It has been an eventful and amazing five years for Vernon-based band Cod Gone Wild.
Producing two full-length studio albums, touring all over Western Canada, and performing shows in San Francisco, Newfoundland and, most recently, at the Ambassador’s Residence in Quito, Ecuador this past Canada Day.
Cod Gone Wild recently bid farewell to band mate and friend Anjuli Otter, who recently got married and moved to Saskatchewan.
“Anjuli was with the band for four years, was an amazing addition, and played a large role in the band’s success over that time, says Cod Gone Wild front man Andrew Mercer. “Anjuli’s departure certainly left a void, some uncertainty, and many unanswered questions around who was going to fill that void.”
Then along came Susan Aylard, who began studying the violin before her third birthday. During her studies throughout western Canada she placed first in the Senior Division at the BC Festival of the Arts, her “Sabeon Trio” twice competed at the National Music Competition. Most recently she received the Okanagan Arts award.
Aylard has travelled the world performing in Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, the U.S. and Ireland.
She’s no stranger to fiddle music, having fronted her own bands, Cats and the Fiddle and Rough Pearl, not to mention performing with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.
Mercer is excited about the band’s new direction.
“Sue nailed the audition and is a true professional in every sense,” says Mercer. “We are delighted to have her on board and we feel quite fortunate to have found someone locally to join us and represent our region as we travel and share our music.”
Cod Gone Wild will showcase their new fiddle player with two shows in the Shuswap – Nov. 27 and 28 at Notch Hill Hall.
“This is a chance for our fans across the valley and Shuswap to come out and welcome Sue to the band and to check out what she brings to the group,” says Mercer. “We will also be shooting video and taking photographs of the new line-up, so we are looking to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere of family, friends and supporters.”
Tickets are available at the Lighthouse Market, Acorn Music in Salmon Arm or by emailing andrew@codgonewild.com.Doors open at 7 p.m. Show time is 7:30.
