Passionate performances, not platters and pints, were the main course this past Monday (Aug. 20) as the Howe Sound Brew Pub's Open Mike night showed off the best of Squamish's amateur talent.
Cam Salay, the local musician of Paperboys fame, organizes the event, and said the format ensures regulars and first-timers.
"You get to see a lot of collaboration," said Salay, "which is a sort of evolution for the show."
Launched in May, Open Mike began with performances every other Monday, but because of popular demand the show now runs every week. Some of the performers can also be caught at the open sessions held at Gelato Carina on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Last Monday began with Salay on banjo jamming with the multi-talented Owen Veber on bass. The mix of country and funk can be described as Groovy Grassroots, or Funky Country.
Veber then went on to perform solo taking the audience on a jazz-filled journey.
Sounding more like a symphony than a solo artist, Veber programmed his bass into a repeating loop, which provided him with his own backup and gave the audience a unique experience.
Veber switched seamlessly to acoustic guitar while the sounds of his bass continued on. As he collaborated with his recently played performance, his versatility allowed him to pick up nearly any instrument, be it brass, bass or keyboard, and play it to near-perfection.
A well-traveled musician Weber said the event has become a blessing in disguise and he relishes the chance to play with his peers.
"The more I come the more I'm amazed by the talent," said Veber.
The less experienced but no less entertaining Jane Gillie came on next and even though she's only played guitar seriously for a few years, she showed the poise of a professional. Gillie said she savours the opportunity to sing solo without the constraints and commitment present in a band, but she stills enjoys sharing the stage with her fellow performers.
"I love the relaxed atmosphere [and] I like the chance to collaborate," said Gillie.
Gillie's performance included covers of Kelly Clarkson's Because of You and Queen's I Want to Break Free. As fellow musician and co-organizer Bob Bhilion joined Gillie on stage with his guitar, she was able to focus more on singing, which made evident the heart behind her every note and chord.
Local songstress Dana Marie Battaglia showed off her soulful voice during a rendition of Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.
Also on hand was the genuine grassroots music of Fraser Canyon, whose songs were simple, sincere and more than satisfying. Canyon said his style developed from listening to the music being played around the campfires and in the kitchens of his youth.
