The Vernon Jazz Club celebrates the wrap up of its successful 2015-16 season with another sold-out show by Brickhouse Saturday night.
The band will perform its own tunes as well as covers by legends that is sure to have the audience grooving. In fact, the audience is a huge part of every Brickhouse show, said band leader Rob Bracken.
“It’s a riot, and it’s very hands-on and interactive. Like a big kitchen party, everyone is involved,” he said. “In fact, most times it is the mood of the audience that dictates what songs will be played that night, making for a very exciting evening for both the crowd and the band.”
Brickhouse’s sound may be blues and funk, but when asked how he would describe the band’s music, Bracken says, “We’ve been known to let the reigns go now and again and rock it out.”
Joining Bracken in Brickhouse is Ray Keesh (bass), Ed Johnson (drums and percussion), Oldrich “Oz” Zitek (saxophone and backing vocals), Todd Taylor (guitar and backing vocals), and Darryl Havers (Hammond organ, keyboards and backing vocals).
Brickhouse has been energizing audiences for the past 13 years and continues to be recognized for its talent.
Coined as Vancouver’s busiest band by Stormin’ Norman from Rock 101 Sunday Blues, Brickhouse was named the Best Canadian Live Band - all genres - by Real Blues Magazine in 2004.
The band has been receiving many more accolades as of late.
The Times wrote, “If you saw them at last year’s Jazz and Blues festival, you probably haven’t forgotten the funky Brickhouse band and the great impression they made on the dancing cheering crowd.”
Keith Alexander, the artistic director of the Edge of the World Music Festival wrote: “Brickhouse is the epitome of live music rules”
Opening for Brickhouse will be J. Solemn on guitar and vocals.
Playing in the Okanagan for the past six years, Solemn has played with bands Gallon’s Corner, The Dead Yetis, Redhead, Buffalove, and the Kinky Pinks, as well as Tidal Baby. He plays tunes from The Beatles and Steely Dan to Bob Dylan and Neil Young.
Solemn’s debut album, Introducing the New Folk Sounds Of, was released through Dead West Records. His second, titled Nowhere, is set to be released through Fortune Creek Company.
Brickhouse hits the stage at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31st St.) Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. with opening act J. Solemn. This show is now sold out. Visit www.vernonjazz.ca to become a member for the next season. Cash only bar. This event is sponsored by Expressions of Time.