Fernie stoke folk band Shred Kelly always bring out a crowd, even on a Tuesday night.
Even though the special ticketed event at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Tuesday, Feb. 20 wasn’t sold out, they had an enthusiastic crowd of people who have been laying low for the past year, but who came out of hibernation for this show plus enthusiastic new fans.
But first there was a pleasant surprise — opening act Band of Rascals, who were in town in November, but whose show I unfortunately missed.
The barefooted Victoria band played a tight set of mid ’70s inspired rock and roll infused with a touch of funk and little bit of psychedelia, a smattering of blues and a whole lot of solid groove.
Band Of Rascals were in the middle of a quick five date tour with Shred Kelly.
Their heavier moments reminded me of ’7
0s riff rockers UFO, especially vocally.
Shred Kelly played their usual blissful, spirited set of toe tapping folk and roots music, focusing mostly on the new CD “Archipelago,” including highlights like “Nova,” and “Jupiter” but of course added a few crowd favourites like “Sing to the Night” and “Cabin Fever” plus “Jewel of the North,” one of several keyboardist Sage McBride sang beautifully.
Banjo player Tim Newton grinned ear to ear and leaped around the stage, singing most of the newer songs. They had most of the crowd dancing happ
ily in front of the stage.
They were called back for an encore. After that I asked to hear “I Hate Work,” which they played in the middle of the remaining audience, who hadn’t left after the official encore.
