October 13, 2022. I was out in Winnipeg visiting a good friend of mine, Matt Rock and a couple of his buddies, when we all went out to see Matt play. That’s where I met Duncan. He was telling me about his band, Screaming at Traffic and how they are leaving in a few days for an Eastern Canadian Tour, hitting up Ontario and Quebec. They were going to be playing Oshawa at The Atria on October 13, 2022, just shortly after I flew home. So of course I told him I would go. Even after he bought us a few rounds of shots, I already knew I’d be going. Duncan was a really down to earth, cool, always smiling, poilite dude.
When I talked to Duncan that day when they were loading in, they said their sleeping arrangements had fell through and they had no place to crash. I told them I had no problem setting them up in my basement. It’s half “fake” finished with a futon, which is my jam room and doghouse. The other half of the band got the laundry room with an an air mattress on the concrete. Sorry guys! I didn’t realize it went flat on ya until we packed it up the next day. My wife ended up taking our 3 year old and herself over to the neighbours for a sleepover.. since ya know.. four strange men from Winnipeg. Haha!
Unfortunately whoever the promoter was, did not promote this show well. I felt horrible for such a good sounding band! There were only a few people there in the booths, and a few on the floor, including myself and a couple friends I brought along. But the greatest thing is, is that this band performed as if it were a packed house! They played better than I had imagined. Just like their album, but in my face! Full of energy, super tight, on the ball, back and forth vocals, awesome harmonies.. it was just perfect!
