(I got the idea for this series while sifting through the ‘piles’ of digital photos on my laptop. It occurred to me to share some of these great pics from some of my favourite concert sets from time to time. Until I get around to the next one, I invite you to peruse my ever-growing list of concerts page.)
Artist: The Strumbellas
When: September 12th, 2019 and June 24th, 2022
Where: CityFolk Festival, Lansdowne Park and Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Mooney’s Bay Park, both in Ottawa
Context: I know, I know, two of these ‘Live Music Galleries’ posts in a row (and this one’s a bit different to boot*) but I just couldn’t help myself. I finally got out to see some live music this past weekend, the first in over two and a half years, and in a crazy bit of symmetry, it just so happened that the first headlining act I got to see was also the last one that I saw before the pandemic put a monkey wrench in things. Things have changed somewhat in the years between these live sets by Canadian indie folk collective, The Strumbellas. Their frontman, principal songwriter, and founding member Simon Ward stepped away from touring duties earlier this year and was replaced by Jimmy Chauveau. The rest of the band is still intact, however, and as lively as ever. I actually I think I enjoyed Friday night’s show more than I did when I saw them in 2019 and it’s not just that I lived the realization of how much I missed the rush of live performances, though that was certainly a factor. I actually became more familiar with the band’s catalogue in the intervening years and could easily sing along with all their huge numbers… and sing along loudly I did. Now, I really can’t wait for Bluesfest.
Point of reference song: “Spirits”
*This gallery is a mixture of the two different concerts, two a half years separating them. And yes, the older photos are much better. This is because I, myself, was having a hard time standing still enough to take clear photos at this past weekend’s show.
My (life in) music lists 