This Saturday night at The Zocalo Caf茅, acoustic music with a twist returns in the form of Fiftieth Parallel.

Featuring Philip Marchand on guitar and Jonathan Hinds on guitar and African percussion, Fiftieth Parallel brings their own unique sound to the already vibrant Vancouver Island music scene.

Formed after the demise of the metal band in which Marchand and Hinds both played, the pair decided that they needed a new musical direction. Inspired by acoustic guitar geniuses such as Michael Hedges and Andy McKee, they picked up their guitars and formed Fiftieth Parallel, named after Campbell River鈥檚 location on the 50th parallel.

In their music, they have combined the influences of Hedges and McKee, as well as those of stoner rock legends Kyuss, and the distinctive sound of Pink Floyd on original tracks such as Island in the Sky and Red & Blue respectively.

Despite playing only a handful of gigs so far, the reaction from each has been fantastic.

鈥淚 was blown away by their talent at one of our Open Mic nights,鈥� says Catherine Bell of the Zocalo Caf茅. 鈥淭hey are one of the up-and-coming local talents to watch.鈥�

You can expect a wide array of original material with a few covers thrown in for added variety. These range from John Butler鈥檚 Ocean to an acoustic take on Tool鈥檚 Right In Two.

After their performance at the Zocalo last month that mesmerized many members of the audience, you will not want to miss Fiftieth Parallel鈥檚 next gig at the Zocalo Caf茅 in Courtenay from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

鈥� Zocalo Caf茅