I was able to catch up with Doug Hoyer after the July 18, 2011 show at Local Library in Calgary. He’ll be back in town August 24, 2011 at Broken City. Interview is below, as well as a previously unseen video of Doug playing ukulele!
Joe Gurba‘s shows in Calgary have yet to disappoint (even in old and ugly places like the defunct Comrad Sound), and tonight was no different. Playing at the Local Library (the all-ages venue operating out of the Central United Church on 7th Ave.), The Joe rocked the young crowd along with cohort Doug Hoyer, whose latest album Walks with the Tender & Growing Night is already generating buzz and excitement.
After the opening bands (Free Nude Celebs and I Live Strong, You Live Strong), Hoyer started the night off channeling David Byrne, playing ukelele ditties clad in a white jacket, easing into the songs from his new record. He made the most of the poor lighting in Local Library, and had everyone swaying along to the music.
The Joe came out super strong with “You’re Cool,” opting for a more lyrical performance as the venue wasn’t lending itself to dancing. A bloody nose kept him from crowd-surfing, and was soon bleeding badly enough he had to cut the set short, but not before he blasted out “Klondike Days” to a pitch-black room full of fans singing along.
The Joe and Doug Hoyer will be back in Calgary on the return leg of their 7-week tour, playing at Broken City on August 24th, 2011.
I managed to get interviews with Joe and Doug after the show – give them a listen!
Game 2 of the Calgary Vipers/Yuma Scorpions finished up tonight, with the Vipers slamming the Scorpions a commanding 16-2. My earlier prediction that this would be one of the most exciting series of the season seems to be coming true, as the night saw player/coach Jose Canseco not only pound in his first home run of the season in the first inning, but also had him as Yuma’s closing pitcher. As well, it was Brian Rios’ last game in the North American League.
The Calgary Vipers season is heating up as they’ve just finished their first in a five game series against the Yuma Scorpions, winning with a score of 4-1. The Yuma Scorpions are lead by player/manager Jose Canseco, who has captured the awe and ire of the Calgary fans already. The Tuesday game drew an impressive crowd, and with games going up to July 2nd, this is definitely the must-watch series of Vipers’ season.
Since getting hooked on Australian rules football last year, I’ve been wanting to watch a game live. Fortunately, Alberta has an AFL-associated league, and they regularly play games through the summer. I got a chance to go to a game recently and watch the action up close.
