Steve's Blog
David Lindley / Viper Central / Mission tickets and more
Saturday June 10, 2017

1. David Lindley, Sunday June 11th, 8pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway)

Don't miss this rare chance to hear Mr. Dave solo in concert at The Rio Theatre! He is an incredible musician, playing just about anything with strings. Perhaps best known for his work with Jackson Browne for most of the 70s, David played in one of the first "world music fusion" bands - Kaleidoscope - way back in the 60s. He led his own band, the wonderfully eclectic El Rayo-X, releasing several albums and touring extensively throughout the 80s. The band often played Vancouver's Town Pump, where I also saw David playing a solo acoustic show in 1986. What a stunning show that was! He played so many different instruments, and explained the roots of the music and the cultures from which those instruments came. I later interviewed him and I'll have a few highlights of that chat on The Saturday Edge On Folk tomorrow morning on CiTR fm 101.9 and www.citr.ca (8am to noon - see Item 7 below)

David later embarked on a more acoustic career, with hand drummer Hani Naser on a couple of amazing albums in the 90s and versatile percussionist Wally Ingram on several more fascinating records. He also recorded several albums of Madagascan music with the equally eclectic guitarist Henry Kaiser, and two remarkable collections called Sweet Sunny North, where the two joined forces on a musical tour of Scandinavia.

He has also released several albums with Ry Cooder, a live album recorded in Spain a few years back with Jackson Browne, and his latest solo recording Big Twang. Goodness only knows what he's been up to since he last played at The Rogue in 2014! There's only one good way to find out, and that is to grab a ticket and see this show! Click here for tickets and more info about David Lindley and the Rio show. See you there!
 

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2. Viper Central, Sunday June 18th, 8pm, St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Ave.)

Definitely one of Vancouver's most exciting roots bands these days, Viper Central just released their 3rd CD, The Spirit Of God & Madness. Featuring Kathleen Nisbet (fiddle, vocals), Steve Charles (guitar, vocals), Tim Tweedale (dobro, pedal steel), and Patrick Metzger (bass) the band launched that CD at the Wise Hall a few weeks ago. Guests on the album include John Reischman (mandolin,) Bonnie Northgraves (Company B, on trumpet and keys,) and C.R. Avery (harmonica, vocals). We expect Bonnie and C.R. - plus others - will make guest appearances at this show. 

The material is all original, with most of the songs composed by Kathleen, who is a a brilliant lyricist, fiddler and singer. The songs tell of B.C. history from a personal (family roots) perspective. There is also a song about Australian outlaw hero Ned Kelly. Plus lots of exhilarating fiddle tunes.

Viper Central can rip it up bluegrass style with sweet n' crunchy harmonies and tight melodic breaks that'll make your heart soar, your feet shuffle and your blood curdle! Canadian roots and the traditions of American bluegrass, Métis, country, rockabilly and old-time have influenced their ever evolving style. The songs reflect Canadian landscape and experiences and the result is entirely natural, effortless and delightfully original. Viper Central is an acoustic string-band that takes that 'high lonesome sound' to new places.

For tickets and more information click here

This concert is sponsored by MOBIDDLEY. This sponsorship is in support of local artists and the Rogue Folk Club, which provides good venues to promote these artists.

AGM Reminder: Calling all Rogue Folk Club members! The Annual General Meeting of the society takes place at 5pm in Room 120 downstairs at the St. James Hall on Sunday June 18th. We encourage all of you to come along and share some pizza and elect a few board members and check out the annual report. It's a legal requirement to hold these meetings and we need your support in order to secure funding from provincial and federal agencies. Stick around for a great concert afterwards too!

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3. Steve Dawson Band, Thursday August 10th, 8pm, Wise Hall (1882 Adanac St.)

It seems only fitting that in our 30th year we should revisit the Wise Hall for a concert! Rogue spent 15 amazing years at the Wise, and Steve Dawson has played many times in recent years. He will lead a quartet featuring Daniel Lapp on fiddle, trumpet, and piano. Steve now lives in Nashville of course, but returns to Vancouver as often as possible. This time he's en route to the Edmonton Folk Festival, where he will hook up with Fats Kaplin. Fats can't make it to the Vancouver show, but Daniel's inclusion will make this an exceptional and unique show.

Amongst Dan's Rogue shows at the Wise down the years we fondly recall his time with Spirit of the West, and also an evening of BC Fiddle Tunes for a Contra Dance (called by Marian Rose.) Dan famously played a big part in Steve's Mississippi Sheiks tribute shows at Capilano University during the Winter Olympics in 2010. Sparks always fly in the most musical way whenever Steve and Dan get together. Click here for more details and tickets.

Please note: The Wise Hall is a licensed venue and No Minors are allowed. Sorry. 
 

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4. Mission Folk Festival Ticket Deal For Rogues!!
The 30th annual Mission Folk Festival takes place in Fraser River Heritage Park July 21st - 23rd, and we are delighted to announce that there is a special deal for Rogues once again this year!

Here is a link to Brown Paper Tickets.
Rogue Code: All Rogue Ticket options are hidden until you enter the code RFC30

The Festival website will be updated early next week with details of the full line up.
 

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5. Vin Garbutt R.I.P.

We are very sad to report the passing of English singer Vin Garbutt this week in his native north east. Vin first played a Rogue gig in March 1987 at The Savoy. He was staying at our house in Kits, and, as the show was on a Sunday, he'd asked if there was a Catholic church near the venue. I pointed out the Catholic cathedral on Dunsmuir. Off he went to Mass. At around 4 or 5pm. By 7 I was starting to wonder where he'd got to, so I set off up Water Street to try to find him. Sure enough he was legging down the road as I legged it up the road and we met by the steam clock. "Bloomin' 'eck," he said, "That priest gives long sermons!" We made it back to The Savoy and he treated us to one of his trademark shows, with heart-rending songs interwoven with hilarious stories, leaving everyone riding an emotional roller coaster for a couple of hours, and leaving the show with broad smiles and fond memories. Vin played no less than 14 times at The Rogue between 1987 and his most recent show in 2010. He remains one of my favourite performers, and Tim Readman often opened for him. Tim cites him as a major influence. I feel very blessed to have known him, and we send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his wife, Pat, and their kids. One of Vin's final moments on earth was spent attending his granddaughter's christening. He will be sorely missed, and I'll play some of his music on the show tomorrow on CiTR
 

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6. Eric Taylor, Saturday, June 17th, 7:30pm, Old Crow Concerts in North Vancouver

"Eric Taylor is the real deal. He is one of the most respected singer-songwriters in the world. Ask any of the greats. Ask Ray Wylie Hubbard or Malcolm Holcombe, or Nanci Griffith. Ask Lyle Lovett! Lyle will tell you." Gurf Morlix 

Eric Taylor is a master storyteller and has been one of the finest southern songwriters for the last four decades. Influencing such well-known artists as Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett (both of whom have covered several of his songs) and Steve Earle, Taylor tours extensively throughout North America and Europe. He has appeared on Austin City Limits, Late Night With David Letterman, NPR's "Morning Edition" and "Mountain Stage" and BBC Radio. A mesmerizing performer whose shows will leave you wanting more.

Click here for tickets.

Eric will also be performing at Saltspring Island's Pitchfork Social on Friday June 16th. 
 

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7. Radio Waves

On this week's Saturday Edge On Folk (Saturday 8am to noon on CiTR fm 101.9) I'll be paying tribute to Vin Garbutt, Jimmy LaFave, and Gregg Allman, who have all departed this mortal coil in the past couple of weeks. I'll also have a feature on David Lindley, and new releases from the likes of Tom Russell, Plainsong, Bokante, Oumou Sangare, Vasen, Trad.Attack!, and whatever else jumps out of my iTunes library to demand inclusion! I hope you can join me.

Radio Rogue is available all hours, and the playlist seems to be evolving and expanding without my help! Just point your browser here and lie back and try not to think of James Comey, Cheetos-Cheeks, or Theresa May!