Whenever Todd Kerns hits Vancouver–whether it’s playing bass with Slash or fronting the Age of Electric–I try to get out and cheer him on. Dude’s hugely talented and nice as hell. I stand by my claim that he’s “the most rockin’ Canadian bass player of the 21st century.”

Kerns won’t be handling bass tomorrow (March 24) when he brings his band Toque to downtown Van’s Railway Stage and Beer Cafe though. The lineup features him on guitar and vocals along with guitarist Cory Churko (Shania Twain, Kelly Clarkson), bassist Zachary Throne (Bow Wow Wow), and drummer Brent Fitz (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Gene Simmons).

Toque strictly plays covers of Canadian classic-rock tunes, so it’s pretty apt that their gig is part of the big Juno Fest happening this weekend. Considering that the Tragically Hip is about as classic as Canadian bands get, and that the Junos will feature a tribute to Gord Downie–who I just wrote a book about–I asked Kerns if we could expect any tunes by Kingston’s favourite sons tomorrow.

“We are doing ‘Little Bones’ for the new album but don’t wanna play it live until we release it,” explains the lanky rocker, who adds that while the setlist for Saturday’s gig hasn’t been confirmed yet “there will be April Wine, Loverboy, Harlequin, Prism, Streetheart, Aldo Nova, Trooper, and more” to keep the party-hearty Canuck vibe rolling.

Who else is feeling patriotic right about now?