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Western student adds to local music landscape

The mood at Chaucer’s Pub on Saturday night was one of buzzing anticipation. With the small and intimate Fireplace Room completely packed, a night of local talent was set to usher in Sam Allen’s debut full-length release.

Aaron Lozynsky opened up another successful Open House Arts Collective event. Lozynsky brought his rockabilly attitude and entertaining 1950s stage presence to the largely receptive audience. His new attitude and sound is a far cry from his earlier days as a folk singer, but the progression has helped him gain a unique element that seems to separate him from the current indie scene. His songs and storytelling had the crowd engaged and happily surprised at his solo act.

Quickly following Lozynsky was Handsome Dan and his Gallimaufry. The folk-rock outfit from London played a rare full band set to an audience that was left in awe and eager for more from the band.

Handsome Dan played songs from his album Father Noon and a few unreleased singles. Accustomed to playing solo, Dan had a band to support him, which made his catchy folk songs sound more full than usual. Playing favourites like “Fox, Hound, Dog” and “The Sound of Plenty,” Handsome Dan brought about a beautiful set that perfectly complemented the main act.

LOCAL MUSIC ROCKS. Media, information and technoculture student at Western Sam Allen serenades the crowd with tracks from his debut album, Landscapes, Saturday night at Chaucer’s Pub. (Courtesy of Sam Chang-Gardner)

Allen followed the well-received openers with an impressive set of his own. Playing his debut full-length album — Landscapes — in its entirety, Allen roused a sense of excitement from the already content audience. The atmosphere in the Fireplace Room was warm, and the support for Allen’s release was overwhelming. Allen, a native of London and current Western student, is also known for his work in the band A Horse and His Boy.

Special guests of the evening included the vocal talents of Olenka Krakus, from Olenka and the Autumn Lovers, and Kelly Wallraff on violin and piano. They led the crowd in a sing-along to “Mountain Top Chorus Song,” complete with specially printed pamphlets with the lyrics — it was a highlight that brought Lozynsky and Handsome Dan back onto the stage to join in the fun.

A night of great local music — for a charge of $5 — left the audience in good spirits. The intimate location and beautiful set décor only added to the evening. The mix of energy and appreciation for Allen’s debut release resulted in one of the best live performances from The Open House Arts Collective to date.

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