Time: 9 p.m.

Cover: none

If you missed  the Esper Records launch party  this past weekend, catch the new record companies’ artists at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, performing a showcase, April 1.

Jon Martin http://www.theweathermachine.com/ 

http://www.myspace.com/thenewweathermachine

Jon was born and raised in the prairies of Lethbridge, Alberta. As a child he had a strong fascination with music, but it wasn’t until 15 that the dormant guitar sitting in the closet became the most interesting thing in his life. Before long he had embraced a busy gigging schedule, spending several years developing his own guitar and vocal style with a variety of bands and had the opportunity to embrace songwriting and music production. Eventually, Jon decided he wanted to do something more artistically fulfilling and began working on material for a solo record, which eventually became the debut album from The New Weather Machine (December 2008). The record was written, performed, and recorded entirely by Jon in his basement over the course of about a year.

In early 2009, a band was assembled to perform the album at the hugely successful CD release party and has subsequently continued to perform across Western Canada. The dynamic and engaging three-piece band now features Jon Martin on guitar and vocals, Jesse Northey on bass and backup vocals, and Brad Brouwer on drums. The progressive alternative rock groundwork laid on The New Weather Machine is expanded on and enhanced by the band’s chemistry, intensity, passion, and no-holds barred approach to live performance.

Jon is currently writing and demoing new material to be recorded for the bands second album (TBA 2011). “The next album will go to the best places of the last record, and to new places I have yet to explore,” says Martin, “The band has been sounding great and I’ve been inspired to push my songs into new territory that is artistically and musically challenging, but still accessible and enjoyable to play live. ” 

Influences cover a wide range of artists such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Clash, The Stones, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, The Who, Radiohead, Wilco and T.Rex.

When he is not working on music for The New Weather Machine, Jon studies music at The University of Lethbridge, produces, mixes, and records other artists and bands, and also explores visual art and photography. He is also an AES member with a strange fascination with the creation of music and sounds, microphones, compressors, preamps, and the art of recording.
 

Jesse Northey http://www.myspace.com/jesseandthedandelions

Jesse and the Dandelions are a four piece, indie rock band that are based out of Lethbridge, Alberta.Their songs represent a wide variety of musical styles, but one thing that glues the songs together is their strong melodic element combined with their dance-ability.A Jesse and the Dandelions show is a unique and special experience because they have songs that encourage the audience to get involved and have been described as fun, loud and raucous. It's for this reason that they've been the opening act for bands such as Pilot Speed, Attack in Black, We are the City, and Hey Ocean. The Dandelions also play a handful of non-profit/fundraiser shows for LPIRG, Amnesty International and other local charities. Every time they play "In Limbo" there is a limbo competition with prizes. During the "Van Song" you can't help but sing along and dance to the group parts. Their other songs simply sing the truth and will keep you interested even if you aren't into limbo competitions or dancing. Jesse and the Dandelions have a blast playing live shows and the audience shares that experience with them. The band is currently writing a new album which is planning to be released in the early summertime, as well as planning a tour to support the new album. -Jesse and the Dandelions 

Leigh Doerksen http://www.myspace.com/richarddoerksen

Leigh Doerksen is a local singer/ songwriter whose latest project is the ambian rock duo Church with drummer Dan Puurveen.