SHAKE OFF WINTER WITH SODA PONY
Yukon duo are just one of many acts heating up the music scene this week
Happy Ukrainian New Year, everyone! Malanka celebrations are taking place left and right in Saskatoon as people enjoy music, dance, borscht and pierogi (perogies?) But let us all take a step back from the magnificent Ukrainian celebrations, shake off the holiday hangover a little bit more and take in some great shows. And we can’t forget: Winterruption 2019 is right around the corner as well. So if you don’t get enough musical talent this week, just give it a few days and the talent of the city will really blow your socks off.
THE WRONG JOHNSONS
When: Friday, Jan. 18 Where: Amigos Cantina
What: This is not the kind of concert that usually catches my eye. A band playing at an event hosted by a U of S student group doesn’t usually stand out. But then I noticed the band is mostly made of professors and instructors in the history, literature, and medieval studies programs at the university — and that’s just plain great. And they don’t just get a recommendation because of their quirky cast of musicians. Their bluesy-rock music is really good and really fun for a more relaxed atmosphere, and they are a genuine treat to listen to. Professors can be good musicians too — sometimes even the best of musicians — so come out to have a listen.
WAY NORTH
When: Saturday, Jan. 19
Where: The Bassment
What: Jazz, jazz, and more Canadian jazz. Well, mostly Canadian: drummer Richie Barshay is an American, but the other threefourths of this quartet are from up north. A jazz quartet has to be very sharp to pack the same kind of musical punch that a big band or accompanied feature soloist would, and Way North is way good. The ensemble gives a good variety of jazz, ranging from some lighter and more contemporary pieces to the good old-fashioned fast-rolling jazz that made the genre famous in the earlier parts of the 20th century. It’s all instru- mental, which usually isn’t the kind of jazz I prefer, but they are so fun and slick together I almost immediately forget I like jazz vocalists.
SODA PONY
When: Monday, Jan. 21
Where: Black Cat Tavern What: Soda Pony is a synth-rock duo from Whitehorse. Yes, as in the Yukon. And these guys are awesome. It’s just a duo (I double-checked) and yet they produce some of the most raw and powerful rock music I’ve heard in a long time. They also trade the vocals back and forth as it suits the song, and what really sets them apart is their vocals are all great. They fit the rough-edged style of the music, but their tone is impeccable. I’ve never been to a Soda Pony show before, but I have to believe these two would be at the front of one heck of a party.