Local band Rockfish is certainly no stranger to McKinney’s Pub, where it hits the stage again tonight. In fact, it’s the same live music room, under different ownership at the time, where the band formed seven years ago.
Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Wendell Beeching, drummer Daniel Hebert and bassist Dennis Fox for the past six of those seven years, the band used to host jam nights at the Townsite pub.
“That’s basically what spawned Rockfish. Spawned!” laughs Beeching. “Hey, that’s a good one.”
While the trio mostly plays predominantly cover songs at its live shows, the members have been working on some original material, including one song that they sneak into every set.
“The biggest issue with us, between Dennis being in 17 bands and Dan and I working shifts, is it makes it very difficult to get together and be creative, just because of scheduling,” says Beeching.
A typical Rockfish show includes a mix of classic covers by rock legends such as ZZ Top, AC/DC and Rolling Stones, along with the more contemporary rock of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sublime.
“We’re just trying to create a party atmosphere for people to dance,” says Beeching. “I would like to go more original, but I’d also like find more time to write music.”
Beeching says the new era of McKinney’s, under owner/operator Jonathan Cote, has been a welcome rebirth for local musicians due to the quality of the pub as a live music venue.
“I’ve always liked McKinney’s and it’s one of the best sounding rooms in town, and I really love being close to home and the hours there,” he says. “This business of 10 pm-2 am for a gig is a little bit rough for someone my age.”
Beeching says playing with Fox, a veteran of the local blues rock scene, and Hebert, who comes from a very musical family, is a natural fit for him and ensures that a Rockfish live set is always a crowd-pleaser.
“We really on our instincts and musicianship and that’s where our tightness comes from,” says Beeching. “We like to go with one good dance song after another for three hours. That’s what we are always trying to accomplish at our shows.”
Rockfish
When: 8 pm, Friday, July 28
Where: McKinney’s Pub
Price: $10
Info: facebook.com/mckinneyspowellriver
