Tofino Concerts and Music News for March 2007

by Adam Buskard, Tofino

The following concerts are happening in Tofino in the month of March 2007. Tickets are available at Tofitian, Esso and at the Common Loaf.

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Arthur Rowe

Saturday, March 3, 2007
Clayoquot Community Theatre
Tickets $20, Doors 7pm

Critically acclaimed recitalist, soloist with orchestra and chamber musician, Canadian pianist, Arthur Rowe performs with a number of Canadian orchestras and chamber ensembles, the CBC and public radio in the United States. He resides in Victoria, where he is Professor of Piano at The University of Victoria. His performance will include the music of Mozart, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Schubert.

David Ward Trio

Sunday, March 4, 2007
Raincoast Cafe
Tickets $9, Doors noon

David Ward is a prolific singer/songwriter drawing his musical influence from a wide array of artists ranging from Jeff Buckley to the Barenaked Ladies to John Scofield and Ray Charles. After graduating from the University of Victoria, David spent the last year playing with his new band the David Ward Loose Change Trio in festivals and clubs in and around Victoria and Vancouver. On the heels of his debut solo album, David is taking his newly formed trio on a cross B.C. tour.

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Ian Tamblyn

Saturday, March 17, 2007
UAC Hall, Ucluelet
Tickets $12, Doors 7:30pm

Ian Tamblyn has been a musician, songwriter, playwright and producer for many years. He has recorded several albums and countless soundtracks for theater and film. In recent years, Ian has had a close association with adventure travel and scientific expeditions. These travels have taken him from the icebergs of Greenland to the underwater world of Antarctica. Some of these adventures have found their way into song and instrumental recordings. As a playwright, Ian has written nine plays and his most recent is called Dreamwalker, a true story about a very dramatic sleepwalker. His play "Legends of the Northern Swamp" is still on tour in Quebec and is produced by Geordie Productions of Montreal. He is currently working on several soundtracks. As a producer, Ian has worked with diverse talents. His projects include Terry Tufts, Chris MacLean, Kim Erickson & Kathryn Briggs.

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Valdi

Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tauca Lea, Ucluelet
Tickets $40, Doors 6:30pm

Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for years. He's a folksinger who catches the small but telling moments that make up life. Born in Ottawa, Valdy learned athe craft of Canadian folk from practically all four corners of the country. Recognized around the world as one of folk music's true legends, Valdy has received countless awards, including a '73 Juno for Canadian folk artist of the year. By '76 he'd already recorded five albums, and was second only to Lightfoot in sales by a Canadian folk artist. He plays from coast to coast in Canada and continues to be an effective musical ambassador abroad. He's played folk fests as far away as Poland and has released an incredible 22 singles over his career, 10 alone during the 1970's. Valdy and his wife Kathleen (artist, sculptor, writer) live in Western Canada.

Uzume Taiko

Friday, March 23, 2007
Ucluelet Recreation Hall
Tickets $12, Doors 9pm

The name Uzume Taiko derives from the Japanese word for "big drum" and from the goddess of laughter, Ame No Uzume No Mikoto - the Heavenly Alarming Female who, according to legend, first began taiko drumming. Taiko has held a centuries-old place in Japanese culture, and it is from the power and athleticism of traditional drumming techniques that Uzume Taiko draws its inspiration. Using a diverse collection of percussive and melodic instruments as well as taiko drums, Uzume has developed a dynamic fusion of old and new styles of drumming - bringing a vibrant contemporary sensibility to an ancient art. With the choreographed physicality of martial arts, the heart-stopping pulse of the O-Daiko and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble, the drummers of Uzume Taiko create an exhilarating sensual experience.

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C.R. Avery with Mihirangi

Saturday, March 24, 2007
Tofino Legion
Tickets $12, Doors 9pm

CR Avery is a singer/songwriter who refuses to succumb to predictability. An internationally acclaimed beat box blues poet and one man band. Avery lays down soulful vocals over grooves that sway back and forth, but he also uses a beat-box, trumpet and, that 80s classic, the keytar, creating a multilayered sound that constantly reveals something new. An exhilarating front man combining the everyman heart of Bruce Springsteen, the insightful words of Bob Dylan, the street attitude of Lou Reed. He is the author of four hip-hop operas, a new, energetic style of theatre informed by the stories and rhythms of the streets. Truly a unique performer with east-side perspective on life. This man is a peaceful revolutionary.

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Mihirangi

Saturday, March 3, 2007
Clayoquot Community Theatre
Tickets $20, Doors 7pm

Mihirangi performs contemporary originals and soulful world roots, with a rare performance style. Using a loop pedal to layer her wide-ranging vocals (vocal bass lines, vocal percussion, calls, cries, sounds, vocal lead breaks and beat boxing) with koauau, poi, percussion and guitar, Mihirangi creates her own band sound - live in front of the audience. Mihirangi is an exciting and gifted contemporary performer.