When the Polyjesters made their first appearance in Pender Harbour about this time last year, nobody knew what to expect.
We were told to it would be "a kitchen party to share with the world." What we got was loads of fun and wonderful music that defies categorization.
Two brothers, Jason (bass/vocals) and Sheldon (baritone ukulele/vocals) Valleau form the core of the group. Rob Vulic supplies the power-driven percussion, and newest member of the group Matthew Woodward plays fiddle. They are purveyors of "swingin' folk chunk."
If you were there last year, you know what we mean. If you weren't, don't miss it this time.
This kitchen party may have got its beginnings in Didsbury, Alta., but the Polyjesters came to a boil on the streets of Nice, France, where Jason and Sheldon earned "adventure" money by performing with one upright bass and two voices. This provocative combination of Jason playing the strings while Sheldon drummed on the bass body provided a strong foundation for their humour and music.
Since they were last here, they have been criss-crossing Canada on a never-ending tour, with a side trip to Austin, Texas, staging a Beatles tribute in Calgary and appearing with Lorne Elliot for a Madly Off in Moosejaw gig. Life is full of fun when you're a Polyjester.
Chunk music is described as a mixture of swing, folk and roots music. It contains elements from old jazz, tin pan alley songs, old country, bluegrass and ragtime. Now the group writes their own music, a mixture of all these styles they describe as chunk. Check out their website, www.polyjesters.com and have a listen.
If you want to hear an amazing variety of music, dished up with great dollops of side-splitting humour, come to the Pender Harbour School of Music on Sunday, March 12 at 2 (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) Tickets are $20, available at John Henry's in Garden Bay, Harbour Insurance in Madeira Park, Talewind Books in Sechelt and Coast Books in Gibsons.
