A concert series spotlighting local musicians continues with a performance by Jasper Sassaman and Ben Wittrock, two established young solo artists.
The latest in the Saturday night Rockit Music Sessions, Sassaman and Wittrock will continue a series that has featured the music store’s own Tyler Bartfai and local blues legend Sam Hurrie.
“Things are going very well so far,” says Rockit Music owner Rob Reed. “It’s been almost like the old coffeehouse events that used to happen back in the day. It’s an intimate setting and people are here for the music.”
Reed says Bartfai, who played the first session on February 4, is booking talent for the store’s new stage and artists are already scheduled through March and April. Upcoming Saturday nights include performances by Ron Campbell, The Adam Robertson Band, Jim Venables and Tom Hoehn, Pat Buckna and Juhli Jobi and more.
Wittrock says he and Sassaman are excited to be playing the series and will perform a mix of original and cover songs.
“Playing at Rockit always feels special because there is such a community built up between all the local musicians where it’s encouraging and without any ego,” says Wittrock.
Reed says he expects the duo to deliver the energy they have become known for in local rock bands such as Silver Atlas and Razorvoice, but in a more personal setting.
“It’s going to be very cool with Jasper and Ben,” says Reed. “It’s exciting, because you never know what those guys are going to bring, but it’s always something fresh and I know it’s going to be good.”
Wittrock says he appreciates the mellow atmosphere of performing in a familiar setting, especially with a professional sound system to play through.
“Rockit sounds like a pro venue, but in a music store surrounded by guitars and gear,” he says, “and I don’t have to worry about not having any guitar strings if I break one mid-performance.”
Reed says the Yamaha-sponsored Rockit Music Sessions are steadily building a Saturday night audience.
“People will quickly get into the habit of coming out,” says Reed, “and we hope they will keep coming back to check out every show.”
Rockit Music Sessions: Jasper Sassaman and Ben Wittrock
When: 7 pm, Saturday, February 25
Where: Rockit Music (6820 Alberni Street)
Price: $10
Info: rockitmusic.ca
