Oceanside residents were treated to a musical cornucopia on the first weekend of fall as stages throughout the community were filled with sounds to please just about anyone’s musical taste.
The Errington Farmers Market bandshell had several performers entertain the folks who came out for the last market of the year — and a pair of local sisters was a definite crowd favourite.
It was an inaugural gig for 16-year-old Chloe Elston and 13-year-old Sydney Elston of Parksville, whose covers of current pop songs created some instant fans.
“It was amazing” said Chloe, adding “We really felt their energy.”
Sydney agreed and said they had fun at their first official gig on Saturday.
The duo got the performing bug after hitting the stage at the coffee house at the Errington Hall last November.
They have been regulars at that open stage event ever since, performing their country pop covers.
“We like to make pop into a more country feel by adding acoustic guitar. I think it does that,” admitted Chole.
“When the coffee house started up it was the perfect place to showcase that. From the first time we really liked it so we went to most of them,” said Sydney.
However, the pair have decided that maybe it’s time to expand their horizons beyond the War Memorial Hall.
The two admit they would eventually like to write and perform their own songs, but for now they are happy doing covers and are anxious to be booked for another gig after the positive feedback they received from their market performance.
Chloe has been playing guitar since she was eight years old and Sydney has benefited from singing lessons.
The two said no one else in their family has musical talent and their inspiration has come from the enjoyment of listening to music.
Also on the market stage for this final event of the season were Angie Harriet, the Lazy Silver Backs, Susanne & Guy and Bob Herbison.
The dance floor at the Errington War Memorial Hall was on fire as the crowd salsa danced the night away to Vancouver’s premier Afro-Latin dance band TANGA.
The high-energy and charismatic group sizzled with infectious dance rhythms bringing a taste of Cuba to Oceanside on Saturday night.
At the Coombs Rodeo Grounds indoor stage the ever popular Maloomba Boogie Band pulled in a big crowd once again at Saturday’s Big Coombs Dance.
The crowd boogied to good old-fashioned rock’n’ roll from one of the hardest working bands on Vancouver Island.
On Sunday at The Old School House (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach, pianist Paolo Vairo was back by popular demand for the Music On Sunday concert series. The internationally esteemed virtuoso from Italy who now resides in Pennsylvania delivered another inspiring program of piano masterpieces.
reporter@pqbnews.com
