FOLK CONCERT MENU OFFERS SPICE, SPIRIT, AND VALUE!
by
Les Pearson
Are you looking for a way to snap those Winter doldrums? Want something zesty and new? May I suggest monsieur and madam consider a concert series pass that will please every music lover's palate.
The Medicine Hat Folk Music Club launches its inaugural concert series with four delicious acts. For a mere $15 per concert entree with the entire series pass--or $18 if you order a concert ticket a la carte--you will experience traditional, roots, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, gospel, and original folk music unsurpassed!
Consider the "The Bill Hilly Band"! Their play list includes such cross-cultural traditional tunes as sicilian tarantella, El Tortilero, Siyanka Holtsulka, Dixie Darling, and Que Bonita Bandera. These boys are students of folk. They play mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar and bass to perfection. But, best of all, they perform. They have energy and panache. I dare you to sample their wares and keep your foot from tapping! Their offering is on November 22 at the banquet room under the Stampede Grandstand. Reservations are suggested.
If you like blues, you're already in love with Harry Manx. The FAQ surrounding this concert is, "How did you manage to get him?" Harry is Canada's gift to the genre. His soulful singing is spiced with melodic riffs on a lap-slide guitar or the 20-string Mohan Veena. His most recent of many CD's, "Wise and Otherwise," is filled with favourites like Crazy Love and gut-gripping originals such as Only Then Will Your House Be Blessed. There's already a waiting line for this concert. The Medicine Hat High School Theatre seats just over 200 and this show, scheduled for January 18, is bound to sell out. The pass ensures your seat or be early in line for the single concert ticket!
"Jerusalem Ridge" is Canada's gift to bluegrass. Their gospel favourites include Paul and Silas, March Around the Throne, and Hallelujah, I'm Ready. But JR takes bluegrass to the limit. They're not above country swing, humour or having a fine old time with their tunes. The group has won national awards for good reason. Have doubts about bluegrass? These folks will make you believers on February 28 at the Moose Lodge!
If I have a personal favourite in the line-up, it's Eileen Laverty. Her sweet Celtic voice calms all upsets. Her CD, "Dancing with Angels," ranges from the classic Caledonia to great original songs like Song for Sarah. Eileen's concert at Hat High Theatre on March 29 is the end of our season and dessert for the folk feast.
Indulge yourself! (Folk music is non-fattening.) Get those passes while you can. They're on sale only until November 15.
Next week: Hillbilly or Bill Hilly?