A “BRASSTASTIC”, multi-genred, musical experience.

WOW! I was not expecting the amazing, exceptional, multi-genred performance by this amazing Alberta based Brass ensemble. High Energy, anchored by the effusive and enthusiastic Jevon Hills, on Sousaphone. He never stopped grooving and moving to the music all night. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Sousaphone player entertaining the audience as he played, which spontaneously improvised seamlessly choreographed movements to the music. A feast for the eyes! The vocalist, Tara Riley, is a classically trained singer, with a 2 1/2+ octave range who is equally at home with the diverse music the band offered, which included country and western, rock, pop, vintage Jazz (music of Jango Reinhart and the Hot Club of France), Big Band tunes, and New Orleans’ influence Creole music, and more! As advertised, and noted in their promotional material they are a true party band! At one point, they had the audience up dancing! With the singer joining them! They also, to our delight, encouraged audience participation in some of their songs. Two of the Brass players, as at one point, came out to play amongst the audience. Their performance, from my perspective, was every bit as enjoyable as the “Heavyweight Brass Band”, one of the outstanding Brass emsembles in North America, who embrace NOLA infused music. Should they come anywhere near to where YOU are, do yourself a favour, and attend if you can. You won’t regret it! I can’t wait for their next performance. One other endearing thing about this group is that they are most responsive to communication from their audience, AND, most grateful for this. Having communicated with literally hundreds of musicians and music ensembles over 30+ years, this is definitely NOT the norm, and as such, is most heartening and refreshing.