They have a name that late primatologist Dian Fossey would have loved.
Compassion Gorilla is a world-beat powerhouse band hailing from Victoria. With horns, rhythm section and a vaudevillian-like esthetic, the seven-member group is known to liberate feet with their whole-hearted dance music, and will prove that when they play Lorenzo’s Café Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Not new to these parts, the band is a regular fixture at music festivals and has recently played at the Victoria International Jazz Festival, Starbelly Jam, Robson Valley Music Festival, Bella Coola Music Festival, Campbell Bay Music Festival, and Kispiox Valley Music Festival.
“We are visiting the Okanagan and Kootenays over the course of a week, including shows in Kelowna and Revelstoke,” said Gorilla Chris Fretwell, who plays the small Andean stringed instrument known as a charango as well as guitar and is one of the band’s three vocalists.
Infused with elements of Latin, African, and Balkan music, Compassion Gorilla combines tight, eclectic instrumental arrangements with songs and story telling. The result is an engaging show, fun for all ages, that leaves the audience wanting more.
The band spent a long stretch of 2013 touring in Mexico, and played more than 50 shows in four months. They came home with a new album under their belts. Colibrís en Vuelo features songs written and arranged on this journey.
Compassion Gorilla takes the stage at Lorenzo’s Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cover charge is $10. Call 250-838-6700 to reserve a seat.