Date of show: January 21, 2011
Shot of choice: whiskey
Windsor’s Michou is a nicely packaged pop band, delivering catchy hooks and happy beats. Led by Mike Hargreaves (vocals, guitar) and his bright and comforting vocals, the quartet is rounded out by Sasha Appler (keys, trumpet, vocals), Ryan Frith (bass, vocals) and Stefan Cvetkovic, who happened to be playing drums in cut-off jean shorts and socks. Appler was a bundle of energy on stage, completely playing up to the crowd while manning the keys and booming trumpet. With their delightful harmonies and strong stage presence, these guys know how to work a crowd.
Michou drew a great turnout, with a lot of young ladies crowding the front of the stage. They had the crowd clapping along for “Growing Younger” and fans were singing along throughout the set. They played a lot of songs from 2010’s Cardona, but also played their newest recording, “Missing Me Now.” It’s impressive to hear how much bigger they sound live compared to their recorded music, a testament to their passionate live set. After their set, these guys were incredibly friendly to their fans, completely appreciative of those that braved the winter night to see them for their late set. These are good guys and they’ll win you over with their warmth and smile-inducing pop.
Brett Caswell & the Marquee Rose
Brett Caswell brought along his backing musicians, The Marquee Rose, with him to The Horseshoe Tavern. Caswell’s sound is deep-seated in rootsy rock, taking cues from country, folk, and blues. There is something so raw and heart-warming about Caswell’s vocals, but when he’s joined by Carleigh Aikins (Fox Jaws), the harmonies reach a whole new level of magic. Brandyn Aikins (Fox Jaws) was behind the kit, with Sarah Morano on the fiddle and Dave Murray on guitar. Watching this roster of musicians on stage, it is evident how much they simply enjoy playing together. Considering the lovely voices on stage, it was interesting to watch the band really jam it out on stage.
The energy on stage was electric, with the band members constantly exchanging smiles. That energy translates so well to the crowd and makes for a really captivating set, full of audience participation. “When it Rains…” is such an energetic tune, with Morano really laying it out on the fiddle. The piano-rich “L.O.V.E.” had Caswell urging the crowd to sing along with Aikins. “A Friend in Need”, a beautiful slower ballad, had friends in the audience singing along, with arms linked, with Aikins’ harmonies shining. It was such a beautiful moment. Barrie-based Brett Caswell & the Marquee Rose is certainly a band I urge you all to catch live. Their energy is contagious and I dare you to not have fun watching this band.
Pat Robitaille, hailing from Windsor but now based in Blue Mountain, had me fascinated with his opening, which featured looping of handclaps and snaps, before he was joined on stage by the rest of his band. This was Robitaille’s first time playing at The Horseshoe Tavern and he most certainly made his first set a good one. Robitaille’s voice is absolutely stunning, as evident by songs like “I Don’t Know Where to Begin.” His sound is a little more mature than you’d expect from this young man, notably so with “Conditional Love” and “We Won’t Change” but he keeps it fresh and modern with layers of keys, swaggering guitars, and soaring harmonies.
His album, Change, can be streamed for free on his Bandcamp page. Check it out and stay tuned for what Robitaille and his beautiful voice has in store next.
The North opened up the night. Bernadette leads the band on vocals, her voice rich and country-tinged. Their Americana sound is highlighted by tunes like “Killer” and “Take You Home”. B really works the stage, full of energy and sass. But don’t be mistaken, the rest of the band delivers too; there are some serious licks and guitar solos that are also show-stoppers. They’ve got a great sound and great energy about them and they provided a great start to the night.
buying shots for bands 
Correction–on the fiddle was Sarah Morano.