I was pretty pleased this week when I came across a YouTube video of Halifax-based comedian Dylan Rhymer doing his thing. The clip showcased a portion of his Comedy Now showcase, full of hilarious quips that felt more refreshing than much of the recycled jokes too often seen in the stand up world.
In his mid-30s, Rhymer has already been performing for more than 15 years. He has made appearances around the world, including The Improv in Los Angeles, Jongleurs Comedy Club in London, and festivals all over North America. This Thursday, Rhymer will hit the stage at The Upstairs Club to headline a multi-performer bill presented by Caper Radio.
Earlier that afternoon, Caper Radio continues their lineup of live on-air performances with an acoustic set from Static in Action. The band, a punk rock powerhouse made up of scene vets Harry Doyle (tilted, 77 Impala Special), Alicia Penney (Tom Fun Orchestra, Yellow), and Hector Smith (Hedge, Pulse), released a double CD last year which consisted of the same lineup of songs performed in electric and unplugged styles. The webcast will start at 5pm and can be accessed from caperradio.com.
In other Thursday happenings, Tom Fun frontman Ian MacDougall hits Wentworth Perk from 6-8pm. MacDougall, who also performs as one half of Hash Jesus with Albert Lionais, will be playing selections from his band and solo material. Later in the evening, Governor’s Pub will showcase Rob Harris, Adam White, and Andrew Greig, 3/4ths of The Roots and the Rhythm Remain, playing their respective solo material.
Friday night, Static in Action will reprise their electric set at The Upstairs Club alongside The Wilds of Borneo and DJ Woblefish. The Wilds of Borneo, consisting of ex-members of Drowning Shakespeare and Magnum Opus, have hit the ground running following their debut in summer 2010. Showcasing themselves at Stoked for the Holidays and the Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands, as well as opening for The Motorleague and Ricochet’s CD release shows, has made people stand up and take notice of the talented five piece.
Over at Governor’s, Steve Fifield will be performing a full set of folk songs, improvised acoustic material, and electric guitar tunes. The bluesman with the heavy thumb is an impeccable storyteller, his rich voice reminiscing on the trials and tribulations of the everyman. Starting off the show, I will be putting together a complementary set of newer material and some songs from my band, The High Tide.
Closing out the weekend, The Upstairs Club will house the final date of That’s Outta Control’s Maritime mini-tour. Hitting Halifax, Moncton, and Port Hawkesbury this week, the band comes home to a lineup including Royal Kush and Jonothan Kanary. The diverse lineup has a little something for everyone, from Kanary’s acoustic pop and Royal Kush’s reggae and hip hop to That’s Outta Control’s more abrasive hardcore sound.
Governor’s finishes up with local rockers Black Tooth Grin teaming up with the Jon Hines Trio. The Grinn have been diversifying themselves with acoustic performances as well as branching out into other acts (members also moonlight in Heartwood Slacks, The Yarnells, and The Look-a-Likes), but bring out the electric guitars like very few others.
Track of the Week: Steve Fifield’s “Halfway House”. I landed on Fifield’s myspace page when I heard he was playing Governor’s, not knowing he had expanded the track listing since my last visit. “Halfway House” is one of my favorites from his live set, a tale of a man adjusting to the outside after spending some time in jail. The song, like much of his material, is aaccentuated by the tempo of the guitar flowing around the half spoken-half sung lyrics. I am not sure musician does Fifield justice, perhaps songcrafter fits better.
