The Coldstream Coffee House presents acoustic trio Steel Wound as the feature performer at its next event in the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall Saturday.
With an obvious enjoyment for the music they make, Steel Wound puts a new twist on old sounds, and makes the new ones sound comfortably familiar.
Not a dance band, the group describes itself as an intriguing and enjoyable musical experience.
“Toe tapping is encouraged, and dancing’s always allowed if you really want,” said Steel Wound member Keith Hustler, who sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar, banjo and mandolin.
Founded in the fall of 2011, Steel Wound played its very first gig at the Coldstream Coffee House. Since then, the Vernon-based group has quietly developed a loyal core of local fans.
Trading lead vocals, blending three-part harmonies, chopping chords and picking a variety of strings, Steel Wound cycles through a repertoire that reaches back to the 1800s.
Group members present thoughtful original tunes and semi-obscure alt-roots and jazzy-country-blues, citing influences as varied as Fred Eaglesmith, Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, and many others.
The band is currently working on its first CD, expected to be out this spring, and will present several originals by songwriter Kerry Parks, along with a few characteristic cover tunes.
“At least one or two new tunes from the CD should find their way onto the CCH set list,” said Hustler.
The youngest in the band, Hustler has been playing guitar for more than 35 years. When not making music, he keeps busy building and repairing guitars and other stringed instruments in his shop, Hustler Guitars.
Joining him is Rod MacDonald, on bass and harmony vocals.
A man familiar to music lovers in the North Okanagan for his work with The Legendary Lake Monsters and session work with many local musicians, MacDonald has even been known to break out his tuba on occasion.
Songwriter Parks, on lead and harmony vocals, plays guitar, dobro, banjo and harmonica.
“(He) croaks out the blues, croons sweet ballads, or lays out what he likes to call message tunes in a voice that rasps or rumbles, with a passion gentle or righteous,” said Hustler.
The open mic portion of Saturday’s Coldstream Coffee House will precede the feature performance, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and the show at 7 p.m.
Admission is $5 with a concession by donation. The Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall is located at 9909 Kalamalka Lake Rd.
