Last Saturday, July 13, Sunshine Coast residents were treated to some exceptional music at Summer Sizzle at the Roberts Creek Hall.
Starting with a few blues favourites, the band shifted into overdrive in the second set, and the dance floor was filled.
The event benefitted Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, as a shared fundraising event for Station 12 in Halfmoon Bay and Station 14 in Gibsons.
With a number of headliners, the audience was treated to a variety of sounds, ably backed up by the S&R All-Star Band. Well-known singer and sax/flute virtuoso Karen Graves showed her talent throughout the evening, between belting out blues and R&B numbers to wailing on sax to great acclaim.
Next up was Russell Marsland, who started playing guitar at age five and hasn't stopped since. From soulful blues to Hendrix-Santana medleys, Marsland makes every event a "soulful" experience.
Special guest Darryl Havers, amazing keyboardist for Brickhouse (and previously Doug and the Slugs) showed his talent from the first note throughout the evening. The last front man was concert promoter Mark Vance, who played guitar along with Marsland and sang quite a few tunes.
In the back row, holding down the rhythm section, drummer Patrick Haavisto and bassist Trevor "Sully" Antonyk kept the driving beat going all night and showed they deserve the "All-Star" rank. Local musician Larrie Cook played harp (harmonica) and sax throughout the evening, adding some great fills.
Overall, the band played extremely well together, covering blues and R&B numbers, as well as some originals.
The crowd was certainly enthusiastic and everyone who made it out had a great time.
