Blue Rodeo at the GM Centre, Oshawa ON Saturday, February 20, 2016
On a quiet Saturday afternoon I was informed of an opportunity to do a review on a band and watch their live concert. As this was at the eleventh hour I had to hurry through the next few hours to be in time to see Blue Rodeo.
The show began with an opening band named the Strumbellas; a swing of indie rock, alternative, country & folk pop, the music was astounding. One of the band members, David Ritter, vocals and keys is from Oshawa, so needless to say he was the focus of the evening. The band consist of songwriter Simon Ward on vocals and guitar, John Hembrey on lead guitar, Isabel Ritchie on violin, Darryl James on bass guitar, and Jeremy Drury on drums. I got to say they are a well-rounded band and had what it takes to get the GM Center in an uproar.
It was now time for the headliner; a Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo to hit the stage with their opening performance of “Trust Yourself”. The crowd cheered and roared there was definitely no disappointment to be heard.
Not only were the fans screaming the well-known songs “Bad Timing”, “Try” and “It Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” they were up in their seats swaying their arms and dancing on their feet keeping time with Blue Rodeo’s vibe. After looking around the venue, I joined in as well and felt the music take over.
Jim Cuddy sang his remarkable song, about a woman that owned a coffee shop in a little town and who was bipolar, it was called “A Thousand Arms”. Another great highlight of the show was a solo performance by Greg Keelor, “Dark Angel” got the audience mesmerised as there was pin drop silence in the crowd.
Blue Rodeo set list also included their new material, “Rabbit’s Foot”, “New Morning Sun”, and “Stealin All My Dreams” to name a few. The band as usual was in sync and had continuous play; they did not need to work the crowd with anything other than their music ‘Blue Rodeo Style’.
The band ended the evening by bringing the Strumbellas back on stage and singing “Lost Together”.
A phenomenal concert, thank you Blue Rodeo and the Strumbellas for a remarkable show performed at the GM centre in Oshawa. I will never tire of watching one of my favourite bands in my home town. Until the next show!
Click on the image above to visit the website…
Photographer: Glenn Tindale
Reviewer: Tania Normand