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RADIO BANDCOUVER THURSDAYS 2:30PM - 4PM! 102.7 FM!
On-Air Number: 604-684-7561 / Stream the show online at http://www.coopradio.org/listen
or tune in on Starchoice, Channel 845 |
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RANCHFEST 4! VANCOUVER'S ROOTS MUSIC
PARTY TRIUMPHS AGAIN! JULY 3-6th! This year's RANCHFEST
was the best one yet, offering a diverse menu of some of the
most dynamic talent from Vancouver, Victoria and elseswhere!
Yes, it was shorter. 4 days, as opposed to ten one year. Yes,
it was held later. 2 months later than the previous 3 fests.
But, that did nothing to dampen the energy and excitement generated
by the festival this year! |
It
all started with an electrifying early show at The Royal,
with the high-energy strumming and spirited crooning of Petunia,
along with the fabulous voice,musicianship and songs of Robyn
Carrigan, Scott Smith and the inspired Bottleneck
(Graham Parsons meets John Lennon anyone?
Look for their new album coming soon) and the king of Rockabilly-swing
Ray Condo, along with his mesmerizing Ricochets
in full force, getting the people up and dancing themselves
silly! |
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Other memorable shows I actually had the pleasure to fully take in
included one such show at The Railway Club the same Thursday,
with the always halarious stories of everyday folly by Keith Rose,
the very un-Counntry but highly individual and compelling sounds of
The Parlour Steps and the all out rock and roll of Rich
Hope and the New Race.
Accordion Madness the next night at The Railway provided
a unique bomblast with participants Linda McRae, David P.
Smith and Ana Bon Bon playing together all at the same
time. Never know the accordion could create such a wall of sound!
The Golden Wedding Band furthur diversified the fest with their
upbeat Dixieland musings along with the most hilarious stream of consciousness
neanderings ,via Mike Soret, to ever find their way inside
the Rail.
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| Other
amazing, action-packed shows, included 2 one Saturday,
that I ran back and forth from, in between Mc-ing the
exciting Cambrian Hall show offering a whipsmart
performance by Geoff Berner whom I announced has
music that at the very least, makes you think. Also in
the hall this evening the almost cabaret vibe of El
Dorado and a hynotic turn by verteran Roots-rocker
Herald Nix, that had me hopping around like a maniac.
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The other show, by the way, featured the whacky rockabilly sounds
of the relatively new additions to the local Roots scene:The
Whistle Punks, who I missed completely, but was told, put
on a spirited performance.
Oh, well, at least I got to hear them the night before on my
radio show. Also at the Main was Kent McAlister whom
I did hear a few songs from, in between helping out with the
sound before I went back to the hall and caught Herald Nix.
Shelley Campbell and Auburn had the advantage
of being the sole closing show for the fest on the Sunday, and
it was quite fitting, as Shelley is the main force behind Ranchfest
and the Ranch Society. She was in a party mood tonight,
shedding her somewhat reserved stage manner and rocked some.
"Nice to hear you belt, Shelley" I was heard to say. Then, as
all good ranch-hands do, we had the after party and promptly
got into the spirits. "Belch!" said Shelley.
Congradulations to everybody for making this year's Ranchfest
the best ever! We'll do it all again next year! |
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Visit
Ranch Productions online HERE!
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