...what CBGBs failed to achieve...

With the words “Every dog has it’s day” one of the greatest Canadian bands went from struggling bar band to DETERMINED struggling bar band. Where once the doors of opportunity closed behind The Sadies we witnessed last night one of the greatest moments in Canadian Music History - A collision of 60 years worth of commitment to talent, passion and a great pint of beer.

The 60^th Anniversary of The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern marked the success of what CBGBs failed to achieve. An institution that has land marked musical history time and time again.

Last night staff, fans, industry and friends of The Shoe gathered for unlimited 50, commemorative beer steins and a subtle reminder that it isn’t the corporate sponsors, or the H&M down the street or the new café on the corner that keep Queen West from going belly under in a trend filtered, buzz induced, culture coma. photo by Phil Ogynist

It’s venues like The Shoe that have served up year after year fine musical dining. From the Rolling Stones to The Tragically Hip and every indie buzz band in between.

Let’s paint a picture of what you little people missed Thursday night shall we?

Imagine your high school prom but done up by someone NOT your grandmother. Endearing in design the Shoe was swathed in red and gold with balloons smothering every inch of ceiling. Our lovely Daria is doing the door and greets everyone warmly. There’s a STACK of commemorative 60^th Anniversary beer steins for each guest to take home with them [I took 2 – not gonna lie]. There’s unlimited 50 on tap AND in the BOTTLE. [Draft = no good. Always.] Food trays are circling shrimp and sushi heaven and top it all off – miracle of ALL miracles...there’s friggin coat check.

Did I mention that this is only the beginning? Now I know EVERYONE and their mother has seen The Sadies bring the house down. Some of you more so. Well Thursday was no exception. First up are The Sadies with The Skydiggers – legends people ROCK LEGENDS. Than Mom and Pops Good hop on stage and show us young folk that age my friend is a state of mind and that if I can rock out half as much or look half as good when I get older than there is hope in this world after all !

Next up Greg Keeler of – wait for it – BLUE RODEO jumps on stage and launches straight into a kinks cover that has the dance floor writhing with bodies packed at the front of the stage. The man has class and panache all wrapped in a fine tuned package of pitch perfect vocals. To go from dancing in the basement to Casino when I was a kid to standing at The Shoe..2 feet away from an influential part of my youth is surreal to me. Thank you Greg.

“That night in Toronto…with its checkerboard floors…” [Musical interlude for unavoidable schmoozing]

After a quick break of nicotine satisfaction and a quick pit stop at the bar, I’m steady balancing 2 pints and 3 bottles while winding my way to the front where I’ve scored what will turn out to be the best seats in the house when Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip makes a surprise appearance.

After a blistering rendition of The Stooges Search and Destroy, Downie settles in for a flawless set that sets the ladies screaming and the guys pumping their fists. Already this night has become one of legend. The few of us pressed to the stage can not comprehend exactly what is transpiring. What we do know is that this was definitely the night to haul ass and make it out – regardless of the fact that you’re hungover from the night before and the night before that.

Have I mentioned yet that one of the best things about The Shoe is its bar staff. If a venue plans to stick around for longer than leg warmers and teased hair it has to have more than a sound system and great beer on tap. It needs a staff that can make you feel at home and tell you to fuck off in one breath. It’s kinda like Cheers but without the cheesy show tune them song and brutal décor.

The last act to hit the stage is The Waco Brothers – a definite favourite off Jeff Cohen. Closing the night with humour and timeless guitar riffs is what The Waco’s do best and Thursday was no exception. Thank you boys – for pumping us up just to walk off stage leaving us hungry for more.

Thanks to the staff for making the Shoe what it is today. Thanks for taking all the jaded, self-centered, egotistical, money driven “industry types” and kicking some passion and respect for music back into their lives. Thanks to the fans that left any pretensions at the door and spent the night rockin the dance floor. Thanks to Steve McLean for showing us ALL up in a smoking Elvis Outfit – not everyone can pull off turquoise my friend but you did it with class. Thank you to Craig and Jeff for letting the taps run free ALL night and for bringing phenomenal programming day after day to us little people. Thank you to the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern for keeping our secrets, holding us up when the beer was bringing us down and for giving us a place where we can squeeze into rickety tables and soak up new and treasured music alike.

And most important – Thank you for one of the best hangovers I have EVER had the pleasure to endure.