Peter Elkas With Kris Ward At Zaphod Beeblebrox

Peter Elkas was best known for being a member of the Local Rabbits, a Montreal indie band that made waves back in the mid '90s (with albums like: You Can't Touch This (1995) and Basic Concept (1998)) until he decided to move to Toronto (on the sage advice of Don Kerr in 2002. From then on Peter has been writing and performing solo (albeit with back-up musicians) and his first full-length CD, Party of One, was released on Maple Music on Sept. 14th, 2004.

The concert began at just after 9pm when opening act Kris Ward (and band) hopped up on the stage and graced the audience with the song, "Poker." Playing a set of songs off his recent debut release, Why Is Everybody, Anybody?, with a few new ones thrown in, Kris, Dylan Shields (electric guitar), Mark Laforest (bass guitar), and Max Figueredo (drums), excited the crowd with some great rock 'n' roll. Other than Kris's penchant to play songs that do not focus on any one thing (love and relationship songs tend to draw all the attention from most songwriters), Shields skill on his electric was a highlight. The only drawback with the show was that the band seemed to play and banter about more like individuals rather than a cohesive whole. Kris's website: www.krisward.com



After Kris ended his set with a rambunctious version of "A Victory Song (For the Defeated)" Peter Elkas set up shop and filled Zaphods with the mellower side of rock. Playing a set of songs off his debut CD, Party of One, Peter gave indications that he has the talent to write some somber and contemplative lyrics. His live version of "Skipping Stone" was a delight. A song about searching for the perfect stone that will be easily propelled across a calm lake stirs up memories of youthful innocence. Elkas' has a stage presence that will benefit his career. He exudes a simmering sensuality through his penetrating eyes and Jim Morrison-like facial appearance. The look of adoration on the visages of many of the female members of the audience bodes well for Elkas' future. Peter's music struck a chord with the crowd at Zaphods as many approached the stage after his set and purchased a copy of his CD. You can do the same online at Maple Music (http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/elk/disc.asp). Peter's website: www.peterelkas.com