Antigonish to revisit the 1980s in star-studded rock show
On a coming night, as Christmas approaches, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) will come alive with the neon glow of excitement – and maybe some shameless nostalgia – for a glorious bygone era. Maximum Overdrive, an All-star Tribute to the 80s, is coming to Antigonish.
The 1980s-themed show, which is set for Saturday, Dec. 22, starting at 10 p.m., will feature an all-star lineup of Maritime musicians collaborating to bring fans the sounds of the 1980s.
Specifically, the show will feature the talent of Serge Samson of the Matt Mays band and the Gnarltons on bass; Crag Mercer of the Jimmy Swift Band and Scientists of Sound providing vocals and percussion; Leith Fleming-smith from the Matt Mays band and Erin Costello on keyboards; Matt Thauvette of the Mo Kenney band and Chronos Band on drums; Zack Maclean of the Mo Kenney band and Chronos band on guitar and Izra Fitch providing vocals saxophone and keyboard tunes.
"They all came together to mutually form this super-group, and start an all-80s cover band," said Michelle Cameron, special events co-ordinator with the CACL. "They are a talented bunch of musicians, and we’re lucky to have convinced them to come to Antigonish to play."
In a call with the Casket, Cameron expressed her excitement at the prospect of hosting what will be the East Coast Credit Union Social Enterprise Centre’s first full-fledged rock show in the building. She noted she hopes the show entices a wide variety of fans. Maximum Overdrive is a show meant for the whole family.
"I grew up listening to them, but all the members of the band are from a younger group of people who are listening to 80s music, and it’s intriguing to see what they’re doing together," Cameron said. "I’m hoping we’ll get a wide range of people. Parents, and kids. I want a wide range of people to feel comfortable showing up."
Some of the familiar sounds of the 80s to be heard at this blast from the past of a rock show include 80s hit tracks from