Live Review: Shane and Troy and Ray and Skip. Folkstravaganza!

I have grown up in a very musical family. From an early age, I have been exposed to many genres of music. A large part of my musical upbringing happened to be folk music. Now, I liked it when I was young, but I have strayed from that vein of music. So, on Monday when my mom and dad asked me if I wanted to join them at a folk concert, they did not expect a yes. It just so happens that they got a yes. Ha, take that! Feel the teenage rebellion!

Anyways, they were pleased that I still had an interest in folk music and were glad that I was coming. You see, when I am offered to go to a live performance of music, I find it hard to say no. Unless of course it's hip-hop or emo, cause I have standards. (Kidding! I'm not Pitchfork!)

This concert was held at the Edgar's Farm. I know what your thinking. "God damn hicks with a hoe-down in a barn, go drink some moonshine!" This barn has been turned into an art studio, with a stage, hell, you could live in it. We drive along the winding road that leads to the barn, and the parking area is already packed. We get our tickets, and make our way up to the main barn area. We take a couple seats in the second row. Soon after the Edgars both make some nice comments before the show, and then it gets down to business.

The headliners Shane Cook and Troy step onto the stage, accompanied by Roy Legere and Skip. I've seen Shane perform before, many times actually. He plays in the Brian Pickell Band and it just so happens that my parents are good friend with Mr. Pickell. One thing to note is: Shane is an award winning fiddle player. I mean, this young fella is at the top of his fiddle playing game, and when you have a performer this good on stage, all the other performers need to be just as good. Lucky for us, they were.

Shane, dare i say, shredded his fiddle. He was quick, precise, and full of feeling. Blistering fiddle runs abound! Troy also showed us his prowess with the fiddle, but also proved his skills on the piano. At one point Troy, played this long driving piano piece, and I think it may just be the most impressive piano playing I have ever seen. His hand was a blur as it hammered out the notes, and this is not hyperbole.

Skip and Ray were no slouches either. Ray was a mandolin extraordinaire. I am still astounded by how fast his solos were. And Skip's rhythm guitar playing was incredible. He had this interesting style of playing that added a lot of syncopation to the music.

At one point, my dad turned to me and said, "These guys are the Doobie Brothers of folk." And you know what, he was right. These guys rocked the stage with their fast-paced folk jams. I know that it can be hard to believe that a bunch 'o' folk musicians could possibly "rock", but they do. They played their instruments with such confidence and skill, they played fast, and they played hard. That's what truly counts with music.

Surprisingly enough, one song even reminded me of Godspeed You! Black Emperor or A Silver Mt. Zion. It probably was the minor key or the strings, but it was an amazing song that stuck with me after the show.

Now, you may be thinking, "Lucas, why would you go someplace if there's no chance of attractive indie chicks like there is at the Ford Plant?" Well there may not have been any indie chicks, but there certainly was a folk chick. Little did I know that she would soon jump into action and tap the hell out of the board that was lying on the stage. Feet were flying, teeth were shining, and the stage was shaking as this dancer attacked the board with her metallic shoes. She was just astounding, I swear I thought she was going to explode or collapse during her dances.

Overall, the night was very entertaining. We were treated to some world=class musicians, even if it wasn't my favourite kind of music. Also, there were ginger cookies. Can't pass up live music, nor can I pass up cookies

-Lucas Thurston