Ever heard of an East Coast kitchen party? Well, singer-songwriter Penny Malmberg plans to host a prairie pickin’ party.
The St. Albert resident along with husband Jim make up one-half of Back Porch Swing, a popular bluegrass-country folk quartet that celebrates its 15th anniversary at the Mercury Room this coming Saturday, March 11.
“We’re so excited. It’s a milestone for a band that’s been together 15 years. Our celebration is going to be amazing – full of great musicianship, a lot of laughs and great people,” said Malmberg.
Rounding out Malmberg on vocals and husband Jim on mandolin are two respected Edmonton music veterans Kevin Jacobson (stand-up bass) and Cam Neufeld (fiddle).
Together this down-to-earth foursome has hit pay dirt creating hot licks, tight harmonies and original songs with humorous lyrics.
And like fine wine, they are more in demand than ever with a planned Saskatchewan tour in March and Vancouver Island tour in the summer.
So what’s the secret to four distinctly different creative personalities producing good music for a decade and one-half without letting egos get in the way?
“We all are accepting of who we are and we like each other. We always have a good time on stage and off stage and we often socialize together,” said Malmberg adding the foursome were friends before becoming colleagues.
“We respect each other and enjoy playing music together. We respect our art and each other. And it helps that we all have a sense of humour and we all like a good laugh.”
Although Back Porch Swing plays any number of covers from respected artists such as Bruce Springsteen or the Rolling Stones, they prefer singing their own originals usually penned by the Malmbergs.
Having said that, every member brings different ideas, experiences and backgrounds that create a unique vibe. And since every band member holds down a day job, they enjoy the luxury of playing original material. The result is blend of bluegrass, country, folk and cow jazz.
To date the band has recorded four CDs and will use their 15th anniversary concert to record another album live off the floor.
“We hope to have it out by the summer.”
Opening the concert is Kayla and Matt Hotte, a brother-sister duo Back Porch Swing met years ago at the Edmonton Bluegrass Club years when the youngsters were playing in the family bluegrass band. Now adults navigating their own projects, the duo has become a fierce force on the local scene.
“We watched them grow up. They’re awesome. Matt is an incredible multi-layered instrumentalist on banjo, fiddle and guitar and Kayla is a really good singer.”
The Hottes kick-off the evening at 8 p.m. The Mercury Room is at 10575 – 114 St. in Edmonton. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit yeglive.ca.
