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The Soda Crackers come to town

Genre-busting old-time band brings live show to Townsite pub
The Soda Crackers
Vancouver-based three-piece band The Soda Crackers bring their blend of bluegrass, country, jazz and western swing to McKinney’s Pub on Friday, March 30.

When Vancouver-based trio The Soda Crackers hit the McKinney’s Pub stage on Friday, March 30, those in attendance can expect diverse music in a number of different genres. According to band leader Sue Malcolm, while bluegrass is the root of the band’s sound, a lot more is going on within its live shows.

“Our repertoire is really eclectic,” says Malcolm, “starting with bluegrass as a jumping-off point, and branching out into vintage country, western swing, jazz and our own originals.”

Featuring Malcolm, guitarist Don Fraser and bassist Stu MacDonald, The Soda Crackers have become figureheads in the Vancouver bluegrass scene. Malcolm is one of the founders of the Pacific Bluegrass and Heritage Society, teaches classes and leads a monthly jam focused on a genre that has seen a resurgence in recent years.

“When I first heard bluegrass, I loved the harmonies and the incredible musicianship of the instrumentalists,” says Malcolm. “There’s so much room for creativity and improvisation; it can be really exciting.”

And while bluegrass is all about tradition, Malcolm says her band has become accustomed to pushing the boundaries of its sound into complementary genres.

“We share a broad range of musical tastes, so that accounts for the variety in our repertoire,” says Malcolm. “We often do mashups or medleys, or change rhythms within a song; just because it’s fun.”

Citing influences as far-reaching as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Flatt and Scruggs, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Ray Charles, the easiest reference for The Soda Crackers sound is a popular film that brought bluegrass and old-time music back into the mainstream.

“Anyone who has seen O Brother, Where Art Thou? will recognize some of the sounds we create,” says Malcolm.

Describing the band’s performances as “casual, chatty, funny and eclectic,” Malcolm says although the band members like to be fancy-free on stage, much effort goes on behind the scenes to prepare their show.

“We love to rehearse and get everything sounding good, so while we may appear casual, a lot of work goes into creating each arrangement,” she says. “Hopefully there’s something for every taste in our show.”

The Soda Crackers
When: 8:30 pm, Friday, March 30
Where: McKinney’s Pub
Price: $15
Information: thesodacrackers.com