Call Response Book Launch highlights.

On my way to the West End Cultural Centre it dawned on me that I hadn't been there since a Burn The Eight Track Show in 2001 if my memory serves correct. This was my first time seeing the interior post renovation. It had a weird vibe as well as some familiarities about it. The assistant said it reminded her more of a new age church when you walk in than a music venue and I think she hit the nail on the head.

We weren't there for the ambiance, we were there for the music. More precisely I was there for the Bonaduces who I hadn't seen since a show in the basement of The Zoo so many, many years ago.

The Bondaduces were the first band of the evening to breathe some life in to the stage.

The band was dressed to impress...

...and they came to put on a great show.

Bob on bass!

Lead guitar winning the crowd over.

This is art.

We left before the last band hit the stage as we were all too curious what the "Bro Mags" had to offer at The Albert.

Winnipeg can be a harsh crowd on occasion. Sometimes the music matters less and who you are matters more. I'm sure that's common in more cities than ours. I would say that these guys executed what they came to do with near perfection as far as the music was concerned. They were a Cro-Mags cover band.

Unfortunately despite a room packed with Cro-Mags fans, there didn't appear to be any buy in. The singer pulled off the vocals and did much better once he ditched the mic stand, but appeared to become flustered when the results weren't perhaps as desired. Could it have have been the dress shirt and dress shoes? John Bloodclot Jopseph wouldn't show up in dress shoes...would he? I hope they try this again and get better results despite WHO they are to me or anyone else. When there are no Cro-Mags on stage...a Cro-Mags cover band will have to do.

I tend to avoid "hardcore shows" where the "hardcore kids" dance and sing to hip hop songs in between bands holding their paper bagged beverages up in the air in their hands where the faded remnants of x's remind me of a time since past...and for this very reason I had yet to see Still Fighting....until now.

Riley found his inner G.G. Allin and self inflicted some wounds to his forehead at the beginning of the bands set.

Showing some love for The ALX.

He's a one man show.

I was hoping to see Nat or the guitar player do some spin kicks or some crucial jumps, but no such luck. At least she was having a good time!

Still Fighting seemed to be a crowd favourite.

Definitely one of the highlights of the evening. I would see this band again and suggest you do the same if you have not already. I'm just glad he didn't get any more G.G. Allin than the multiple blows to the head.

A sort of last minute surprise, The ALX hit the stage for three quick songs.

A former roommate.

A current roommate.

Not only a full time promoter of music, but apparently also a producer of music.

This was the end of my night.

It wasn't over until The Comeback Kid took the stage...this time I missed out.

The Call Response Book is now officially for sale at Into The Music and will be hitting McNally's shelves near the end of March. Support Kids Help Phone. Buy a Book! Add awesomeness to your own collection or start one with this book!