MEL LEHAN HALL AT ST. JAMES
3214 West 10th Ave, Kitsilano
Accessible 
All ages
This event has already taken place.
Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, The Faux Paws have had to cancel their performance. Chris Miller (sax/banjo/guitar) of The Faux Paws & the Grammy nominated Cajun band The Revelers and Trent Freeman (fiddle) of The Fretless will team up for an opening set, with The Unfaithful Servants stepping up for a full performance to round out the night. Tickets are still available!
THE FAUX PAWS are a triangle band in a land of circles. Musically impossible to describe, they don’t even fit into todays often hyphenated-genre world. No fan, industry expert, nor member of the band can seem to sum up this band’s sound in any kind of marketable way. They continue to remain a singularly unique outfit in the acoustic music community, always on the fringes, always memorable and with an increasing number of die-hard fans who feel like they’ve uncovered a secret.
Is it bluegrass? Not usually. Old-time? Occasionally. Is it Celtic? Can’t quite say that. Is it folk? Americana? jazz? singer-songwriter? None of the above, but members of the Paws have deep ties to all of these traditions and blend their elements effortlessly to serve whatever musical idea is being presented. So what can we say? This band takes risks. They’re dynamic, exciting, sincere, irreverent, infectious, and surprising. They move deftly between moods, influences and instruments but always maintaining a “groove” that pulses through the music like a heartbeat (you may not always be aware it’s there but it gives the thing life).
A Faux Paws live show is an explosive roller coaster ride that brings the audience along. Virtuosity on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and saxophone, sure, but also vulnerability, personal lyrics, tight 3-part brother harmonies, playful interplay, intricately arranged details and soaring improvisations. With the considerable success and praise the band has seen since coming out of the pandemic the Paws decided to add long-time friend and collaborator Zoe Guigueno (Fish & Bird, Della Mae) to their touring outfit on upright bass. Zoe only deepens the group’s already massive sound while freeing each member up for more creative expression on their various instruments.
THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS have gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act. With an original and exciting approach to acoustic music, the group serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals. As Kelly Nakatsuka (Islands Folk Festival, CBC host) describes "The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time...gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin' solos." With critically acclaimed performances under their belt (Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, The Islands Folk Festival) and a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination (New Group of The Year) they continue to build upon that buzz.
American born mandolinist Jesse Cobb could be described as a virtuoso on his instrument. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass group The Infamous String Dusters and he received a Grammy nomination for one of his original compositions, Magic #9. Jesse has recorded and performed with Bela Fleck, Lee Anne Womack, Dirks Bentley, John Cowan, Jim Lauderdale and others. He’s held residency on the historic stage of The Grand Ole Opry and has toured the world. His exceptional talent is widely recognized in the bluegrass world and he is an innovator of the instrument.
Shortly after Jesse’s move to Vancouver Island singer/songwriter Dylan Stone identified Jesse’s depth as a musician and began a collaboration. Stone is a restless songwriter who is constantly pursuing new sounds and collaborations. An interesting and storied career has led him to share the stage with Alejandro Escovedo, open for Keith Urban at BC’s largest country music festival, play onstage with Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and perform his songs for Lou Reed in Nashville, Tennessee. A modern-day troubadour, Dylan has lived and toured across Canada and toured the West Coast extensively.
The Servants are working on new music and a new chapter, this includes the addition of two new members to the group; Quin Etheridge & Louis Rudner. The band is glowing with anticipation to introduce these new members to its audience. The Servants are very excited to begin performing and touring with this new ensemble. After three long years the band is poised to push the limits of their capabilities in the Canadian musical landscape.
The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. Find out more here, or simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com
