Blogs
Adventures at the PEAK Performance Project Boot Camp - Day 6
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 09/1/2010
But of course the main highlight of last night were the live performances. Everyone last night blew me away and it made me realize how fortunate I am to be here with all these amazingly talented people.
Said the Whale started off the evening and they started it off right. They always have such an energetic live show and last night was no exception. The addition of the brass section on the balcony over the stage was amazing and that was only the first song! They ended their set in a whirlwind of confetti and (apart from thinking that the RockRidge staff probably hated them for all the minscule pieces of paper fluttering about the room) all I could think was that this night was just going to keep getting better and better.
Vince Vaccaro was up next and anyone who knows me knows that I love those mysterious singer songwriters so last year I had Adrian but this year it was Vince. It was my first time seeing him live and I was blown away by what came out of his small frame. He brought Steph Macpherson up to sing with him on his hit song 'Costa Rica' which was a lovely addition but his last song 'Little Candle' is a performance I will never forget. He brought up a few more friends to add to the thunderous choir of stomping feet and it was pure magic. Thank you Vince, as I said last night, for speaking to my soul you little woodsman.
Yes Nice followed Vince and I think that a lot of people didn't know what to expect from them. They had hosted an open mic night at Habitat a while back and they kindly gave me a CD so I knew what to expect but they took my expectations and far surpassed them. Yes Nice's harmonies are some of the most beautiful your little ears will ever hear. They have catchy, hand-clapping hooks that won't let you forget their songs anytime soon. Yes, Yes Nice was nice.
Aidan Knight finished off the evening and anyone who was at camp last year knows what I mean when I say it was the We Are the City moment of this year. First of all his music and lyrics are beautiful but what really makes Aidan stand out is his personality. I would say on-stage personality but that's the way he is all the time. He is so genuine and his live show proves that even more - Aidan is so passionate about what he's creating on stage that it was just emenates off of him and rubs off on the whole crowd leaving them feeling mystified and somewhat happier than they were before his set. Thank you Aidan Knight and your Friendly Friends for sharing your gifts and your endless amounts of positivity with us.
I feel like I've caught my 29th wind this week and I'm ready to rock it tonight. With tomorrow being the last day, I don't think tonight calls for much sleep.
Adventures at the PEAK Performance Project Boot Camp - Day 5
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 08/31/2010
Today has been a gloomy, off day at the PEAK Boot Camp. Why, you may ask? It could potentially be a mix of late night recording, a stressful workload, caffeine abuse, and no sleep... But we're all still alive and kicking and apart from the gray outside, everyone is still chipper (as chipper as a zombie can be).
Parlour Steps kicked off last night's set of showcases. I enjoyed their poppy, low-key hooks - their music is really quite catchy and (as they showed in their viral video) they're perfect for humming along to whilst coasting down the sunny street on a cruiser bike. The judges were unforgiving to the band which is always hard to receive. But the show always goes on!
Kyprios was up next and his performance was so full of energy that I wish I wasn't busy cross-fading cameras and that I was up at the front grooving along with all the other cool cats. I remember Kyprios' song 'This Is My Hit' from waaaaaaaay too long ago and when he ended his set with it I was stoked. I'm not generally a hip hop fan but I loved every minute of his set. The live band added a lot of energy to the set as well and I think it pleased the judges as well.
Jess Hill followed Kyprios' set which I thought would be a hard changeover going from upbeat, danceable hip hop to a sit down folk solo set but that wasn't the feeling at all. Jess Hill is the true definition of a performer. In between her songs (filled with beautiful melodies I might add) she weaved stories and had the whole crowd resting on her every word. She told one story about a moths and then related it to her next song and it absolutely melted my heart. Jess your music is beautiful and so are you!
Behind Sapphire finished off the night with a set that was so wonderfully quirky. These boys opened for Library Voices a few months back at Habitat and I thought their set was great but their set last night easily topped that. Lead singer Grant alternated between using many different props (including a brightly colored mini megaphone) which was such an addition to their sound and their set. Behind Sapphire is also probably one of the friendliest bands you'll ever meet too - every time I see them, they're always smiling and I love that.
Tonight's showcases are already halfway done and are amazingly amazing - I guess I'm saying that about all the showcases so maybe I should invest in a thesaurus.
Today was a late start (definitely not due to staying up until the sun came up or anything) and because of the rain there really wasn't much to do. Garth Richardson and Sean Cole from the Nimbus School of Recording Arts were probably feeling a bit wiry due to having to stay inside all day so they made a hilarious Wayne's World style video which will be posted tomorrow on the PEAK Performance Project YouTube channel.
Tomorrow I will have more to right about but for now I'm off to get a latte from the lovely ladies at the Espresso Bar (for real, this is the best summer camp ever).
Adventures at the PEAK Performance Project Boot Camp - Day 4
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 08/30/2010
Last night's showcases were also something to talk about - maybe even something to stand at the top of a mountain and yell about.
Christopher Arruda started off the evening and I couldn't believe the voice that was coming out of him! He has an amazing range and he was most definitely singing for all the ladies in the crowd. For his last number he shushed everyone and came out off the stage with an acoustic guitar and performed one last ballad. The acoustics in this room are great for singer songwriters and Chris definitely took advantage of it.
Bodhi Jones (aka Prince Uncle Bodhi) back for his second year at boot camp and the difference from last year to this year is amazing. Last year he had never performed for an actual crowd, he had been a busker for his whole musical career and the whole live performance thing was new to him. This year he showcased everything he learned from last year. I always enjoy listening to Bohdi's songs - you can tell they're right from the heart. Last year Bodhi also tried hiding from me when I was making my rounds interviewing all the artists but this year he was more than happy to do one with me (along with some push ups as well). Kudos to you Bodhi!
Steph Macpherson was next and the judges absolutely adored her and of course the rest of us did as well. She has such a sweet voice and such a sweet way about her, and her songs... Wow! I was humming all of them over the course of the day and I didn't even have to know the lyrics because she had so many la da da's and na na na's that I was able to sing along!
Acres of Lions. Hands down the best performance on the Pinnacle Dining Room stage so far. I don't know if it was the just the upbeat tempo (+caffeine) that got me so excited right off the bat but I wasn't alone as everyone got off their seats and rocked out at the front of the stage. I want to describe their music but all of the terms that come to mind (rock, pop punk, alt rock) don't seem to fit them - they have their own sound and they sure as hell know how to sell it. I can't wait to see their set at the Red Room!
As far as today goes, the sun was actually out in full force for more than 5 minutes so I took full advantage of it. So much so that Scott Johnson asked me if I had just put fake tanner on. My day was filled with food, coffee, a jaunt into Princeton, coffee, more food, kayaking, interviewing, coffee, pool fun, coffee, even more food followed by even more coffee and now I'm watching another great set of showcases which you get to hear all about mañana. Adios!
Adventures at the PEAK Performance Project Boot Camp - Day 3
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 08/29/2010
It's Sunday which is typically a day of rest but apparently,
as Cage the Elephent told us, there ain't no rest for the wicked so even though
there are those among us who didn't get to bed until 4:30am, they were still up
in time to get their fill of hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, and sausages (heavy on
the sausages).
The showcases last night were outstanding. It's always
nerve-wracking to be the first to perform but, according to me, they all
nailed it.
Adaline, fresh from her recording studio sessions in Toronto
with the great Hawksley Workman, definitely had a new sound that I was
definitely digging. Her new music borders on more of a rock edge as opposed to
her catchy pop sound from last year. This was the first time she performed her
new songs live and after hearing them I can't wait for my own copy of the
album.
Greg Sczebel’s set was easily the grooviest of the evening.
He is such a talented musician which matches his talent for live performance.
His energy on stage was constant throughout his set even though he was stuck
behind his keyboard but his true performer came out when he came out from
behind the keys, grabbed a mic and rocked out his last song on the front of the
stage. Greg had me clapping and grooving along even though I was alone at the back
of the room. Next time I’ll be up front.
41st and Home really grabbed my attention with
their set last night. All of their songs had such build up that I was hanging
on every note eager to hear what would happen next. The five piece band had a
great sound but what I think really pulls them together is their
trumpet/trombone player, Andrew, who adds the sharp brass sound that sets them
apart from other bands of the same genre.
Debra-Jean’s performance was undoubtedly transfixing. The
former Mother Mother vocalist is now out on her own, exploring her own unique
sound. Although you can barely make out the lyrics to any of the artists’ songs
in the gigantic Pinnacle Dining Hall, you could tell that Debra-Jean’s live
performance was a complete embodiment of her songs. One word that comes to mind
when I think of her set is haunting – but haunting in that good way, you know?
After those showcases I can’t wait for tonight, and the next
night, and every other night of camp.
I braved the zip line yesterday although I think my spleen
is paying for it today (if my spleen is in fact located below my left ribcage).
But one good turn deserves another so I have now torn a few muscles in my back
from the Tower of Terror – which is in fact terrifying but Quinn and I nailed it! I’m exaggerating of
course but I am in pain and could use a little masseuse action.
Listening to sound checks right now but around the camp
artists are furiously pondering the possibilities of the songwriting
competition that was just announced today. The theme for this year’s
competition is “Last Night” so it’s good we have a tamer crew than last year
otherwise the content might not be so PG. The artists last year blew us out of
the water with their “In A Minute” songs, which ended up being recorded by Don
McLeod in a makeshift studio set up. This year the artists are lucky to have
the Nimbus School for Recording Arts along with equipment donated by Long &
McQuade to help record this year’s set of songs.
I could in fact write a book about all the goings on here at
camp but my little fingers are tired for now so you have to wait until tomorrow
for Chapter 3.
Remember that you can follow the Peak Performance Project on
Twitter (@p3fm) or you can watch the daily videos on the PEAK Performance Youtube Channel.
Adventures at the PEAK Performance Project Boot Camp - Day 1.5
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 08/28/2010
The top 20 artists arrived yesterday in all their bright eyed, bushy bearded glory and you could feel the excitement that was reverberating around them. But who wouldn't be excited? Picture rolling in to the middle of nowhere and finding the most glorious summer camp that you could imagine complete with gigantic cedar buildings, shimmering lake, Canada's longest zip line, and more food than you even want to think about. Now, take that and add 9 work stations graciously donated by Apple and Roland, pair it with an amazing studio furnished by Long & McQuade and run by Nimbus Recording Studios, a color coordinated stage set up courtesy of Lush Plush with backline supplied by Long & McQuade and you have yourself a good ol' rock n' roll summer camp.
Artists were supposed to arrive between 9am and 12pm yesterday so naturally they started showing up around 2. Grant Lawrence kicked everything off with his keynote titled "On Stage and On Point" which was all about live performance. He touched on everything from practicing, compiling a set list, handling hecklers, dance moves, to the touchy subject of encores.
We decided to start the week off right with a bit of friendly competition between the artists and the faculty in the 2nd Annual Artists VS. Faculty RockRidge Cup Ball Hockey Tournament. Us faculty marched down to the rink, confident that our war paint (my black eyeliner), ensembles (basically just Bob D'Eith's Canucks jersey), and our team name (Wolf Pack) would be enough for us to bring the coveted RockRidge Cup back to the Wolf Lair (Wolf Creek Lodge). Little did we know that these spindly artists would actually bring their 'A' game and kick our asses with a final score of... well we don't actually remember what the score was but we do know that the faculty lost. Mad props to Grant "Lawrongo" Lawrence for putting knee problems aside and for holding down net like a champ.
Now it's Day 2 and I can barely move but I've been doing my stretches because I need to get all limbered up for the zip line. Tonight is the first night of showcases and we have a great line up to kick off the week: Adaline, Greg Sczebel, 41st and Home, and Debra-Jean to top it all off.
Being surrounded by so much natural beauty, talent, and the constant flow of creativity is an invigorating feeling and I can't wait to see how the week unfolds!
p.s. If you're anywhere where the temperature is +30 please send us some heat - I'm quite chilly.
So You Think You Can Dance (Vitaminsforyou)
- By Brandon William Fletcher
- Published 08/13/2010
If you weren't there last night, why?! Vitaminsforyou is Bryce Kushnier in what Wikipedia calls "a pioneer of the “lo-fi bedroom electronics” genre of music," which almost feels like an understatement after last night. He was supported by two other musicians and they just came off playing three sets at Shambhala (two live and one DJ by Kushnier who also has extensive experience as a DJ, playing in Toronto collectives such as Do Make Say Think which you can catch on KIA's Summer Mixcast Three).
I love electronic music. I love Nu Disco, I love Electronica, I love Electro House, Progressive, Experimental, French House, you name it... but we don't get a whole lot of it in our venue. Vitaminsforyou was a lot of these and more, brushing off Psychedelic like it ain't no thing, and teasing Folk just a little bit. He dabbled, and this is key. While I love electronic music, there is something about the DJ party that just doesn't hold my attention, and believe me as someone who flirts with DJing the irony is not lost on me.
Call it A.D.D. (or it's hyper-active cousin A.D.H.D.) but I can only dance to a DJ for a 5–6 hours at most before I get tired or lose interest, I prefer to hear the song at home or dancing with friends at a house party I guess. It's no secret I dig live music and I think I've finally found my niche when it comes to the live electronic party. I can think of a couple DJs—M83, Booka Shade—whose live performances kept me riveted the whole time and it's got to be the mix of the live bands and sampling. Live loops, bass and drums does it for me. Listening to Vitaminsforyou's Myspace was good, don't get me wrong, but I'm not 100% sure if it would be enough to get me to go out. After a few moments of them on stage, literally seconds, it was clear this was a live experience more than anything. Kushnier was meant for the stage. The energy they held and maintained throughout the night was incredible, the scene was awesome, the outfits were crazy (four layers of masks!) the night started out quiet and I'll admit I was a little worried—I always feel bad for the band when a room isn't just packed—but by the end of the night, a quick survey of the room found exactly three people not on the dance floor. Only three people in the entire room weren't dancing, and everyone else was giving hell.
When Vitaminsforyou come back, I can guarantee you that I'll be there.
The Habitat turns 5 years old – Happy Anniversary
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 07/16/2010
The Habitat turns 5 years old – Happy Anniversary
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Wow, time flies when you’re going to see a lot of live music. The Habitat has been a mainstay in the Kelowna live music scene for 5 years. Back in the spring of 2005, a few months before Habitat open their doors on Leon Ave, I was blogging about shows at the Mission Hall, Knights of the Columbus hall and even The Warehouse. Sure, there were some great shows in town, and Miss T Promotion was brining some cool artists to the Blue Gator. However, the shows were few and far between. The consistency wasn’t there. That is something Habitat has been bringing since day one – consistent top-notch local, Canadian and International artists.
I wrote a review of the Duotone Arts festival on August 3rd, 2005 where Ladyhawk and Black Mountain performed (days before they toured with Coldplay). It’s no coincidence that the newly opened Habitat was going to provide a venue for these bands, and approximately 600 other bands in the years to come. From Polaris Prize nominees, Juno Award winners, and I’m sure a few future Grammy nominees have all graced the stage at Habitat.
My first blog post about the Habitat was on August 30th, 2005 for an upcoming Underoath show. Within a few months many more shows were starting to happen at the Habitat. So I keep track of all the shows I’ve seen over the last 10 years, and with many of them being in Kelowna and many of them happening in the last 5 years, it’s no wonder Habitat has been the most commonly visited venue for live music for me and my fellow music-loving friends. Some of the earliest performance from Alphababy (now known as Yukon Blonde and signed with Bumstead Records) took place at Habitat. Several other up-and-coming Canadian artist that played several shows, before gaining nationwide attention included In-Flight Safety, Dan Mangan, Hey Rosetta, Pride Tiger, Tokyo Police Club, The Novaks, The Most Serene Republic, Library Voices, Rah Rah, Plants & Animals, Matthew Barber, Pack AD, Said the Whale, illScarlett, Mother Mother, You Said Party, We Say Die and the Sadies to name just a few. Then there was the classic Joel Plaskett performance in May of 2009 where the lucky people in attendance at this sold out show got to hear Joel tell the real story behind “Love This Town”.
Supporting local artist
Along with Yukon Blonde,
there’s been no shortage of great Kelowna bands that have been playing at
Habitat, maybe 3rd on the bill with a 25 minute open set, only to
return 6 months later to be headlining their own show. Bend
Sinister, Kingdom Cloud, Treelines, Windborn to name just a few.
Kelowna's We Are the City won top honours in the Peak Performance Project
in 2009, a province-wide talent search sponsored by 100.5 the Peak FM.
The Habitat will also be one of the featured venues when the
Canadian music industry comes to Kelowna October 21 - 24th for the Western
Canadian Music Industry Awards and BreakOut West Festival.
So a big Happy Anniversary goes out to Quinn and Katrina at the Habitat, all the great staff over the years and to all the music lovers in the community who keep coming out to support live music in Kelowna!
Voted 'Top 20 Venues in Canada'
CBC Radio 3 Searchlight Contest
Winner 'Best Venue Supporting Live
Music' BC Interior Music Awards
Winner 'Best Venue' Off-Centre
2006-2009
Yoga in City Park
- By Sarah Jones
- Published 06/29/2010
Ria has trained and taught in India, Vancouver and Kelowna in both Hatha and Power Yoga. She teaches a flowing style that is calm but challenging no matter what level you are. Ria came up with an idea and this past Saturday she had a free yoga class in City Park just in front of Abbott Street on the grass. Now the free concept will probably change to a donation with half of the money will be split with a charity. Making it a very affordable, and worthwhile, way to get in a weekly yoga class. The idea would be for it to grow to a mass crowd and maybe even different instructors. For those of you that haven't tried yoga outside I suggest you do… it is truly calming and refreshing. So if you're thinking you want to join come down at 11:00 am this Saturday. It's a great way to recharge yourself and for me personally, make me feel better about the way I like to spend my Sunday mornings …. eating a big, delicious breakfast!
Our First Habitattoo!
- By Pyper Geddes
- Published 06/24/2010
The lovely Nicole Gilley popped by Habitat to take a picture for a tattoo she's looking at getting. Whether the tattoo is meant to forever emblazon the memory of Habitat onto her skin or she just likes the eagle stenciled on the wall (I'll go with the latter), we're stoked to announced that this is our first ever Habitattoo!
I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that anyone who gets the Habitat logo tattooed on them will get free tickets for life.
I should probably put a disclaimer in there somewhere before all you keeners run out and get the tattoo and then show up demanding free tickets and we never make money on shows again and have to shut down. So maybe don't hold anything I say against me - I'd probably only be able to give you a five bucks, a piece of gum and a high five.
If you have any Habitat inspired tattoos, send them in! Maybe we'll make a scrapbook or something.
Vitaminsforyou cover The xx's "Shelter"
- By Brandon William Fletcher
- Published 06/22/2010
Yeow! Watch this sexy cover for "Shelter" by The xx, performed by vitaminsfor you! Hope you enjoy it, bet you ten bucks they come back soon...
