Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were once the epitome of Las Vegas cool, leaving an indelible print as the Rat Pack.
Although the trio has gone to the big showbiz arena in the sky, their glam stage presence and effervescent camaraderie continue to inspire the region’s own Tri-City Rat Pack.
Tri-City Rat Pack, composed of Donovan Weihmann (St. Albert), Chris Mena (Edmonton) and Terell Edwards (Los Angeles), are master craftsmen of the Motown sound, R&B, blues and soul.
Together their blended voices, repertoire of songs, personal chemistry and spontaneous interactions create an entertaining cocktail audiences find hard to resist.
Tri-City last performed at the Arden Theatre in 2023, carrying themselves with style and elegance, and setting a benchmark cool that is difficult to surpass. Their last concert was such a success, the charismatic trio planned a follow-up variety show with special guests for Saturday, July 26, also at the Arden.
“It’s about having fun and bringing great music by three male vocalists, which not a lot of guys do in this part of the world,” said Weihmann.
During the first set, Tri-City will appear wearing trademark tuxedos that set the evening’s tone. However, during the second set, the trio steps out of their tuxes into edgier costumes, signifying other great musical influences in the song catalogue.
The trio is accompanied by a six-piece band sporting a rhythm section and two keyboardists led by pianist-producer Janise Chow.
This variety show also brings together extra solo numbers and groups, creating a bigger extravaganza than the 2023 concert. The Sensations, a female threesome consisting of Sarah Pateson, Olivia Smallwood and Serena Sharrock, open the program with two songs and linger as backup.
Weihmann also invited Maria Manna, a judge for the 50th Canadian Juno Awards and former Klondike Kate, to perform. The singer-actress opened for the Beach Boys and performed with Paul Horn, the late Tommy Banks, Alfie Zappacosta and David Foster.
“She reached out and was interested in doing collaborative shows in B.C. Her style and our style vibes well together. She has this incredible jazz style, and she scats,” Weihmann said.
A few group numbers are planned to include The Lady is a Tramp, a 1937 show tune from Rodgers and Hart’s musical Babes in Arms.
“Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga did a version we really liked. Hopefully, when we sing it, it will be a showstopper.”
Once Tri-City Rat Pack steps into the second set, the trio’s effortless charm takes on an edgier tone with some songs leaning towards social commentary. Expect to hear a fresh spin from Cry to Me, Mustang Sally and The Sound of Silence to Unchained Melody, How Deep is Your Love and Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
“We’d love to see a full house. The Arden has been great to us before, and we look forward to bringing our Vegas show to our fans.”
Tri-City Rat Pack is Saturday, July 26, at 7:30 in the Arden Theatre. Tickets range from $46.80 to $90. Call 780-459-1542 or online at tickets.stalbert.ca.
