Rifflandia- Day 2
After last night’s incredible shows it was hard to imagine how tonight could keep up. I needn’t of worried. I started at the Alix Goolden Hall to catch Tegan and Sara. I have heard a lot of their music played on the Zone but I haven’t been following them beyond that. Their set tonight sure convinced me to pay a little more attention in the future. They were brilliant to see live as their stage banter was just as entertaining as their music. Sibling rivalry and quick wit had the audience roaring with laughter pretty much the whole time they were kibitzing between songs. They played some new material which was really well received. Their songs have an accessibility and relatibility to them, channelling emotions and experiences through lyrics that help fans to work through their own baggage. A sort of linguistic therapy. I understand now why the line-up to see them was wrapped all the way around the venue when I arrived. There were quite a few heart-broken fans that didn’t make it in to the packed venue (more on that later).
When Tegan & Sara’s set was done I headed down to Market Square to catch Mother Mother. When I got down there there was a huge line waiting to get in and Market Square was at capacity. The security guy on the gate said nobody else was going to get in and this made a lot of people very unhappy. Especially those that had come down after not making it in to see Tegan & Sara. They did eventually let more people in when some left after the earlier shows ended but a few disgruntled folks had already left talking of demanding their money back. This is one of those make or break situations where it all comes down to how a negative situation is handled by the “offenders”, where respect is either eliminated or elevated. Rifflandia came through with flying colours. They did a number of things that not only relieved the tension in the disappointed folks that didn’t make it in tonight, but they proved that they are in this for the love of music and the promotion of musical talent for everyone’s benefit. First, they explained the situation. Second, they apologized. Third, they discussed the concept of the festival in order to manage expectations and to explain how to make sure you make it in to see your top choice. In order to improve the experience for Rifflandia goers they are going to tweet regular updates on what venues still have space, they added another venue for tomorrow night with a whole other line-up and on top of all that…this is big…wait for it…TWO more Mother Mother shows (on Sunday night)!
Do you hear that noise? That’s me applauding Rifflandia’s awesomeness. In the moment of crisis true character is revealed and while this was hardly a crisis, it certainly showed the character of those impressive folks behind the Rifflandia name. So to them, I tip my hat.
O.k so back to the musical adventures. I got into Market Square at the end of The Dudes set. Mother Mother came on right after and did not disappoint. Ever since I saw them at Jon & Roy’s Christmas show I have been looking forward to seeing them again. They rock it on stage and Ryan Guldemond nails it with his vocals. This is definitely a band to watch…they are going places fast. Kudos to them as well for signing up for two more shows on Sunday night!
Yet another incredible night. Here are some photos:
