Photo Dump: Dead Broke and The Dying Arts in Toronto, March 21st

On March 21^st, The Dying Arts and Dead Broke played support for Restorations at the Horseshoe Tavern. Though I lack photograph evidence of the headliner band, I do have several of shots of these two dynamic openers.

Dead Broke have always excelled at entertaining the crowd during the set, but they certainly outdid themselves at their first Horseshoe show, including introducing various members of the crowd, high-jumps, and of course an impromptu mid-song healing ceremony.

The Dying Arts, meanwhile, have played The Horseshoe Tavern numerous times, but that didn’t make the 21^st any less exciting. The band ripped through their songs with their signature raw energy, drawing a growing crowd as the set went on.

Photo Dump: Anti-Flag in Oshawa, March 20th

Only a month after their recent stint in the province, Anti-Flag returned to Ontario for one more Terror State show.  In Oshawa this time, the show was opened by Newcastle's The Corporate Life and Peterborough-based Cross Dog. After playing the album in its entirety, Anti-Flag performed a mix of songs that included old favourites such as One Trillion Dollars, and even some new songs from the upcoming album American Spring (May 26^th)

NOW WITH 300% MORE VIDEO!

Photo Dump: Womb and Mother Leads in Toronto, March 18th

In an eclectic blend of styles, both jazz-influenced Womb and the heavier-styled Mother Leads gathered at Toronto's Cherry Cola. In a night filled with dancing, Womb played their first set as a five-piece, adding on a keyboardist and trumpet player.

Interview: How to pick out a drumkit, with Joe Torchia of The Dying Arts

Throughout my years of photographing concerts, I have always wondered what decisions go into setting up the perfect drumkit. Why are some kits so small, while others seem to cover half a stage, all of them producing such different sounds? Upon arriving at Long & McQuade to interview Dying Arts drummer Joe Torchia, my curiosity quickly turned to awe upon seeing the sheer quantity and variety in the drums section. Though he has only been working at Long & McQuade for a year and four months, the drumming veteran has been playing for the last twenty years. Torchia, an outgoing man with a shaved head and tidy beard, was dressed for work in a button-up shirt complete with a tie. This outfit was a far cry from how I’d met him, in his usual touring garb of jeans and a t-shirt.

Photo Dump: Brutal Youth 7" Release in Toronto, March 13th

On a very lucky Friday the 13th, punk band Brutal Youth released their new 7" record Bottoming Out, and brought a few friends along for the ride. Not only did $10 get you entry to the show, that included sets by School Damage, No Hands, and Good People, the lucky first 100 people got a free record at the door. Brutal Youth then took the stage, and played a fun and energetic set. Singer Patty even got a few jumps in, despite an apparent leg injury that left him in an elaborate knee brace.

Photo Dump: Sixteen Scandals in Toronto, February 28th 2015

Back in November, Sixteen Scandals were part of the project I created that eventually led to starting this blog. At the end of February, I had a chance to see and photograph this awesome pop-punk band again. With their fast-paced, dancey riffs and a bassist who used the entire venue as a stage, Sixteen Scandals did not disappoint.

Photo Dump: FRNKIERO AND THE CELLABRATION in Toronto, February 25th 2015

In February this year, Frank Iero- guitarist of My Chemical Romance fame- returned to Toronto for the first time since forming FRNKIERO AND THE CELLABRATION. This was the band's first headlining tour, and the fast-paced and exciting set featured songs from the debut album Stomachaches. One highlight, though, was when they were joined by touring support Homeless Gospel Choir to cover Boxcar by Jawbreaker. After this mesmerizing show, Iero stayed to meet each and every concertgoer waiting to express thanks or get something signed: a line that spanned through the small venue. 

Photo Dump: Anti-Flag in Saint Catharines, February 18th 2015

Back in mid-February, I was able to follow around Pittsburgh natives Anti-Flag and World's Scariest Police Chases and Toronto band The Dying Arts. I've posted many photos so far, though these photos from the last day of the tour at L3 in Saint Catharines are a long time coming. So without any further ado, here are photos of all three touring bands, on the final day of Canadian leg of The Terror State tour.