Move over oregano and cinnamon; take a breather sage and paprika … the only spice required in Chad Hogan’s world is that of the musical variety kind.
As general manager of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Hogan has lined up five September shows that speak to the diversity of performance that the downtown venue has traditionally thrived on.
Four of those shows — ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls, traditional music quintet The Outside Track, “psychobilly” band The Creepshow, and jazz/world music guitarist Rob Tardik — are being presented exclusively by Market Hall while the fifth, the Sparkle Celebration showcase of indigenous performers, is a hall rental being presented on the eve of the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow:
According to Hogan, all these shows speak to the variety that has been key to Market Hall’s success.
“It’s impossible to please everybody all at once, but the one thing all these acts do have in common is they are world class in their genre,” Hogan says. “I have the ticket prices on all of them as low as I can possibly go. Audience members are getting a state-of-the-art venue, incredible sound, friendly and warm staff, and an absolutely fantastic show. It’s really good value in terms of live performance. There’s no waiting in traffic on the 401. There are no hotels. This is right here.”
While doing all he can to put bums in the seats, Hogan is also a fan of music — particularly of the rock variety. He’s especially excited to have landed Voodoo Glow Skulls, a band he has followed since he can remember.
“This is quite possibly their last tour,” he says. “It’s exciting for me, as someone who bought their records when I was 13, to be able to host one of their final shows. But all these shows have me revved up. They wouldn’t be coming here if they didn’t. I’m not interested in selling mediocrity to people.
“I want to bring in stuff that’s exciting and interesting and different than what are other performing arts centres are doing. I want to bring acts that excite young people, not try to get them excited about what we’re already doing.”
As for The Creepshow, The Outside Track, and Rob Tardik, Hogan is equally pumped, saying they represent but a small slice of the high-quality performances Market Hall is offering audiences this fall.
“We are more booked than we’ve ever been in our history. It’s going to be a busy but extremely exciting and rewarding season.”
Voodoo Glow Skulls (with guests The Cheap Suits and K-Man and The 45s)
Wednesday, September 13, 8 p.m.
Since forming in 1988 in Riverside, California, ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls has recorded nine albums, toured worldwidem and still found the time to create and oversee its own record label, recording studio, and music venue.
Meshing hardcore punk with traditional ska and the Mexican roots music of their background, Voodoo Glow Skulls’ trademark “California street music” sound and humourous commentary on harsh political realities has led to more than one million albums sold and a still growing legion of dedicated fans.
Tickets for Voodoo Glow Skulls, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $23 at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: Voodoo Glow Skulls – The Yost Theater 2016
Sparkle Celebration
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m.
Multi-awarded recording artist Crystal Shawanda — she won a 2013 Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year for Just Like You — and Curve Lake singer/guitarist Missy Knott headline an evening of country, popm and blues music while showcasing the talents of local inndigenous performers Dean James, The Bob Taylor Band, Gary Williams, and Taylor Merrick.
Tickets for Sparkle Celebration, a Wild Rice Records presentation, cost $33 ($25 for students) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “You Can Let Go” – Crystal Shawanda
The Outside Track
Tuesday, September 19, 8 p.m.
Sharing a love of traditional music and commitment to creating new music, Norah Rendell, Mairi Rankin, Ailie Robertson, Fiona Black, and Cillian O’Dalaigh blend Canadian, Scottish and Irish music with boundless energy to create a unique sound that has brought them a bevy of international awards and associated adulation.
With a fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar and flute in its arsenal alongside stunning vocals and riveting step dancing, The Outside Track give truth to the end result being so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Tickets for The Outside Track, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $25 ($30 for cabaret table seats) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “Set You Free” – The Outside Track
The Creepshow
Friday, September 22, 8 p.m.
Formed in 2005 in Burlington as a “psychobilly” band, The Creepshow — Sean “Sean Solo” McNab, Kristian “Darth Ginty” Rowles, Sandro “The Great Sanchini” Sanchioni, Kenda “Obi Wan Kendabi” Legaspi, and Daniel “Danikan Skywalker” Flamm — remains an explosion of energy that’s a tasty treat for the eyes and ears.
Having brought their genre-defying blend of country-tinged psycho punk rock ‘n’ roll to more than 25 countries worldwide, The Creepshow’s lyrics, drawing inspiration from B movies and early horror films, also serve up personal insights into issues surrounding addiction and mental health as well as love gone wrong.
Tickets for The Creepshow, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $20 at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “Sticks & Stones” – The Creepshow
Rob Tardik
Saturday, September 23, 8 p.m.
An award-winning guitarist and recording artist performing contemporary jazz and world instrumental music, Rob Tardik was recognized as the Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the year in 2010 and captured top honours at the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2017 for Best Instrumental Composition for Voyageur from his album Moments.
Currently working on his sixth album Synergy, Tardik’s music is heard worldwide on contemporary jazz radio stations as well as on iTunes.
Tickets for Rob Tardik, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $25 ($30 for cabaret table seats) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “A Night of SYNERGY” Teaser Music Video – Rob Tardik
To view Market Hall’s complete fall lineup of shows, complete with ticket information, visit their recently redesigned website at markethall.org.
