We hope everyone had a great summer. The Sooke Folk Music Society kicks off a new season of musical events with the first of our regular third Saturday of the month coffee houses. It begins this Saturday, Sept. 17. This year, we want to try bringing you some of our local talent. Our first presentation features the Rhythm Miners.
The band has been together for about four years and consists of Earl Gray who writes, plays guitar and sings along with Glen Lovitt who also writes, plays bass, keyboards and vocals as well as Jake Grant on congas and percussion.
All three band members live in beautiful East Sooke. The Rhythm Miners are quickly becoming a rhythmic powerhouse laying down some of the most formidable beats and grooves of our time complementing their original music. These original tunes are refreshingly relevant in the industry and their music is upbeat and current. The band’s repertoire consists of over 50 songs written and performed by these three members. They are articulate and well rounded musicians coming from various backgrounds and experience and are sometimes expanded to four or five players with a sax and or drummer in order to enhance and expand the sound depending on the size of the gig. What you will find in this music is a blend of folk/rock/roots with a touch of Latin/blues/reggae played on acoustic guitars and bass along with various percussion instruments. This band plays for the shear enjoyment and everlasting impression they hope to instill in each and every person who may have the privilege of listening and engaging in this energetic and enthusiastic ensemble’s passion for music.
Earl Gray started playing music at age 10 in his hometown of Ottawa. He was in his first band at 13 and played community centres and school dances until he left Ottawa for the West Coast. Gray has played professionally for the last 20 years. In that time he has also played in Vancouver, Washington State as well as the Mirage in Las Vegas and has opened for the iconic Canadian band April Wine, with two sets of his original music. He has over 200 original songs to his credit, along with three CD’s and one music video.
Glen Lovett began playing piano in 1986 in a piano/guitar duo in pubs and wine bars in Sydney, Australia, while employed full time as an animation artist.
In 1987 he switched to electric bass guitar in the duo (as the Electric Yamaha CP-70 grand piano was just too dang heavy to carry to gigs!) The duo played mostly blues-based cover songs.
From 1988 to 1993 Lovett played in a four- piece band called ‘Wise Fools’ in pubs, clubs and bars in Australia. Wise Fools played mostly New Orleans- style R&B covering tunes of artists such as the Neville Bros, The Meters, Bill Withers with a few original numbers thrown in. Lovett’s piano style is also influenced by famous New Orleans piano players such as Professor Longhair, Dr. John and Jon Cleary. 1994 found him in Canada with his wife Kay. Here he continues to work in the animation industry from his home studio in East Sooke.
Percussionist Jake Grant has been playing for over 20 years starting in Toronto, appearing with bands at gatherings and clubs. For the last 15 years he has performed on southern Vancouver Island. From recording to hosting open stages in line ups including professional musicians, he refined the skills required to become a founding member of the Rhythm Miners.
With influences including jazz to jam music he has been described as a great listener and a well rounded solid player.
This band is hot and guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your hands clapping. You won’t want to miss this season’s opening show.
It happens this Saturday, Sept. 17 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 192 Murray Road. Doors open at 7 p.m. with open stage at 8 and the Rhythm Miners at 9.
