Hugh’s Room
The new Hugh’s Room is now two years old and thriving. They are getting in great acts from around the world and around town. They usually start the evening off with some announcements and ask the question, “is this your first time at Hugh’s room”? I was one of those hands that went up. As time moves forward, those raised hands are beginning to thin out. These people have found a music venue they call home. The reason I am mentioning this is because there is always room for more. We at Blast Toronto and Hugh’s Room are working on a partnership where music lovers can enjoy a place like Hugh’s Room. There will be a membership program where you can eventually purchase concert tickets at a much better price. Imagine you have a budget to see 6 shows a years. This program could help guide you to 12 shows a year just for being a member. Be part of our newsletter to stay on top of what we are creating for you.
The Barrel Boys
This is the Barrel Boys first Christmas show of the year. So if you missed them this year, you still may have a chance to see them elsewhere in Ontario. Here is a list of the places they are playing this month.
If you are unfamiliar with their kind of music, they play Bluegrass. It is kinda like the Soggy Bottom Boys, but drier.
They opened the show with “Christmas time is coming”. They jumped aboard “3 Ships”, and rode this song along some lively waves.
Once we jumped off, we got on board and took a “Sleigh ride”. This is the second time I heard this song in two days. I was at the Advocats Xmas concert the night before.
So, what would want to make you go to a Barrel Boys concert? Well, the simple answer would be because they are an incredible vocal group with extremely rich harmonies. If you love honest storytelling moments, they will provide an open window into their lives which really helps with connecting with your audience.
One of the stories involved two different perspectives of a toboggan over the years. If you are 12 years old or younger, a toboggan is a vehicle of endless adventures. When you become the parent of children, lugging around a toboggan all day, the adventure doesn’t seem to last as long.
One of the talents this band has is their way of arranging these seasonal songs. When they played, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”, you could feel newly fallen snow all around you as you had your own special gnome doing a soft shoe shuffle in the white stuff next to you. Yes, it can feel that real!
Being a Gordon Lightfoot fan, it was a real joy listening to their version of “Song for a Winter’s night”. You can see it on my Instagram page- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRzXqQ-jf1i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
When the band returned for their second set, it was clear that they took their cues from previous Cher concerts. They put on a whole new look, Yes, the Christmas sweater did make an appearance. Thank goodness they were not ugly.
There was another story about the time they could not tour due to Covid. In those two years, they created two Christmas Specials to make up for their lack of touring. You can still have your holidays with this band if you cannot catch them this year.
The link for these special are from YouTube- The Barrel Boys Christmas Special 2020
The Barrel Boys’ Christmas Special, Volume II – A Christmas Barrel
The second set was just as charming and fun as the first half. When they finished the evening with the ever classic, Silent night, we were all satisfied and ready to head home feeling fulfilled. They had other plans because they wanted us to leave on a happier note, so we got to sing Jingle Bells to feel that perfect finish. Good luck with the rest of your tour around Ontario.
You can view The Barrel Boys on their Instagram account- www.instagram.com/barrelboysmusic/
Here are the Barrel Boys and their toys:
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