Songwriter

Blackie & the Rodeo Kings have queens up their sleeve

Blackie & the Rodeo Kings have queens up their sleeve | Toronto Star Guest vocalists make for a full house at Massey Hall show on March 21.    Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are, from left, Tom Wilson, Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Tue Mar 20 2012 Blackie & The Rodeo Kings will have a few of their queens on hand with…


Cancer Bats Take Flight

Story by Nick Krewen | March 16, 2012 For SOCAN Words And Music Eight years into its existence, the fermentation process of Toronto hardcore heroes Cancer Bats may finally be complete. At least that’s the opinion of lead singer/shouter/screamer Liam Cormier, who says the comfort level between himself and guitarist Scott Middleton, drummer Mike Peters and bassist Jaye Schwarzer has never been better.   If you need more proof, turn…


Still kooler than Van Halen

Entertainment / Music Life has its enduring mysteries.  SILVIA MAUTNER / KTG PRESS PHOTO Kool and the Gang opens for Van Halen on Saturday, March 17. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Mar 16 2012   Life has its enduring mysteries. There are the Seven Wonders of the World; the secret of getting caramel into the Caramilk bar and . . . Kool & The Gang opening for Van…


Grimes dances out of Montréal

Entertainment / Music Musician’s tour of acclaimed album, including March 19 stop in Toronto, an opportunity to be homeless.     Claire Boucher is on the road as Grimes. Nick Krewen Special to the Star,  Published on Fri Mar 16 2012 After living in Montréal for five years, Claire Boucher is living the life of a gypsy. “I’m homeless,” says the Vancouver-born Boucher, 23, known professionally as Grimes, from a tour stop in…


Emeli Sandé plays The Drake

Emeli Sande plays The Drake | Toronto Star Singer Emeli Sandé topped U.K. charts with her debut, Version of Our Events, and received the Critics’ Choice Brit Award.  HANDOUT PHOTO Emeli Sandé, who plays The Drake on Wednesday, is the next big thing from the U.K. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Tue Mar 06 2012 Looking for the Next Big Thing? You can find her Wednesday night onstage at…