Mountain Goddess

Venus Fest is a relatively new musical festival in Toronto whose aim is to highlight female performers. I have been to a few affiliated events but this week-end was the festival proper running for 3 nights. With other commitments, I was only able to attend the early part of Thursday night at The Mod Club.

It was odd to see this music/dance club transformed, at least partially, into something more DIY. There were streamers and other decorations strewned throughout the venue, shimmering projections played on the stage, and a large mural painting against one wall. Loom was the first act this evening. This project by Brooke Manning, poet and owner of eclectic shop The Likely General, hasn't played live in a while. Tonight, it was a set of quiet harmonies as Manning was accompanied by Carmen Elle (Diana), Leah Fay (July Talk), and Kyla Charter.

Over the years, I keep missing sets by the next singer. So I finally got to see Elle Barbara. I don't know if her sound has changed over time. But tonight it was combination Bowie, wild rhythm, R'n'B vocals, and chanting. This was music to dance to but with the early time slot and the laid-back crowd, there were only a few takers.