Thursday, March 05, 2020

Homegrown Canadian Bluegrass That’s Rooted in Tradition

The Slocan Ramblers Bring Their Bold Dynamic Sound and Raucous Energy to Horizon Stage on March 22

The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have just been nominated for two 2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards. A tight-knit ensemble with lots of drive, they have become a leading light in today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship, and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, they have been winning over audiences at festivals and theatres across North America and now they have Spruce Grove in their sights. The Slocan Ramblers’ Western Canada tour this March includes a stop at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Based in Toronto, Frank Evans (banjo), Adrian Gross (mandolin), Darryl Poulsen (guitar) and Alastair Whitehead (bass), uniquely blend bluegrass, old-time, and folk with deep song writing, lightning fast instrumentals, and sawdust-thick vocals. With a vibrant, raucous energy, The Slocans are currently performing at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes that will keep you up all night. They have released three albums, with their most recent one, Queen City Jubilee, being nominated for a 2019 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Edmonton area fans may already have enjoyed seeing them perform live at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Festival Place, or The Uptown Folk Club.

If you’re looking for an innovative take on the usual bluegrass sounds, The Slocan Ramblers are reinventing the genre; simultaneously steering old sounds in fascinating new directions while pushing back to its early Appalachian roots. They play music without pretension; music intended to make you feel something. Say hello to your new favourite band at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors.  Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.

“The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion and yet ability for experimentation. Chops galore, and a handsome bunch of fellas”
– Tom Power – Host of CBC’s “q”

“I love it – smokin’ bluegrass

No comments: