[Note: This is Jane’s Party post-shot. Their shot was on a bit of a timer (see shot of choice below), so we couldn’t get a photo of them with the shot in hand.]
Date of show: February 2, 2011
Shot of choice: flaming sambuca
Despite the “snowstorm” that hit the city, there was a great turnout for the show at the Piston. Thanks to all of you that braved the snow. We were really thrilled to have seen so many lovely people and we really hope you all had a great time. And, most of all, we hope that you walked away a fan of some music that you might not have come across yet. We had so much fun and we’re so thankful to Jane’s Party, Gramercy Riffs and The Rucksack Willies for the great music. We think you’re all fantastic.
We owe a special thank you to Jane’s Party for seeing something special in our blog without really knowing us and wanting to collaborate. We’re so thankful to have been a part of this.
I’ll give you a rundown (not a review) of the evening and the lovely bands that played.
Jane’s Party is a 4-piece band based out of Toronto with a pop/rock flavour that often hints at their jazz influences. The band is made up of Tom Ionescu (guitar, vocals), Jeff Giles (keys, guitar, vocals), Devon Richardson (bass, keys, vocals) and Zach Sutton (drums). They opened up their set with their recently released and oh-so-catchy single “Alone Together” and continued to power through a piano-heavy set that had the ladies up front dancing. They played songs from their 2009 release, The Garage Sessions, some new tunes and even a Grizzly Bear cover. Their impressive 3-part harmonies, with each of the vocalists alternating lead, keep their sound fresh and charming. Oh and it doesn’t hurt that the band is made up for 4 handsome heart breakers. Yeah, I bet they won you over, ladies.
Gramercy Riffs likely drew the biggest turnout. These Newfoundland transplants to Toronto have dubbed their style as heartbreak/nostalgia pop and it’s incredibly fitting. The band is fronted by Lee Hanlon (vocals, guitar) and Mara Pellerin (vocals, keys), with Daniel Banoub on bass, Jimmy Rose on guitar and Brad Kilpatrick on drums. Pellerin’s dreamy vocals make a great combination with Hanlon’s heartbreaking vocals. Their sound is infectious and they heated up the tiny Piston with their fantastic tunes, closing out the set with “Ambulance.” We had the privilege of catching their last Toronto show and they were no less impressive and no less crush-worthy on this night.
The band is still riding off the high of their 2010 release, It’s Heartbreak, and look out for them because they’ll be touring with Hey Rosetta! on their cross-Canada tour.
The Rucksack Willies opened up the night. The band is made up of Angela Hilts (vocals, banjo), Megan Thomas (vocals, washboard), Galen Pelley (drums), Lucas Gadke (upright bass, vocals), Matt Bailey (guitar, harmonica) and Michael Eckert (dobro, pedal steel). This 6-piece crowded the small stage and brought their updated bluegrass/folk sound, accompanied by soaring female vocals. They’re still young, but their old-time sound makes them sound mature beyond their years. With an added freshness and the undeniable charm of frontwoman Hilts, this band brought on a great start to the evening.
buying shots for bands 
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