by Avery Berezowski
photos by All My Relations Photography
On November 23rd, 2024, Prince Albert’s Rock Trout Event Centre was electrified by a night of unforgettable music. As part of their cross-country tour, GreenWing was joined by local acts Cupid’s Heart and Dirty Sanchez Orchestra for an evening filled with high-energy performances. The crowd was quickly swept off their feet, with the music sparking an impromptu mosh pit. The bands fed off the crowd's vibrant energy, creating an electric atmosphere that only intensified as the night went on. As always, the friendly Rock Trout staff delivered excellent service, while Funky Fresh Bistro kept everyone fueled with delicious snacks. The combination of flashing lights, moody aesthetics, screaming guitars, and pop-punk sounds made for a truly rocking experience.
Dirty Sanchez Orchestra kicked things off with classic punk flair, blending humor with fast-paced tunes. Their music made a bold statement, driven by passionate lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and relentless drumbeats. Despite a mishap where drummer Charlie Prokopie was knocked by a microphone mid-song, the band powered through without missing a beat. At one point, they invited an audience member on stage for a cover of an NOFX song, keeping the crowd engaged with the vocalist's quirky sense of humor and lightning-fast beats. The power trio, rounded out by Will Yannacoulias on bass and Barret Prokopie on guitars and vocals is a force to be reckoned with for certain.
Next up was Cupid’s Heart, a local favorite known for their commanding stage presence. Their unique blend of rock and moody lyrics filled the room with intensity. The combination of drums, guitar, and Emma Jean's distinct vocals, paired with the deep, expressive tones of Stacey Dunn's cello, captivated the crowd. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and their ability to have fun while performing only amplified the energy in the room. Having played at Rock Trout many times, the band is no stranger to this audience. “Each show is a little different because we play with different bands each time, which shapes the vibe of the night,” Emma Jean explained but, in turn, “In one way, every show is the same because we've had such positive fan support (every time we play here).” Cupid’s Heart added some new songs to the set list but kept the crowd rocking to their classics.
GreenWing took the stage with undeniable energy, coming in hot and ready to deliver an unforgettable performance. The band was perfectly in sync, moving together as one, their explosive stage presence and dynamic songs creating an instant connection with the audience. At one point, a young fan stood near the stage, soaking in the music, and was invited to play a few chords on bassist Travis Williams' instrument. Williams later spoke about the importance of supporting the next generation of musicians.
The crowd responded to GreenWing's set with enthusiasm, some dancing, others tapping their toes or swaying to the rhythm. Their moody, punk rendition of the classic Neil Diamond banger "Sweet Caroline" even got the more reserved audience members to join in, shouting the lyrics and dancing on the floor. As the show came to a close, the crowd erupted, begging for an encore. It was a night filled with music that allowed everyone to escape the troubles of the world for a few hours.
What an article, sounds like an amazing night full of fun!