Since Chill Factor regrouped in 2008, every year it gets a little mightier.
These aren’t exactly the words founder Lori Woodhouse would use. She’s too humble for that. But Woodhouse has a deep pride in the five-piece cover band that continues to cement its classic rock reputation.
Tonight Chill Factor plays a return engagement at LB’s Pub with Woodhouse at the helm accompanied by Mike Healy (drums), Blair Comrie (rhythm and lead guitar), Darren Fuhrer (bass guitar) and St. Albert’s Terry Maruyama (rhythm/keyboardist).
Chill Factor first hit the Edmonton bar scene in 1987 when live music flowed freely and bands worked six nights a week. Two years later a couple of members left, new faces replaced them and a second group was formed. Although the material was new, that raw driving edge was still there.
“In the second revision, we had a keyboard player. We were able to perform with more diversity. And we did songs from Journey, Heart and Blondie and we’re still doing it,” says Woodhouse.
By 1991, the band went on hiatus to focus on daytime careers and raising families. It was only in 2008 that Woodhouse, an Ardrossan resident, happened to bump into Healy at the Sherwood Park McDonald’s.
Over a cup of coffee, they reminisced about old times and decided there and then to start jamming for fun.
“We spent six months jamming. It was fun and it brought everything back. Once a musician, always a musician.”
After six months the duo needed to expand their groove. They contacted Fuhrer and Maruyama and had their first gig at Bunkers in North Edmonton.
“They gave us our first shot and we are so grateful,” Woodhouse said. “Since then we’ve played at Taste of Edmonton, Edmonton Eskimos pregame party, Belvedere Fall Festival and a lot of corporate events.”
They recently performed at Band-Aid and helped raise $9,000.
Chill Factor has chosen to play strictly covers for one reason.
“Young people love classic rock and people in our age group love it. We find newer stuff just doesn’t hold up as well. Classic rock is what people want to hear.”
The band’s choice of music reflects their energy and appreciation for fans.
“When people go to a bar, they want to hear music they know so they can get up and dance.”
And Chill Factor is more than happy to oblige.
“We have a good following at LB’s thanks to Terry. A lot of his friends come out and support us. We have so many songs we can switch quickly and key into what people want.”
“We’re fun and we try to create a party atmosphere. If you like a high-energy band, we’re the band for you.
Showtime is 9:30 p.m.
