Friday Showstravaganza:: Jon Epworth, Classified, Fox Jaws & Maestro!

There are certainly some interesting shows on that list below, but I look at it and see one name only, Maestro! Being a pioneer in anything is always a challenge, but being the first person to really bring hip hop into the consciousness of our rock-obsessed nation was a monumental feat, and so I'll always have mucho respect for Fresh Wes because of that. Plus, Choclair hasn't done too bad for himself either you would have to say. If I wasn't old and cranky, I'd be at the Paragon tomorrow night, but I encourage all the youngsters to get out and par-tay down with one of Canada's few hip hop legends (And yes, I know what song you'd be expecting with this post, but A) I'm old, cranky, AND contrary B) Drop The Needle is also a classic jam).

But there's plenty more on the go. Tonight Jon Epworth celebrates the release of his recent record with a couple bands we've talked about positively on the hill (Tomcat Combat & Glory Glory Man United), so that should be an enjoyable evening. Classified returns home to celebrate his latest triumph, and so if you're willing to brace the Palace, this would likely be a pretty hyped affair (Is a co-incidence that Maestro and Chocs appear on Class' new album and are playing here the same weekend? I'm gonna guess not, should be some cameo's being made at these shows I would say).

Saturday nights other interesting show features local party animals The Stanfield's (winners of the Coast's "Best band to get trashed to" designation) as well as interesting Barrie, Ont. outfit Fox Jaws (is it just me, or are the Toronto 'burbs the new Montreal? All that sprawl is churning out plenty of bands these days is seems.) at The Seahorse. I don't know much about this band, but listening to their album today reveals some enjoyable indie rock melodies and pleasant interchanging female/male vocals, so I'm willing to say that this will be a solid evening also (we have Slate Pacific listed below, but it seems that Caper two-piece Holdin' Up Grants might be on the bill instead). Enjoy.

MP3:: Maestro Fresh Wes - Drop The Needle

MP3:: Jon Epworth - Cities

MP3:: Classified - Anybody Listening

MP3:: Fox Jaws - Karmonica