FIVE TO SEE
AT BLOCK HEATER
Block Heater runs from Feb. 10 to 12 in Inglewood. Here are five acts you don’t want to miss.
MELISANDE
Merging traditional Quebecois folk music and modern electronica, Melisande has become a sensation within the francophone music scene. And with the release of their latest album Les millesimes (The Vintages), award-winning musicians Melisande Gelinas-Fauteux and husband Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand are hoping the rest of Canada will also catch on to their rhythmic, energizing style of “electrotrad.” Melisande’s pop-infused folk will appeal to those who love world beat fusion acts such as Hedningarna and Afro Celt Soundsystem. Saturday at 9:10 p.m., Ironwood Stage Sunday at 1 p.m., Ironwood Stage (Dark End of the Street showcase.)
THE DEAD SOUTH
You’d be forgiven for thinking The Dead South is a group of old-timey Appalachian hillbillies by the way the quartet bangs out barnstorming bluegrass anthems (while wearing white shirts, black suspenders, bolo ties and floppy hats.) This talented young band, however, hails from the decidedly urban prairie town of Regina and has its roots in hard rock. Inspired by such modern bluegrass bands as Old Crow Medicine Show and Trampled By Turtles, The Dead South is adding its own twist to traditional country — and looking good doing it. Saturday at 2:30 p.m., The Alexandra Dance Centre (Country Club showcase.) Saturday at 10:30 p.m., The Alexandra Dance Centre
KOBO TOWN
Fronted by Trinidadian singer and songwriter Drew Gonsalves, Kobo Town mixes calypso-inspired rhythms and dance hall reggae with intelligent and politically driven lyrics. The group has been described as “authentic,” “impressively original” and “a fantastic poetic vision.” The Toronto-based outfit’s exceptional new album, Where The Galleon Sank, comes out Feb. 10 and is already getting heavy airplay on community and college radio stations. Despite the sometimes serious nature of Gonsalves’ lyrics, a Kobo Town show is a buoyant experience with no shortness of dancing opportunities. Saturday at 9:20 p.m., Festival Hall Sunday at 3 p.m., Ironwood Stage (Mondo Mundo showcase.)
ISKWE
Taking a cue from ’90 trip-hop, IsKwe’s mesmerizing blend of jazz, downtempo electronica and traditional Indigenous sounds has been getting high praise from critics across the country. Her eclectic mix of music genres is totally fresh, yet familiar at the same time. Using the Cree word for “woman” as her moniker, IsKwe easily wins over audiences with her intense, captivating performances, and stunningly emotive and powerful voice. Friday at 8:20 p.m., Festival Hall Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Alexandra Dance Centre (Words to the Whys showcase.)
TAJ WEEKES & ADOWA
Fronted by humanitarian and UNICEF Champion for Children, Taj Weekes, Adowa is an inventive and spirited reggae band whose members hail from Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. With all the crazy going on in the world, the heartfelt, hope-filled sounds of Adowa will raise your spirits, at least for one night. Saturday at 11 p.m., Festival Hall Sunday at 3 p.m., Ironwood Stage (Mondo Mundo showcase.)