WEEKEND MUSIC PREVIEW: The Whytes go One More Round
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra started small. It used to be a Tequila Mockingbird Duo.
Once upon a time, in Victoria, B.C., there was an open mic night that was so underground that it was literally underground – located in one of the many tunnels that run under the sidewalks of the city, legend has it. Into this cramped and sweaty space known as “The Moustache Bar” came one Ian Griffiths, fresh from two years in Spain studying flamenco guitar. He met percussionist Paul Wolda, who taught himself to play accordion. As the two started doing gigs, sometimes just as a duo, sometimes with up to six guest musicians in the spirit of Toronto’s Broken Social Scene, their sound started to evolve – and so did their membership. Next to join was Kurt Loewen, on djembe, an African conga drum, and later, guitar. Peter Mynett talked his way in when, over beers, he insisted to the band that the only thing missing was an upright bass. They agreed. Rounding out the line-up was violinist Patrick M’Gonigle.
Thus the “orchestra” was born, living up to the title with a full sound, combining folk, roots, indie and party rock all into one. They have since become known for a raucous and dynamic live show whose music hits an emotional chord like few others.
Touring behind its debut full length, “Follow My Lead, Lead Me To Follow,” with other music out on EP, the band plays Friday night at St. Basil’s Cultural Centre. Tickets to the 8 pm show are $22 at the door. If you miss them this time around, they’ll also be performing at the Old Timers Cabin on February 20. (Illustration, above, by Daniel J. Kirk).
Friday
Bring Us Your Dead – The local metal scene gets back into full swing with this local deathcore act formed just a couple years ago. Joining them on stage will be Counted Among Saints, The Resistance, Straight Goodz and Cannibal. Studio Music Foundation (10940 166A Street), 6 pm, $15.
Between Brothers – This barely year-old acoustic blues-rock fusion trio performs at the Carrot Community Arts Coffee House (aka “The Carrot”). 7:30 pm, $5.
Crittergrom – This local female rapper hosts a release party for her new self-titled album. Fellow rappers Nerdalert, The Joe, and Big Ben open. Elevation Room at Transcend Coffee, 8pm, $7.
Saturday
The Whytes – Formed a couple summers ago, this five-piece indie folk/roots band (right) is also hosting a release party for their newest release, One More Round. A big crowd is expected. Tallest To Shortest, Jake Ian and the Haymakers, and Daniel & the Impending Doom also perform. Pawn Shop, 8 pm, $10.
Harlequin – Yes, they’re still around. Best known for their 1980 track “Innocence” and “Superstitious Feeling” from 1982, the band dissolved in 1986, only to spring up once again in 2004 and going hard ever since with the only original band member, vocalist George Belanger, who wasn’t even one of the founding members (it was bassist Ralph James, who is now the big cheese of booking agents in Canada). Century Casino, 8 pm, $24.95.
