Master of Fun

Since I was impressed with the intimate CBC First Play show by Rich Aucoin a few weeks ago, I decided to head to the Drake Underground on Thursday for the full experience. Opener Regina Gently got the crowd into the party mood with some vigorous dancing and singing taken from their old Light Fires project as well as some upcoming material. Of the new stuff, songs that took inspiration from 90s dance beat like Good People got the most booty moving. Gently was as sarcastic and witty as always.

Aucoin was back tonight with the local 10-member band he assembled for the CBC show. Unusually for an album release show, he played the record in its entirety in track order. Like previous albums, Aucoin has synced his music to a movie à la Dark Side of the Rainbow. For the latest entitled Release, it was to Disney's Alice In Wonderland. The film was projected behind the band and although some parts were more thematic, there were bits where it was clear the lyrics were made to align with the visuals (or vice versa).

It was a joyful set. The sound was impeccable with an excellent mix. But it was a full sensory experience. In addition to the movie, there was confetti spraying at specific times, special lighting effects, and of course the Aucoin parachute. Tonight, instead of bringing a "venue appropriate" one, he brought the largest one he owned and filled the whole space. Unlike the typical Toronto crowd, this one was fully committed to the show. Any performer who can get an audience to sing, dance, join up shoulder-to-shoulder and jump up and down has a great stage presence. I also have rarely seen a band so happy to be playing. Tonight was the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who needed some positivity.