It’ll be a week filled with entertainment as Bozzini’s brings three different concerts to its upstairs lounge all within five days.
This year marks the 20th season of live music at the small Chilliwack music venue and things will kick off on Monday, April 8 with the Kym Gouchie trio. That concert will be followed by fundraiser show ‘Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life’ on April 9 with Keith Alessi, and finally Ryan McMahon with Jeff Plankenhorn on April 12.
First up is Indigenous-folk musician Kym Gouchie who has ancestral roots in the Lheidli T’enneh, Cree and Secwépemc Nations.
Her music and storytelling bring awareness to First Nations and women’s issues, promoting reconciliation and community building while reminding us that we are all in this together. Her stories are a testament to the human spirit, weaving together threads of her own journey from personal tragedy to triumph.
Gouchie’s traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling are a powerful force. She performs solo, duo, trio and full band, collaborating with talented artists on vocal harmonies, cello, keys, mandolin, banjo and electric guitar. She will will be accompanied by Naomi Kavka and Brigitte Demeter.
On April 9, fringe festival show ‘Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life’ returns to Bozzini’s. This isn’t just a show, it’s a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn when he was diagnosed with cancer, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100 per cent of all artist fees, the show has raised more than $850,000 for various cancer, community, music, and theatre charities.
Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, this show is an uplifting story of challenge, triumph, and the power of positivity. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.
Then on April 12, it’ll be a double bill of music featuring Vancouver Island’s Ryan McMahon and Jeff Plankenhorn from Austin Texas.
McMahon’s music is written from the heart and sung from the soul. His music is a blend of folk, Americana and rock following the lead of his peers Jason Isbell, Nathaniel Rateliff and Warren Zevon. The singer-songwriter has enough wit and charm to get through any situation and his songwriting fits every emotion into his live performance.
Plankenhorn has been recognized with Austin Music Award nominations for Musician of the Year, Best Guitarist, and Best Misc. Instrument – for “The Plank” a hybrid lap steel guitar Jeff designed himself.
April music lineup at Bozzini’s:
The Kym Gouchie Trio on Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.); Tomatoes Tried to Kill me But Banjos Saved My Life by Keith Alessi on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) with all proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Chilliwack; and Ryan McMahon with Jeff Plankenhorn for two shows on Friday, April 12: the early show is at 5:30 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.) and late show is at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.).
Tickets range from $29.50 to $35.50 and are on sale at Bozzini’s or by calling 604-792-0744. For more, go to bozzinisrestaurant.ca.
Looking for more events taking place in and around Chilliwack? Check out What’s happening Chilliwack in our community section.