Wells Gray Lively Arts hosted another fantastic evening of music on August 8 at the Dutch Lake Community Centre live stage with the colourful compliment of vendor tents offering some delicious treats and handcrafted local artisan products.
Looking into the history of the guest band, Yale County from Kamloops, they have evolved from what was known as a ‘jug band’ with a washboard and stand-up bass to now incorporating an electric guitar, bass, harmonica and organ.
The original songs performed on Thursday evening could be described as rooted in alt country/americana. The strong harmonies blended the voices of Karl Thibaudeau, Jamie Marshall and Marie Jackson with lead singer, Gerry Sherk, in a soulful, relaxed style. Drummer, Ed Carusi’s groove captured the attention of the crowd as he smoothly showed his chops on the skins. Marshall backed up the band with his harp blues riffs sliding into the warm summer’s night.
The band’s folksy country rock, bluesy harmonica, melodious harmonies and crowd pleasing interactions fit the bill for delivering truly enjoyable summer entertainment for all ages.
The Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers were certainly grateful to Sherk for sharing the multiple reminders throughout the evening to promote their 50/50 annual ticket sales. The annual draw is a major fundraiser each year with proceeds going towards patient care and new medical equipment for the local hospital.
As they bid farewell to the audience during another Wells Gray Lively Arts Summer Stage, the band’s lead singer, Sherk, said they were “looking forward to coming back to Clearwater next year!”
