Dallas Smith

Dallas Smith was best known to me as the lead singer of the rock band Default. I personally have Defaults' first album "The Fallout", which I felt unjustly never peaked in the charts despite the #1 hit "Wasting My Time." That being said I was interested to hear Smith's latest incarnation. Judging from the sold out crowd, and their high energy before Smith even took the stage, that it was going to be a show to remember. 

It was.

People sang along as Smith and his band put out a high performance show that fed into an already high energy crowd. Simply put a good time. If you are a country music fan, Dallas Smith is well worth seeing live as the atmosphere is something in itself. Don't expect cowboy hats, or Nashville theatrics, expect genuine and vocally solid performance. 

Alkatine, 7's Wild & Broken Authority

I first heard Calgary based Alkatine, when they opened for the Headstones last year. Simply put I was taken by surprise. A solid hard rock sound and equally solid stage presence. Alkatine is all that is rock and roll should be. Driving songs like "Razor Train" to more soulful offerings like "Dear Moonshine" showcase what this band has to offer. Last year saw them open for the Headstones, Blind Melon, and Moist. Unfortunately I missed their last performance with Moist, due to the Grey Cup. So when the opportunity arose to see them at the Bling Beggar in Calgary. I was in. The Beggar is more intimate setting, and these guys fed off the energy of the packed venue. If you have the chance go and see these guys live, if you love rock, you will love Alkatine. 

The night was all rock as Broken Authority and 7's Wild opened the night. A great show with some of Calgary's up and coming.

Buckcherry @ Deerfoot Inn & Casino

There is no doubt in my mind that front-man of Buckcherry Josh Todd is a truly energetic performer with great stage presence. The band launched straight into it with "Lit Up" followed up by "Imminent Bail Out" from their 2008 album "Black Butterfly". Followed by "All Night Long", "SFWM". The band then started to slow things down with "Everything", and their popular rock ballad "Sorry".

Josh then relayed a story about how he hated his history teacher in high school, and would get high before class, before breaking into "Dirty Mind" to pick up the pace once again. They followed with "Sunshine" and then "I Don't Give a Fuck" a song from the bands latest release "Fuck" (EP 2014). "Gluttony", "Wrath", and "Borderline" rounded out the set. 

The band closed with "Crazy Bitch" which had everyone at the venue going, and bringing them back for the encore performance of "I Don't Give a Fuck" and "Too Drunk".

Great performance from a band that is all that rock and roll embraces.