The first U-22 artists to debut at the Songwriters Acoustic Showcase at LB’s is Scenic Route to Alaska, a high octane duo composed of two members of the popular R&B band called The Juice.
Lead guitarist and vocalist Trevor Mann and percussionist/vocalist Shea Conner are gifted musicians and songwriters and have been close friends for six years.
Their name actually comes from a sign. “We were on the way to our first show as the new project and it was in Saskatchewan. On Highway 16 we passed the sign ‘Scenic Route to Alaska.’ I remember seeing it lots as a kid, and it always sounded pretty majestic and cool. We needed a name and there it was,” says Mann.
They have been part of the U-22 house band at the Edmonton Folk Festival for the last three years and are in demand as studio and backing musicians. They recently returned from Montreal after recording their debut album due for release this spring.
“They’re such an enjoyable light-hearted band and their lyrics have a bit of bite to them,” says Kenny Skoreyko, a co-host of the songwriters showcase along with Gord Matthews and Fred LaRose.
“They’re a good outfit and they’re very creative. They’re home grown musicians and writers. They’re the real thing and I’d like to see more of what they do.”
The showcase is tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. at LB’s Pub. No cover charge.
Inhibitions fly out the door as Vinok Worldance turns up the temperature with Mardi Gras 2011 on Saturday, March 5 at the Chateau Louis Conference Centre.
The evening will be a hotbed of dance and music from the many cultures that form the New Orleans tapestry — Cajun, Celtic, African and Spanish as well as the Canadian connection with Cape Breton.
Over the centuries the vibrant stew pot of New Orleans cultures has simmered, creating the blues and jazz sounds of today as well as highlighting sultry sambas and tangos.
Accompanying the music and dance is a menu of distinctively classic New Orleans cuisine — mint juleps, spicy jambalayas, thick gumbos, succulent shrimp, po’ boy sandwiches, light beignets, delicious bread pudding and mouth-watering pralines.
Come in costume to this benefit concert in support of Vinok. Tickets are $75. To reserve tickets call 780-454-3739.
