Two of the most popular artists to perform in the intimate confines of Bozzini’s Upstairs Lounge return for one night on Thursday, March 30.
From the mid ’80s to the early ’90s, The Grapes Of Wrath and The Northern Pikes were responsible for some of the catchiest and most heart-felt singles and videos to come out of Canada at that time. Fast forward some 20 years later and the vocalist/guitarists from each of these bands find themselves living just blocks away from one another in Toronto.
This realization led to Bryan Potvin (The Northern Pikes) and Kevin Kane (The Grapes of Wrath) getting together to hang out with a couple of guitars for some casual jams. The duo, now officially calling themselves Kane & Potvin, has been performing live together for three years
“Like most successful musical collaborations I’ve had in my life, the working relationship between Kevin and I is rather non-verbal. We don’t talk too much about the music – we just kinda play it,” said Potvin.
From the first rehearsal, Kane said both musicians saw that there was potential to present songs from the Pikes, the Grapes, as well as their respective solo material, in a way that listeners would find both fresh and familiar.
“Working with Bryan is as easy a musical relationship as I’ve ever had because it feels like we “get” what the other guy is going for in a song but at the same time I think we are both pleasantly surprised by what the other brings to a song or arrangement. It’s a nice balance of respect and comfort with one another, where no idea is too precious or too stupid – until we’ve tried said stupid idea and deemed it too stupid. But only then,” Kane said with a laugh. “We come from a similar place musically but approach things from our own perspectives.”
Still true to their rock roots, Kane & Potvin continue to heap pop sensibilities generously throughout, but today the lyrics are deeper and richer – tenanted with life stories that can only be accumulated over time. Both artists seem to have found a trusted songwriting partner with which to explore these experiences.
Kane & Potvin in concert Thursday, March 30 at Bozzini’s Upstairs Lounge. Show at 8 p.m., doors at 6 p.m.
Tickets $25 and available at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone. Visit www.bozzinisrestaurant.ca for further details.
