Vancouver’s Petunia & the Vipers will take the stage Friday, Aug. 29, for a night of hillbilly-flavoured swing, ragtime rhythms and what critics simply call “good music.”
Renowned for turning any stage into a foot-stomping party, the group has wowed crowds from Scotland to New Orleans.
Led by Petunia, a Montreal-born songwriter with a voice equally at home in yodels, croons or rockabilly growls, the band has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most original acts. Exclaim! magazine praised their 2018 release Lonesome, Heavy and Lonesome, writing: “Main man Petunia has an authentic high and lonesome voice, and manages a convincing yodel on some cuts. He's ably abetted by some of Vancouver's very best players.” Saving Country Music, the roots music website, called them “like a Canadian version of Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock with a sound that is completely original while still being referential to the better days of music.”
The show is a fundraiser for the Ladysmith & District Historical Society, which operates the Ladysmith Archives and Museum.
It takes place at Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. in Nanaimo’s Cedar community, with doors at 6 p.m., a two-step dance lesson at 6:30 p.m., and music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The evening will also feature refreshments, heritage displays, draws and a silent auction.
Tickets are $30 each or $25 when purchasing two or more, available at the Ladysmith Museum or on Eventbrite.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 250-245-0423.
