Some things old, some things new, some things borrowed and some things blue.
If you go to Granville Airton’s concert at Tarbell’s Café in Cumberland on Jan. 22, you can also expect a few stories, a bit of foolishness, and songs to make you laugh, songs to make you smile, songs to sing along with and a couple that may bring a tear or two (so bring a hankie).
You won’t leave Tarbell’s unmoved by Airton’s music. About 50 years ago, Airton played guitar and sang with the Marauders. The Marauders were a Courtenay rock band, providing danceable music to the local teens (who are now seniors, of course, and you know who you are).
They played every Sunday in the CRA Hall (now Lewis Centre) for a couple of years. He then lived for about 45 years in Vancouver. About five years ago, Granville and Gloria (Soganic) Airton moved back to the Valley.
Almost two years ago, Granville got together with Lainie Laughlin, Scott Lyle and Viv and Steve Ruskin and formed a new band, 5Play (www.5Play.ca ), which has performed at a number of venues around the Valley and northern Vancouver Island.
Having played his eclectic mixture of songs at festivals and many venues in the Lower Mainland while he lived there, Granville realized that since he’s been with 5Play he hasn’t been playing a lot of the songs he loved to play in the past. So, on Jan. 22, he’s going to do a benefit concert for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a cause he cares about deeply, having had a heart bypass operation about 10 years ago.
Granville would love to see his old and new friends at Tarbell’s for an evening of great food (it’s recommended that you call Tarbell’s at 250-336-8863 to make a reservation) and music.
Tickets ($10 in advance and $12 at the door) are at Sound Advice and Tarbell’s or by calling 250-890-0499. Showtime will be at 7:30.
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Granville Airton will give a two-hour workshop Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. at Tarbell’s on introductory swing guitar playing.
It costs $20. Book and pay for your spot at the concert the night before or book and pay for your spot by calling 250-890-0499. Class size limited to eight students.
All proceeds go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C.
— Granville Airton