Ash & Bloom like to think of themselves as a combination of Simon and Garfunkel and Mumford and Sons.
“We have folk tendencies and pop sensibilities,” said James Bloemendal, who fronts the band with Matt Mckenna. “We’re very influenced by a lot of the artists from the 60s and 70s. But we also listen to a lot of contemporary songwriters, and we mix those things we love into our music.”
The Ontario band will be performing in Nelson on August 28 at Finley’s Irish Bar & Grill as a fundraiser for the Nelson Hospice Society.
Bloemendal said hospice care is a topic he’s extremely passionate about since the death of his grandfather Jacob a few years ago.
“A hospital can seem like a sterile environment, and it can feel like a lot of restrictions,” he said. “In a hospice it’s more comfortable, you’ve got couches and warm meals. Families can be together. It’s halfway between a home and a hospital.”
He said his family benefited hugely.
“That kind of support network helps the family start the grieving process in a more comfortable environment. I would hope I have many years left, but I know that would be an easier place to get ready to move on,” he said.
Ash & Bloom recently released their album Let the Storms Come, and they’re touring in support of it.
Two of the most popular songs, “Manna for my Soul” and “Heaven is a Ghost Town” deal with weighty spiritual issues.
“We write about darkness and light. That’s pretty all-encompassing. We’ve sung about the afterlife, and about inspiration and where it comes from,” he said.
Tickets for the fundraiser will be $25 for adults and $10 for children. The ticket price includes a burger and beer for adult, and a burger and soft drink for kids. The show will begin at 7 p.m.
For more information visit ashandbloom.com.
