Night Court

On Saturday, I dropped by Performance Bar. During the SummerWorks festival, the downstair lounge at the Lower Ossington Theatre was a free venue where artists (primarily singers) could try out their material. The conceit: we were in a post-apocalyptic future . Artists attempted to revive forgotten traditions in an Art Court in front of stern black-robe judges. If their performance is deemed art, they win gold. Else they were sent off to be executed.

At least that's what the two judges (two funny comics) told the audience. Throughout the show, they would ad-lib quite amusing and often hyperbolic claims. Henri Faberge was the resident guest artist. Apparently, he has been doing a "10,000 song cycle" and tonight was his last 2. After which, with the judges being fed up with his extravagant but misleading project ("Many of the songs sounded quite similar"), he was to be killed regardless. After he sang his songs, a number of stand-up comedians came out to do their schtick.

Afterward, I headed over to the Cameron House for some live music. I was curious to hear Tyler Kyte's solo material, having seen him with indie pop band Sweet Thing and cover band Dwayne Gretzky. Turns out his own songs were a mix of country and Americana. From Canadian Quarters, Rocking It Out, to Midday Sun, it was story-telling with a hint of country twang. Appropriately enough, Kyte also sang a few songs by Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen.