Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, March 3-5

Jason Isbell plays the Queen E By Steve Newton FRIDAY: the West African Music Celebration at North Vancouver's BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts features Kofi Gbolonyo and CapU Jazz Ensembles. FRIDAY: Pi Theatre presents Black Space Jam, an evening of multidisciplinary art at the Biltmore Cabaret, featuring poetry and spoken word by Shayna … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, March 3-5

Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the first half of 2023

Jason Isbell plays the Queen E By Steve Newton Bowie Ball: the eighth annual tribute to David Bowie and fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation, featuring performances by local acts the Bad Beats, Rebel Valentine, Ophelia Falling, China Syndrome, Ford Pier, Cherry Maraschino, Mime, Left Spine Down, and Rat Silo. January 7 at the Rickshaw … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the first half of 2023

Album review: Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 20, 2008 By Steve Newton When long-time member (and major songwriting force) Jason Isbell left the Drive-By Truckers last year, some fans worried that the southern rock–influenced alt-country act might falter a step or two. No freakin’ way: it just recruited another wicked guitarist, pedal-steel specialist (and original … Continue reading Album review: Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008)

Alabama-bred Jason Isbell learned a lot from “The Swampers” at Muscle Shoals Sound

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 8, 2011 By Steve Newton Being from Alabama certainly has its benefits, one being the fact that you can really put your heart into it when you sing the chorus of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s biggest hit. But for Jason Isbell, one of the joys of growing up in northern Alabama was being … Continue reading Alabama-bred Jason Isbell learned a lot from “The Swampers” at Muscle Shoals Sound