The Spot: No judgment, no attitudes, as 6 acts light up a Saturday night in May
- Michael Drukarsh
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By: Michael Drukarsh
Newmarket, Ontario - It really never really ceases to amaze me how much diversity is on display every time I head to The Spot in Newmarket.
Undetermined
Saturday night’s bill opened with Undetermined, a classic rock band made of students ranging from grade 9 to grade 11. The youngest member Nate F. sat behind the kit while Eva L. commanded the stage on lead vocals. Along with Lucas K on guitar and Jacob L on bass, Undetermined delivered a set worthy of being on the same bill as the acts to follow.
With a mix of covers from bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Alice In Chains (I know I am old when these bands are now considered "Classic Rock”), along with a few very impressive originals, Undetermined did a great job warming up the crowd. A fantastic attempt at Metallica's "Enter Sandman" to end the set showed that, while the band still needs some growth, they handled themselves on stage like professionals and walked off stage with a whole new fanbase!
Undetermined Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Nick Shrubsole
Keeping with the eclectic mix of the night, following Undetermined were two different acoustic sets. Up first lead singer of headliners Broadcast Zero, Nick Shrubsole took to the stage with mic and guitar and brought with him a very 60s protest song vibe.
The passion was on full display as the former Newmarket resident now living in Florida sang about government interference within the LGBTQ2+ community on college campuses as well as stories of the road of both heartache and joy with his song "Bloodstained Six String".
Nick Shrubsole Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
The Washout
Following Shrubsole, The Washout brought a totally different feel to his acoustic set. Also a story teller, The Washout took moments from his own life, from homelessness to lost friends, gone too soon and delivered his songs with a vulnerability and heartfelt compassion that drew the crowd into his music.
The Washout Photo Gallery (photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Birdhand
What followed next was pure unadulterated Punk chaos and fun! Coming from the Kitchener Waterloo area, Birdhand stormed the stage with pure adrenaline! Every member looked like they were having the time of their lives up on stage. Drummer Katie Di Battista couldn’t stop smiling as she bashed the skins while guitarist Andrew Di Battista and bassist Mathew Fraser flanked lead vocalist Cecilia Garrison, who just didn’t stop moving and even took time to hit the pit to join in the fun. Bringing up a fan to help with some vocals cemented the band's status as awesome and I’m sure they'll be back at The Spot soon.
Birdhand Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Coleslaw Boys
Newmarket cult heroes Coleslaw Boys were up next to continue the Punk party! Dressed in fur coats, leopard print pants, cowboy hats and the amazingly powerful purple loafers, Darrel and Mike took out all the stops as they delivered a fast paced set including some slow songs that were faster than the fast songs.
Interspersed with their famous “When I say Cole, you say Slaw” call and response chant, Coleslaw Boys are a true representation of what the Punk scene is all about.
Coleslaw Boys Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Broadcast Zero
Speaking of punk, lead singer Nick Shrubsole was back on stage, this time fronting his band Broadcast Zero as headliners for the night’s festivities. Known as a social-political Punk band, the set was comprised of music very different from Shrubsole’s solo act.
Once again it was Punk angst on stage as guitarist Filip thrashed around the stage while bassist Timo and drummer Kyle blasted the heavy beat that had those in the pit loving it! With guitar in hand and also wanting to be part of the fun, Nick left the stage as well and joined in for a little mosh.
Broadcast Zero Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
You really never know what you’ll find when The Spot and Rotten Promotions decide to put on a show. From the hardcore to the banjo, from seasoned Punk veterans to high school kids cutting their teeth on a real stage for the first time, The Spot has become a venue for the masses. No judgment, no attitudes, just a bunch of people who love music and come together to help the scene grow!
Show Date: May 16, 2026
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