Rich Aucoin - Drake Hotel (Feb 21/13)

The Drake has celebrated Rich Aucoin on numerous occasions, including the release of his most recent acclaimed record with a concert having a highly sought after ticket. So here he was repaying the favour on their ninth birthday. Despite the cupcakes and balloons it wasn't much of a celebratory atmosphere in the hipster-chic resto-cum-club until Rich graced the stage. Accompanied only by his brother at the helm of the drum kit Rich played a host of keys and synths in addition to prompting the recordings, and of course performed the vocals into either an effect mic or a wireless that allowed him into the crowd. As per usual there was a mélange of video clips, presumably culled from the recesses of YouTube, that had us laughing and cheering in anticipation. Finally Rich laid into his set and as he seems to be able to accomplish wherever he goes, the party took off. Yes, it was a typical Rich set (even predictable being my sixth) but compared to other musicians it is so atypical in its engagement that it can still lead to euphoria. Tossed into his bag of well-documented tricks was a promising new (and short) song - so fresh in fact, he admitted to reading the rhymes sequentially off the insides of his fingers. ("Times like this I wanna be a believer") Gratuitously peppered throughout was his encouragement 'one more time!' which although often untrue successfully prompted increased zeal from the audience members shouting along - an allowable white lie. Following the literal parachute opening, which also literally heats things up, he rode enthusiasm through to a non-encore conclusion. First- and sixth- timers alike left the night beaming as Rich had successful injected some much needed happiness into an otherwise drab Toronto February. Folks shouldn't be blamed if they were to mistake the other notable Happiness Show touring Toronto for this one night event.