Some Canadian bluegrass standouts are coming to the Comox Valley.
On Wednesday, June 12 the Big Yellow Merville Hall will host Montreal鈥檚 Veranda and Toronto鈥檚 Porch Couch.
Veranda is a four-piece bluegrass band that started as the duo of L茅andre Joly-Pelletier and Catherine-Audrey Lachapelle. The two originally met at Barfly, a cozy watering hole regarded as a Montreal bluegrass institution. They quickly became friends, then musical partners, then began writing music together. And so Veranda was born.
Joly-Pelletier is a virtuoso on the guitar and a sought-after multi-instrumentalist who has worked extensively with many well-established folk, country and bluegrass artists.
In addition to her musical talents, Lachapelle is also a professional actress, known for her role in Radio-Canada鈥檚 hit TV show District 31.
The duo soon expanded into a four-piece bluegrass band featuring award-winning fiddler, Kieran Poile, who is formerly from the Comox Valley.
After a well-received first EP released in 2019, Veranda has a new record of original French and English bluegrass music that blends the traditional and contemporary with simplicity and virtuosity. Their music is filled with sweet harmonies and soulful melodies. From high lonesome bluegrass to intimate folk ballads, the band offers a fresh take on classic country music.
Porch Couch features Jaron Freeman-Fox and Alan Mackie. This dynamic duo is reanimating old-time and square dance tunes from Appalachia and beyond on fiddle and banjo.
They deftly balance a deep respect for tradition: throat singing with Norwegians in a Siberian yurt camp, modern dancers leaping across tables at the PWYC bar gig, or playing for ravers under the midnight sun while the drummer bangs pool cues on the floor. Wry, colourful, and psychedelic, Porch Couch is an original sound in traditional music that moves listeners and dancers alike.
Both bands will also be performing at the June Cowichan Bluegrass Festival and as an added bonus, Cowichan festival organizers have offered those who attend the Merville show a $35 discount for their event.
Doors for the Merville show open at 7 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25/$10 (youth) at Long & McQuade, Courtenay; Blue Heron, Comox; and at the door.
