Review by: Justin Fisher
November 18, 2024
I haven't been in the scene for too long, but I have seen many new Winnipeg venues/clubs and changes to existing venues. That being said, when the news came out that a new venue was coming, the community immediately came out in support of Cory Thomas (aka Ninjacat Productions) and Jenna Priestner. They have been working non-stop collaboratively to make Sidestage as inviting and safe as possible. The second weekend of Sidestage, Halloween weekend, included many different genres and great bands, and Friday's show was the first of many punk shows presented by D and the Deadbeats.
Walking up to the doors, we saw many people dressed in Halloween costumes, including many kids. The "All-Ages" aspect is a massive part of the new venue's focus on making the music scene more inclusive. Another benefit of the venue is that it is fully accessible. The venue is only one floor with an accessible washroom in the back and a gender-neutral washroom downstairs. After experiencing a night here, I have very high hopes for the venue and hope to see it thrive. Winnipeg absolutely needed a new 200-cap after having The Goodwill shut its doors earlier this year, and this is that.
Grunge and shoegaze act Ceilings started the night off by bringing their noise attack to the masses at Sidestage. With members who have played in several other bands in the Winnipeg area, they are scene veterans who have played a large share of new stages. Guitarist Nick Fondse's guitar tone surrounded the room with his signature warm chorus-distortion sound, pairing well with vocalist/guitarist Trevor Buckley's riffs. Bassist Josh Buors and drummer Sean Kaye complete the rhythm section. Ceilings' setlist included a handful of new songs, and some Ceilings set highlights with "Drip" and "Big Missile" to conclude their set. Ceilings are for fans of bands such as Locater, Seventh Dose, Title Fight, Balance & Composure and Basement.
Melodic punk band, The Zapz were on next, with their fast, blazing songs with catchy sing-along hooks that bands such as Pennywise, Satanic Surfers, Cigar and Lagwagon are known for. The Zapz setlist included their recently released Pancakes EP and multiple new songs and tracks they've been working on for a while. See Kay Arnal's interview with The Zapz if you'd like to know more about their influences and what they've been working on recently.
Emo punk band Camp Robber hit the new stage next. They are another band with many scene veterans like guitarist Alex Guidry, who is the frontman of Elder Abuse, Hallfield, and Nice Cops and has worked with a handful of other bands in the past. Bassist Dan Kelsey plays bass in the melodic punk act Stickaround, and drummer Branko was in Burn Your World. Camp Robber started their set with the two singles "Origami" and "Slow Spring," which feature vocalist Reid's earnest and rough voice singing nostalgic lyrics about bunny hugs, macaroni and seasonal depression. Camp Robber's two latest singles, "Vape Pen Pals" and "Friendship Bench," were also on the setlist. Their setlist also contained some new songs, and in discussion with Reid, you can expect to hear these sometime in the next batch of songs they're bringing to the studio. Check out Camp Robber if you're into Iron Chic, Transit, Joyce Manor, Microwave and The Wonder Years.
Death Cassette played the night out, and from the first guitar chord to the final cymbal crash, it was a packed house dancing and headbanging along to their energy-filled set. Vocalist Amanda has an undeniably infectious energy, especially when she riffs off her bandmates and uses crowd interaction for a more intimate punk show. All four members excel at keeping a crowd excited, something challenging to do as a final band past midnight. A highlight of the night included a Halloween costume contest, where a young Gandalf, fitted with a lantern duct-taped to a broomstick, gracefully accepted his prize. Death Cassette's setlist highlights included a lot of new material from their most recent EP, "Get Rid of It," as well as old songs and a cover of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer." Death Cassette is for fans of bands such as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Distillers, Bad Religion and Against Me.
The second weekend of Sidestage was a success, with Death Cassette and friends kicking it into high gear. Congratulations to all the bands who played great sets, D and the Deadbeats, for returning and putting on a great show and special congratulations once again to Jenna, Cory and the entire Sidestage team for building an amazing, welcoming venue.
Photos By Quinnhallphotography
Find more of Justin Fishers' work at Suburban Home UMFM 101.5, Your home for everything melodic punk and emo, with a sprinkle of whatever mixed in. Wednesday, 1:00pm–2:00pm.
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