BY: CARE HUMPHRIES

In terms of construction, business failures, venue closures and the passing of some of our most prominent and beloved artists, it’s fair to suggest 2016 was a bleak, and somewhat dark year. The beauty of 2017 is that proverbial fresh start; a tidy cliché to say we survived one hundred percent of the former, and are prepared to get the most out of today. I’ll venture that 2017 bursts out of the gates on a high note. The momentum is growing. Our scene has changed, we have changed, and both are stronger.

Let’s begin:

Becky’s Apartment

• The landscape of Uptown Waterloo is now healed after an LRT facelift that dominated much of King Street for most of 2016. Now in bloom, Uptown is open for business and its energy has been renewed.
  Part of the changes include the former Irish hot spot, Failte. Its white brick and mortar still stands proudly alongside a block of local watering holes, but it’s been freshened up and reopened by restauranteur Devon Mackenzie (Stark & Perri; Night School, The Order). Becky’s Apartment has officially opened its doors – affordable eats in a swanky setting.
  Perfect for dates, night caps, and the lets-meet-for-drinks-after-work hang-outs.

Goodnight, Saigon Hookers – Starlight Social Club

• Pulsating metal; melodic rock. Fronted by a Norwegian guitarist/vocalist, rounded out by local rock stars. For more than a decade, Saigon Hookers have been a living legend in independent circles, here and around the world. Multiple EPs and records; lengthy tours in North America and Europe, the group trekked the globe bringing their infusion of the rock and roll life to their legions of fans. But all good things must come to an end, the Hookers plan to leave it all on the stage March 25^th in a farewell show not to miss.
  Saturday, March 25^th @ Starlight in Uptown Waterloo
  7-10pm wsg Royal Fuzz

Maxwell’s Concerts and Events

• If the “sold-out” banner across the multitude of Facebook events is any sort of testament to the brilliance behind our leading concert hall, keep your finger on the “buy tickets now” button as quickly as the announcements are made.
  Paul Maxwell has secured his place as one of the go-to stages for touring musicians, many now skirting local cities to play in this room. We’ve had two months of 2017 and already The Tea Party, Spoons, Big Wreck, and Randy & Mr. Lahey have been through town.
  Get tickets NOW for Virginia to Vegas (March 23^rd) & Danko Jones (April 8^th)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

• The beauty of Drayton Entertainment is its ability to bring Broadway productions to our own backyard. Over the years, I have taken in Chicago, The Terry Fox Story, Grease, Anne of Green Gables, Sister Act, Footloose, Mama Mia!, Spamalot, Little Shop of Horrors, various pantos and more. Every time you walk through the doors at Dunfield Theatre, the St. Jacob’s Country Playhouse, or any of the other extraordinary theatre houses, you are overwhelmed with excitement. Your breath catches. The performers are exceptional. The sets are magic. Each visceral experience lasts inside you for days and weeks after, until you’re privy to another production. The shows weave a myriad of memories to last.
  I highly encourage you make it to Joseph. Another testament to Drayton’s commitment to the highest standard of entertainment.
  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – on at the Dunfield Theatre until April 2.
  

To Remember:

• Rhapsody Barrel Bar in Downtown Kitchener (across from Carl Zehr Square) features six nights of live entertainment per week. Network over wine on Mondays, enjoy a belly laugh with Blackball Comedy Tuesdays, various musicians Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the exceptional Women and Music Series on Thursdays. Likewise, the venue features matinee performances on weekends, as well.

• Dallas Nightclub in Downtown Kitchener remains the centre for all things country! Join me as your host every Friday night for Ladies Night, and then you can hop in a free shuttle from the Pub on King (10:30pm) for Jacked Up Saturdays!

Coming Up:

• Elmira Maple Syrup Festival (April 1^st)
• Hohner Avenue Porch Party (May 27^th)
• Steel Rails (June 23^rd)

Want to know about more great events and where to find ‘em?
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Got something awesome coming up? Let me know! [email protected]