Weekend highlighted by virtuosity playing of Ian Thornley’s Big Wreck
and sparkled of country star George Canyon.
Audiences described as "small but fierce" by Ian
Thornley of Big Wreck and "small but very mighty" by George Canyon
greeted the 11th Annual Alberta's Own Independent Music Festival this weekend
in Lacombe...
Ian Thornley, proved small but fierce himself with Big Wreck
and their stunningly brilliant performance on stage Friday night. The slightly
built Thornley and his band gave the crowd what it wanted wasting no time in
pulling out hit after hit with "Wolves" Albatross" and "I
Love That Song". Ian's voice is a
huge powerhouse which is the thriller of a live performance and the playing is
nothing short of inspired faultless, brilliant virtuosity. The sound crew was faultless keeping the
performance solid on the path of audience pleasing volume and clear crisp
sound.
George Canyon’s Saturday evening performance was a family
oriented crowd pleaser. Family man
Canyon, with a string of music awards to his credit enthralled fans with hits
like “I Believe in Angels” and “Madi’s Song”.
He charmed the appreciative audience with a country medley which
included an emotional melodic cover of the classic “Seven Spanish Angels”.
The most memorable bands, (including many from our local
area) who rounded out the weekend with eclectic and energetic performances
included: Slackjaw, Night at the Chelsea, Silo, Hollywood Assassyn, One Day
Late, Zoo Lion, Oldbury, Serotonin Crush, Lounge Pistol, Mid Upper Gunner, Tap
9 and Lust the Tide to name a few.
The Command Sisters, so young but extraordinary performers
wowed just before Canyon’s appearance as did Big River, the closing act on
Sunday night who gave a polished new feel to the hits of country legend, Johnny
Cash. Extra thrills of the Freestyle
Motorcross variety provided by Mark Philips rounded out Sunday afternoon.
When I thought they just could not top last year’s Our Lady
Peace, I must say that once again I will be taking away some very special
memories of the Alberta’s Own weekend that I will never forget.
And thanks Rob and Luci, other volunteers and those
responsible for another memorable and most excellent weekend.
Pix will follow soon...stay tuned.
