Duke Sedan and the Hi Tones

Western Fair Canada Building

Oct. 3

****/4

Londoner’s who like live music are sure to have stumbled upon Duke Sedan and the Hi Tones, one of our best local acts. A crew of well-dressed rockabilly showstoppers, they are always sure to the get the crowd dancing. What could be a better combination than swing music and roller derby? Both are revamped and punked up versions of old-fashioned ways to have a fun night out.

A huge crowd turned out for the game at the Western Fair Canada Building on Saturday, October 3rd to see the London’s Thames Fatales face off against Ottawa’s undefeated Slaughter Daughters. The doors opened at 7 pm, and the game started at 8pm. For just $15.00, everyone in the crowd got a full night of fun with wham-bam action on the track and a great half-time show from Duke Sedan. The game ended up with an incredible score of 149-95 for London, the Slaughter Daughters heading home with their tails between their legs. Each time a Fatale blew through the pack, the crowd went wild.

“Go Killson, Go!”

“Get ‘em, Anya Face!”

“Look out for Commiekaze! She’s coming at you like World War Two!”

The jammers whipped themselves around the rink at breakneck speed, even leading to one injury as Mirambo of the Fatales was taken to the hospital for a broken collar bone. The events of the night were only heightened by the pickin’ and grinnin’ of the Hi Tones, climaxing as Duke jumped up on Six-Gun Steve’s flame painted bass. The energy level was incredible.

You can’t find a better way to hear the Hi-Tones than at a roller derby bout. Tattoos and beehives abounded, with plastic cups of beer raised in the air. A family friendly event, the kids had a hard time choosing between hula-hoops and sock hopping at the half-time break. And for everyone who wanted to celebrate the success of our home town hardcore Forest City Derby Girls, the Hi-Tones were willing to the lead the way until the bar closed. Everyone gathered around to celebrate our home team victory and to tap their toes while drinking some beer.

The next home game for the Forest City Derby Girls is November 7th at the Western Fair. You can find more information at forestcityderbygirls.com. And if you want to check out the Hi Tones, you can find them at our next game once again. Tickets $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Check for other shows at myspace.com/rockabillyball.

Vanessa Brown is a freelance writer and derby girl who moonlights under the moniker of Vansterdamn.