If you are already in the midst of making your plans for escape from family once all your gifts are unwrapped, might we suggest taking in some local talent who are playing shows on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Also on Christmas Day, but at the Fox n Hound in Riverview, The Nuclear will be performing a special show of sorts. Lead vocalist and chief songwriter Marco Rocca will be playing a solo set to kick things off and will then be joined by Mike Fournier for a set of songs before the full Nuclear band takes the stage to close the evening off.
The Nuclear are in the midst of compiling new material for a new release however Rocca says not to hold your breath for a new record from the band anytime soon. While a Nuclear record is on the distant horizon, a 13-song solo effort from Rocca will be the first to see the light of day in April 2010.
“The Nuclear has six or seven songs written for a record but are still six or seven songs away from the prospect of recording,” Rocca admits.
On Boxing Day, music fans have the opportunity to take in one of a potential three shows taking place in the Hub City.
The first show to note is cover band Loaded Dice who are performing at the Manhattan Bar & Grill on Westmorland St in Moncton.
Loaded Dice proudly proclaim themselves as covering artists ranging from AC/DC to ZZ Top, thus ensuring that those heading to their show are bound to hear countless songs that they will be familiar with. The group’s rapidly expanding fan base will no doubt be interested in taking in the group’s upcoming show, one that singer Don Coleman is very much looking forward to.
“We created the Boxing Day show as a means to help keep people in the holiday spirit,” Coleman says. “We are hoping a lot of people come out to celebrate the best of the season with us!”
The second Boxing Day show taking place is at Plan B on St George Street where Moncton country-rockabilly band The Hub City Stranglers will be playing a show alongside The Hot Nuts.
And last but not least, The Mean will be hosting their annual Boxing Day extravaganza at Saxby’s Pub on Pine Glen Road in Riverview. Also playing the show will be The Strawmen, We Are Action and The Squirts. Admission to the show is absolutely free.
The Mean are getting set to hit the studio to start making a new record, slated to start recording in January.
But in the more immediate future, The Mean’s Nathan Sanford is preparing for the worst but hoping for the best in regards to their Boxing Day show.
“Our Boxing Day shows always end up being a surprise as to whether or not we can play a show without some kind of train wreck happening,” he says. “Whether it is the equipment falling apart mid song or blowing PA’s, something can and will go wrong. It definitely keeps you on your toes.”
So if you’re aching for an excuse to get out of the house, you certainly have your pick of events to take in! Check with each bar for start times.