Julia Crawford performs with Vonelle at GBC Live and Local at the MOD Club Feb. 12. PHOTO: DYLAN LIU
By Lama Kanj
Special to The Dialog
On Tuesday, Feb. 12 Live and Local, a fundraising concert organized by Special Event Planning students, premiered at the MOD Club. The night featured local bands, a DJ set by Soul Proprietor (Eon Sinclair from Bedouin Soundclash), independent vendors of artisan jewelry, a photo booth, a silent auction, and incredibly tasty hors d’oeuvres that just kept coming! All proceeds went to the George Brown College Foundation and Villa Charities.
The first band that took to the stage was Fire X Fire, a synth-heavy, alternative rock band with a crowd-pleasing cowbell and megaphone. They had catchy hooks and lively lyrics, however it was early in the night and the crowd was too meager to truly appreciate their songs.
Union Duke, in matching plaid shirts, played bluegrass meets alternative-country and gave show goers a reason to dance. “Are you stoked to be here? Because I’m stoked to be here!” said percussionist Matt Warry-Smith. Even if you aren’t a fan of this type of music, Union Duke is so entertaining and engaging to audience members that you can’t help but bounce a foot to their beat.
When Vonelle appeared and performed their first song, the audience was at its peak. This indie rock band with melodic new wave vocals performed by singer Julia Crawford, stole the show.
With her silver danceresque dress, and flowing long blond hair, Crawford’s style truly matched her ethereal, smooth voice. I sat down with the enigmatic singer to ask her what she thought of the event. “I thought it was awesome! Hey when people are walking around with pizza on trays I’m happy! Crowd was sweet!” said Crawford.
Although the majority of the crowd had left by this point in the night, those that stayed were giving their full attention to Air Marshal Landing, a self-described “thoughtful indie pop rock” band. Lead vocalist Cory Adrian said, “So glad to be here tonight, doing this fundraising. Let’s give a hand to the bands that were here tonight!”
Live and Local was an impressive event. By the end of the night, show goers had a well-delivered taste of the sound of independent artists in Toronto. For Fire X Fire, Union Duke, Vonelle and Air Marshal Landing, it can only go up from here!
