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The Sputnik // Thursday June 30

A&E

Kiley Bell // arts@thesputnik.ca

Hockeyfest brings big bands to Brantford

Kiley Bell Section Editor Brantfords largest music festival, Hockeyfest, took place at Lions Park in early June, boasting an incredible three-day concert lineup filled with big name bands, screaming fans, and all the booze one could handle. Well its two weeks later and Im still recovering, so thats a good sign! says Ralph Spoltore, Hockeyfests organizer. A strong lineup of country bands took the stage on day one, including local stars Dry County, building the crowd up for the nights headliner, Martina McBride. While the country fans showed their excitement by chugging beer and shaking their daisy dukes, it wasnt until the next day that the crowd really went wild. During day twos Rock theme, big name bands like The Trews, Finger Eleven and Three Days Grace took the stage, causing fans to go insane by constantly crowdsurfing and moshing. Im just happy something is finally coming to Brantford thats worthwhile! said concert goer, Kathy Greenwood, during Finger Elevens performance. Weve got so much to offer but no one knows about us. The feeling that Brantfords music scene is somewhat invisible and at times ignored is a belief that Ralph Spoltore once shared with his grateful Hockeyfest attendees. Brantford has been looking for something for a long time to call their own, and they can do that with Hockeyfest, says Spoltore. People in Brantford can take great pride in having this awesome music festival right in their own backyard. But it wasnt just the people of Brantford that were thrilled about the incredible lineup of bands throughout the three day festival. The feedback weve gotten from every band that played on our stage is tremendous, says Spoltore. Playing Hockeyfest was something they really enjoyed! As for the student population of Wilfrid Laurier University, Spoltore, a graduate of Laurier himself, promises that he hasnt forgotten about them. Were definitely going to be bringing big bands to Brantford for the students of Wilfrid Laurier. And well be doing it throughout the year! With this summers Hockeyfest already under his belt, Spoltore remains optimistic about topping the event next year, although itll be no easy feat. Youre only as good as your last festival, Spoltore says. And Im going to do my very best to keep it as fresh as possible.

Chris Thorsteinson of Doc Walker plays for the crowd at Hockeyfests Country Night. (Photo by Venetia Bodanis)

Party Places
Kiley Bell Section Editor

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Therapy Lounge
16 Market St. across from Williams

Fans packed Lions Park for Finger Eleven, a performer at Hockeyfest. (Photo by Venetia Bodanis)

Located directly on campus, Therapy is a relatively new bar that has soon become a Laurier favourite. Dont let the dark lighting and white furniture scare you away, this bar caters to students with live bands and fairly priced drinks. In the warmer weather theres also a patio thats perfect for splitting a pitcher with friends in between classes.

NV

234 Colborne St.

If youre more into the club scene and you prefer to spend the night dancing, then NV is definitely for you. Most popular on Thirsty Thursdays, a night at NV promises $2.50 drinks until midnight, free admission for students, and top 40 remixes all night long. Slightly less noteworthy perhaps, a night at NV also promises at least one fight breaking out, booty shaking contests and absolutely disgusting washrooms. Either way, its always a night to talk about.

Jackhammers
155 Lynden Rd.
As NVs biggest competition, Jackhammers is quite similar in both atmosphere and music choices. The main difference is that Jackhammers is located off campus and requires school buses to take students to and from the nightclub. The good news is that the school buses are free, they leave directly from campus, and theyre always an entertaining ride. If you feel too cool to ride up in a school bus, then free limo service can be provided for groups of 6 to 9 people.

The Piston Broke

393 Dalhousie St.
More of a friendly pub than anything, The Piston Broke offers a casual night of playing pool, eating nachos and having a few beers (choose from 13 draughts). With Hockey Night Saturdays and Football Sundays, The Piston is a great place to watch the game. Why not listen to their live music on Thursdays before heading over to NV or Jackhammers?

Brandos on Market
135 Market St.
For those of you that are more adventurous, Brandos is definitely the most eclectic bar downtown. With strange tropical decor all year round (think large palm trees and tiki huts), its the place to go if you want to see what else Brantford has to offer besides student life. Youll most definitely meet interesting locals on a Manic Monday Karaoke night or an Aloha Friday dance and DJ night. Just make sure to take a friend with you, as you probably wont run into many other students.