Vancouver-based band This is Franco will introduce their much-anticipated full-length album Shelter to Salmon Arm fans this Friday.
Three of the four members of the band grew up in Salmon Arm but have recently moved to Vancouver to further their music careers.
From Salmon Arm, it’s Marcus Abramzik on bass, Josh Contant on drums and Alex Dobson on guitar, with singer-guitarist Mark Bridgeman hailing from Victoria.
Though still young, these musicians have been praised by critics and gained legions of new fans, opening up and headlining shows with other musical artists such as Said the Whale, Jasper Sloan Yip, Whale Tooth, 41st and Home, and Sweatshop Union.
Working with various producers throughout Western Canada has afforded This is Franco the opportunity to perform at prominent Vancouver venues and festivals such as the Media Club, the Bourbon and frosh week at the University of the Fraser Valley and Langara College.
In 2009, their song Forever was chosen as CBC Radio Almanac’s theme song. And shortly after, This is Franco headed out on tour in a gigantic yellow school bus to raise awareness for the Kids Help Phone.
Following the cross- Canada tour, they were tagged in Canadian Musician Magazine as a band on the rise.
And in February 2010 they recorded with Tom Dobrzanski, whose credits include We are the City, Hey Ocean, The Zola’s and Said the Whale, among others.
Another tour had them playing some of Canada’s most coveted rooms from coast to coast.
This is Franco will be joined at the Hideaway Pub with local performer Ben St. John Friday, March 25.
