Serena Ryder with Danielle Duval

On April 24th, Serena Ryder played a high energy and very fun show at the Commodore Ballroom. This sold out show attracted a crowd young and old.

Danielle Duval at the Commodore Ballroom

The opener, Danielle Duval was mesmerizing. This Montreal born rocker brings a lot of oomph to the stage. She played acoustic versions of her songs on the bass, guitar and piano. Her song "You can't come any closer" was very intimate and moving. For someone who is only 5ft 4 (and a ¼) she definitely has a big strong voice and a lot of presence. Her rendition of Grease got everyone singing along and hyped up for the show. Her final song " Ambulance" got the crowd cheering and wanting more from her. Duval is definitely a talent to follow.   

For more information about Danielle Duval and a free song download, check out her website: ofthevalley.com

Serena Ryder at the Commodore Ballroom

For Ryder herself, playing at the Commodore Ballroom was a dream come true. She told the crowd about how she was first acquainted to the Commodore when she opened for an act at the age of 19 or 20. Now here she is playing as the headliner of a sold out show, promoting her latest album Harmony. Her energy was contagious, you could really feel that she was having a lot of fun on stage and it got everyone in the crowd singing and dancing along. On a side note, we had the privilege to be standing next to Ryder’s mom, whom Ryder made a lot of shout outs to and often visited on stage right with shouts of “Hi mom!” mid-song. Ryder invited a fan on stage, Jeremiah, to sing and harmonize with her on “Please Baby Please.” She brought the crowd to a culminating halt and enthusiasm with her song “Stompa” and “Circle of the Sun” leaving the crowd in disbelief that the concert was over. Ryder then came back on stage twice to do encores, finally finishing with a slightly more mellow “Weak in the Knees.” She is currently on tour with her latest album Harmony.

For more information about Serena Ryder, check out her website: serenaryder.com

More photos after the break!

My Song For Change contest

Musicians!

Make Music Matter and Western Union are holding an amazing contest for Canadian song writers over 18. Music can be powerful and this contest allows song writers to express themselves and focus on current opinions and issues faced by young Canadians. Submit your original song for a chance at the big prize: work with Ian D'Sa from Billy Talent and Cone McCaslin from Sum 41 as they help you professionally record your song and shoot a music video! Enter the contest and be heard, for your chance to win this great opportunity! Deadline is June 15th and online voting will determine the winner. Don't miss your chance!

 For more info visit the contest website.

Like A Storm

On April 13th at the Backstage Lounge, New Zealand rockers Like A Storm gave fans an intimate last show before relocating to Toronto. The acoustic set emphasized the group's vocal and instrumental strengths, and was interspersed with personal stories about the band's beginnings and highlights of their career. Combined with their relaxed attitude and close proximity with the crowd, the night became an emotional goodbye to fans, showing the members' gratitude and connection with fans and with each other.

Check out their upcoming tour dates at www.likeastorm.com

More photos after the break!

Free Music from City and Colour

City and Colour's new album The Hurry and The Harm will be released on June 4th, 2013, but right now you can get the 3rd song on the album "Of Space and Time" free!

For more information about City and Colour's new album, check out http://cityandcolour.ca