Well, we have arrived at that time of year when the Sooke Folk Music Society presents it’s last event of the 2014/2015 season on Saturday, June 20. Summer is almost upon us and the festival season on Vancouver Island is gearing up. We want to take this opportunity to send out a big thank you to all of our Sooke “Folkies” who have come out to support live music in our community over the years.
For our last Coffee House of the season we are very excited to be presenting what is sure to be a lively and engaging performance by Peet Vuur, Buz Davidson and Brad Hawkes. Peet has graced our open mic stage in the past and has always been well received.
Peet and Buz’s long-term musical friendship has resulted in uniquely blended vocals, engaging songs, and talented musicianship. They have fortunately been reunited in the West Coast air, to be able to share their original and undercover songs which touch on a variety of subjects ranging from nature to afternoon soaps. Their songs tug at your heart, touch your soul and take you with them on a musical ride. Brad is a late comer to this musical friendship but has nicely melded into Peet and Buz’s unique sound with his percussive drum grooves.
Peet Vuur (yes he’s Dutch) is a singer/songwriter whose true passion is with the sum of the parts – what happens when voices come together in harmony and instruments complement each other, to create a unique musical experience. Peet’s music was used for the Victoria-based Mile Zero television pilot and he has recently released a CD of original songs. His warmth and humor shine brightest when he’s singing his heart out with guitar in hand for a live audience.
Buz Davidson is not Dutch. However, he played bass, guitar and mandolin and was the sound tech and recording engineer with the Celtic band Arrandale. His technical skills have taken him across Canada as a sound and video tech for touring acts and trade shows. He’s happy to be reunited with Peet and performing some of the old songs as well as new material.
Brad started drumming in 1964, playing along with songs on a jukebox during sock hops. In the early 70s, he joined a band led by my older brother and started playing congas in a coffee house. Hawkes has drummed and recorded with many artists on Vancouver Island adding his special organic character, style, variety and sensitivity both on drum kit and a number of different percussion instruments including stringed flamenco cajon, congas, and djembe. He has recorded for songwriters on 27 CD’s with music styles including folk, bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, rock, Latin, and blues.
As was mentioned, this is our final event of the season and it’s sure to be a great evening of music and fun. We anticipate having a lively and full open stage with some of our community’s finest talent showcasing. You won’t want to miss it. It happens this Saturday, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Murray Road. As always, doors open at 7 p.m. with our open stage commencing at 7:30 and Peet and the boys hitting the stage at 9. Come prepared to tap your feet, clap your hands and sing along. See you there.
Dave Gallant