American folk-country legend Gillian Welch sang about her sails in rags, and the cooks cleaning the kitchen with the staggers and the jags.
According to the Urban Dictionary, the term means one who has twitching, loss of balance and motor skills, and hallucinations caused by intense alcohol abuse. For an East Van ensemble of musicians, it’s simply the name of their band.
The ensemble is a curious concoction of characters, taking influence from prohibition era parties, blues, jazz and punk rock. Stories of love, loss and madness are told through playful melodies and hypnotic rhythms.
Known for their hauntingly nostalgic sound, The Staggers and Jaggs are touring B.C. and Alberta fresh off the release of their new single One Way Out, and drop by Vernon Saturday.
With their debut EP released last summer, The Staggers and Jaggs are no strangers to touring, said Steve Gosselin, local show promoter with SMG Endeavors.
“One may recognize band members from other acts such as Uptown Riot, Devil in the Wood Shack, this is THE SHOES, Los Furios and Blackberry Wood. Collectively, they have toured all over Canada. Together, they conjure an infectiously upbeat sound that will soon be gracing a hole in the wall near you,” said Gosselin.
The Staggers and Jaggs play The Kal, in the Kalamalka Hotel, 3004 30th Ave. Saturday at 9 p.m. Opening is Kelowna rockabilly act Crowd The Joanna. Pre-sale tickets ($5) are available at The Kal or find “The Staggers and Jaggs at The Kal” on Eventbrite for online purchase. Cover is $10 at the door. 19 plus only.
