AWmusic

Over The Top Festival kicks off on May 21st and ends on May 23rd (excluding The Book of Judith which runs from May 20th-May 31st), includes Music, Film and Theatre. The festival will mark it’s eighth year since starting in 2002.

We’ll be covering the music portion of the festival (duh?) in addition to reviewing the Book Of Judith which is scored by The Sunparlour Players’ Andrew Penner (which we just reviewed Wave North yesterday).

Speaking of the Book Of Judith, I’m a BIG fan of theatre – most of my volunteering involved theatre. Here’s the play synopsis:
“In 2005, Michael was asked if he could help find a lover for quadriplegic Judith. Instead, he made her a play. Join Michael Rubenfeld as he shares his play about Judith Snow: pioneer and leading advocate for disability. Judith has changed Michael’s life, and now he will change yours with a musical about disability.”

There have been a lot of decent acts that have played at Over The Top Fest this year is no different. While they may not be BIG names right now, they are sure to be. Sheila is going to be at the festival everyday, reviewing a variety of shows.

May 21:
Show to watch:
Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains, Dinosaur Bones, Friendly Foes & Bayonets @ Whippersnapper Gallery
Former Death From Above 1979, Sebastien Grainger headlines the first day. I was supposed to review his record awhile ago and I just popped it in the CD player now and it’s pretty good. Former writer and good friend Kevin, was amazed at their live show when they opened for the Stills. Definitely a band to check out.
Other: Baby Dee with Timber Timbre. Don’t know much about Baby Dee but Timber Timbre has caught the attention of Herohill and London Burgeoning Metropolis (subsequently an older album was reviewed here).

American Names by Sebastien Grainger and The Mountains
Demon Host by Timber Timbre

May 22:
I haven’t had the pleasure of knowing the music. Here are some quick thoughts:
Think About Life – instead of thinking, let’s do some dancing?
Tuneyards – I actually heard about her before. Think Animal Collective-esque with some folk elements. Pretty good, not sure why I didn’t ask for more information on her. Time to do that now .
The Wooden Sky – seemingly popular folk band from Toronto – I fail with local bands…sigh.

May 23:
Tiny Masters of Today play a show, good thing the festival is all ages (reviewed their CD today).
Green Go has received a ton of press including the Toronto Star. Saw them live, not sure if I liked them.
Five Blank Pages play their final show. I had a chance to run a contest but it just felt so odd, promoting the death of a band. They are supported by Oh No Forest Fires (Rajiv was a former member of Five Blank Pages) and Boys Who Say No – an awesome band name.

Skeletons by Tiny Masters of Today

Being from Toronto and music enthusiast, supporting festivals such as Over The Top is paramount. Go out and attend some shows!

Tags: feature, Over The Top