Those thirsty for music that is both dangerous and danceable may want to drink in Nanaimo’s Dope Soda when they drop by Gallery Vertigo on Thursday.
Said to be a cocktail party mix of reggae, rock, jazz, hip hop, and ska, Dope Soda formed in late 2011, and features a fresh concoction of six of the top jazz, rock, and Jamaican-music-inspired musicians from Vancouver Island.
Made up of members of Current Swell, Rocky Mountain Rebel Music, The Bananafish Dance Orchestra, The Kiltlifters, and Kings Without, Dope Soda members all graduated from the highly regarded jazz program at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University College).
The band is led by a three-piece horn section, Dave St. Jean (trombone and vocals), Phil Hamlin (trumpet), and Matt Carter (baritone sax and vocals), who also serves up sips of bubbling Hammonds and Wurlitzers. They are buoyed by a funky rhythm section, Andrew Rollins (drums), and Anatol McGinnis (bass), while Greg Szabo serves up distorted guitar.
Dope Soda takes the stage at Gallery Vertigo (#1-3001-31st St., downtown Vernon, upstairs) at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10, available at the door.
