B.A. Johnston

Love him or hate him, and it’s entirely possible to do both within the same song, there’s no denying that BA Johnston is a man of the people. For his first concert video, the Hamilton native invited musical friends to old haunt Gus’ Pub, a venerable establishment in Halifax’s north end, to celebrate his own birthday. So, rather than a straight dose of Johnston’s earnest silliness and self-admitted gimmickry, viewers get a good glimpse of a varied and talented Maritime music community as well. The Just Barelys’ "(s)kills” charms and Old Man Ludecke’s "Yodelady” captivates. Hardcore combo Die Brucke tear shit up and popsters the Stance and Maynards are equally energetic but nothing tops the spirit of Windom Earle, whose post-punk "Get On Into It” is the highlight. That’s not to short-change the host, as BA riles the crowd up on "Sleeping with My Walkman” and takes to the streets shirtless for a heartfelt "Blinking Nintendo.” Plus: commentary, drinking game, bonus performances.