Toronto’s “Rock-A-Billy Shake-Up!” March 14th, 2014

I’m not only an avid Lindy hopper but I”m also a big fan of Rockabilly and I’m very lucky to live in a city that has so many awesome bands not only for swing but also for Rockabilly. This coming Friday a night of live music starts again with it’s “Sweet 16th” installment of the Rock-A-Billy Shake-Up, one night only at the Junction’s – 3030 (3030 Dundas St. West).

This event has been a really fun way to showcase the amazing musical talent we have not only in Toronto in the Rockabilly scene but also Canada and even the US, and it is ALWAYS a great show. I’m also really excited because the Toronto Vintage Society has organized a meetup event to the show and I just love meeting other TVS members.

Now I know that many of you that read my blog are not from Toronto and won’t be able to make it on Friday but I really wanted to share a bit of something I love with you and who knows maybe if you visit Toronto you could catch a show.

The first band playing are “The Hi-Tones” from London, Ontario and I have never personally heard them but from what I have checked out on good old YouTube, their sound is really great.

The event page states that: The group have developed a strong repertoire, including original material and drawing inspiration from artists such as Janis Martin, Wanda Jackson, Brian Setzer, and Tarantino film soundtracks. The Hi-Tones studio singles, “Rocco Perri” and “Long Gone Daddy”, have received strong play on college radio, and the group are gearing up to record a full-length original album in 2014.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AxxlqhspM4&w=420&h=315]

The second band is a real personal favorite of mine and should be yours too – “Tennessee Voodoo Coupe“. I LOVE this band and I just love dancing to them as well. Their shows are always so much fun and it was really exciting to have been able to see them perform at “Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend” last year.

The event page states that: TVC’s 4-piece road crew are well-versed in traditional rockabilly, hillbilly, and swing-flavoured sounds, spiked with a punk rock energy. Jump shouter Big Rude Jake is at the wheel, with Steve Good on the doghouse bass, guest picker Johnny Gallagher providing the sizzling leads, and standup drummer Don Dekouchay completing the crew.

Little taste of the band 🙂

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0655nvkPP48&w=560&h=315]

Here are a couple of images of VIVA last year at the TVS Show

Image courtesy of Dean Villafuerte

The Toronto gang at the show

Image courtesy of Dean Villafuerte

Me dancing up a storm with my friend Dean

Lastly the event also has superb music in between with DJ Rockin’ Dave Faris  who will be spinning frantic rockabilly and unruly rock ‘n’ roll cuts all night long. Dave is also the original organizer of this event.

So I hope to see you there if you live in Toronto or maybe another time. I will also see if I can get some good photos of the evening to share with you later.

Liz 🙂