Saturday night saw excitement at the launch of a new monthly coffeehouse hosted by The Wild Bistro in Gibsons.
Twisted String, comprised of Chelsea Sleep, Emilyn Stam and three talented Coast fiddlers, Esme McLaughlin-Brooks, Acacia Slingerland and Maya Broeke, kicked it off with the funky rhythms and slightly outside sounds of music by Oliver Schroer.Twisted String is an initiative launched by Schroer to perform what they call "random acts of violins."
Schroer is currently being treated for cancer and Saturday's performance was part of the fundraising to finance a trip to Toronto to perform and to visit the ailing composer. People wishing to contribute may contact [email protected] up was Ian Backs, a partner in The Wild Bistro, and a poet and actor. Backs welcomed the capacity crowd with a reading of his poems. The room pulsed as Feather took the stage with a First Nations drum circle chant. Feather features singer Janet Panic with Delphine Snakeskin and newcomer Gail Wabason. They performed a mix of First Nations songs, original songs and a few of Panic's originals.
Part way through the set the youngest Feather piped up, "I am Gail Wabason, Ojibway Nation, Ontario and this is my first time doing this in public so give me a break!"
The audience roared approval, but Feather's performance was strong and no apologies were needed.
The Creek's own Skye Wallace capped the evening with her songs and a few covers including a haunting rendition of "One More Cup of Coffee." Wallace, as usual, was in fine voice.
The next coffeehouse will be on Feb. 9 featuring singer/songwriter Andy W. Mason and local guitarist/singer Fabrizio Alberico.
For more information contact The Wild Bistro at 604-886-1917.
