ROCKABILLY RIOT APRIL’S EPISODE OF ROCKABILLY MAYHEM SPOTLIGHTED SOME OF HALIFAX’S FINEST JUKERS AND JIVERS. LACEY WILSON

There was no shortage of talent, leather or hair gel at this month’s Rockabilly Riot. Hosted by Tiffany Spencer of Broken

Chord Promotions and East Coast Rockabilly Riot, your pals at Live 105.5 and the city’s only choice for rock ‘n roll, the Seahorse Tavern, the Saturday night show was swingin’. Us young folk sipped on soda pops while jiving to Johnny Cash covers performed by many rockabilly enthusiasts. The night began with a rockin’ acoustic set by the Seahorse’s own, bartender Tyson Spinney, followed by haunting renditions of hits such as “Busted” and “Long Black Veil” by independent Montreal musician Dru Donovan. Not only did this regular ol’ box social kick off with some great Cash covers, but Dartmouth artist Janette Rawding was hangin’ side stage wailin’ on her paintbrushes with a rockin’ Johnny Cash portrait which she completed throughout the night. After intermission the stage was graced with Moncton’s own Rockabilly Rednecks, who got the crowd moving. The final set began with Halifax’s Chris Martin and The Troubleshooters who pumped out a couple tunes. It didn’t take long for Chris to invite Laura Merrimen, Christine Campbell (Stone Mary), Marc-Antoine Robertson (Soho Ghetto), Dru Donovon and Carmen Townsend on stage to join in and turn up the heat. Fantastic. Just as rockabilly is the marriage of country and rock, this proved a memorable night for the Seahorse with its nuptials of art, fashion and, of course, music. Be sure to check out next month’s Rockabilly Riot at the Seahorse on Friday, May 18th. Kicking off the Maritime Tattoo Festival, the show will feature music by Ginger St. James, The Troubleshooters and Big City Rockers, as well as the sexy Burlesque of Kay Licious and Le Noir. Tickets will be available at Taz Records.