Canadian Music Week 2005 Diary Day 1

(andPOP) - How Canadian Music Week organizers are able to book almost every venue in the city for 3 straight days is more than impressive, it's mind boggling. With so many choices, it's tough to decide who to go see every night.

Wednesday featured the Indie Awards followed by a concert by Esthero?her first full concert in 5 years. Esthero recorded a song with Outkast's Andre 3000 for her upcoming album. With Andre in town shooting a movie, I had a good feeling he'd show up. And I was right. Unfortunately, I decided not to go Wednesday night. I assumed Andre would perform with her, but from what I heard, he just watched with the rest of the audience. A bit of a regret not going, but alas, I had three busy days ahead of me.

My CMW experience started Thursday morning, as I went to the Royal York (CMW headquarters) to interview Sony-BMG buzz artist Anna Nalick. Great interview, which you will see in a few weeks, as her album doesn't come out until April. Also bumped into Kyle Riabko, who we dubbed the "wonder kid," who said his debut full length will also be out in April. Watch for it.

Thursday night, I checked out Nalick's show at Piper's. It's a very small venue. Actually it's not a venue at all; it's a restaurant. They closed off two booths and called it a stage. She was supposed to be on for about a half hour, but only performed two songs. Though the time was disappointingly tight, Nalick used her 10 minutes to her utmost advantage. She had incredible stage presence, making eye contact with members of the audience as she belted out her single, "Breathe."

After that, I ended the night by seeing Shawn Hewitt at the Horseshoe Tavern. I first saw Hewitt about four years ago at a concert called The Funk n' Soul Revival and he blew me away with such an original soulful sound. Last year however, performing a CMW showcase, he was awful, and it hurts me to say that.

This year I'm happy to say that Hewitt was at his best. He was exciting, coherent, and engaging. Backed by a full band, he switched from guitar to piano, belting out his songs which he has perfected over the past few years.

Write this down: Shawn Hewitt is going to be a big star. Major labels are going to come calling soon. It will be up to Hewitt if he wants to sign with them.