Dan Mangan at English Bay, July 28 2010. Ashley Tanasiychuk photo

Photos and review - Dan Mangan and more at SHOREfest, Vancouver, July 28 2010

– review by Rebecca Apostoli/photos by Ashley Tanasiychuk

Presented by Shore 104 FM, SHOREfest is Vancouver’s largest free music festival and features such talents as Jets Overhead, Spirit of the West and Leeroy Stagger. On Wednesday, hundreds of music fans were treated to the laid-back reggae grooves of Jon and Roy, new country songstress Kendel Carson and the soulful, sweet folk stylings of local boy Dan Mangan.

Jon & Roy at English Bay, July 28 2010. Ashley Tanasiychuk photo

Mangan proved the biggest draw, amassing a crowd full of loyal fans and new converts alike, winning the audience over with his charming stage presence, witty repartee and carefully crafted original songs. Favorite moments included watching the band battle oversized beach balls, branded with the Shore FM logo, which were inevitably bounced onto the stage during the show, to which the Vancouver singer remarked “There are balls everywhere!” Also remarkable was the finale, which had the entire crowd singing the chorus to his song “Robots” unaccompanied and even in tune.

No stranger to the Vancouver music scene, Dan Mangan has recently rocketed from struggling indie status to mainstream success and hometown hero. His release Nice, Nice, Very Nice has been shortlisted for the Polaris Prize, and has reached top spots on college and commercial radio charts across North America. Keep an eye out for Mangan as he crosses the U.S. and Canada on his summer tour.

Dan Mangan at English Bay, July 28 2010. Ashley Tanasiychuk photo 

Mexico’s contribution to Celebration of Light at English Bay, July 28 2010. Ashley Tanasiychuk photo