I Heart the Music: Your Online Source for Live Music Reviews and Interviews in Toronto!

NO SHAME is an independent music series in Toronto that puts the talent first. This isn’t about making money, it is about exposing up-and-coming acts that are making a name for themselves on the indie circuit. NO SHAME have been one of the largest advocates for indie talent and we are very excited and proud to announce their 100th showcase at the Horseshoe this Friday, September 18th with live performances by Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick a Piper and The Skeletons Four. Founder Lauren Schreiber has been the driving force behind this concert series and is a firm believer in promoting local talent. As a huge thank you to everyone that has supported NO SHAME over these past 100 shows we have two tickets to give away, as well as a copy of Green Go’s album Borders.

To win No Borders and two tickets to Friday’s show please email concerts@iheartthemusic.com with your name and number and we will pick a winner on Thursday!

“NO SHAME strives to present bands that are passionate, innovative, creative, thought provoking and fun; and often all of the above. NO SHAME strives to present the best local artists, the best up and coming artists, and the best long-overlooked artists. NO SHAME seeks to be non-discriminate; every genre is welcome, and if you have something to say and you can say it well, you will always have a place here. Thanks to everyone who has made NO SHAME a success thus far.”

-Lauren Schreiber

Tuesday, August 18th saw iheartthemusic out at The Dakota Tavern to catch the country-stylings of Gentlemen Husbands and Blackie Jackett Jr. Having previously spoken with the foursome that make up Gentlemen Husbands, we were excited to be able to catch them again and see the progression they had made since our April meeting. These guys never fail to disappoint. What was disappointing, however, was the fact that there were very few people who were there to witness this. Lead vocalist Rick Ballard always appears on stage with a kind of comfort and maturity that is well beyond his years and this night was no different as he went right into “Family Economics” without a hitch. Despite the lack of audience participation, this writer did not refrain from dancing along to “Compassion Girl” and “Danny Regan”. They were a great start to the evening.

Next up were headliners Blackie Jackett Jr. The crowd were a little bit older but nonetheless out in full force by the time they hit the stage. Having just released their debut album last week (August 25th) entitled Whisky and Tears, this show was a great precursor for fans and music lovers alike to witness the alt country side project of James Black and Rick Jackett; two members of Canadian alternative rock group Finger Eleven. The band opened with “Boozin and Loozin”- an uptempo number that was a great start to an awesome set! Title track “Whisky and Tears” saw the addition of female vocalist Sandra Dee which made for a nice contrast against the soulful vocals of Black. The crowd were all ears as audience members swayed and bobbed their heads to this slow number. For your enjoyment we’ve got a clip from the night:

You can catch Gentlemen Husbands at the El Mocambo on Thursday, September 17th and also be sure to head over to their MySpace where they are offering up four of their newest releases for free!

Congratulations to Evan Scott for winning our “The White Tie Affair at Warped Tour 2009″ contest! Evan and a friend will be off to Arrow Hall on Friday, July 10th to watch some awesome bands rock out! He will also get to meet the boys from The White Tie Affair before their set (and scored a pretty sweet prize pack)! iheartthemusic will be there to capture everything that goes on, so don’t worry if you don’t get a chance to make it this year…we will be sure to snap your favourite bands onstage and backstage!!!

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