Maxwell’s Block Party 2022 (Various Artists)
June 17 & 18 2022
Maxwell’s Waterloo, ON.
Waterloo, ON’s premier Music Club Maxwell’s first experience turning their parking lot into an outdoor music festival was a success. Two days of showcasing great Canadian bands, many of them local. Add to that beer tents, food trucks, and hundreds of people, and you have yourself a music festival. I would not be surprised if this is not year one of a new music festival. Here are the bands in order of appearance.
Friday, June 17
Established Kingston ON rockers Kasador got the party started. They continue performing all over Ontario this summer and return to Maxwell’s on June 24. Catch them live and see why Alan Cross named Kasador “Canadian Rock Artists to Watch in 2020.”
Fresh from headlining shows in the UK, Oshawa’s prog-rock duo Crown Lands continues to let their “freak flag fly” and play amazing sets. Their popularity continues to skyrocket for good reasons.
After more than thirty years as a band, The Tea Party remains an exciting act and one of the best Canadian rock bands. The fact that the crowd swelled to capacity for this day one closer proves that fact. Playing songs from their EP Sunshower and much of their older repertoire, they were a great closer for day 1. They are touring all over Canada this summer. Do your ears a favor and catch one of their shows.
Saturday, June 18
Local Kitchener band Hyness kicked off day 2 of the Block Party.
High-energy Oakwood ON alt-rock trio Excuses Excuses made sure the party kept going.
Waterloo ON’s Sierra Pilot maintained the energy and punk vibes with their great set.
Hayling from London ON, Texas King, nearing a decade of performing to Canadian crowds, gave another strong performance.
With roots in Burlington and Buenos Aires, Harm & Ease was a high-energy mix of ear and eye candy. Each of the members of the quartet were strong performers, and I know they left, leaving many new fans behind them.
Finally, turning the amp up to 11, Monster Truck made a frontal assault on the stage. The Hamilton rockers blasted their sound to an enthusiastic crowd that had been waiting on them all night.
