Walking into Stages on Tuesday night, it was impossible not to notice the change in atmosphere.

There is nothing more cliché than music reviews that compare bands to other bands that sound like them. Beyond that, it is even more cliché to say certain bands sound like Joy Division, the Mancunian quartet whose 1979 album Unknown Pleasures virtually defined the post-punk sound that gained popularity throughout the early 1980s.

The Foursome, by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, is a comedy which examines the evolution of a friendship between four old college buddies. Ted, the heavy drinker; Cameron, the worrywart; Rick, the schemer; and Donnie, the dork.
The four friends get back together to attend a 15-year university reunion. The dialogue unfolds—along with the quirks of each character—throughout the duration of an 18-hole game of golf at the Windemere Golf and Country Club.

When Alexisonfire’s lead singer, George Logan, was forced to put down his mic to safely protect a handful of wayward crowd surfers during the band’s energetic closing number, “Counterparts & Number Them,” this show was officially out of control and insane.

Tomate Potate will be opening for Uncut tonight at The Grad Club.

Upon entering the gallery space, a work titled “Curtain” is directly in the path of the viewer. Five parallel floor-to-ceiling panels of fabric are hung with a single bare light bulb dangling by an electrical cord between each panel. All of the panels are made of sheer black fabric with the exception of the last, which is a solid black panel that is impenetrable to light; thus, the back of the gallery is not visible upon entrance.

Upon exiting the Cocamo after MTV Canada’s Steve-O Jackass Tour, I was speechless. The show was nothing more than a twisted display of masochism, which left me utterly dumbfounded.

Whether you love them or hate them, Sum 41 is arguably the biggest worldwide rock band to come out of Canada in the last 20 years. This past Friday night, they brought the energy that has made them household names to millions of fans around the world, as well as houseguests to movie stars and Paris Hilton.

Perhaps it was the crowd who chose to remain seated as Barber repeatedly encouraged them to consider dancing; perhaps it was the birthday party happening at the back of the room that didn’t really consider Barber as anything more than background music; perhaps it was because it was Friday night of Frosh week and most people chose house parties over the Grad Club, but the Matthew Barber and The Union Dues show just didn’t satisfy.

Written by John Cameron Mitchell, this play is more of a rock spectacle than a glossy musical. Directed by Rachel VandenAssem, Hedwig tells the tale of a transsexual named Hedwig, in which case the “head-wig” is obviously a creative play on words. It is set in a small venue, which makes the Baby Grand a good choice by the production team, as it is perfectly fit to decorate a small, “hole in the wall” venue.

Prior to the Frosh Show, the Journal managed to snag a moment with Dave “Brownsound” and Cone, the guitarist and bassist for Sum 41. In a rather candid pre-show interview, the zany duo reflected upon everything from dropping out of high school to George W. Bush and Ron Jeremy.

On Sunday, thousands upon thousands of concert-goers crossed over the La Salle Causeway to the Royal Military College grounds for the Kingston love-in that was “Across the Causeway.”

Imagine filing a civil lawsuit against the Metro Toronto Police accusing them of negligence and human rights charter violations. Winning sounds almost impossible, right?
Now imagine being raped and finding out you weren’t the first, but sixth in a line of women raped by one man.

Queen’s alum Matt Barber’s soulful blend of rock, blues and mellow acoustic exudes the type of unwitting sexiness that most of us try and fail to achieve. Hitting the road to promote his latest release, The Story of Your Life, Barber will play the Grad Club tonight.
The up-and-coming crooner paused for a tête-à-tête with the Journal to discuss the trials and tribulations of being young, cool and a rock star

Kean Soo graduated from Queen’s in 2002 with a degree in electrical engineering, and as the best laid plans of mice and men often go, he is now a promising comic book artist and graphic novelist, who stands poised at the edge of real success.

Frosh will be treated to some music from Sum’s upcoming album tonight in the Miller Hall parking lot.
Tonight Canada’s most popular punk export, Sum 41, will be playing this year’s annual Frosh Week concert. The Ajax phenomenon are currently doing a College/University tour, Queen’s being their second stop.

East Coast rockers The Trews are among the acts slated for the Across the Causeway benefit on Sept. 12. Originally hailing from Nova Scotia but now based out of Niagara Falls, The Trews have been enjoying increasing popularity over the past year, thanks to singles like “Not Ready to Go,” videos like “Tired of Waiting,” and rave reviews of their live performances. Guitarist John-Angus MacDonald took a moment with the Journal to chat about the upcoming charity benefit.

Frequently touted as the hardest working band in Canada, The Sadies, comprised of Good, his brother Dallas also on vocals and guitar, Sean Dean on upright bass, and Mike Belitsky on drums, can rarely be found at rest.
Their latest record, Favourite Colours is their fifth in six years, during which time they have also recorded with Andre Williams, Jon Langford, and Neko Case, not to mention touring the country extensively.

All-around entertainer Hugh Dillon has been around the block a few times. The former frontman of The Headstones is now exploring the acting world while simultaneously maintaining a music career, thanks to his current project, The Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir. With The Choir hitting the stage at the Across the Causeway benefit this Sunday, Hugh paused for a moment with the Journal to reflect upon his past, present and future.