Against the Cold, Bennett Mitchell Brings the Warmth to the Palomino

Photo credit: Matt Wallace (@citizenblitz)

Bennett Mitchell warmed up the sub-zero night at the Palomino on Friday with Local Singles, Andy and the Danny's and Eye of Newt. It's nights like tonight the heartbeat of Calgary's music scene shows up. They show up in toques, insulated coats and boots. 

The Mouse himself, showed up in plaid pajamas, flannel nightgown and John Deere cap. As the band tuned and line checked, the crowd chattered in anticipation. From his 2022 release, the title track "Mouse" opened the set, followed by a surprisingly Pop-esque, unreleased tune. Bellowing vocals, confessional lyrics and playful arrangements pulsed on, marching through a hay bail of songs old and new. Midway through the set, Mitchell announced the release date of his next single "Rearranging" with its timeless, four part harmonies. Keep an ear out for this one!

Photo credit: Matt Wallace (@citizenblitz)

Performing one of his latest singles "I'm Not Suffering" with local gem Samantha Savage Smith, the room swayed in careless rhythm. Here, in this iconic basement, there was no unforgiving cold.

Holding the crowd close, Local Singles filled the air with a nostalgic sweetness. If you were there, you felt like everyone in the room was a longtime friend, from this life or another. Out-of-towners Andy and the Danny's had the room silenced after an energized full-band set, inciting this solo punk ballad encore. It was a reminder that Calgary’s music scene doesn’t hibernate — it gathers.

Photo credit: Jolene Marie - Local Singles