Good friends who play great music together are at the core of the R&B Allstars.
The group formed in the late 1970s and became known for wearing signature white tuxedos and endured over a 20-year career.
Joani Bye joined the Allstars in 1989. She performed with the band for a while before it disbanded in the late ’90s. She joined the band again when it reformed about four years ago.
The band now has eight original members and three newcomers.
“The thing that has kept the group together is the love of the music,” said Bye. “Colin (Weinmaster) is the glue of the band.”
Weinmaster, is an original member and is currently the trombone player.
The R&B Allstars, presented by TLC Entertainment, perform Friday (June 10) at the Queen’s. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Bye said the band has a great repertoire of songs.
“We have a blast together,” said Bye.
She loves singing with a six-piece band.
“How many people get to do that?,” she said. “We all have the same mindset. The work ethic is there from everyone. It’s a good feeling. The vocals are kicking too, which is really fun to work with.”
Bye attended UBC. She was a classical piano major. She was around music from an early age; both of her parents were musicians.
“My sisters are both singers,” she said. “It was in my family.”
Bye said attendees at the Nanaimo performance will get to hear “high-powered” rhythm and blues music.
“It’s dance music,” she said. “Most of it is get down and dance music. It’s a high-energy group.”
When Bye is onstage she has to be on top of what is going on. She is responsible for queueing the other musicians for transitions. But sometimes she can let herself enjoy the moment.
Bye said the last time the band performed in Nanaimo the concert sold out, so she recommends people get their tickets early.
“The dance floor at the Queen’s will be packed,” said Bye.
Tickets are $27 and are available in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com. One dollar from every ticket sale will be donated to the Nanaimo Blues Society.
The R&B Allstars were a staple of Vancouver’s nightlife in the early ’80s and opened for acts such as War, James Brown, Chuck Berry and Paul Butterfield. The band has seen more than 30 members come and go over the years.
The group has recorded a number of songs over the years, adding their personal touch to songs such as Choo Choo Boogie, Crazy Mama, Satisfaction and Ain’t That a Lot of Love.
For more information about the R&B Allstars, please go to http://rbalive.com.
For more information about Bye, please go to www.joanibye.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
