2003 Already!

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Wow, I can't believe it's 2003 already! Last year at this time I was talking about the success of Nickelback. This past years success story has to be Avril Lavigne. Avril has done quite amazing for herself in the year 2002, both in Canada and the US. She introduced herself to us with her first hit "Complicated" followed by the playful "Sk8r Boi" and then surprised us all and proved she really can sing as she belted out the hit "I'm With You". She also started a trend of teen followers walking around in tank tops and neckties donning heavy smoky eye make-up. She’s like the Cindy Lauper of the new Millennium. Although I’m not a huge fan, I guess it is a breath of fresh air in a world of Britney’s and Christina’s. Now time will tell if Avril is going to be a 3 hit wonder or if she's here to stay.

A friend had bought me a ticket for the Bear Bash for New Years at the Shaw Conference Centre. What an exciting way to say goodbye to 2002. There were hundreds of people in attendance, ranging in age from 18-50. The men were dressed in everything from sweat pants to tuxedos and the pattern seemed to be the same for the women, some were dressed in formal gowns and others in jeans. Partygoers donned the multi colored foil hats and leis they were supplied with.

Local band "Ten Inch Men" warmed up the crowd with covers such as "Livin’ on a Prayer" (Bon Jovi) "Hysteria" (Def Leppard) "Perry Mason" (Ozzy) and "Whiskey In the Jar" (Metallica’s version). They played a wide variety of songs, which seemed to appeal to all that were in attendance and did a great job of getting people off their feet and onto the dance floor.

Next up was "Theory of a Deadman". This band is a favorite of Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and the first to be signed to 604 Records (a label co founded by Kroeger and his attorney Jonathan Simkin). Vocalist Tyler Connolly worked with Chad on the song "Hero" for the "Spiderman" soundtrack. Theory of a Deadman’s song "Invisible Man" ended up as a "b" side for "Hero" and also on the "Spiderman" soundtrack as well!

The band sounded awesome, they’re very tight and they did a fantastic job of warming up the crowd. (Although at this point I’m sure the alcohol was doing a pretty good job of that too). By this time, there were less people sitting at tables and more people either mingling, or on the dance floor near the stage. Needless to say the band played "Invisible Man" as well as "Nothing Could Come Between Us" (another crowd and radio favorite).

It was evident midnight was drawing near, as more and more noise makers and bottles of champagne were in sight. Bear personalities took to the stage. They mentioned that Jeff Martin was back stage asking if the crowd was pumped and ready for the Tea Party. Just then the countdown to midnight began 10-9-8....3-2-1 "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Cheers, screams and noisemakers echoed throughout the room as partygoers hugged and kissed their significant others, friends, acquaintances or whoever they were brave enough to reach out and grab.

Even before the affection sharing had wound down, the Tea Party hit the stage. At previous concerts, Jeff Martin and cohorts would play a combination of both old and new favorites. This time they played the majority of songs off the "Interzone Mantras" cd. Of course they threw in a few favorites such as "Save Me" "Temptation" and "Heaven Coming Down”.

A Tea Party show is like a Spiritual Experience. Jeff Martin captivates the audience and reaches deep into their soul and mesmerizes the crowd. It’s definitely a switch from most concerts, where the fans are jumping around, moshing, and slamming into one another! It’s an amazing experience and was a great way to spend New Years Eve!

Coming in January: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Seether, Trailer Park Boys, play the Skyreach January 28^th, Las Vegas Crypt Keepers Play Urban Lounge on January 15^th, Concrete Blonde plays Reds January 23^rd and Steve Earle plays Reds January 31^st.

Happy New Years! All the Best in 2003!

See ya next month!