Tractorgrease is bringing two bands to the Chilliwack River Valley for two separate evenings of music.
First up is Blue Moon Marquee on Aug. 13.
Hailing from the badlands of the Rocky Mountain prairies, Blue Moon Marquee is a self-styled gypsy blues band. This authentic duo writes and performs original compositions influenced by early blues, swing, and ragtime.
A.W. Cardinal, a Métis of Cree heritage, howls with a distinctive thick and smoky vocal while playing a jazz-tinged blues guitar. Jasmine Colette, aka “Badlands Jass”, is the rhythm section who not only commands the upright bass but also keeps the swing with both feet while singing harmonies.
Blue Moon Marquee released their outstanding new recording Gypsy Blues in June and will be celebrating with a performance at Tractorgrease Café on August 13.
Blue Moon Marquee’s passionate performances and smouldering onstage chemistry is their trademark and the way Colette’s angelic tones lift Cardinal’s beaten down “Bukowski-esque” mystique is something that enthrals audiences from the back room bar to the public square.
Originally from Alberta and now based in Duncan, British Columbia, they have been steadily touring for the last four years and in 2016 were the most requested Canadian band for the 2016 International Jazz festival circuit across Canada.
The second evening of music is Bluegrass Night with The Lonesome Town Painters on Aug. 18.
The Lonesome Town Painters are Vancouver’s traditional bluegrass standard-bearers. Having gravitated toward each other in late-night local jam sessions, and by way of their mutual adoration for the Stanley Brothers, these fellas harken back to the raw and ragged edge of the genre. Their high-lonesome harmony singing and melodic instrumentation pay homage to bluegrass pioneers, while their spirited performances kick the dust off of golden-era favourites, and bristle with emotional honesty.
Playing an eclectic mix of songs about love and loss, the odd original, and gospel, The Lonesome Town Painters would be equally at home in the barroom on Saturday night and the next morning’s church service, comfortable treading that fine line between perdition and salvation.
Both events take place at Tractorgrease Cafe (48710 Chilliwack Lake Rd.).
Blue Moon Marquee performs Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. The Lonesome Town Painters play Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets $12.
Tickets for both concerts are available by phone at 604-858-3814 or email at tractorgrease@gmail.com.