PHOTOS & REVIEW Big Wreck The Grace Street Tour With Special Guests Ascot Royals

Artist: Ascot Royals Review Venue: Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, BC Date: January 27, 2017

Can’t get much better than a Friday night concert at the Commodore in Vancouver, BC. The first of two nights for Ascot Royals who had the amazing opportunity to tour with Big Wreck. I didn’t know what to expect as I had never heard of this band but all I can say is that I became an immediate fan. Their upbeat performance and infectious energy had myself and the packed house engaged the moment they stepped on the stage. Their music is a combination of British and North American Rock. It reflects their own experiences and struggles they have been through. The core of the band formed in 2007 but they solidified the group about 5 years ago. “We’re like a family”, says singer Jimmy Cheuveau. They have had many accomplished like winning the Molson Live at the Lake competition in 2013, Finished 2nd in IndieWeek in Toronto in 2011, 1st band to win Chorus Radio’s The Edge Indie Online completion and many more. They have also shared the stage with the likes of the Arkells, Down with Webster, The Reason and many others. After the show I got to meet and talk to Jimmy. Super nice guy. You could see his eyes light up when he talked about the band. Although Jimmy & Ben are from England and Tal from Israel, the band is based in Brantford, Ontario just outside of Toronto. The small world that it is, I found out the Jimmy actually lives in the same small town as my Sister. The band consists of his brother Ben Cheuveau – keyboard/back-up vocals, Tal Vaisman – Guitar/back-up vocals, Scott Page – Bass and Sam Stark – drums. I look forward to following Ascot Royals as I’m positive that they are headed towards big things. They have a new super fan in me. Check them out at www.theascotroyals.com and on all social media sites. Review by Kelly Findlay Photos by Sarah Diamond

Artist: Big Wreck Review Venue: Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, BC Date: January 27, 2017

You know you have great fans when you arrive on stage, start singing the first song and the crowd takes over the lyrics.  Big Wreck had everyone rockin’ throughout the 90 minute performance.  Many times, frontman Ian Thornley, stopped singing, with a big smile on his face just pointed the mic towards the audience.  Listening to mostly the newer Country music, I was pleasantly surprised as to how many songs I actually knew.  The intense guitar playing was just amazing and took over the performance.  Truly incredible to watch. Big Wreck is releasing their new album Grace Street this week on February 3^rd featuring “One Good Piece of Me” and is sure to be great.  The Grace Street tour is making its way across Canada. Be sure to get out and catch them live. Review by Kelly Findlay Photos by Sarah Diamond