Down With Webster @ The Ex

You know summer’s winding down when the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) comes to town. Every year the last few weeks of August and into early September turn into a fun-filled day (or more) at the Ex for families, friends and anybody who enjoys the look, feel and smell of the carnival. With everything from shopping, games, rides, entertainment, and the food there is something to please people of all ages. This past Saturday (Aug 28) the weather w/as hot but not stifling. The sun was shining, the crowds were out in full capacity and the overall feel of the CNE was light and buoyant. Everywhere you looked there was a smile on someone’s face or food in someone’s hands.

Every year for the past couple of years I’ve been to the CNE not only for the fun, and food but also to take in some local Canadian talent that otherwise would be impossible. Whether they’re constantly on tour, charging insane amounts for tickets or just not in my area of the country, it’s always a great opportunity to enjoy some cheap entertainment. Every couple of days there were different bands/musicians performing and they always had something to please everyone.

In the past I’ve seen Hedley (2006), The Trews (2008), Faber Drive and The Latency (2009) and this year it was Toronto born and bred Down With Webster.  All Canadian and all up-and-coming bands making their marks on the world. Bands that I remember seeing in small clubs and bars where nobody knew their names. It’s always an honour to watch them grow and flourish throughout the years and it makes you proud to see they’ve come from your home country.

The Bandshell has been known for their summer events at the CNE and it’s always fun to take in a show at the end of a long day full of fun. What I notice that’s different from any other shows I’ve been to is the variety of people who attend. If you were to see Down With Webster in a concert venue such as The Phoenix on College St. (?) you’ll find a general age group attending whereas at The Bandshell there are families young and old, teenagers, and even grandparents stopping by to take in the music. Every once and awhile you’ll even find them singing and dancing along to the songs even if they have no idea what they’re singing.

The line-up for this show was short and sweet as Toronto’s Sweet Thing opened for Down With Webster. This rock band just released their album not too long ago and have been promoting
 it as well as themselves relentlessly. Their music was upbeat and fun to dance around too. Even though they’re set wasn’t as long as that of Down With Webster, they sure knew how to get the crowd riled up and ready for the main event.

Down With Webster hit the stage at nine p.m. for a full hour show full of rambunctious band members, a fantastic performance and most importantly a very loud hometown crowd. With thousands of people there for a good time they performed radio favourites Your Man, Rich Girls and most recently added Whoa is Me. But that didn’t stop them from performing old favourites that many original fans of the band would know such as Tens, Weekends, and Grind.

Overall the day was fantastic. I was only at the Ex for a couple of hours (the main goal to see DWW) and I was worn out. I love the atmosphere and the people who come out to the shows. I also love watching people's reactions when they realize that this isn't the type of music they really go for. DWW is an incredible band and they're amazing live. You can't help but put on your dancing shoes and dance like a fool. I know I can't help it - and I can't dance!!