SFand NFTT: Valentines day in Victoria (BC content)

[Stoolshed]

Here's a press release of our upcoming Valentine's show, on the off chance that someone from this board might be out this way...

for immediate release:

Music for Valentines Day 2006: February 14th @ the Central Bar and Grill, Victoria, BC

Stephen Franke & noises from the toolshed and Outlaw Social present:

An evening of Folk, Roots and Jazz

This February 14th 2006, two of Victoria’s finest musical groups join together to offer an intimate night of dinner and music. From sounds echoing with acoustic guitars, fiddles, banjos and low bass to the provocative electric and romping sounds of gypsy and latin infused jazz and groove, these groups promise to provide the most romantic night of the year with music as sweet as sugar on sugar and as lowdown as a Louisiana whorehouse. These three women, seven men and two bands share a history of playing music in Victoria and internationally, and their combined resumes include playing with Scruj MacDuhk, The Ragtime Millionaires, The Bill Hilly Band, Lift, The Paperboys, Particular Wave, The Seams and Dan Lapp.

While still a licensed event, all ages are welcome for those with families in tow, while others may want to leave the kids with a sitter, and put on the glitter. Each to their own, but one thing for sure: break out your finest cloth, your lingerie, leave your day-to-day at home and set your love maker to overdrive because this Valentine’s Day is going to be off the hook and red hot…

Doors @ 7pm for dinner seating

Music from 8.30pm-midnight

$10, advance tix recommended. Available @ The Central Bar & Grill and Lyle’s Place.

Stephen Franke & noises from the toolshed are poised to be Canada’s next break-out electric jazz project. These west coast musicians are creating a buzz by playing a blend of gypsy jazz, hard bop, and New Orleans Zydeco/funk with occasional politically charged lyrics. Driven forward by virtuosic instrumental performance, lush soundscapes interspersed with intelligent vocals, and infectious grooves and hooks, and after over 150 shows in 2.5 years, the band has built a dedicated and frenzied fan base from coast to coast. Their energetic live shows have earned standing ovations throughout numerous national tours while sharing stages with John Scofield, Antibalas, Jim Byrnes, Zubot and Dawson, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jackie Washington, Little Feat, Ritchie Havens and Spearhead. Stephen Franke is joined by (piano) Chris Vansickle, (drums) Allan Cameron and (bass) Alex MacCuaig.

Their debut album Songs for a Platinum Blonde Diner Waitress, currently on it’s second pressing and exceeding sales of 1700 copies, was nominated for Outstanding Instrumental Recording (WCMA 2004) and has been a media favorite, garnering glowing revues, spending months on college radio charts and receiving support and programming from CBC radio.

Outlaw Social is taking audiences by the horns with their particular style of roots music. Appalachian, country blues, and other folk roots traditionals mix with a healthy dose of original songwriting to make a show where the urge to dance spars with the serious case of goosebumps on the back of your neck. Be it the most heartbreaking version of Trouble in Mind on a nylon string banjo called "the goat", a ripping oldtime fiddle & banjo tune, or an original piece of new song; the connection between the players, the music and the audience is magnetic.

If a jug band took a day and recorded with a gospel choir, it would be something like Outlaw Social - and on a good day, you’d be closer than if you were standing in a chicken run (not that we don't like the sound of chickens - they're pretty rhythmic).

Outlaw Social are: Catherine Black (banjo, bass, vocals), Kendel Carson (fiddle), Adam Dobres (acoustic and electric guitars), Pharis Patenaude (guitar & vocals), and Oliver Swain (banjo, bass, vocals).

Ciao, Stephen.