Concert Review

www.SarniaRocks.com

Welcome to the Concert Review Section. Each review is written honestly and based strictly on the opinion of the writer. Each writer is listed and has a right to their opinion as do you, so if you don't agree, please post it in the Forum. If you are the artist or venue being reviewed, don't take it personally if it is negative, and if it is positive, bravo to you! Readers, this is only an opinion and although we may not have had a great experience please assume our experiences are isolated. Also, we can hope that if we did not have a good time maybe the vendor or band can take some constructive criticism and fix whatever it was that was lacking. In the event that you wish to be re-reviewed let us know and someone will be there to check you out (anonymously, of course). All reviewers identities are kept private to ensure unbiased reviews. Would you want to waste your time reading an influenced review?

Bookmark this page as we will update the reviews regularly!

BAYFEST 2006

Reviewer: Raven

July 2006

I attended “Hayfest” I mean Bayfest this year for both the Thursday night and Saturday night shows. I was kind of excited since I had not been to Bayfest in a few years due to circumstances. Also because it was country and thou I love rock, I do love country too.

When I arrived Thursday there was a crazy line up for the entrance off of Front Street so, my girlfriend and I said let’s go for a drink and let the lineup die down. As we walked around to go for a drink to our delight there was another entrance with NO ONE in line. We looked at each other and said there has to be a catch so we walked up to the security guards and asked. They said there is NOTHING wrong with this entrance we don’t think people know about it. Well we walked right in no line it was awesome. There were No line-ups for beer tickets, beer or bathrooms. It was fabulous. As more people got to the park the line-ups for the bathrooms grow bigger but, they were reasonable and we had no complaints. The opening acts for Keith were great. Now to Keith, he looked amazing like always. He put on an awesome show he even went into the crowd and played his guitar (oh how I wish I was up there for that). He did forget the lyrics to a couple of songs but I forgive him it was after all his first show after his marriage to Nicole Kidman. The rumor is that she was at the show but who really knows it could have been made up to create hoopla for the show.

Saturday night I went with my husband, he wasn’t to excited to go but he went for me. We went through the same gates as Thursday and again no line-ups to get in, for tickets or for beer. Gretchen put on an AWESOME show. I danced and sang all night all. Gretchen even did a couple of rock tunes, which made the crowd pumped.

Overall I thought it was nice for a change and brought different people out for Bayfest. The people that attended sang, danced and looked like they had a great time, I can’t speak for all of them but I think they would agree that it was a nice weekend of bands. I think thou Bayfest has to mix it up more. Have country one night and rock bands the other nights. There were a lot of people upset with the three nights of country since Bayfest in the past has been all rock so, Bayfest needs to find the right mixture of both for next year to try to keep everyone happy.

~ Raven

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Stabilo @ Woodys

Reviewer: DR J

June 2006

The night started off pretty slow, until Stabilo took the stage, the mostly 20 something crowd went wild. Through the course of their 10 or 12 song set the audience really got into the music, no age group was left out when it came to the enjoyment of Stabilo's music. The group of fans closest to the stage were predominantly 20 something, they seemed to really know the music being played. Although Stabilo was a newer band they worked the crowd where possible, getting fan support throught the show. I felt the band did very well, performance wise, even though I felt that the microphone set up
for the lead vocals, had a bad connection. Regardless where I moved around in the bar I found it difficult at the best of times to hear some of the lead lyrics. The Headliner band, Mobile, didn't get as much of a response as the opening band Stabilo. I feel that may have had something to do with the fact that K 106.3 didn't play as many singles from Mobiles album. The most we may have heard was the singles that came of the sound track to the movie, Lords of Dogtown. In my opinion even though most of the crowd cleared out, Mobile was the best band by far. I felt that they were a more mature band, not meaning their age, the music just seemed so much more mature and sounded better in the Live Venue. The lead singer seemed to overcome the microphone problem quite well also, he just sang with a little more 'passion'. Over all
I would say it was an awesome show but I thought that K 106.3 could have given some stuff away for FREE instead of charging everybody for beer and memorabilia. When a business throws a Birthday Bash, they should give things away, maybe next year, they will have stuff to give away or even win while the shows are on, or even between the shows. Again, all and all it was a great night to get out and have some fun, no problems that I saw for the staff at Woodys, everybody came out to have a good time, and that's what took place. Always a good note to be able to continue events like this in the future, not to have little blow ups that take away from the show, or even ruin it for future shows. Thanx Woodys

Peace Out
Dr J

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Bayfest 2005

Reviewer: Laura

July 2005

I attended Bayfest this year for all 3 nights. I was particularly pleased with the line-up for Thursday night, Three Doors Down and Staind are 2 of my favourite bands so I was pumped! We got there earlier then usual, about 8ish and there was only about 50 people in line so we were inside pretty fast. Each night we got searched and I had a camera but no problems getting it in. We waited in the beer ticket line only briefly then right into the beer tent with no delays and again no waiting for beer. Overall this was the best night for me, not only because of the bands but because of the lack of line-ups. Once in the beer tent we didn't wait for anything, not for booze and not for the toilets which was awesome. The bands were fabulous, they put on an awesome show and people danced all over the park. There were lots of people, but it wasn't crazy and we met up with lots of local people we knew. I saw more people I knew that night alone then either of the other nights.

The park was set up exactly like last year from what I could tell. It was very controlled, only 2 beers at one time, only 5 beer tickets per person but people seemed to be used to it from last year so I didn't hear as much complaining which was great. It makes for a long night when everyone around you is complaining about the set-up. We came back on the Friday night for David Lee Roth. Had no wait to get in and I didn't drink that night so I'm unsure how the beer side was but it didn't look very full once you looked past the front. Frankly Roth was exactly like I expected. About 50% of the songs were awesome, the others I'm afraid his voice was crusty and he couldn't hit the notes. He was also a jerk, which I expected too. There were some sound issues and I could clearly see him yelling profanities at the sound people. Does he think people can't read lips? I felt bad for the sound guys as they were scrambling to make him louder. He also had a huge bottle of Jack Daniels at the back of the stage. When it was still 3/4's full he dumped it on the front row. Maybe it was coloured water but if it wasn't and I was there I'd be pissed. That was the all-ages section and I'd hate to have that dumped in my hair or my kid come home stinking like that! I wasn't disappointed in his show though, I went with low expectations and overall it was a better show musically then I expected. I was actually surprised by the crowd he drew, I ran into some people that only came that night so he does still have a following out there. I really wish I made it for Kalen Porter, I heard he put on an awesome show with his fiddle.

Due to the weather I ended up missing Billy Talent Saturday afternoon. It wasn't even the rain as it stopped shortly after 2, it was the after rain line-up. Because we got pounded with rain before the concert they delayed opening the gate in order for the conveners to de-puddle the park therefore the line-up was huge. It ran all the way to Exmouth Street! Considering we were doing 3 nights back to back missing one afternoon concert was ok. I heard they were awesome and the younger crowd loved them. I did come back for Kidd Rock. I didn't want to miss that. There were many Americans there but I expected that being that he is a Michigan boy. That night was the busiest by far. It was packed so we had to line-up and wait at every turn. We got to the park about 9:30 and by the time we got into the actual beer tent it was almost 11. We waited forever to get into the beer tent then when we got in finally there was no line-up for beer? Now that was weird, I think they were over-controlling the beer tent entrance. We had a good time but by the time we got into the beer tent we had to pretty much slam our 5 beers or else we would have wasted our money. Kidd Rock was awesome! He did all his hits and his show was not full of profanity as people projected it would be. He was great and his drummer is a woman who sang "Put your picture away" with him which was awesome. He had a good slow/heavy song mix. At the end he had pyrotechnics and fire on the stage and it was great. The crowd went nuts! Best concert I have seen for 'extra features' since Bayfest brought in Nickleback a few years ago.

Overall I thought it was a good year for Bayfest and by the people I saw dancing in the park each night I think most would agree. Without hesitation Thursday night was the best for bands, line-ups and crowds in my opinion. I don't like it when your elbow to elbow with the crowd and I know many that didn't go this year for that exact reason. I look forward to next year!

~ Laura

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The Caveners

Reviewer: Aries

Sept 29/2004

The concert of the Caveners, Wednesday night at Hiawatha, was very good. All four performers were very much like the Beatles with their outfits, hair cuts, instruments, and, of course, their singing. They had quite a big crowd, most of them must have seen the Beatles in concert with all their moves and comments. I knew all the songs they sang and really enjoyed it. There were quite a few people getting up and going dancing down in front of the band. I read from Hiawatha that The Caveners are an all Canadian band doing this for sometime. I liked the performer that was Paul McCartney, he came along very well with the songs and getting the crowd going in singing, clapping, waving their arms etc. I also liked the person that was Ringo Starr. He could really play the drums, and at times, I thought he was going to break them he seemed to be hitting so hard. I understand that the drums were the same manufacturer's make that the Beatles actually used. And the other instruments were as well. I also liked the two performers that played John Lennon and George Harrison. So, there again, It was well worth going to Hiawatha to see another concert.

All the best,
ARIES

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Bayfest 2004 ~ Friday Night Show

Reviewer: Laura

My friends and myself attended Bayfest for the Friday night concert. We went primarily because I wanted to hear the legendary ZZ Top, secondly because I’d been reading 'The Forum' all about The 88’s and I wanted to check them out personally.

We arrived and didn’t have to really wait in line more then a few minutes to get in the gate. They let people thru in an orderly fashion and didn’t search my purse, which could be why there was no hold ups. I liked that, not that I had anything to hide, but I hated waiting for them to ‘frisk you’ as you entered. Once we got in we could clearly see the set-up was a little different then last year, seemed wider with 2 beer tents and some other modifications. We went to the front initially to see The 88’s who were kicking out some classic rock and they were great! Although I understand the original v/s cover tunes debate these guys rocked! I can certainly understand why they have been around for so long! Certainly worth seeing anytime they are out. People danced as they listened and sang along as they obviously enjoyed the show as much as I.

From there we went into the first beer tent we found. We were smart, unlike some others, as we bought our beer tickets before jumping in the beer tent entrance. I did find the beer a bit pricey for draft but the line-up to get in the tent moved along quite smoothly. I also noticed the grumpy staff from previous years must have been fired cause these guys were very friendly. They even said Hello and offered directions to the beer tickets/tent. Those that entered the tent pre-purchasing tickets must not have been paying attention cause while in line I heard multiple security people asking people if they bought their beer tickets. Even the police walking around didn’t have the usual scowl on their faces so over all I found it to be a pleasant atmosphere. I think after a few crappy years in a row I was unsure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.

Kraig 9 House was up after The 88’s but I was caught in a swarm of seeing old/new friends and besides hearing some good old Led Zeppelin tunes I didn’t really catch much of him I’m afraid but what I heard was good. The licensed area was fuller the closer you got to the actual beer tent but once inside, again, no-line up. They did have a 2 beer per person minimum but if you don’t have to wait I don’t think people really care about that. I know I didn’t. The only problem with this beer tent is the view of the stage, or lack thereof as they had a big tent over the sound station so you could only see from a small area.

We stayed in there for a couple beers then moved on to the next beer tent. Many didn’t even see it as they were to scared to leave the first one but they sure missed out. The second tent had by far a better direct view of the stage, no line-ups and their own screen right in the beer tent. We mingled in there for a couple and once ZZ Top came on we finished our beers and delved into the crowd. Not 5 minutes into the show the aroma of pot hit the air and I must say of all the concerts I’ve attended I saw more potheads then ever as I was surrounded. Don’t be fooled either, I saw people of every age lighting up, what do you expect... we are in Canada after all. I tried to check out the non-tokers reactions and no one seemed to stare or be offended, even saw the odd non-puffer lean over for a “only at Bayfest’ toke.

ZZ Top totally rocked and the crowd rocked with them. People danced everywhere as they played classic tunes such as Gimme All Your Lovin’, I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide, Viva Las Vegas, Got Me Under Pressure, Legs and more. They spoke briefly between songs and overall put on a tremendous show! They also added a nice touch for some of the songs by playing the videos on the screens while cutting footage in and out of the live performance. It was great!! We stayed right till the end, as we didn’t want to miss a thing, and I bet we were out of the gate within 15 minutes without incident.

I have attended Bayfest every year faithfully since the first once and I can honestly say this is the first time I haven’t really had anything to complain about. Good Job! I look forward to next year!

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Bayfest 2004 ~ Saturday Night Summer Breeze

Reviewer: Kodiac

Bayfest 2004 or Bayfest 2002 may be different years but same crappy band on the Saturday night. A long time ago I came to the conclusion that I no longer go to Bayfest to see the bands, but in fact go to have fun and drink beer with my friends and see people I haven’t seen in years. The reason I have come to this conclusion is every time I go, an over rated band is playing, such as the “The Tragically Hype”. I think the biggest reason I hate this band is simply because everyone who likes the Tragically Hype tells me I have to love them because “they are Canadian”, well so is our Prime Minister and I can’t stand him either. I respect others opinions and I respect the fact others don’t share the same views as I do, so please don’t tell me I have to like something just because it’s Canadian. My god sounding like a blithering idiot about how you have to like something for the simple fact that it’s from your country is something our neighbors to the south would say, (and no I am not referring to Mexico either). Any way enough ranting about the crappy band on Saturday night, for all I care the band could have been some local cover band (oh I am sure there will be some comment on the forum about the cover band comment now), I was there for the beer and friends.

I don’t know who laid out the plans for this years Bayfest, but what the hell were they thinking when they decided it was a good idea to put the booth for the drink tickets out in the all ages section with a 5 ticket cap. Then once you had your tickets you had to stand in line to get in to one of two drinking areas, then after you drank those 5 tickets worth you had to leave the drinking area to get more, and you may not get back into the drinking area. I don’t know about you but 5 tickets is just a teaser for me. Also I don’t know the reasoning behind having two separate drinking areas, was it suppose to be reminiscent of our first public school dance, boys on one side and girls on the other?

Now as for “the trough” that the guys were supposed to relieve ourselves in, all I have to say is good plan, poorly executed. There was no place to set your drink, unless you wanted to put it on the ground with 20 guys around you peeing, it stunk to high heaven, and there was no water to wash your hands after. Just a suggestion, next time you may want to have some water washing down “the trough” a few times through out the night or you can always fill up the troughs with ice at the beginning of the night just to help combat the stench of urine. You may also want to have some water available to wash your hands as well or I will find you and take my dirty disgusting hand and shake yours. As for a spot to put my drink, a ledge would be nice, but deal with the smell first and I’ll be happy.

The good thing about this year that I liked was the fact that once you were inside the drinking area was a lot better. The whole walk up one path get your drink and walk out the other path is a great idea, and it cut down on lolly gaggers. It was sort of like get’em in and get’em drinking, which in my books is a’okay.

All and all I got to spend some good times with friends; it was sort of like a family reunion of sorts, except better cause my aunt that always pinches my cheeks wasn’t there. As for if I will go again next year, which will depend on what the layout looks like.

The people’s humble servant

Kodiac

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Rat Pack

Reviewer: Aries

June 25/2004

This is my review of the group the "Rat Pack" performing at Hiawatha on June 25, 2004. I went to see the Rat Pack concert, for those that don't know, consist on Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. These performers, of course, were impersonators but did a good job. There must have been nearly a full house of people to see them.

I enjoyed the concert, each of the personalities first got up on their own and performed some of their better known songs mainly for the '50s and '60s and then all three got together to sing and do some comedy routines. They had a very nice and large band consisting of a saxophone, trombone, trumpet, as well as the keyboard, drum set and a large stand up woodwind instrument such as a large cello.

I am a big fan of all three, and have seen them in different movies and performances over the years.

I found that the Dean Martin, who was first, was very good. I knew most of his music and I could hear that definite Dean Martin singing with the deep romantic voice drop that he is well known for. I had a very good seat and could see all them very well. I could see that Dean Martin look, familiar look, as he moved around the stage. His comedy between songs was mainly about his drinking and how much he liked it.

Next was the fellow taking off Frank Sinatra. I enjoyed him because I have 2 or 3 CD's of Frank's music and a number of his movies (in my more than 300 videotape library). His biggest number at this concert, I thought, was "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" from the musical Guys and Dolls, where he played Nathan Detroit, one of the lead rolls. Frank also did a number of his other big hits. For the person that played him, I didn't think he was as good an impersonator as the other two performers. He didn't seem to have a lot of the Frank Sinatra moves and voice, anyways, he did as well as he could.

Last, but not least, was Sammy Davis Jr. I found him to be very much like the real performer with his looks, small, thin face and black nationality. This fellow not only did well with the songs he also had the same verbal expressions that Sammy Davis is well known for. I have seen him in a number of movies and could recognize this expressions right away.

Overall, the concert was very good. It moved along quickly and well. I actually have movies with the three, "The Rat Pack", in my collection so I had something to compare to, as well, each of the three in separate movies and performances.

   All the best,

   ARIES

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Kraig 9 House Band, Trooper, and Kim Mitchell Friday ~ 2004 Airshow

Reviewer: Sylvia

Friday June 18/2004

We got to the Air Show and the Kraig 9 House Band was rocking the stage with some very cool Led Zeppelin. (Jimmy Page would be proud, very proud.) I don’t know all the band members’ names; sorry guys! The lead singer (Kraig Nienhuis, I think) was hot and could wail like nobody’s business! The whole band played pretty tight together and sounded good. I really enjoyed it and will go see them again for sure.

Then came Trooper…not bad for a bunch of old guys….just kidding. I just hate to admit that I remember when…lol. I’ve only seen them once before; they were not one of my all-time favourites or anything, but they still sounded pretty good. They played lots of tunes that I do remember, like Raise a Little Hell, and Boys in the Bright White Sports Car, and even some that I don’t. They might have even played some new stuff, but I was enjoying the small crowd, hooking up with lots of people I knew and hadn’t seen since last summer’s parties.

Kim Mitchell came on and lit up the night with his line-up of great tunes, like Patio Lanterns and I Am a Wild Party, playing through the rain and rocking the crowd. The rain started sometime after dark, but it wasn’t much of a problem for most. A lot of people gathered under the beer tent for cover…that was the only time the place looked packed.

There was one downside – the beer tent. I talked to quite a few people during and after the concert and almost every person, myself included, was disappointed with the selection at the beer tent. The event was sponsored by Labatt’s and there were only four selections – Blue, Blue Light, Absolut Pure (cooler), and something limey-tasting (another type of cooler, I suppose). Even having Labatt Ice or Genuine Draft would have helped, because if you don’t like Blue, you’re not going to like Blue Light much better! I talked to a couple of cooler drinkers, too, and they were also a little disappointed. Too bad. On the upside, there were no line-ups at the bathrooms!

Speaking of the beer tent, we were also entertained – by a small group of guys who thought we needed to see their bare butts. Just a bunch of guys having a great time, I guess. They were probably the rowdiest partiers we saw there. Other than that the crowd was pretty tame. All in all, everyone there had a good time, listening to good music and seeing old friends.

Sylvia

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Hello Vegas Stage Spectacular Show

Reviewer: Aries

Feb 27/2004

    This is my review of the Hello Vegas Stage Spectacular Show at the Hiawatha Horsepark on Friday, March 26, 2004. My overall review of the Vegas is very disappointing. Within the last 2 weeks before the show I saw very little advertisement in Sarnia about the show. I did however start seeing a posters, within the last week. All the pictures or information made it sound like a flashy costume bearing show with well known celebrity names. The show lasted about 2 hours in length. The flashy costumes lasted about the first 15 minutes of the show, they seemed very good for the dancing, and then it went on to comedians and singers. Unfortunately, I had very poor seats. I could not see the stage and all I could see were the performers bodies from about the middle of their chest up because of the people in tables in front and to the side that were very big. I could only see over these peoples shoulders.
  I could hear quite well and singing of the performers was very good, and the small amount of dancing, that I could see, looked good as well. Most of the singer I did not know except one or two that were on for a short while. As for the comedians, I did not know any of the American or Canadian comedian names, and I don't think I laughed once at them. I noticed that a lot of people down in the front section near the comedians were laughing but I noticed a lot of people in my area not hardly clapping and didn't appear to be laughing much. I did recognize another comedian, Benny Hill, who came on near the end and was funnier, but was only on a few minutes compared to the others. I kept noticing throughout about the last hour of the show that the people at the table on my level and around me were watching but little applause except when a big act finished, and everybody applauded.
   I'm sure, by talking to other people in the audience, they enjoyed the show but were, like me, expecting a lot more with music, costuming and dancing from the ads. and information they were given about the show.

All the best,
ARIES

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