The Waking Eyes were among the bands busking for change on October 2 in Toronto. Here they are outside the Horseshoe Tavern performing a cover of The Weakerthans – One Great City. All money raised went to War Child Canada. Other bands included Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, and Die Mannequin.
The Waking Eyes are Rusty Matyas, Joey Penner, Matt Peters and Steve Senkiw. The group formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 2001 as more of a musical collective and recording project than a band proper. From the beginning they have refused to be one-dimensional and predictable, with the only constant in their sound coming from their distinct songwriting style. Their debut album Combing The Clouds is a rich tapestry of neo-psychedelic and orchestral pop recorded in various basements, garages and bedrooms in Manitoba. It was released to critical acclaim on Endearing Records in 2002.
More on Winnipeg’s The Waking Eyes including upcoming show dates