The Regent steps in.

The fact that it is there may be enough. A soft seater, not quite finished but yet intimate and friendly. It has an old cinema vibe with a stage where the screen should be. So far two nights, two in a row... Nov. 3 and 4, Hedley and Colin James, two very different shows.
The stage is waist height and the seats are to the stage...front row is a mere nose lenght away. For Colin James we were greeted by the sight of two wingback armchairs, a table and a lamp. Guitars sit stage left and right. That seemed appropriate for a space that may become Oshawa's living room. It is as close as that can be.
Hedley...well would you want that boombastic poodle punk in your living room? Its best suited to your daughter's bedroom...tunes blaring...fit to shake up the neighbourhood.
The sound of Jacob Hoggard & Co...was an impenetrable wall...too much I think for the room... but the 600 odd screaming pre-teens had a ball. The seats were unnecessary for as soon as one certain CDN Idol appeared the girls stood up in front and in reverse dominoe effect so did each row in turn running backwards.
So at best then of Hedley, one can say that your suburban preteen princesses have a place in this town where they can simply be.
As for Colin James...if that is what the Regent has lined up then you can count me in as a believer. His show was wonderful. A surprise indeed. Just Colin and a variety of guitars, styles and tunes...no band. Wonderful...an acoustic version of Five Long Years. He was joined onstage by Craig Northey of The (New) Odds...they call themselves the Campfire Boys and its was appropriate. Obviously friends with great repartee which on occasion took them over the edge. A couple of off hand remarks were quickly atoned for.
The clamour from the mezzanine bar was audible from the bar and was remarked upon by Northey who found the talk distracting. It may be an issue for the venue to clear up. Many of those had come to party with the Juno winning guitarist and were expecting a full band show. There were some grumblings about the actual presentation with some feeling ripped off. Better pre-show publicity would solve that one I think.
I, however, have no complaints. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I should also add that anyone else who liked the intimate campfire vibe should familiarize themselves with many of the open mics around town. You won't be disappointed.
I actually only stayed for the first set as there was a wee bit of history been made south of us that night which I wanted to see on the telly. But wow, welcome to the neighbourhood, Regent Theatre.

Comments

[Dave]

He would if he skipped T.O. & Peterburough.

[will]

Plakett would be great but would he draw 700 in our town...

[Colin]

That's good news. You mentioned they're playing Plaskett in a movie theater? Why not get him the flesh at the Regent? I'd go see that twice.