Last weekend, Calgary experienced an incredible two-night run with The Slackers at Inglewood’s Ironwood Stage & Grill. Jory Kinjo and the Relays were alongside as the local supporting act, and both nights were sold out.
Nestled in the heart of Calgary is the old Garry Theatre, now home to the Ironwood. This venue features a cozy atmosphere and an ideal layout for intimate live performances, with tables surrounding a small dance floor in front of the stage. While the kitchen served up delicious food, the bar kept the drinks flowing, and the crowd buzzed with excitement, all eager to dive into an eclectic night filled with reggae and ska.
Jory Kinjo and the Relays kicked off both evenings, instantly getting everyone off their seats and out on the dance floor each night. Their energetic set boasted crowd favourites like “Spooky Reggae” and “Timebomb,” as well as a rendition of the Jackson 5 classic, “I Want You Back.” Tracks like “Don’t Wanna Miss the Dance” had guys and gals skankin’ across the floor, creating a captivating vibe. On the second night, the excitement surged as The Slackers’ Vic Ruggiero joined the band on stage for “Tighten Up Your Gird,” a song Jory and Vic had written and recorded together. Vic’s undeniable stage presence sent the audience into a frenzy, while the laid-back reggae rhythms had people tapping their feet and swaying to the music. Proving, as usual, Jory Kinjo and the Relays are the perfect openers for The Slackers.
Hailing from New York City, The Slackers have always had a special connection with Calgary. Over the years, they’ve made numerous visits for shows and solo gigs. This recent appearance at the Ironwood marked their return to the venue after nearly two decades. The energy of their live shows is consistently entertaining and spontaneous, with two sold-out nights in Calgary, we were in for a treat. Both nights, The Slackers seduced the audience with impressive horn solos and infectious dance grooves, while also improvising on their iconic tunes. Their stage presence was engaging, with comical banter woven throughout their set each night. Each evening The Slackers had a different setlist, while keeping a few hits for both nights, like “Watch This,” “Wasted Days,” and “Have the Time;” as well as a newer track, “Hold On.” The remaining songs varied each night, as did the atmosphere.
On the first night, a chunk of the crowd were newcomers, so The Slackers ensured they left satisfied. Treating the audience to beloved tracks like “Sarah,” “This is the Night,” and “International War Criminal,” the crowd danced throughout their set. Vic Ruggiero (vocals, organ, tambourine, harmonica) educated us on how the Germans pour a perfect pint, amusing the audience and laughing at his own instructions. As the night wrapped up, the band took requests, and Glen Pine (vocals, trombone) decided on an exotic twist, playing “Minha Menina,” – a track you don’t hear live often. And although they didn’t do an encore, tomorrow they would return for another show.
Friday night marked their second and final performance, and it was a bit rowdier. Both nights were sold out, but Friday felt packed to the brim. Bassist Marcus Geard made a striking entrance in a stunning purple pinstripe suit, instantly wowing the crowd. The Slackers kicked off the night in the same manner as the evening before, playing songs like “Old Dog” and “I Still Love You”; the crowd sang along the entire time. Tracks like “Married Girl” and “Sooner or Later” had the audience screaming for more. This time they returned for an encore. Again, they invited the crowd to make requests; “Happy Song” and Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive” were among the chosen. As the evening drew to a close, the audience felt a wave of bittersweet emotion, reluctant to let go of such a memorable night. Dave Hillyard (Sax) couldn’t help but laugh that two nights simply weren’t enough—he was right.
Both nights with The Slackers were truly stellar. Calgarians appreciated getting two shows and we showed our gratitude by selling out both nights. It’s clear that The Slackers have a special place in their hearts for Calgary, and I can confirm that Calgary feels the same way about them. We’re already counting down the days until their next tour!
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