I dunno, maybe it has something to do with the fact that my arrival to this city predates its inaugural edition, or maybe I was just so used to staying up real late on Saturdays that it hardly seemed significant–but in any case, I’ve never been that interested in Nuit Blanche.  Though I suppose that music, and for that matter, even writing, could be considered art, I can’t say I’m all that interested in its visual form.  Not to mention that they hold this thing on the first weekend of October, when the temperature tends to dip considerably–and last nite was no exception.  That said, there were a couple of “unofficial” musical events that pulled me away from the 17 playoff baseball games and that thrilling Argos-Ticats contest to brave the seven-degree temperatures on Saturday evening.

As I mentioned on Monday, Blood Ceremony was playing a Kensington loft (Holy fire hazard, Batman!) in support of George Dim.  I also received a last-minute Facebook invite maybe two days beforehand to what was being dubbed “A Post Rock Exhibition” at El Mocambo.  Local acid psych rockers Galaxies in the River were on second, which figured to give me time to catch their set, and maybe grab a coffee, before heading off to Double Double Land.

My timing was impeccable.  There were extra Spadina streetcars running thanks to Nuit Blanche, and I actually made it to the ElMo a lot earlier than anticipated, catching the back end of some solo folk rock performance.  Probably just as well, since GITR went on a little earlier than anticipated.  Man, these guys rock!  An instrumental retro acid-psych trio led by the guitar stylings of Chris Kendrick, who channels Hendrix and SRV with his blazing fretwork.  Their drummer knows his 70′s fills, and John “Oxenberger” Kendrick holds down the low end, without the weird monologues.

Their set ended a little after 10, which gave me plenty of time to figure out where this coffee-themed loft was located.  I swear to Satan someone told me it was the second door on the right, but I guess I just misread the gig listing.  In any case, I got there a bit before openers No No Zero went on, which was cool, since I figured I’d probably miss them.  Imagine a gangbang between the Melvins, The Stooges and Black Flag, with a singer who looks like Buzzo, sounds like Elvis and plays the theremin.  Not too shabby…

Although people were packed pretty tight into the rather small space, I was able to squeeze my way up front for the Ceremony.  A solid set centred around the sophomore album, with a couple of oldies (including a “prog rock” version of “Master of Confusion”) and a brand new tune they’d never played live before.  They’re coming with for you, Europe!

Headed back down to Spadina, where I caught an almost-empty second streetcar just as it was about to pull away.  Had time to stop for pizza, and still made it home by quarter to one.  I guess I can’t complain…