“Alt-country-gypsy-circus” music is coming to town on the Greyhound Bus.

Three members of the larger ensemble Blackberry Wood will be performing at the Critical Mass Pop-up Gallery in 100 Mile on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Brought to 100 Mile by Momentum Productions, the band has an eclectic gypsy vibe inspired by jazz music from the 1920s and 40s and early country music, says Kris Wood, singer and guitar player with the band.

Joining Wood on the tour will be the trumpet-playing “Swamp Donkey,” and the multi-talented “Electric Tesla” on ukelele, marching drum and melodica.

The band is also bringing a device they call “the contraption.” According to Wood it’s a “little steampunk suitcase full of toys” that runs much of their percussion.

Wood has performed in 100 Mile before, but Blackberry Wood’s performance might be the last, and first, chance for residents of the South Cariboo to see the band in action.

Blackberry Wood is slowing down on their small-town touring days, says Wood. The band has had a few too many close calls on the highways — part of the reason they are arriving in 100 Mile by Greyhound.

Instead, they’re joining the circus — literally — and will be looking to tour larger festivals and events.

Before then, they’ll be doing one big tour this summer to “go back to our favourite smaller venues and play one last time,” says Wood.

But until then, Wood says the band is hoping people enjoy their performance in 100 Mile.

“They’re definitely going to be thoroughly entertained, they’re going to have a fantastic time, tons of fun, and, for maybe a bit, if we can coax it out of them, a bit of dancing,” says Wood. A licensed bar will also be available for the evening.

“It’s foot stomping dancing music,” says Gus Horn, the mind behind the Critical Mass Pop-up Gallery. He says he will do his best to keep people on the dance floor during and after the concert, but he says people are welcome to just listen to the music as well.

Horn has some projects up his sleeve for what the Critical Mass Gallery will be featuring next, but until then he hopes people of all ages will come out to the performance and be amused.

“In the meantime, we ought to have fun together and get together,” he says. “Live music has all the imperfections that make it real.”

Doors for the show open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door.

100 Mile House Free Press