Can’t make it to Brazil for an evening? Well the Rockwater will bring the sounds of Rio by Night to you.
The four-piece band based out of Vancouver fearlessly combines the cello and ukulele to create a sound all their own.
Starting out as the ukulele-anchored solo project of front-woman, Britt MacLeod, the band quickly morphed into a duo with cellist, Alex Hauka.
But when bassist, Ben Whipple, and drummer, Mike Lauder joined the band in the winter 2011, Rio by Night found a sound completely new.
McLeod was born and raised in Terrace, first learning how to sing and harmonize by mimicking artists like Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and the Beatles. She started writing poems at the age of six, and songs by age 11 on the piano.
In November 2010 she picked up a ukulele for the first time and taught herself how to play. By the end of the first week she had written three new songs.
Now the sounds of cello, guitar, keys, banjo, bass, percussion and others often join in to compliment, making Rio by Night an ever-changing experimental collaboration anchored always by intricately woven lyrics, ukulele and a soulful voice.
Rio by Night are performing at the Rockwater on Sunday July 22 at 9 p.m.
Don’t forget, tickets for Sloan are now on sale at the Rockwater, and Plain Wayne and Jane, for their Friday September 7 show.
