Bozzini’s ‘over the moon’ to bring 2 double bill concerts to Chilliwack stage

Bozzini’s will be bringing two big double bill concerts to their intimate Upstairs Lounge this July.

Coming to Chilliwack will be Alfie Zappacosta on July 15, and Colin Linden and Nigel Mack on July 20.

“We are over the moon the about these two nights of music” said artistic director Emmanuel Asprakis. “In a world filled with tribute bands we are so happy to be presenting award winning, established artists playing their original music at the peak of their careers.”

Things kick off with Alfie Zappacosta, featuring special guest Doug Andrew (Circus of Flames) on Saturday, July 15. Both artists will be accompanied by their trusted sidemen.

Zappacosta is undeniably one of Canada’s premier songwriters and performers with chart-topping hits and a recording and acting career that has spanned 40 years. He continues to evolve as an artist by “doing it his way,” an effort that has been rewarded with an impressive song catalogue and a discerning loyal fan base.

He decided on a music career in his teens and set his sights upon being a guitarist. When his vocal dexterity and song writing proficiency were uncovered by a publisher while writing for his first original band Surrender, events would be put in motion to champion him as a solo artist and bring him to the world’s attention.

‘Start Again,’ ‘Passion,’ ‘When I Fall in Love Again’ and ‘Nothing Can Stand In Your Way’ became staples on Canadian adult contemporary radio and Zappacosta became a personified rock star. He penned and sang ‘Overload’ exclusively for the multi-platinum soundtrack Dirty Dancing and Loverboy would record Zappacosta’s ‘That’s Where The Money Goes’ for their Wildside album.

In 1988, he was awarded Juno Awards for Album of The Year and Most Promising Artist, an American Music Award for Most Popular Album of The Year and named the Canadian Publishers Music Association’s Best Rock Star.

Zappacosta has polished his live concert performances exposing his sophisticated, intimate and intense personality. His performances deliver a blend of acoustic, jazz and pop music prompting the listener to engage soulfully.

Folks will hear the hits that originally brought Zappacosta to the world’s attention in his program on July 15, performed the way they were originally written and meant to be heard.

Opening the show for Zappacosta will Be Doug Andrew who has shared bills with everyone from The Ramones to Raffi to Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He is recognized as an accomplished singer-songwriter respected by critics, peers and music fans alike.

Then five days later on Thursday, July 20, Bozzini’s presents a night of blues featuring the double bill of Colin Linden and Nigel Mack. Though both artists’ music is in blues genre their sound is totally unique. These two acts could easily slot into a headlining spot at a blues festival.

As a singer-guitarist, Linden’s accompanied everyone from Bruce Cockburn (as his producer and touring musician) to Bob Dylan, Greg Allman, Rihannon Giddens, Pistol Annies, John Prine and more.

Along the way, Linden played on more than 500 albums and produced 140, including his first-ever actual Grammy in 2020 for producing Keb Mo’s Oklahoma, winner for Best Americana Album. He has also nabbed a staggering 25 Juno Award nominations and nine wins.

Nigel Mack delivers a high-energy show that fuses blues classics with the punch of contemporary original blues. Seamlessly switching between instruments, he is equally proficient at them all. These are talents honed by years of relentless touring. Based in Chicago, Mack has toured all over North America, Europe and headlined top blues venues throughout.  

Show info:

Saturday, July 15 • Alfie Zappacosta with Doug Andrew is at Bozzini’s for two shows: early show at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.); and late show at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). Tickets $37.50 to $39.50.

Thursday, July 20 • Colin Linden and Nigel Mack are at Bozzini’s for two shows: early show at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.); and late show at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). Tickets $37.50 to $39.50.

Tickets available at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone. 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