Indie rockers No Island may have got their start in Vancouver, but the band’s keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter is no stranger to Powell River audiences. Andy Rice will return home on Friday, May 31 for a performance at Max Cameron Theatre, bringing four of his closest friends from the big city.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a couple of years now and finally the timing is right,” said Rice from his residence in North Vancouver. “No matter where I am, Powell River is always going to feel like home for me, so it’s really nice to be able to share a bit of home with the guys in the band and share a bit of music with the people back home.”
No Island is comprised of five university-trained musicians inspired by a love for songs and artists that span multiple generations. “We listen to most of the stuff our parents grew up with, but there’s definitely a modern influence in our sound as well,” he said. The group features Rice alongside guitarist and vocalist Keith Sinclair, saxophonist James Wilfred Martin, bassist Jay Esplana and drummer Max Ley.
“I always have a tough time describing what it is we do,” said Rice, “but you can expect five frontmen, two lead singers, four-part harmonies, original songs and hopefully one or two that you’ll find stuck in your head the next day. For this show we might even do a couple of tunes acoustically as well.”
Since 2009, the band’s energetic live performances have captivated audiences from as far away as Edmonton and as near as Roberts Creek. This month, it will be Powell River’s turn. And while most rock bands would typically be found in a bar setting, the circumstances are a bit different for No Island’s upcoming visit.
“The Max just seemed like the best choice,” said Rice. “Some of my younger friends have been asking me why we’re doing that but honestly, we play a lot of club gigs and this was an opportunity to really stretch out on a big stage and put on a larger musical spectacle. I also have a lot of older friends back home who supported me throughout my childhood and I want them to be comfortable as well. I just hope they’re not still expecting the boy soprano they used to watch up there.”
Tickets for An Evening with No Island are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available at Breakwater Books and Coffee, Brooks Secondary School, Powell River Academy of Music and at the door. The band will take to the stage at 7 pm.
