everyone wish we hadn’t been missing this for the last 20 years in Vancouver.
Tour Dates
Even if you are unfamiliar with their music from 20 years ago, which is still relevant today, you’ll enjoy a rock solid Canadian concert filled with incredible talent. Tickets on sale now for:
March 29, Red Deer, AB @ Int’l Beer Haus & Stage
March 31, Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall (date change from March 30)
April 1, Calgary, AB @ Marquee (early show, doors at 6:00pm)
April 4, Regina, SK @ The Exchange
April 5, Saskatoon, SK @ O’Brians Event Centre
April 6, Winnipeg, MB @ Canad Inns Transcona – Nashville’s
April 7, Thunder Bay, ON @ Crock’s
April 10, St. Catharines, ON @ Warehouse
April 12, Waterloo, ON @ Maxwell’s Music House
April 13, Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
April 14, London, ON @ London Music Hall (all ages show)
April 15, Oshawa, ON @ Oshawa Music Hall
April 16, Arnprior, ON @ The John St. Pub
Follow The Age of Electric on Instagram, Twitter, and at their tour stops this spring.
March 30, 2017 has officially been proclaimed “Red Robinson Day in Vancouver”, in honour of Canada’s original rock and roll deejay. From emceeing for both the Beatles and Elvis Presley, to bringing the music of Buddy Holly to Vancouver’s airwaves, and even launching the career of Michael Bublé – Robinson is a true rock and roll industry legend.
Red Robinson Day in Vancouver
Red was spinning the hits on Vancouver’s CJOR while still in high school in 1954. He was the first DJ to play rock’n’roll music on a regular basis in Canada!
In 2016, Red Robinson was appointed to the Order of British Columbia for his tireless charity work with organizations like the CHILD Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation and Timmy’s Telethon. Red Robinson has been a pillar in this city for many years and continues to have his voice heard every Sunday afternoon on CISL 650 with the Red Rock Diner.
For his milestone birthday, CISL 650 has given Red the keys to the studio. He’ll be broadcasting a special Red Rock Diner LIVE from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Thursday, March 30th (11151 Horseshoe Way, Suite 20, Richmond). Red will be playing four hours of songs that changed rock and roll music forever. We’ll also chat with some of Red’s music friends he met along the way. Help us celebrate this special day with the man who’s given so much to our city.
Follow CISL 650 on Twitter and Facebook for more information about #RedRobinsonDay.
The 6th Annual CAN Family Festival at Jack Poole Plaza is coming up on April 9th. The day’s festivities will kick off with a fundraising walk and the lighting of the cauldron to commemorate April as Autism Awareness Month.
CAN Family Festival
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Downtown Vancouver
When: Sunday, April 9, 2017 10:30am to 2:30pm
Admission: Free!
Emceed by Breakfast Television Host Riaz Meghji, the festival will include live entertainment by Bobs & Lolo and David Morin, food trucks, a skate park, face painting, a ball hockey tournament featuring Vancouver Canucks alumni, and much more.
Browse 15 vendors at a pop-up artisan market selling unique gifts, gourmet food, apparel for adults and children, and home décor, with part proceeds benefiting Canucks Autism Network. There will also be first responder vehicles on-site for kids to explore, and a photo booth with Canucks alumni.
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round sports and recreation programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for more information.
On Thursday, March 30, 2017, Dining Out For Life returns for its 23rd year in support of people living with HIV/AIDS in our community.
Dining Out for Life
From Whistler to White Rock and across the Lower Mainland, DOFL’s restaurant partners will contribute 25% of their food sales to A Loving Spoonful.
Over 50 restaurants are participating, from Lucky’s Doughnuts and Burgoo Bistro, to Cactus Club, Gotham Steakhouse, Forage, Fable, and more! They’re donating 25% of breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner to the cause.
All proceeds directly benefit the programs and services they provide free-of-charge, including:
- An average 100,000 meals per year delivered by volunteers to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Metro Vancouver and surrounding regions
- Nutritional counselling and meal planning.
- Easter Sundays where chefs donate their time to cook for a group of 50-60 people.
- Family Pantry Program where families receive fruits, vegetables, and other pantry essentials.
- Snack Packs all clients receive: fresh fruit, yogurt, bread, juice, milk and more.
A Loving Spoonful is a volunteer-driven, non-partisan Society that provides free, nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS in Greater Vancouver. A Loving Spoonful is the constant support of over 250 adults and children living with HIV/AIDS throughout the Greater Vancouver area
Dine out on Thursday, March 30, 2017 and make it a day to remember.
Follow Dining Out for Life on Twitter and Facebook with the tag #VanDOFL for more information.
A gathering with your friends on a weekend may usually consist of watching hockey, playing board games, meeting at a bar or resto lounge, or something active like Frisbee on the beach or outdoor ice skating. Over the last year or so the options have expanded, and some activities you may not have considered before are becoming to new go-to hangouts for friends families, or date nights.
5 Unconventional Ways to Play in Vancouver
Archery Tag
Where: 6Pack Indoor Beach (#115-13180 Mitchell Rd. Richmond)
What: “Imagine paintball, only instead of painful stings and guns, it’s foam tipped arrows and bows.” Join public archery tag play, book a private party, or drop in for Combat Fridays.
Fencing
Where: Academie Duello (412 West Hastings St, Vancouver)
What: Book in a group to learn the basics of movement, posture, attack and defence in fun interactive games that get everyone involved. Try out the arts of the rapier, longsword, sword and shield, quarterstaff and more.
Trampoline
Where: Extreme Air Park (14380 Triangle Road, Richmond)
What: Canada’s Largest Trampoline Park with 42,000 sq/ft of enclosed interlocking trampolines with a variety of different activities. Additional locations in Langley and New Westminster. Ninja course coming soon! Keep your eye on Apex Adventure Plex (3810 Jacombs Road, Richmond) as they’re opening a Ninja Course soon too.
Curling
Where: Vancouver Curling Club (4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver)
What: Join a public open house, learn-to-curl session, clinic or Monday Novice League. See also: Marpole Curling Club (8730 Heather St, Vancouver).
Axe Throwing
Where: Bad Axe Throwing (8132 130 St Unit #109, Surrey)
What: The world’s biggest urban axe throwing club, bringing the thrill of a traditional Canadian backyard pastime to urban communities. Must book in groups of 8 (minimum). Bring your own food, learn from the coaches, play mini games, and more.
