Local music promoter Vig Schulman speaks highly of Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few.
"This is an amazing ensemble, including cello and violin," says Schulman of the band, which performs Wednesday at Joe's Garage. "Very contemporary and excellently arranged."
Berube and band are promoting their latest album, June in Siberia.
Berube spent his childhood in the small African country of Swaziland in the '80s where his father worked. They lived hours away from neighbouring South Africa under the grip of apartheid.
As well, he witnessed the affluence of Swaziland's king and how he presided unfairly over its people. These experiences have informed Berube's music without being pedantic.
There are amazing musical instincts at work in Berube's music, both lyrically and in the compositions. For example, it is not rare to see him bait the audience with a soft and captivating vocal arrangement as the Patriotic Few progress to an ambush of earth-shattering builds.
Tickets are available at Bop City for $17 in advance. You can start your evening with dinner. Reservations are available after 6 p.m. Call 250-702-6456.
— Joe's Garage