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Local Guides
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INDIE SEEN
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by Carrie Humphries
October 22- 29, 2009 |
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And … cut! Yes, Oktoberfest is over – but in light of the October
season, the ghouls, ghosts and ghastly creatures of All Hallows’
Eve are upon us. So time to put away your Thanksgiving gourds
and start carving your festive jack o' lanterns. Oh – and catch
these fabulous artists who are performing gigs and performing “in
memory of” as the witching hour approaches.
ADAM BOWMAN
With a personality as steady as his beats, Adam Bowman holds
the key to the rhythm of some of the rising stars in today’s indie
music community. As a valuable backbone to the likes of Ember
Swift and Lentic, “Canadian Idol” finalist Joni NehRita, and Rufus
John, amongst countless others, Indie Seen has taken Bowman
out from behind his purple drums and put him directly centre
stage where he belongs. At first glance, this smooth operator
drops his charisma and charm as a leading man in the band, but
ask him about his percussion work and he’s as eager as a
schoolboy in a candy store to chat and talk about his successful
run as a session musician and a human metronome. “Adam’s
deep feel and tight grooves have been seminal on dance floors, in
theatres, on television, at festivals, and on recordings for years
now, and he has toured extensively throughout Canada, the
United States, Australia, New Caledonia, Wales, Scotland and
England but this funky drummer is just getting started!” reads his
brief bio. And it couldn’t be any more accurate if it had tried –
Bowman’s work has been firing up artists since his early run as a
drummer in high school, training in classical percussion in private
lessons with drumming guru Gary Tomlin. His passion and drive
landed him in the lap of the Humber College Music Program,
being taught by some of the country's finest. Now well into his
professional career, Bowman has surrounded himself with
musicians he chooses to play with and for. “The concept of
‘making it’ means different things to different people,” he says.
“For me, success has always been defined as making a living
playing music I believe in with people I respect. Ember Swift
taught me that the very act of being an indie musician is a
political statement. You are saying, ‘I choose to live my life and
make my art on my terms.’ When you are at a place with that kind
of freedom, I think, you’ve made it.” It’s that sort of freedom that
has taken Bowman to new heights with his work, collaborating
and working extensively in the studio. “As a session musician,
every day is a new collaboration!” Bowman explains, “I love it!”
Gracing the tracks of records by D Eve Archer, Kellylee Evans,
Allister Bradley and more, Bowman is never dulled by the scene,
and is always thrilled to be a part of the music community
growing in his backyard. “I feel very fortunate to have grown up in
a community as rich and diverse as this. There such a long
history of solid artists coming out of this part of Ontario, I hope
that we can maintain that tradition.” And as Bowman continues to
thrive as an indie musician scouring the globe with new artists, he
simply explains, “It is such a gift and a privilege to do what you
love for a living; don’t abuse it, it is not a right and can be taken
away. As music listeners, let’s all start to think a little harder
about what we put in our ears; it’s no different than what we put
in our mouths. You cannot live on McDonald’s or Rhiannah
alone.” To get the pulse on Adam Bowman’s adventures, tour
dates, discography and more, visit AdamBowman.com.
FRASER THE HYPNOTIST
If the Circus Room name is any sort of indication of what shows
they may pull, booking someone like Faser the Hypnotist should
be no surprise. As a professional entertainer of over 15 years, and
hailed as Canada’s Hottest Hypnotist, Fraser has made his rep
performing in front of countless audiences, emceeing national
events, performing improv dinner theatres and now he’s ready to
take on Kitchener – a city he’s never had an opportunity to
impress. “I am actually very excited to come to Kitchener and have
high hopes that I can perform regular shows in town. This will be
my first time doing a show in the city and I have put together a
special edgy show for this event. I think Kitchener will prove to
have one of the best crowds around; just talking to a few people I
got a feeling that the city if full of great people who like to have
a good time, so I should fit real nice,” he explains. And when he’s
not wowing the crowd with his on–stage antics which go far
beyond being a volunteer, Fraser is also certified in clinical
hypnotherapy and sports hypnotherapy. But when he’s not
conducting self-esteem or anti–smoking seminars, he’s out on
the town conducting a show for a batch of eager audience
hopefuls. We suggest you make your way out to see him. Fraser is
continually changing what you see, ensuring that every show is a
success – from turning adults into five–year–olds singing in silly
voices to “gluing” two volunteers together. And if that isn’t
already enough to entice you, Fraser will draw you in through his
humour, and his youthful fast–paced program designed to keep
audiences begging for more. So what are you waiting for? Go and
see him at the Circus Room on October 24 and in the meantime,
because we know you’re begging to know more, check him out
online at FraserTheHypnotist.com
1st ANNUAL CHRIS LANE
MEMORIAL CONCERT
On October 25, the musicians, the fans, the friends and the
family of indie artist Chris Lane are planning to gather in a gala of
good fun and good music, and dedicate it all to the musician who
succumbed to his battle with cancer in the summer of 2009.
Maxwell’s Music House have opened their doors to the tribute –
an homage to Chris and his music with the proceeds being
donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lymphoma
Foundation of Canada. As memorable to the indie music
community as his catchy lyrics to songs like “Montreal” and “Baby
Jade”, Chris Lane carved his personality into the lives of the many
people lucky enough to laugh at his jokes, sing along to his songs
and learn that meeting Chris wasn’t just familiarizing yourself to
his name – it was earning another friend. And as a tearful
goodbye was paid in his honour to commemorate a happy–go–
lucky, courageous and great guy at the Fox and the Fiddle in
Waterloo this past summer, close friends have gathered together
to channel Chris’s spirit in raising awareness for the disease that
stole him much too early in his young life. Cuneyt (Juneyt)
Yetkiner has spearheaded the concert, organizing a tribute fitting
to Chris’s style, performed by musicians he loved. John McKinley
Band, Tim Louis, Craig Mcnair and Lucas Stagg, Nonie Crete,
Juneyt, Arun Pal, Robbie Hancock, Ryan and Nathan, The Spades,
Mary 5E, Phil, and Derek O’Halloran have all signed on to the bill
and at a nominal $10 cover charge, you’re not only getting the
chance to hear a terrific concert, you’re donating to a cause. And
for those who are unable to attend the concert, $3 wristbands
reading “Watch Me Put Up A Fight” are also being sold. So mark
your calendars for the First Annual Chris Lane Memorial Concert,
October 25 at Maxwell’s Music House. You’ll be giving back more
than just a thanks to Chris and for all the gifts he left: you’ll be
assisting in the fight against cancer. For more information or how
to get involved go to ChrisLaneFoundation.org, and for a listen to
Chris’s music, try Myspace.com/ChrisJLane.
If you’re interested in being featured in Indie Seen, forward your
online press bio to i.r.i.s.entertainmentis@gmail.com with the
subject line “Indie Seen”. Ever been so busy that you forget what
you’re doing it for? Stop. Take an hour. Remember your priorities.
Then stand up, reassess and keep going. Quitting gets you
nothing but a bad credit rating.
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