Dallas Green comin’ home for Canada Day
JOHN LAW
A little bit of home cooking might be just what Dallas Green needs.
The St. Catharines-born singer/ musician known as City and Colour has laboured through a rough June after his former band Alexisonfire had to cancel four highly anticipated reunion shows at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall (which the band calls a “rare occurrence” on its Facebook page). They recovered enough to play a June 24 date at Quebec’s Montebello Rockfest. Green’s now had a rare rest heading into his Niagara double-header this weekend: An intimate set July 1 at Jackson-Triggs Winery, followed by a huge show July 2 at The Commons in Niagara-on-the-Lake with Blue Rodeo, The Strumbellas, Stars and Dear Rouge.
It marks Green’s first Niagara shows since he played the first-ever concert at the Meridian Centre in October, 2014.
Green is no stranger to The Commons, having played the historic Butler’s Barracks grounds in June, 2013.
His return is one of the key local events of the Canada Day long weekend, and the moment isn’t lost on him. Checking in via e-mail, Green talks about returning to Niagaraon-the-Lake, his workaholic habits, and why he doesn’t need a bucket list:
You’ll be playing The Commons for the second time on July 2. Niagara-on-the-Lake is an historic old town that doesn’t get a lot of outdoor rock concerts - what do you recall from that first show in 2013?
I remember an overwhelming sense of pride when I hit the stage and saw the crowd. It’s pretty special to play such a big show at home, where I grew up. It’s one of those moments teenage me would have never believed. I still find it hard to believe I get to do this for a living.
It doesn’t get much more Canadian than Blue Rodeo. Ever played with them before? Longtime fan?
We’ve run into each other over the years. But this will be the first time we’ve played a full-blown show together, I believe. Should be tons of fun.
Do you still get a charge out of homecoming shows? Family and friends in the area still come out?
It’s pretty surreal, actually. I just try to treat it like another show. I don’t want to get too excited and have a bad show. It would be a disservice to everyone that came out. Plus, my dad will probably be calling me asking where to park.
Clubs everywhere seem to be closing their doors, making it harder than ever for bands like Alexisonfire to make their mark. What do you say to good bands before they get too disillusioned?
You know, I really don’t know what to say. Things have changed so much since we started. What worked for us may not necessarily work for other bands. We played anywhere that would have us. A club, a Polish hall, a basement, or even a barn.
It seems like you rarely take a prolonged break any more - are you just adverse to relaxing?
Something like that. I’ve been touring and making records for about 15 years now, without really stopping. I’m planning to take some time off after this run of tour dates end in the fall. I’ve said this before, by the way, so we’ll see how long it lasts.
You’ve got a bunch WHO: City and Colour, Blue Rodeo, The Strumbellas, Stars & Dear Rouge WHERE: The Commons @ Butler’s Barracks, Niagara-on-the-Lake WHEN: July 2, gates open at 2 p.m. TICKETS: $69.50, www. ticketmaster.ca of shows in the U.S. coming up. What’s the vibe playing there since the election? Try to keep politics out of it?
It’s not too bad. I was a little worried after the election. We had all these shows booked and then it felt like the world changed overnight. But thankfully the shows have just been good nights of rock and roll. I’m sure there are some Trump voters in the audience. I mean, half the country voted for him.
You’ve basically done everything you set out to do. Do you have to make a new list now?
I try not to make lists. The idea that playing my guitar and singing has allowed me to travel the world is never lost on me. I’m thankful that people enjoy my songs and give me the opportunity to do a job that I love. As long as I can continue that and someone still wants to listen, I don’t need any lists.