The 2009 SummerWorks Festival has sprung into its 19th year, and with its success at bringing out the arts into summerland of Toronto, there is music to be had! The festival began its music portion last year with local music-booking favourite Eric Warner taking the reigns. He’s back again with a slew of fantastic Canadian acts for everyone to enjoy!

Last night was the first show with Francophone quintet, Karkwa. As Louis-Jean Cormier (Lead Vox/Guitars) said prior to the start of the show, “We sing in French, but that doesn’t matter. Enjoy the music!” Having seen them for a few songs at CMW a few years ago, I was intrigued at their Prog-Rock sound. Last night, they kept up that trait of their music with impressive results. Although Karkwa could seamlessly stretch their songs into ballads, the band managed to keep their tunes to a suitable length for the fairly new audience. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them again.

The band are on Quebec’s Audiogram label. Their latest record is ‘Le volume du vent’.

Miracle Fortress, which began as a solo project with loops, a drum-kit, a guitar, vocals and sometimes a wig & shades, had sprouted into a five-piece band a couple of years ago. Last night was the first time Miracle Fortress has dawned upon Toronto since last Summer. Commander Graham Van Pelt had been very busy with his other (AMAZING) project, Think About Life (who play tonight, same venue). Van Pelt came back to Toronto like he had way back when: alone with loop pedals (no wig, though). Regardless of the stage population, Van Pelt put on a great performance, sporting new songs with very uplifting twists — danceable twists! Now I have all of those new songs stuck in my head on repeat. I’m kind-of hoping for a surprise secret Miracle Fortress show where he performs the same set again. Yes, also with the Talking Heads’ cover which made the encore extra sweet!

Van Pelt’s other band, Think About Life, play tonight with DDMMYYYY at The Theatre Centre. 10pm!!! GET READY TO SWEAT! It’d be a shame if you didn’t.

For a detailed write-up on the festival, visit Narratives.