On the Road Again
Live Reviews:

The White Ribbon Concert
June 8, 1999
The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, Ontario

The Jeffs backstage

Last night, the Phoenix Concert Theatre hosted the second annual White Ribbon Concert, and it was a smashing success. Organizer and "man of the hour", as MuchMusic's Bill Welychka (the evening's MC) dubbed him, Jeff Martin told the near-capacity crowd that the event raised more money than its inaugural edition. The concert was a loose, fun and very passionate night of music to help raise money for the White Ribbon Campaign, which works to end men's violence against women.

Among the highlights of the show was an animated performance by Junkhouse frontman Tom Wilson, who was celebrating a birthday to make the night even more special. He belted out an a capella version of the traditional railroad tune "John Henry", then tore through a blues jam with Toronto's hottest house band The Dexters (check 'em out Fridays and Saturdays at the Orbit Room).

As Tom bid adieu, Mr. Martin emerged — to much age-of-majority applause and teen shrieking — with his pal Todd Kerns. The duo thanked the crowd for supporting the cause, then warned them "This is all about fun; don't expect any professionalism tonight." Despite the disclaimer, Todd and Jeff (again with The Dexters, who backed up everyone admirably) ran through a charged version of the T. Rex classic "20th Century Boy", and a couple of choice Bowie covers ("Ashes To Ashes", "Rebel Rebel").

Gerald Models a White Ribbon T-shirt

Unfortunately, Maestro was unable to perform at the show, due to a family emergency that saw the rapper jet to New York City earlier in the day. Next up was the suave and sensational Gerald Eaton, who ran through a soulful version of "My Funny Valentine" that had the entire crowd transfixed. He followed it up with a playful rendition of "In The Mood", that would sound real nice on the next Philosopher Kings album.

Jeff Martin returned to the stage for a pair of beautiful acoustic numbers that had DAMN eating crow for every swipe ever taken at The Tea Party. He dedicated a lovely Nick Cave composition to his grandmother, who he told us would not be with him much longer. "I want you to understand the sentiment behind this," he told the hushed room. This followed a spine-tingling version of Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye", which TTP had been flirting with as far back as last year's EdgeFest tour — brilliant. It was a treat to discover Martin's impressive vocal range, even moreso than the songs on TRIPtych reveal.

As Jeff left the stage to thunderous applause, Big Sugar's Gordie Johnson arrived to pay homage to the guitar gods. Speaking of which, Canadian axe legend Domenic Troiano (the man behind the original Bush and a one-time member of The Guess Who) sat in with The Dexters all night, and set the joint on fire alongside Rush's Alex Lifeson.

The Tea Party in action

On the day of TRIPtych's official release, The Tea Party took the stage to wild cheering. They thanked the audience for making "Heaven Coming Down" their first Number One single at Canadian radio — "look out Backstreet Boys," joked Jeff Martin. The trio played "Release", the abovementioned hit single, and a powerful "Heroes" (making David Bowie the evening's most-covered-artist by a landslide).

Martin returned once again, and took a seat with his acoustic guitar. He said "this band used to write good songs before they started doing the whole disco thing. This is still a great song, and it seems apt given the occasion", before playing U2's "One". Jeff took a bow, said "here's where things get messy", and called nearly everyone involved with the night back to the stage for an all-star jam on "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

All in all, the show was a pleasure to watch, and we all know that the cause is more than worthy. Sadly, as Bill Welychka commented, "there is a need for the White Ribbon Campaign", so it's essential to support events like this one. Thanks to everyone who attended; your donation will be used to help people who need a hand improving their lot in life.