First look at the HALIFAX POP EXPLOSION 2009

In it's 17th year, the Halifax Pop Explosion is almost old enough to drink in Quebec and from the looks of the initial lineup, it's already sneaking into bars and coming home rowdy. My first HPX was in '05, and it has since then showcased some of the greatest lineups. This year looks no different.

Most exciting, I think, is seeing Vancouver's Japandroids on the bill. I have the album and the EP kicking around my various musical devices and I honestly can't get enough of this... this extreme sound. I've never seen them, I can only imagine the rock they bring to a venue. NYC's Japanther is likewise on the bill.

Final Fantasy is back, Ohbijou and The Acorn (who recently put out a joint split EP which is worth a listen) are added, and in almost a step back in time, there is set to be a set shared between Julie Doiron and Herman Düne, which, as a Sackvillite (or whatever our demonym is) who has only ever heard tell of these coordinated efforts, I am hopelessly excited for it.

I'm sure more news will come along soon. Early Bird passes are available for $90 from Ticketpro, and the last day for application to join this already fab lineup is the 20th of July.

Music, not fog, is rolling in to the Saint John Waterfront.

A few years back, there started in Saint John, NB a music festival with aspirations to be something of a little brother to Fredericton's Harvest Jazz & Blues festival--but has greatly exceeded those roots, turning itself into a small (and inexpensive!) indie music festival. This year, SaltyJam (July 9th to 11th) is drawing not only bands from the Maritimes, but, almost surprisingly, some of Canada's young indie heavy-hitters.

This year sees Montreal's Plants and Animals and Newmarket, Ontario's Tokyo Police Club headlining the open-air tent on the Waterfront on Friday and Saturday respectively, with Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees joining in the Saturday night line-up.

The festival isn't restricted to these mainstage concerts, though--of course not! Saturday is chock full of daytime shows--some overlapping--with some absolutely fab acts. I'm most excited about The Tom Fun Orchestra who I haven't seen since January, and are about to set off on a tour of Ontario and Quebec. I'd easily call them my favourite East Coast act, and my favourite band to see live. If they're swinging through your town, check these Cape Breton boys out.

Rebekah Higgs, Jessica Rhaye, and Ken Tobias are participating in a songwriter's circle at the City Market, and a selection of local talent that includes Porkchop Sandwiches and the Shinjuku Mad is playing at the skatepark.

Likewise, at the a-khord--where I've seen acts such as Elliott BROOD and United Steelworkers of Montreal--there are set to be some late night semi-local showcases, continuing after the mainstage tent shows conclude. These involve Adam Mowery, Hospital Grade, Wooden Wives, Brent Mason, and still more TBA.

Saint John is going to be absolutely abuzz with music this weekend, and me, I can't wait to take it all in. For a full schedule and more information, check out SaltyJam.ca.

CW

Summerworks 2009 Music Lineup

The Summerworks Theatre and Arts Festival has announced their 2009 music series lineup.

Music Series
All shows at The Theatre Centre
1087 Queen Street West (at Dovercourt)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
MIRACLE FORTRESS
W. KARKWA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
THINK ABOUT LIFE
TBA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
THE GOT TO GET GOT
THE BOYS WHO SAY NO

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
ARTS AND CRAFTS & BLOCKS RECORDINGS PRESENT A BENEFIT FOR SKETCH WITH:
STILL LIFE STILL
KIDS ON TV

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
MATTHEW BARBER
W. CLAIRE JENKINS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
OUT OF THIS SPARK PRESENTS:
THE D'URBERVILLES
FOREST CITY LOVERS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
THE SUNPARLOUR PLAYERS
W. JOSH REICHMANN ORACLE BAND

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH, 2009 | 10:00 PM
GERMANS
GREAT BLOOMERS

For information on tickets visit http://www.summerworks.ca/2009/tickets.php.

Mariposa Festival Lineup

Via Scene and Heard with Will McGuirk just reposting exactly what Will said. Hope he doesn't mind:

"Mariposa has released its schedule for this year's festival.

Friday July 3
Luke Doucet, Basia Bulat, Jenn Grant, Skydiggers, Royal Wood.
Saturday July 4
Daniel Lanois, Steven Page, The Proclaimers, Le Vent Du Nord, Fred Penner
Sunday July 5
Buffy Sainte Marie, Guy Davis, April Verch, Valdy, The Good Lovelies.

Main stage shows begin at 5:30 pm. There are various other presentations spread throughout the day. Tickets are on sale at the website. Under 16 are free and there is a special discounted pass for the 17-24 old group.
The festival takes place in Tudhope Park in Orillia on the shores of Lake Couchiching."