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Whoop Up a good time this week in Lethbridge

Tuesday, 18 August 2009 09:30 Richard Amery

This week is all about the country — country music and classic rock.

In addition to Trevor Panczak headlining Whoop -Up Days on Saturday night, the fun begins tonight with Canadian Idol Theo Tams and Suite 33 playing at the Exhibition Grounds.

Canadian classic rock icons, the Stampeders, play Aug. 19 with Tanis Lowe and Marissa Van Hell. The Stampeders’ biggest hit was “Sweet City Woman” which has been redone by Alberta country act Jo Hikk who play Average Joes on Aug. 22.

Chilliwack will be a highlight Aug. 20 with Marissa Van Hell and DNR. And to get into the country spirit, hot B.C country act Whiskey Jane plays Aug. 21. They will be sharing the stage with the Keister Family Fiddlers. There is lots of local country music happening elsewhere in the city this week as well. Karen Romanchuk plays the Mocha Cabana, Aug. 21 and 22 and Alyssa McQuaid is at the Cotton Blossom Lounge, Aug. 21-22 as well.

George Arsene and Dave McCann and the Firehearts will lend their alt country sounds to the Slice to help out Woods Homes on Aug. 22. Woods Homes helps youth who have nowhere else to go. Their mandate is to empower, educate and support youth and their parents and/or guardians to better cope with the ongoing and complex needs of the youth. They offer a variety of services including temporary accommodation, counseling and other support services for youth up to age 18 who need them.

Steve Coffey and the Lokels also play the Slice for still more country, Aug. 21.

And if you are countried out by the end of the week, there are a couple fantastic rock shows coming up.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 August 2009 10:14 ) Read more...

Country and then some this week

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 13:07 Richard Amery

Lethbridge goes country this week, what with Whoop -Up Days approaching.

Gordie Tentrees plays the Slice, Aug. 15. photo By Richard Amery

A number of acts worth seeing are playing this week.

Former Fred Eaglesmith guitarist Roger Marin hits the Slice, April 13 with his band and some outstanding solo material and the Dusty Boot Band play the Lethbridge Casino this weekend.

There is sure to be some country at Henotic during Kitty Leroy’s Lady Gunfighters and Gamblers, where several talented local ladies will be performing.

Rod Szabo is also back at the Slice, Aug. 14 with Waking Jude and Jesse Northey and the Dandelions.

And if you missed Gordie Tentrees play his original blend of blues, folk and country at the South Country Fair this year, catch him at the Slice, July 15.

Bedouin Soundclash was superb

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 12:02 Richard Amery

So that’s what you have to do to bring out people on a weeknight— bring in Bedouin Soundclash and help support the Lethbridge firefighters.

Five dollars from each of the $25 tickets went to the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp. The Blarney Stone was packed with an enthusiastic crowd, Aug. 10 to see three choice acts. Edmonton’s Ben Stevenson band got the crowd warmed up with some funk flavoured ’80s style pop.

Vince Vaccaro, a Vancouver Island musician who usually plays with a “loud rock band” did a creditable job of uptempo original music. He maintained fantastic charisma and stage presence while bearing an uncanny resemblance to Sam Roberts. Though I would have liked to hear more of him, he ended his energetic set with “Let’s Go To Costa Rica,” while the crowd roared themselves hoarse in anticipation of Bedouin Soundclash.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 12:10 ) Read more...

Music is the language of friendship

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 11:26 Richard Amery

Floyd Sillito plays the Friendship Festival 2009, Aug. 14. Photo By Richard Amery

“Music is a pretty universal language. If people just stop long enough to listen ,” said local musician Floyd Sillito, who is an integral part of a special event taking place in Galt Gardens, Aug. 14 designed to bring the community together.

Numerous performers of all different genres will be playing Friendship Festival 2009 including organizer and old school country music aficionado Floyd Sillito.

“It’s a friendship festival. That’s the idea. The purpose of the concert is creating bonds of friendship between First Nations and other communities in Lethbridge,” Sillito said. The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and Amnesty International are putting on the event, which includes performers Trevor Kiitokii, Richard Doeksen, Lance Tailfeathers, Pow Navarro, Russell Red Crow, the Ammena Dance Company and Planet Telex as well as Floyd Sillito and West Winds, Miss Blackfoot Canada Meghan Shouting and other special guests.

Local ladies to shine as Kitty Leroy’s Lady Gamblers and Gunfighters

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 11:17 Richard Amery

Karen Romolliwa, singing with the Creationists here, is looking forward to her first solo performance, Aug. 14. Photo By Richard Amery

“Music is love looking for words,” said Karen Romolliwa summarizing Kitty Leroy’s Lady Gamblers and Gunfighters, which showcases seven of Lethbridge’s most talented female musicians, Aug. 14 at Henotic.

The performers include Shaela Miller, Amy Bronson, Austria, Erica Van Drunen, Kelsey and Brenna, Jennifer Lee Bailey and Romolliwa, who is looking forward to her first solo gig.

“I’m always nervous until after I get through the first song,” said Romolliwa, who is usually seen singing with Hipppodrome.

“It’s different because the focus isn’t all on me because there ’s 12 members of Hippodrome on stage. This is taking it to a whole different level,” Romolliwa continued adding she took up guitar a year ago to help her cope with her dad’s death.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 11:36 ) Read more...

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