Event Coverage
Canada Day Celebration 2016 at Toronto’s Woodbine Beach, #Sloan & Fireworks – July16
Canada Day Celebration 2016 at Toronto’s Woodbine Beach, #Sloan & Fireworks
By: Lyndsay Brown
O’Canada, eh!! For those who don’t know July 1, 2016 marks Canada’s 150th birthday or otherwise known as Canada Day celebration. In Toronto there were many fun ways to get out and enjoy the festivities; Toronto’s Woodbine Beach held the biggest party with a fireworks show in the city, so it was the place to be for most people…
At about 8pm just as it was becoming dark I arrived with family, and friends to finished off Canada Day the right way as it was raining during the morning and afternoon hours. The fireworks and beach scenery is the main attraction for this location. Once we got to the beach first thing in sight was a huge stage which attracted us to that part of the beach area (which was perfect as it was also located were the fireworks actually go off). On the stage was a well known Canadian Alternative/Rock band by the name of Sloan!! Sloan played songs such as: “Unkind”, and “The Rest of My Life”. Not only did they put on a great show, but they did a great job at crowd control throughout the night requesting people not to break the barriers to the stage, be cautious of the small children in the audience, reminding people not to drink and drive, and of course wishing everyone a happy and safe Canada Day. You can watch a short video HOOKEDUPB MAG recorded during the show below:
As Sloan wrapped up their show Canadian Olympic Athletes were welcomed on stage to introduce, and commend the athletes who will be representing Canada (#TeamCanada) at the Rio Olympics in the coming months. Here is a photo of that moment:
Moments after the grand fireworks show began; check out the first half of the fireworks display recorded By: HOOKEDUPB MAG here:
all in all it was a fun evening, and It's great being Canadian!!
>>>>>UHOOKED?
Photo's & Video From Victoria Day Fireworks Display At Woodbine Beach, #Toronto -May16
Photo's & Video From Victoria Day Fireworks Display At Woodbine Beach, #Toronto
By: Lyndsay Brown
UPDATE: JUNE 3, 2016
May 24, 2016- It was a Beautiful day in the City of Toronto to get out and enjoy the fireworks display at Woodbine Beach/Ash Bridges Bay for Victoria Day. The beach was packed with family's, and groups of friends: playing games, having picnics, sun tanning, listening to music; and the list of fun things goes on...The Fireworks display started at 10pm sharp, the show was extravagant, the display took up a large percent of the focal point of the viewers making it feel as if the sparks would fall right over spectators heads. Crowds were in awe, sending out whistles, shouts, and making positive comments as the the show went on. It's great getting out and celebrating with the city among thousands of other people. When the show was over most of the people set out to walk all the way to Woodbine Subway Station to get home...stopping traffic, and seeing the reactions of the people in their cars as they had to wait, and watch as the crowd from the beach walk in herds was addition thrill (lol). One final comment is that the Toronto Raptors NBA Playoffs Game 4 against the Cavs was on the same night, at about the same time; just before we got to the subway someone yells out: "the Raptors WON"!! All in all a beautiful night in the City of Toronto.
Below are some pictures taken at Woodbine beach, Victoria Day 2016:
Here is the video taken of the fireworks that night (Raw Footage By: HOOKEDUPB MAG):
>>>>>UHOOKED?
Against the Grain, On the Verge, Ol’ Time Moonshine & Low Orbit LIVE @ The Coalition – May 1st, 2016
Against the Grain, On the Verge, Ol’ Time Moonshine & Low Orbit LIVE @ The Coalition – May 1st, 2016
By: Dave Adams, HOOKEDUPB MAG Guest Writer
It was a dead Sunday night in the city of Toronto; Game 7 of the Raptors
1st round playoffs against the Pacers, and it seemed like the whole city was either at the game, down Bay St. outside the Air Canada Centre, or at home watching it on
TV. But, not quite the whole city! There was a small, but supporting faction of people who came out on this night not for basketball, but for some good old ROCK ‘N ROLL!! It was a perfect
night for it, because there was a GREAT bill of bands playing at The Coalition in the cool corners of trendy Kensington Market. The Line-up was: Against the Grain, On the Verge,
Ol’ Time Moonshine, and Low Orbit.
Walking into The Coalition, you could see it was the perfect venue for this kind of show! With the black walls, metal bar vibe, retro pinball machines lined up on the one wall and a
separate pool table lounge off to the side as you enter, you could tell this is the bar where Hard Rock, Punk and Metal bands reside! Although, this show featuring this set of bands in
particular was a bit different than usual; all the bands on the bill had a mix of ‘all that’, and more!!
For everyone who missed out, here’s the rundown, set by set, on what happened at “Against the Gain” event held at The Coalition:
Low Orbit - https://loworbit3.bandcamp.com/
First band to hit the stage was Low Orbit. Low Orbit's sound is a solar melding of Psychedelic, Stoner/Doom, with a punishing downbeat groove. Relentless at times
and ever so beautifully layered in its thick, retrospective laid back jams; they were spot on tonight. The sound was GREAT in the room, and having the pleasure of seeing Low Orbit play
numerous times, I can say this was the BEST I’ve ever seen them play. They were really tight, and created a solid groove. They played a few new tunes, which I thought were a bit doomyer, and
heavier than their last album. They must be getting CRANKED up for their new full length album which they say is coming sometime in 2016! I can’t wait!
Ol’ Time Moonshine - https://oltimemoonshine.bandcamp.com/
Next up to hit the stage was Ol’ Time Moonshine. These guys have been bringing their brand of Riff Heavy, Stoner Rock to the stages of Canada & the US since 2009. I’ve also seen these guys a number of times live, and they sure can BRING IT!!! Fresh off their EP “The Demon Haunted World” they played a bunch of NEW TUNES too. The new tunes must be off their upcoming album that they have been in the studio recording. They had an AWESOME set coupled with AWSEOME sound which made watching these guys a pure pleasure for anyone who enjoys the RIFF!!!
On the Verge - https://ontheverge.bandcamp.com/
The next band warming up the stage for the “Against the Grain” event was: On the Verge. A staple in the Toronto Stoner Rock scene for over a decade, and we
were ready to ROCK, And ROCK we did!! We played a mix of some up tempo Stoner Rock, slower doomyer Stoner Metal, and an Epic Psychedelic Jam track that sounded like some old
Robin Trower called: “I’m Telling You”! Audience members told us we were “pure gold, and put on one of the BEST sets of the night so far”! With our new drummer Rick
Wellbanks holding a steady groove, and the rest of the band creating a Vintage Stoner Rock sound, this was the BEST we’ve ever played. Playing 4 of 5 songs off our upcoming yet to be released
NEW EP called “In the Eye of Saturn’s Hurricane”!
Against the Grain - https://againstthegrain-atg.bandcamp.com/
Closing out the night, a band from Detroit was Against the Grain! I was highly anticipating seeing these guys again after watching them RIP UP the stage last August opening for The Atomic Bitchwax, and they didn’t disappoint. With their fast paced dirty riffs, they kind of reminded me of that old school ‘Kill ‘Em All’ Metalica, mixed with some Motorhead, and Thin Lizzy. They scorched through their set of speedy riffs like a well oiled machine with some crazy double guitar solos to boot. I was in Heaven! What a band! With their latest EP “Road Warriors”, and they definitely are. Fresh off playing in Montreal the night before as part of the Night Demon Tour. Against The Gain, have been relentlessly on the road this past year touring, and playing shows with the likes of: Pentagram, The Atomic Bitchwax, Sacred Reich, Lord Dying, Dying Fetus, Weedeater, Bongzilla, Wilson, Black Cobra, Lo-Pan, and many, many more! This band seems to be making quite a name for themselves in the Underground Stoner scene. With their upcoming US tour alongside Toronto’s own Anvil we hope to hear much more from this GREAT, and upcoming band!!
If you like what you read be sure to check in with, or join the Bandcamp accounts provided above so you don’t miss out on their upcoming music releases, and shows!!
>>>>>UHOOKED?
HOOKEDUPB MAG’s Visit to Cherry Colas, “Electric Funeral Series Vol. 3” #Toronto –Mar16
HOOKEDUPB MAG’s Visit to Cherry Colas, “Electric Funeral Series Vol. 3” #Toronto –Mar16
By: Lyndsay Brown
March 24, 2016, at the renowned Cherry Colas Hard Rock/Metal venue, Downtown Toronto where celebrities such as Stone Temple Pilots members have been spotted in the VIP section, put on another great show titled “Electric Funeral Series Vol. 3” featuring Hard Rock/ Metal bands (Be’Elzeboptet, GOATBOXREBELS, On The Verge, and Strictly Sabbath) throughout the night. After the first couple steps into Cherry Colas you automatically know you’re going to have a great time from the classy almost gothic like décor, with vintage mirrors hung all over the walls throughout the bar, chandeliers on the lights, and to top it off a beautiful bartender with a flower in her hair…Shout outs to Toronto band CamelJoe and friends for bringing out HOOKEDUPB MAG for a rockin’ good time. Continue read to find out more.
The main attraction was Strictly Sabbath a well know band referred to as ‘Sabbath Cover Band’ or “Canada’s Top Black Sabbath Tribute” within the Canadian music scene. The breakdown of members listed on their Facebook page is: Steve Grzybala as Ozzy, Zig Paul Hole as Toni Lommi, their female bass guitarist Jenn “LadyEvil” Kilburn as Geezer Butler, and Dave Babyn as Bill Ward! Many people raved about Strictly Sabbath before, during, and after the show. One of Jenn’s (Bass guitar) supporter’s Rina C said: “I came to see the bass player, ‘cause you don’t see many female bass players in bands”, she was happy to come support the best female bass player around. The crowd waited in anticipation to hear Strictly Sabbath perform at the end of the night. Once they took the stage pretty much everyone made their way up to the front of the stage excited to hear Black Sabbath covers like: “After Forever”.
First band that caught my eye on arrival was GOATBOXREBELS; Band members are: Ivan Westley- vocalist/guitar, Colin James Gibson- Bass, and the drummer by the name of Nate Finucci was freaking amazing!! For more information about the band visit their Facebook page here. After the bands performance Nate said that the band is always busy doing shows; the next time Nate will be playing drums live is with another band (The Savilles) April 16, 2016 at The Horseshoe here in Toronto!! Click here to join the The Savilles Facebook page.
With ten years of experience under their belts, On The Verge is another band that shined; they lit the stage up with their own material; songs such as: “Bang Your Head”, “Same Old Story”, and “Joint Song”. The band members are: Dave Adams- guitar/vocals, Des Ambrose- Bass, and new drummer by the name of Rick Welbanks!! For more on this band see the Facebook page here.
Check out more pictures HOOKEDUPB MAG took at the “Electric Funeral Series Vol. 3” event below:
>>>>>UHOOKED?
Some Pictures HOOKEDUPB Took at MaizyF's Event: The 6ix #FemaleCypher 3.0 -Mar16
Some Pictures HOOKEDUPB Took at MaizyF's Event: The 6ix #FemaleCypher 3.0
By: Lyndsay Brown
NOTE: All photos below taken & edited By: HOOKEDUPB MAG at "The 6ix Female Cypher 3.0" on March 10, 2016 put on By: MaizyF; except for the Event Flyer. Pictures without the HOOKEDUPB MAG logo on the pic were not taken By: HOOKEDUPB; all edits done By: HOOKEDUPB MAG!!
The gist of things:
MaizyF, Toronto female Rapper/Producer put together (with the help of event sponsors) "The 6ix Female Cypher 3.0" event. The main purpose was to tape the cypher series "The 6ix Female Cypher 3.0", but it soon became a movement for independent women in the Toronto/GTA underground Hip-Hop scene.
The Wayla Bar was filled with media; HOTT TV (RogersTV), Rappers, Singers, bloggers, magazines, clothing lines (VESSOUL), radio (MaximumFM- Queenz Of The Game), photographers- plus, were there!! Those who came out to the event were part of the LIVE HOTT TV recording of the female cypher, had a chance to network with others, won prizes (ie: VESSOUL Clothing & tickets to the "March Madness Artist Showcase"), and watched awesome performances. Participating artists had an opportunity to do interviews, be recorded (ie: TV, YouTube, IG's), get their pictures taken, and of course network with others from the same industry.
It was an awesome night; the first of its kind in Toronto, dubbed throughout the night by the host as"History in the making"- Gabz Taboo!! The environment was friendly, and welcoming. Can't wait for the public to see the new 3.0 cypher, and performances once they drop online; the talent was crazy good...like, head turning good!!
Big up to MaizyF, she is a true artist, and community leader. MaizyF put a lot of work into this event, not only for herself, but for her fellow musicians, and female bosses of the industry. Just brilliant. At the end of the night everyone was happy with the outcome.
There are more pictures, stayed tuned for more from HOOKEDUPB on this event....
Here’s What Happened at Leo Noirr & PEACE+LOVEco Performance at the Silver Dollar Room –Mar16
Here’s What Happened at Leo Noirr & PEACE+LOVEco Performance at the Silver Dollar Room
By: Lyndsay Brown
Leo Noirr is an up ‘n coming Rapper from Toronto who has been steadily releasing quality music on Soundcloud account, Listen HERE. I can tell from talking to him that he is in fact passionate about his craft, and appreciates the love he receives from people who listen to his music. With the internet taking over everything now, and a lot of focus and effort for artists is to gain a buzz; online Leo Noirr presence is known. Further, we also have to remember that doing live performances is vital to a musician’s success for countless reasons. Leo Noirr is no stranger to performing at shows.
Leo Noirr did an opening performance Feb. 29, 2016 at the Silver Dollar Room downtown Toronto for the collective group PEACE+LOVEco! PEACE+LOVEco was founded in summer 2015, it is made up of several groups, and artists most notably: Coolin Sage, The Kid Catney, VJ King. “Our mission is to heighten self-awareness and through that raise social awareness within Modern Society. We're focused on the PEOPLE not the PROFITS/MONEY”- Coolin Sage.
So, here’s what happened:
Leo Noirr, and his friend and associate Coolin Sage said the show went well. Leo Noirr performed: “Howl”, “Radiance”, “Trip to London”, and played two unreleased songs titled: “Edges” & “Tonight”. In more detail Coolin says: it was an “intimate crowd”… “Ladies danced around”…and “the fella’s listened attentively”. Once, Leo Noirr finished up his set there was much more to come.
Towards the end of the night PEACE+LOVEco took the stage. The Kid Catney performed an unreleased track, and the word is, people loved it! Straight after The Kid Catney, Coolin Sage was up next belting out his track “Help”. This was a ‘first time live performance’ for PEACE+LOVE artist VJ King, and it’s reported he did a great job. Continuing, the last song that was played by the collective group was “Timeless” By: The Kid Catney, featuring: Coolin Sage, Apple Jax (AJ), and Mista Burke!...it was also Apple Jax & Mista Burke’s first time doing a live performance too (they are not part of the PEACE+LOVEco collective, but they are in fact a part of the movement).
After the show was over Coolin Sage asked if Leo Noirr wanted to be a part of PEACE+LOVEco Hip-Hop Group based in Toronto (GTA), and Leo Noirr “happily accepted”! So there you have it, get out there participate in shows there so much theoretical “gold” that comes with performances. Leo Noirr is now a member of PEACE+LOVEco!
Check out some of the raw footage (photos) from the show below:
BTW: PEACE+LOVEco have a new project in the works, and it’s expected to be released before April 2016. All PEACE+LOVEco recordings are done at their own studio in Mississauga, Ontario called: Blue Room Studios.
>>>>>UHOOKED?
Serious Artist Opportunity #ASCAPEXPO L.A –Feb16
Serious Artist Opportunity #ASCAPEXPO L.A
By: Lyndsay Brown
In order to become a top rated or known artist/group in the music industry one has to do a lot more than just create great music. An artist or musician should be doing several things simultaneously such as: branding, production, promotions, performances, and network etc. Professional guidance can be hard to come by in such a huge industry, not to worry help is on its way, if you have the courage to get it.
More, and more opportunities are opening up for those who are really dedicated to their passion for music. We have all heard of industry expo’s, but it’s not often (or ever) that indie styled expos are organized. The wait is over, artists can now register to be a part of the ASCAPEXPO held in L.A April 28-30 2016. This is a three day conference with “education, networking, and inspiration”. This is a very important event with many industry partners/sponsors attending, and supporting the success of music (in this case indie music). Some of the most valuable aspects of this event are that artists have a chance to: present their music to professionals, and receive feedback from those professionals. At least 13 Professional Panelists have been announced…
Check out the "ASCAP “I Create Music “ EXPO // April 28-30 2016 // Boost Your Music Career" YouTube video above for more information.
>>>>>UHOOKED?
10 Last Minute Christmas Shopping Ideas –Dec15
10 Last Minute Christmas Shopping Ideas
By: Lyndsay Brown
Need some last minute Christmas Holiday gift ideas? Well, HOOKEDUPB MAG has you covered! See the list of 10 great gift ideas below:
#1 Inniskillin, Vidal IceWine
Sweet like a treat mmm (I tried it myself. Love love)
-Must be 19 years of age
-Available at the wine rack
-website: www.inniskillin.com
#2 iTunes gift cards
Who doesn’t like music? –keep in mind person you are purchasing for must have an Apple devise
#3 Spa Packages
Getting pampered is awesome for everyone! -Keep in mind people must have time to go
#4 Jewelry
Can you see anyone being disappointed with that? -Meaningful and good for any age group
#5 Homemade Baked Goods
This has never failed me! – keep in mind allergies folks may have
#6 PSN Cards
-Must have PlayStation device
#7 Mobile devices/Accessories
-Might help to know their Provider or brand
#8 Coloring books with Crayons or markers
-Kids of all ages love this. Plus it keep them occupied when you’re busy (lol)
#9 Books
-All age’s people still love books
#10 Toys: Hello Kitty, Action Figures (DC/Marvel), My Little Pony, Frozen (Disney movie) Characters, Trucks/Cars
-Chances are these will be sold out; could resort to bedroom accessories with same characters etc.
**HAVE A VERY MARRY CHRISTMAS, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HOOKEDUPB MAG**
>>>>>UHOOKED?
CLOCKWORK MAGIC, Producer: Corey Dixon #Toronto –Dec15
CLOCKWORK MAGIC, Producer: Corey Dixon #Toronto
By: Lyndsay Brown
Dec. 12, 2015 at the ‘Mini-Indie’ Indoor Go-Kart (Toronto) location held an innovative underground play named CLOCKWORK MAGIC. The show was put together by a group of creative friends dedicated to present their various talents together as one complete event. The Organizer/Producer: Corey Dixon, who won the support of his father Mr. Dixon who provided the venue. CLOCKWORK MAGIC Play Script Writer credits go to Steve Young. The play was a two part, hour long, Steampunk themed show about Science vs. Magic, featuring magic & illusions. Lights, steam, music, costumes, props, fights, acrobatics/dance, jokes, birds, cards, fire, and razor blades fueled the show.
At 7pm the audience was lead to the upper level in a small intimate setting with a capacity of about 200 people. Seats decorated in black cloth with a red bowtie nicely fitted to the back of the chairs, facing the stage with a steampunk box that fog seeped out of accurately building wonder awe before the performance stared. Soon, the lights dimmed, while scary movie like music began to play. Moments later the music stopped, and character from behind the audience began introducing the plot of the story as he walked through the room towards the stage. Steam filled the room with a theatrical fight between a woman (Natasha Day), and man (Corey Dixon) arguing weather or not magic or science would win the hearts of the people. As they two left the stage there where several other skits to follow.
Part One started with an interactive performance demonstrating mind games, a magic act with a young member of the audience making balls mysteriously multiply, and illusions accompanied with strobe lights using an acrylic ball. To finish part one, two young ladies (Maya Smith & Brooklyn Mackie) did a short acrobatic performance to Dubstep music. After the intermission break Part Two was presented.
Part Two of the show was the most entertaining as Ryan Brown unexpectedly did some magic tricks with colored fabric making doves appear out of thin air. Ryan then moved on to his next ruse of swallowing razor blades. After Ryan left the stage, another acrobatic/dance performance By Veronica Lange started; the music Lorde’s song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. Bringing everything to an end Corey Dixon & Natasha Day had one final fight over Science vs. Magic. In closing all performers made their way to the stage, and bowed to the crowd. The crowd was amused by the play as everyone clapped with approval.
After the play people scattered about, the performers ran around the venue in celebration of a successful event. Wanting to learn more, I met one of the audience members/supporter out of curiosity who says he actually dressed up in a Steampunk themed costume, and vowed he was really just an observer not an actor. Further, during Ryan Brown’s performance I started to wonder if I have seen the actors before at the ‘Screamers’ event (Oct. 31, 2015), as there was a performance of razor swallowing there too; it turns out Ryan Brown was in fact the razor act at ‘Screamers’! Ryan continued to tell me that the other set members where not at ‘Screamers’, but from Canada’s Wonderland ‘Haunt’ instead.
The show exceeded expectations, and I personally hope to see more from this group.
Full cast was: Spencer Scurr, Matthew Stewart, Steve Wallace, Ryan Brown, Veronica Lange, Natasha Day, Corey Dixon, Maya Smith, and Brooklyn Mackie!!
To learn more see the CLOCKWORK MAGIC Twitter page @ClockWorkCanada
Below are pictures taken before, during, and after the show (photos By: HOOKEDUPB MAG):
>>>>>UHOOKED?
#Screamers, Experience- Nov15
#Screamers, Experience
By: Lyndsay Brown
This Halloween (Oct. 31, 2015) I decided to take my teenage son to Screamers for our first time at the Toronto Exhibition Place, because I have heard so much about how exciting it was for others over the years. We were not sure what to expect haunted houses, but we were going for the ultimate Halloween experience for both my son, and I. Nor he or I was really prepared for all the thrills we experienced at Screamers; Screamers really pushes the boundaries of ‘normalcy’.
As we walk up to pay for our tickets there was sign that reads: “No Chicken Refunds” accompanied by a photo of a chicken (lol), with the “Halloween” movie sound track playing in the background. Once we walked through the entrance doors it was clear we just entered a new world of horror. It was dark, bloody, filled with sounds of shrieks, chainsaws, banging, growls, and it was hard to tell if something was alive, dead, or just a prop!
Screamers had seven indoor haunted houses due to privacy policy I can’t say much about the inside of the haunted houses, also people were told not to take pictures from inside these houses. I am under the impression that “The Asylum” was a new edition this year, and it was the one that got the most scares/screams… people were running out terrified. Another, aspect I noticed in relation to the haunted houses was the “Slasher Wax Museum” it had the least attention as most people thought it was an actual wax museum, but I think it’s safe to say they were all wrong, as I was YIKES!! Further, there were a couple rides, games, plus food and drink to calm the freaked out souls out-doors.
It was a memorable trip to hell, worth the money, no regrets.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO SCREAMERS BEFORE? IF SO LET HOOKEDUPB KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
>>>>>UHOOKED?
#Slash Concert at Sound Academy in #Toronto –Sept15
#Slash Concert at Sound Academy in #Toronto
By: Lyndsay Brown
On Sept. 23, 2015 Slash Hard Rock/Metal guitarist/musician held a concert at the Sound Academy in Toronto as part of the “World on Fire Tour” featuring: Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators. I personally did not go to the concert, but I do however have a friend from high school who went with her boyfriend. My friends name is Amber; she was having so much fun that she took Facebook to post photos, and say how awesome the experience was. I asked her if she wanted to give HOOKEDUPB MAG some insider info on the concert, and she was pleased to do so. Amber sent some pictures she took on her cell phone from the crowd along with a short experience statement. Here’s what Amber had to say about her experience at the Slash concert last night:
“The whole concert was great, slash is an amazing guitarist/artist who has been on the playing music for over 30+ years. It was wonderful to hear a mix of old and new stuff. It was also a great mix in the crowd from ages 10 to 60. There was a father there with his son!”
Further, I took to twitter to see what Slash had to say, if anything about his experience in Toronto, and sure enough he was pleased by the crowed stating:
Above are the pictures Amber took at the concert!!
>>>>>>UHOOKED?