Valery Gore plays Halifax Jazz Fest

Valery Gore is not a pseudonym. At 26, the Fort Erie-native strives for creative purity and truth. But it wasn’t always this way.

“Coming from where I was at when I went to school, I was classically trained and I didn’t know anything about jazz,” she says, calling from her home in Toronto. “Maybe there was a little bit of a bent in my personality. I had little confidence at first; I was just up against all of these heavy players. I was still trying to find my niche. I wasn’t going to be a professional.”

Her sophomore self-produced album, Avalanche to Wandering Bear, was released this past year and won critics hearts across the country, a surprise even to Gore herself. She brings her unique jazz-infused pop songs to Halifax for the first time July 17.

“I guess overall the one theme of the record was me overcoming confidence issues. I was kind of terrified about what I was going to do with my life and having this inner self doubt.”

Instead of playing victim to fear, Gore took to the metaphorical wilds. In the process of creating this record she mustered up her courage and harnessed her inner animal.

“I always thought of myself as one of those people who have a strong personality. Your friends always tell you that, but I felt so weak and so beaten down by myself. I thought there was a lot of that on the record. I do see myself as this strong animal, but also just a reminder that you are affected by chance, fate and nature.”

Before she lands in Halifax, Gore is making an appearance at the Evolve Festival in Antigonish. “I’m looking forward to spending some time at the beach, camping and eating lobster.”

Halifax VFest Feels "Alternative" Like the 90s

It wouldn't be summer without a muddy festival on Citadel Hill.

This past weekend Halifax hosted the inaugural Virgin Festival Nova Scotia, free of charge due to The Tragically Hip's last minute cancellation. Virgin headquarters sent out notice less than 24 hours before the show, which stated there was an unforeseeable family emergency that forced the band to pull out of the show.

But in typical Maritime fashion, a foggy overcast day and a Hip no-show didn't seem to put a damper on festival-goers' spirits. It's tough to beat free admission.

Local acts Dog Day kicked off the day playing for devoted hometown followers clad in rubber boots. It certainly wasn't a day for flip-flips or popsicles, but "Happiness," Dog Day's first single from Concentration, could soundtrack the sentiments for such a bleak start to the season.

In-Flight Safety brought a little more optimism to stage, performing hits "Model Homes" and "Actors" from We Are An Empire, My Dear. The previous night, In-Flight's singer/guitarist John Mullane and his fellow navigators Daniel Ledwell, Brad Goodsell and Glen Nicholson showed the chaps from the Arkells around Halifax.

Said Arkells took the stage shortly after 3 p.m., and didn't appear particularly hungover. As attendance thickened, the looming fog began to dissipate. Crowd pleasers included songs from Jackson Square like "Ballad Of Hugo Chavez" and "Oh, The Boss Is Coming!"

Plants And Animals relived their teenage years, as part of the band grew up in Halifax, and spun tales of getting drunk for the first time on Citadel Hill. Guys on stilts and folks dressed as trees made many wonder, how truly devoted are Plants And Animals fans?

Newfoundland six-piece Hey Rosetta! shone nearly bright enough to rouse the sun from behind the clouds. Lead singer/songwriter Tim Baker turned almost every song into an epic six-minute single. Their short set included a new piano-ballad, "Red Heart," "There's An Arc," and "I've Been Asleep For A Long, Long Time."

Married twosome Handsome Furs sparkled with rock 'n' roll fury. Alexei Perry thrashed over her keyboard in a killer jumper and turquoise eye shadow, even adding a few high kicks here and there, while husband and Wolf Parade band member Dan Boeckner nonchalantly strummed the guitar. Their onstage chemistry made their well-suited matrimony an obvious one.

Shortly after the notes of "Radio Kaliningrad," stopped buzzing, roadies began stacking amps on the stage in preparation for Dinosaur Jr.'s set.

Earplugs were necessary during the legends' performance. The band ripped through material spanning their 25-year career, though it was their rendition of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" that was sure to make cock-rock history.

The majority of the crowd seemed too young to remember the year Dinosaur Jr. originally split in 1997, but rocked out anyway. Many seasoned listeners knew they were witnessing history, but if plaid shirts and shaggy hair wasn't your style, Dinosaur Jr. were still worthy of deep respect.

A gathering of teeny-boppers stormed the stage as Metric were on next. Emily Haines, a star everyone loves to hate-on, inspired a slew of drunk girls into a chant "Emily, Emily, Emily, Emily," while in response the dudes with their arms-crossed muttered Metric under their breath.

Clad in a sparkly dress and overcoat, Haines stole the show as she danced across the stage and posed in true rock 'n' roll fashion. Whatever one may think of her, Haines knows how to put on a show. The band ripped through "Help I'm Alive," "Gimme Sympathy" and "Sick Muse" from their latest, Fantasies. Haines even gave a shout out to The Tragically Hip, saying our hearts should be with the band today, adding "We're here to rocking your fucking face off."

An overwhelming sense of early 1990s nostalgia continued when The Offspring took the stage. The Offspring were wise enough to dole out their hits early on in the set and played to their crowd. Halifax heard "Come Out And Play," "Bad Habit" and "Gotta Get Away" for the first time ever. Lead singer Dexter Holland's face may show his age, but his voice and bomber-jacket style kept with the alternative era where the band climbed to fame.

As much as I love to relive my brutal teenage years, I opted to check out early during their set only to drag through the mud while a slew of liquored frat boys sang along to "Why Don't You Get A Job?" Consider the shock on my face when I noticed there was a still a line-up of people hoping to get in to see the final leg of The Offspring's set.

NKOTB forever? comic in The Coast

Check out my True Story in this week's issue of The Coast by Mike Holmes (what a gem).

She's Shameless in Toronto's NewsFix

I've finally found my footing after my whirlwind tour of Toronto. Last night's cupcake dress is back on the hanger and the reviews of She's Shameless 90s prom-style book launch at the Gladstone are rolling in.

Laura Godfrey, of NewsFix,wrote a great review and a bonus photo essay of She's Shameless' book launch at the Gladstone.

First off, I've gotta say it's a bit strange to be on the flipside of this journalistic coin. I'm not used to being the one who is quoted or photographed whatsoever.

I still can't quite grasp the fact that young teenage girls came up to me afterwards saying they wanted to be writers, too, while shyly asking for my autograph. Seriously, I wish I could return to my teenage self and say chin up, kid, life gets pretty rad come your mid-twenties.

It was an absolute honour to be included in this fantastic book, not to mention share the stage with such talented women like Zoe Whittall, Ibi Kaslik, Stacy May Fowles, Megan Griffith-Greene, Emily Pohl-Weary, Shannon Gerard and so many more.

Here's what Godfrey had to say:

"Shannon Webb-Campbell, one of the book’s contributors, read her short story “Think Pink.” The story recounts her transformation from an insecure young girl, trying to “get Buns of Steel and shape [her] body like Cindy Crawford,” into a proud and confident lesbian.

“Not only am I a woman, I’m a pink woman,” she read. “I’m a pink woman who loves the pink of other women.”

She’s Shameless was created for teenage girls, but women (and men) far beyond their teenage years came to the Gladstone Hotel to support a book that takes teens seriously and respects their ability to make decisions. According to Fowles, the idea of the book was to give a venue to people who may not find a voice in the mainstream media."

Read the article in full here.

Lunenburg Folk harbour Fest August 6-9

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival draws visitors annually to the old town for a weekend of music and celebration.

"I can't believe I know so many performers this year," says Mary Beth Carty, Bette & Wallet's singer and accordion player. "Smokin' Contra Band, New Tune Society, Swampward Orchestra, Sheesham & Lotus, Kev Corbett. What a line-up."

Steve Dawson, Heather Kelday, Lennie Gallant, Kim Begs and The Marigolds also join in on all the seasonal fun. As for Bette & Wallet, they've got some new songs and collaborative ideas, "with electronic artists and gospel choirs. Gabriel will play jigs and reels on electric guitar, and there will be songs in Scottish Gaelic, my grandmother's native tongue," on the horizon.

But Carty knows little compares to sleeping outside, pickling beans, baking red currant pies and picnics, all of which are among her summer plans.

OK.Quoi?!/SappyFest July 27 - August 2

Don't be sad if you missed last year's SappyFest/OK.Quoi?!. This summer's lineup includes: Julie Doiron, Eric's Trip, Shotgun Jimmie, Chad Van Gaalen, Destroyer, Ladyhawk, Shapes and Sizes, Rock Plaza Central and Halifax's finest: Dog Day, Old Man Luedecke, Windom Earle and Bloodsport.

What more could one ask for than over 60 bands and a zine/record/small press/craft fair? Ok.Quoi?! caps things off with an outdoor screening curated by Elisabeth Belliveau.

"I can't wait to be there this summer," says Belliveau. "It seems like such a great way to check in with Sackville again."

Atlantic Jazz Festival July 10-18

Bell Orchestre rings into Halifax with their latest album, As Seen Through Windows, for their first local show July 16.

"Physically speaking, the title came from spending time in Banff, Alberta," says Richard Reed Parry, double bassist and producer. "In my mind it refers to a bunch of things. Watching, interior versus exterior experiences, perception and listening, the visual connection that can sometimes come into play in music with words, the process of recording itself and how it changes once its recorded. It's sorta conceptual but in a pretty open way."

Bell Orchestre might be new to the city, but Parry's other project, Arcade Fire, blew minds years ago at the Halifax Pop Explosion. Other cats at this year's Jazz festival include: Kenny Garrett, Joe Louis Walker, Garrett Mason, John Abercrombie Quartet, Oliver Jones, Carlos Del Junco, Sisters Euclid, The Bad Plus, Hot Toddy Trio, Jayme Stone and saxophonist Joel Miller.

Acoustic Maritime Music Festival July 17-19

Outdoor music festivals remind songstress Coco Love Alcorn of her pre-teen summer camp days (circa Grade 8), but with better food and less social awkwardness. "I love how every festival is completely unique and full of surprises," she says.

"Everyone comes because the love music and people. And since there is an abundance of both, I almost always get a contact high from the electric buzz of positive vibes."

As for 2009's edition of the Acoustic Maritime Music Festival line-up, campers can experience Ron Hynes, Valdy, Charlie A'Court, Ian Sherwood, Norma MacDonald, Christina Martin, The Hupman Brothers, Gary Cook and more.

"I'm looking forward to collaborating with many music friends, old and new," says Love Alcorn. "I'll have my trumpet and Ian Sherwood will have his sax, so we'll be totally ready to throw down an impromptu horn section...if the other acts are brave enough to let us."

Stan Rogers Folk Festival July 3-5

Celebrate 13 years of folk music and the legend of Stan Rogers at one of Nova Scotia's finest summer festivals. The weekend-long event features everything from gospel to jazz, rag, bluegrass, folk, country and swing.

This year's lineup includes Juno award-winning songstress Sarah Harmer, Mr. American Pie himself, Don McLean, Bruce Guthro, Jimmy Rankin, Thom Swift, Amelia Curran, Christina Martin, Lynn Miles, Tom Fun Orchestra, bluegrass quartet Blue Horizon, Steven Bowers, The Divorcees, Po' Girl, Kim Dunn and more. Artistic director Troy Greencorn is thrilled for this year's StanFest.

"When we started the festival I always dreamed that someday we would be able to present the songwriting legends of our generation. It's really come true," he says. With on-site camping and nearby green space, thousands of people soak in the sounds of six daytime stages and one evening stage that operates late into the night.

Evolve July 17-19

Music evolution is constant and the Evolve Festival keeps up with this change. Thousands of campers settle in for the weekend to hear a plethora of musical performances.

This year's line-up includes: Xavier Rudd, Shout Out Out Out Out, Jon Lajoie, A/V, The Sleepless Nights, Caledonia, Rich Aucoin, The Ukeladies, Share, Ghost Bees and Cool Dad. But it's Toronto's own Valery Gore, looking forward to the isolation, outdoors and camping, who promises to inspire dancing and howling at the moon.

"Indoors, the music feels contained and the crowd is sheltered by walls and ceilings," says Gore. "I think the crowd feels more freedom with the open sky above them."

It may be her first time in Antigonish, but a good friend has given her the heads up on the highland heart of Nova Scotia. "She has already told me about the beautiful beaches and how her grandpa and I will get along."

Halifax Pride Festival July 19-23

Celebrate 21 years of the proverbial rainbow at this year's Halifax Pride Festival. Catch the songwriter's showcase featuring Christina Martin, Kim Wempe, Rae Spoon, Rich Aucoin and a surprise guest (July 24).

"I love pride celebrations in general," says Spoon. "It is such a great thing to see all of the queer people out celebrating diversity. It's also a good way to accidentally run into people who you know."

Fresh off his European tour, Spoon will be in town hosting a two-week long songwriter's workshop with the Youth Project, as well as performing at various pride events. Be sure to head to the Garrison Grounds after the parade on Saturday, July 25 for Under the Big Top, featuring explosive performances by The Cliks and Hidden Cameras. Also check out WetSpot's 5th Anniversary bash (July 25, venue TBA) and SheDog's Pussy Playhouse (July 23, SeaDogs Bathhouse).

Paper Beat Scissors make abstract sounds

Remember playing rock, paper, scissors during recess in elementary school? Well, Tim Crabtree's project Paper Beat Scissors has little to do with childish games, but there is something youthful about his approach to music. Instead of locking himself in the ivory tower of song, he begins by tinkering around on guitar and making sounds reminiscent of vocals with his mouth.

"It's more about melody and sounds than anything else," says Crabtree, who draws from the personal and the abstract. His bandmates include Jesse Tesolin on cello, Amy Lounder on violin and Ryan Veltmeyer on melodica, who help create the moody atmospheric tones of the four-track demo Flicker, which also includes a beautiful stop-animation video for the song "Be Patient," by Chris Tootell (animator on Coraline).

With their self-recorded disc in tow, Paper Beat Scissors are heading out on tour to Ontario and back for a few weeks via the train. All aboard!

Ria Mae has a new job

Halifax fosters new creativity. At least that's how Ria Mae sees it. Recently the songwriter quit her construction-management day job to take on music full-time, a bold but necessary risk.

"Deep down, I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing," says Mae. "I've had to downsize and am living very differently, but I feel really alive."

Since the doors opened at The Company House, Mae's found herself on the corner stage nearly every week or so with backup vocalist Margot Durling. Whether the duo are playing Wednesday night's regular open mic hosted by Don Brownrigg and Dave Scholten, opening for Mathew de Zoete or headlining, Mae feels like she's in her element.

She's in the midst of finishing recording her debut EP with Don MacKay. So far she's got "Amy," "Questions," "On the Side" and "Waiting" on the final cut, and hopes to release it this summer. Fingers crossed.

Sarah Slean's Gone Green

Sarah Slean won't be wearing a dress rehearsal rag.

Slean is in the midst of an environmentally conscious cross-country trip she's dubbed the Recessionista tour. She's teamed up with Canadian fashion designers, purchased carbon offsets and ditched her band.

"I've mixed worlds with fashion a few times," says Slean, calling on her cell en route to Kingston, Ont. "I've met a lot of people in the fashion industry. People have shared gowns for shows and events.

"I love to meet other creative people, but I had this fear of fashion — how it makes you ultra aware of your body; the psychology of the body. When you are wearing a certain dress, it brings out a character in you, personality traits of something that's beyond. In that sense, it's a costume; it's a part of getting on stage."

With the help of some of Toronto's finest fashionistas, Slean put out a call for designers to create unique threads constructed entirely from recycled materials, tailored to her petite frame. At each show she premiers a new dress.

Slean charmed audiences in Saskatoon in a backless ensemble created by Charmaine Bertram of Integrity Designs. Vancouver saw two stunning custom gowns (one peacock blue, the other cherry red) that were each accessorized with shoulder shrugs by Kat O'Shaughnessy of Magdelina Designs.

Annie Thompson's nod to the bygone era turned Montrealers heads with a black and white gown that was once a bed sheet, wedding gown and a sweater. Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish of Comrags concocted a slim-fitting number to show Slean's Canadian pride — the dress is a patchwork of hockey jerseys.

Slean plans to auction the entire wardrobe via eBay when she returns home. All the proceeds will go to the David Suzuki Foundation.

Slean's still flexing her academic muscles despite having just finished her music and philosophy classes at University Of Toronto. She wrote detailed profiles on each designer to share with her devout fans on her official website.

"I love to write. I have such respect for writers and reporters," she says. "It's a really Canadian thing to do, and put it in an essay format.

"Maybe because I'm finished school, I desperately need to write essays. Meeting these designers and confronting these radically different personalities. What makes a person go into that world, being intrigued to understand."

Slean officially celebrates her university graduation before she flees east for the final leg of her tour.

"I convocate on June 15. Ridiculous, hey?" she says. "I'm not so worried about that dress, what with that ugly robe we have to wear.

"But I loved my private academic life. My classes were this little section of the universe devoted to my ignorance. Exploring different philosophies and ideas is so satisfying."

Slean is always seeking knowledge and opportunity, and recently cut strings from her major label, Warner Music Canada. She's thrilled to return to her roots as an independent artist.

"I've got nothing bad to say about that," she says. "They gave me ample creative room. It's just a function of the times. The whole industry as a structure is crumbling; it's being reformed. The music industry has to downsize and be more efficient.

"I just feel like the only relationship that really matters is between the people who make music and those who want to hear it. It's the reason for the whole other structure. Artists and music lovers still have the goods; we'll still be able to make the exchange with a lot less middle men. It's a good time to be a musician."

In other Slean news, the Art Of Time Ensemble invited Slean to accompany their Songbook series in 2007. There was talk of recording after they performed two sold out shows at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre.

The results arrived last Tuesday, as the nine-track Black Flowers collection, produced by Jonathan Goldsmith at Puck's Farm, came out. Black Flowers features stunning renditions of Ron Sexsmith's "Dandelion Wine," Feist's "Monarch," Leonard Cohen's "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," and "Dress Rehearsal Rag," Sarah Harmer's "Lodestar," among many others.

"A lot of these songwriters I met when I was just growing up in the Toronto scene and was still trying to understand what I meant to be a writer," she says. "There is nothing that I like more than artists sharing and inspiring. That has made me who I am.