In our ongoing effort to bring more “local” talent to our stage, the Sooke Folk Music Society is very proud to present an evening of inspiring bluegrass music with Eric Day and Friends at the next Coffee House on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 21.
Eric and Mary Day have been true devotees and purveyors of bluegrass music for a very long time. Mary joined Eric to play music about 12 years ago when she learned to play bass in his band Bluefox. They have played in bands from the East Coast to the West Coast. Eric plays guitar and sings along with Paul and Mike. They are both from Prince Edward Island, on Canada’s East Coast. They packed up and moved to the West Coast and eventually made Sooke their home in 1968 and have been involved with the music scene at the Victoria Bluegrass Association since its beginning. They like nothing better than crisscrossing the country every summer attending numerous bluegrass festivals.
Joining Eric and Mary are Sooke resident, Mike Kraft and transplanted Manitoban Paul Lange.
Mike Kraft (banjo, harmony vocals) is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets that doesn’t involve underwear, and a member of the popular Clover Point Drifters. Besides being one fine banjo player, he also plays guitar in a variety of country rockabilly and blues bands. Basically any band that wants a real musician tries to snag him. He is a former member of The Chance Brothers.
Paul Lange (mandolin) grew up with the sounds of old country and bluegrass music on the record player and began to play in the family gospel group from a young age. Somewhere in the early 1990s Lange connected with some local bluegrass musicians and was bitten by the “bug.” Over several years he has had the opportunity to be part of several bands and plays throughout western Canada and parts of the U.S. There is nothing Lange likes better than to be part of a good music jam or ensemble of musicians.
This is sure to be an evening of lively and spirited music that you will not want to miss. Bring your toe-tapping shoes and your voices, as there’s sure to be some sing-along opportunities.
Please join us this Saturday, Jan. 21 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Road. Doors open at 7 p.m. with open stage at 7:30 and our feature at 9.
Dave Gallant