A TRIBE CALLED RED and LIDO PIMIENTA at Fort York Garrison Common, Saturday, July 18. Rating: NNNN
Lido Pimienta appeared on stage for her Aboriginal Pavilion set draped in colours and patterns that dramatically contrasted a sparse song played mostly by guest violinist Melody McKiver. It was anything but relaxed past that point, with the her band employing synth, keys, violin, and all manner of percussion to underscore the political points of her songs. Those points included, but were not limited to, aboriginal women’s issues, domestic abuse, queer and trans rights, and protecting Canada’s water resources. It was a bold, genuinely moving set that showcased the Colombian musician’s flair for addressing important issues directly and furiously.
Headliners A Tribe Called Red were just as political, but with the added bonus of extreme danceability. Besides one break 20 minutes in, Bear Witness and Ian Campeau were relentless on the ones and twos as a video backdrop showed clips of pop culture depictions of Native Americans. Their “electric pow wow” bangers were received enthusiastically by a packed tent thirsty for something to move to. They also debuted a new collaboration with Pimienta, and ended the show with a song that sampled Johnny Cash’s Drums, which inspired their resident dancer’s best performance of the night.
music@nowtoronto.com | @mattgeewilliams
