Fresh off their performance at the Ambleside Music Festival, Canadian music institution, Bran Van 3000 brought their eclectic sounds to the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC.
The evening kicked off with our friend, DJ Boitano – spinning a well curated mix of 90s hits, modern and classic rock and hip-hop. It was the type of set that got people dancing in their theatre seats and even a few of us on our feet.
A huge smile rarely left DJ Boitano’s face throughout his set. Clearly relishing every moment of being direct support for Bran Van 3000. Often during his performance there would be praise from the crowd, the occasional request and one fan in-particular cheering him on.
“You are awesome, DJ Boitano!” a voice yelled from the corner of the room. In which he replied “Thanks, honey. That’s my wife…” to a roar of laughter from everyone in the room.
It was a treat to see DJ Boitano front and centre in a venue like the Charlie White Theatre. Seeing the joy and how hard he works during these performances really makes you appreciate The Zone’s Mixtape which he painstakingly puts together everyday. Sadly, as of Friday, August 25th, 2023 he will be retiring the show making everyone’s commute home just a little less fun.
Last year, Bran Van 3000 celebrated their 25th anniversary as a band with a Canadian tour (which stopped in Victoria for one of our favourite parts of Rifflandia) and they haven’t stopped rolling since. Now making a stop at one of our favourite venues on Vancouver Island, the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC.
Arguably, Bran Van 3000 (or BV3 as fans loving refer to them) is one of the most eclectic acts out there. Taking cues from classic hip-hop, indie rock, pop, soul, funk, world music and even hard rock. Each moment of their live performances feels like a surprise weaved with intention. Building their sound and energy from song to song seamlessly.
While BV3 singer, Sara Johnston strapping on a guitar at centre stage the band launched into the instrumental Gimme Sheldon with samples filling the voids the band missing from the recorded version. Within moments the charismatic James Di Salvio exploded from behind the curtain in the way only he can. Commanding the stage while pacing the very edge of it and jumping around monitors while wailing on his tambourine.
About a third of the way through evening the instantly recognizable synth sounds of the band’s biggest hit, Drinkin’ in LA, started to play while Sara Johnston and Kim Bingham synced into a haunting harmony. This was a song we were certain would be the encore and for it to pop-up so soon took us back. Like we said earlier, BV3 is full of surprises. Di Salvio took us on a trip to simpler times and memories of Big Shiny Tunes 2 with this one. Sounding just as it good as it did in 1997.
Throughout the night we were treated to snippets and covers from Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. Something that we are appreciating more and more these days. John Di Salvio delighted in moments shrouded in shadows at the very edge of the stage rapping to an adoring audience that savoured every word off of his tongue.
When it comes to Bran Van 3000 there is one song we think shines above the rest and that’s Astounded. Originally recorded with a long lost Curtis Mayfield sample shortly before his passing it is full of sweeping violins and orchestral movements. When it comes to the band playing it live Kim Bingham takes on the roll of Mayfield in the most spectacular way. Leaving an earworm in your brain for the next few days.
Shortly after the band left the stage, Sara Johnston stood alone with her guitar playing a stripped down, indie folk version of the band’s song Rockstar. It was and emotional moment that felt like that left the crowd holding their breath as she bore her soul.
A cacophony of sound that had been building all night from Bran Van 3000 ended with Stepchild off of their 2001 album, Discosis. It was the perfect way to end things off with the audience clamouring for more.
While it’s not often we get music like this booked at the Mary Winspear Centre (if ever) this is something we hope they continue to take risks on. Seeing staples of Canadian modern music perform in a venue like this is an experience we highly recommend.
