Soul Summit Concert is coming to Powell River’s Evergreen Theatre April 5 and will feature some of Vancouver’s best in blues, jazz and R&B (rhythm and blues).
Russell Marsland, the tour’s musical director, said that his company Live Coast Productions wanted to do something different with the shows and make them appeal to audiences of all ages. They decided upon theatre shows which would put the focus back on the music and the community.
“Going to see live entertainment is a positive move toward being part of your community,” said Marsland. “We’re not bringing bar bands. These are great artists in intimate venues that you don’t have to travel far or spend too much to see.”
Marsland said they chose theatres because the audience is up close and there’s not a bad seat in the house.
“I put together a band of the best guys for this kind of tour,” he said. “They’re great guys and super cool players.”
Marsland, guitar virtuoso and vocalist, has been a powerful presence on the Vancouver music scene for more than 30 years. He co-founded Vancouver’s Rhythm and Blues All Stars in 1978 which opened for Long John Baldry. Since then he has shared the stage with the Allman Brothers, BB King, Chuck Berry and James Brown.
This concert will feature Live Coast All-Stars: Jerry Adolphe on drums from the band Chilliwack, Billy Mendoza on bass and vocals, Brickhouse’s Darryl Havers on keys, Colin James Band’s Johnny Ferreira on sax and vocals, and Twister’s David Hurricane Hoerl on blues harp and vocals. Marsland does a set with the All-Stars and also performs solos featuring tunes from his album Dig Deep, a trip into Mississippi Delta blues and funky R&B.
The idea of the show is to not blast the audience from start to finish, he said.
Players will be brought up to play their sets, and then back together into the larger show for the finale. Juno nominee singer Neil Harnett will showcase his vocal talents with all the players on stage.
Soul Summit is at 7:30 pm on Friday, April 5, at Powell River’s Evergreen Theatre. Tickets are $35, available at Sound Attraction (604.485.0080) or at the door the night of the concert.
