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Second annual Kootenany coming to Key City
The Kootenays love bluegrass!
Nothing gets your toes tapping and hands clapping like great old-time tunes and brilliant harmonies. By definition, Bluegrass music is a form of North American roots music, and a related genre of country music. Influenced by the music of Appalachia, bluegrass has mixed roots in Irish, Scottish and English traditional music, and was also later influenced by the music of
African-Americans through the incorporation of jazz elements.
There is no bluegrass ensemble more on top of their game than The Jaybirds – led by the legendary John Reischman. Years of European and North American tours, five critically acclaimed albums, two Juno nominations and two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations…little wonder, the buzz around John Reischman and The Jaybirds (pictured above) continues to grow. Like the mandolinist at its helm, the group fashions a stylish, elegant take on bluegrass that is at once innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned, yet unselfconsciously new.
To see their live show is to believe it. A genial blend of storytelling and sideshow humour provides the backdrop to their studied performance of original songs, instrumentals, and newly arranged traditional material. Hailing from the variegated ranks of the contemporary West Coast acoustic music scene, each of these ‘birds’ has certainly earned his wings: the list of projects they have contributed to over the years is nothing less than a short list of acoustic power houses. Together, their seamless ensemble work makes for one of the freshest, most tasteful band-sounds on the folk and bluegrass circuit today.
The pickin’ and grinnin’ set are a close-knit community. Musicians and vocalists mix and mingle like your favourite trail mix and are always looking for opportunities to share their craft. Fernie’s legendary duo leapt at the chance to join in the fun at the second annual Kootenany on Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Cranbrook’s Key City Theatre.
RedGirl is a light shade of bluegrass with some visible folk roots showing. Fronted by the clear and fearless vocals of Anie Hepher: RedGirl’s music is built around her pure and unfettered voice, clawhammer banjo, guitar and occasionally, a sassy ukulele. Michael Hepher (married to the girl) on lead guitar, mandolin and backing vocals, brings a balance in harmony, humour and musical creativity to the songs and stories of the band.
The term ‘barnburner’ may have been coined for musical moments just like this. The Kootenays are in for an unforgettable kitchen-party evening that will feed the soul and celebrate community.
Tickets are $35 | $29 for Big Ticket Plus Members | $25 for Big Ticket Members $ $15 for students.
Tickets are available at the Key City Theatre Box Office 250-426-7006 and online.
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