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Acoustic folk at coffeehouse

Trinitude performs for coffeehouse crowd on Nov. 5
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Trinitude performs for the Sooke Coffeehouse on Nov. 5.

For the next presentation in the Sooke Folk Music Society’s concert series, this Saturday, Nov. 5, we are proud to present the Nanaimo-based trio, Trinitude.

Merisa Donoghue and Les Tibbo (a.k.a. The Dirty Flannel Dawg) have been performing acoustic folk oriented music together for more than 30 years. So, it came as a rather unexpected development when in early 2005 daughter Emily Celeste joined them in their musical endeavor, and thus changed their musical path. The new addition resulted in the forming of Trinitude, and they’ve been creating music together ever since.

The name Trinitude is the melding of the words ‘trinity’, meaning ‘three’ or ‘trio’, and ‘attitude’. Hence, ‘The Trio with Attitude’.

Trinitude’s highly melodic and lyrically driven music crosses over into many different genres, but it can be best described as Celtic flavoured roots. Each member brings a slightly different musical perspective to their work, from Tibbo’s country blues influences, to Donoghue’s folk/singer songwriter pursuits, and Celeste’s passion for punk rock.

While traditional songs in Trinitude’s repertoire have a decidedly contemporary flavour, the roots and traditions that fuel their original material can also be easily recognized. In keeping with the tradition of folk music, many of Trinitude’s original songs are stories, some are socio-political comments, and others are about personal experiences that people can identify with. Their sound appeals to a diverse audience, and it readily transcends all generational boundaries.

This year, Trinitude have released their second CD, Jingle In The Pot. Eight of the songs on the disc are originals. And true to form continue to explore regional history as well as a topical “call to action” piece entitled Heart Of The Working Class.

While tight harmonies, high energy, intriguing stories and hunour are the hallmarks of a typically family friendly Trinitude performance, this trio also has boundless enthusiasm for the creative journey. Interesting and complex arrangements, a highly developed stage show, and the addition of Emily Celeste playing hurdy gurdy on some songs prove the point. Trinitude believes that audience and performers are both integral parts of the whole and encourage active participation in their shows when the opportunity arises.

Expression through music and writing is not so much what they do, but who they are. They enjoy entertaining, and above all, witnessing how their music brings people together every time Trintude takes the stage.

Please join us this Saturday evening for a fun and lively evening of music and stories with Trinitude. As usual, it takes place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Road. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the show at 8. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Contributed by Dave Gallant