The Toronto Sun n Friday, March 25, 2011 SHOWBIZ 77
Rockabilly alive,
well at Dominion
W h e n St e v e G o o d a n d
David Faris were scouting
for spots in the east end that Errol
would welcome rockabilly Nazareth
acts, fate, it seems, drew them Rhythms N Rhymes
to The Dominion on Queen.
Not only was Sean Duranov-
ich, the pub’s owner, hip to
their vision, but the room in the ’50s used to sit at the
charmed Good and Faris bar, drink Red Cap, and enjoy
immediately and they began a smoke back when rockabilly
booking acts right away. was young.”
That was three years back, Tomorrow night, Tennes-
and thanks to Good and Faris’ see Voodoo Coupe headlines
efforts, The Dominion has East End Rockabilly Riot 9
since become ground zero for and the triple bill includes TENNESSEE
rockabilly fans in the city. The Greasemarks and Chris- VOODOO COUPE
“It suited our events per- tian D and the Hangovers. As
fectly, it’s not pretentious and Faris does at every EERR, he’ll
it’s big enough that a decent be spinning “revved-up rock- or Bull Moose Jackson,” he
turnout really gives the room abilly.” says.
a fantastic vibe,” says Good, Faris, who’s been promot- “We’ll also cover contem-
who plays bass with Tennes- ing rockabilly shows since porary hits with a hillbilly
see Voodoo Coupe. 2007, agrees with Good about arrangement and we feel that
“At the same t i me, it ’s The Dominion’s storied his- fits with the tradition of the
small enough that even tory and vintage feel, but says genre.
if we don’t sell out, the its Corktown location is its “When Elvis covered Blue
room still has great energy. other selling point. Moon of Kentucky he was cov-
“It also has historical clout — “Most rockabilly shows tend ering a popular song of the
it’s been around since 1889 — to happen downtown or in the day and putting his touch on
so the room has a sense of his- west end, so it seemed like a it, and that’s what Tennes-
tory,” he adds. “I’ll bet old cats good idea to host some events see Voodoo Coupe is doing,
in a different part of town for “Good says. “We’re a lot fun,
a change,” he says. “The club but we’re very serious about
Now has since launched a week- our music and the implica-
HEAR
end rockabilly brunch and tions of calling ourselves a
books other rockabilly shows Hillbilly Jive band.”
to keep audiences coming There’s no denying the
back. Famed rockabilly art- energy of a typical East End
ist Ronnie Hayward has been Rockabilly Riot gig, and it’s a
performing a weekly Satur- treat watching guys rocking
This! day matinee since last fall and
that’s further cemented its
pompadours dancing with
gals in retro dresses.
t:
Errol’s can’t-miss lis status as a prime venue for the
music.”
Don’t worry, you won’t
feel out of place if you’re
Don’t miss Faris describes the scene as
1
not dressed to the nines.
Brampton’s Baby fairly small but dedicated, but As Faris says, audiences are
Boyz Dance Group he’s quick to add that rocka- a mix of “serious music fans,
when they perform at billy is just a blanket term for musicians, swing dancers,
the Enwave Theatre tonight the music he and Good pro- greasers, hot rod enthusiasts,
and tomorrow. 8 p.m. For mote. artists, and generally people
tickets, call 416-973-4000. “ The bands draw from looking for a good night out.
231 Queens Quay W. a broad range of different “Clubs like the Cadillac
sounds like traditional rock- Lounge, The Dominion and
2
Pacifika bring its sexy abilly, psychobilly, hillbilly, the Dakota Tavern host these
nocturnal sound to country, swing, instrumental kinds of shows on a regu-
Lula Lounge tonight as rock, ’50s rock ’n’ roll, jump lar basis and bands like The
part of the Juno Fest blues and more,” he explains. Royal Crowns, The Swingin’
World Showcase. Jayme “It’s really a diverse blend of Blackjacks, Tennessee Voo-
Stone, Roberto Lopez and music and influences coming doo Coupe, The Greasemarks,
Mighty Popo share the bill. together so it’s hard to pigeon- Alistair Christl and many
See [Link] hole.” more keep the joints jumpin’!”
Good describes Tennes-
Chicken & Waffles NOTE: East End Rockabilly Riot
3
see Voodoo Coupe as “a hill-
Band plays “your billy jive” band that counts 9 kicks off at 9 p.m. Saturday.
favourite pop, R&B Web P i e rc e a n d Ha n k $10. 500 Queen St. E. 416-368-
and reggae jams” at Williams as influences. 6893.
Bar Italia every Thursday. “Having Big Rude Jake on
9:30 p.m. $5. 582 College board is a big help too because Visit Errol’s blog at www.
St. we mine his jazz influences, musicinthemessage.
often covering Cab Calloway [Link].
