Candice McMahon
For The Morning Star
Some special memories will be created this New Year’s Eve at the Vernon Jazz Club.
The Legendary Lake Monsters will rock us through the night with their lively tunes, tight harmonies, and infectious rhythms. The party gets started later than usual at 9 p.m. and features savvy décor and some special hors d’oeuvres for party-goers.
“The LLMs are not only one of the best dance bands I’ve heard, they are just an all-round great band – incredible players, amazing vocals, and super tight. (They play) a wide range of repertoire to appeal to every audience member, and they’re super fun! Highly recommended,” said Brian Martin, with Sun FM.
The Lake Monsters’ name came about on a scorching hot Okanagan outdoor rehearsal overlooking the lake.
The musicians wanted a name that was reflective of the whole Okanagan Valley and the size of the band, something unique and memorable.
The legend of the Ogopogo monster in Okanagan Lake predates the arrival of the Europeans in the area and is recognized throughout Canada. This band contains two handfuls of monster players, so the name resonated with them.
The Lake Monsters are a sizzling high energy 10-piece band bringing together the talents of Paul May (vocals, guitar), Anita Baturin (vocals), Henry Piovesan (vocals, keys), Aaron French (bass), Greg Baturin (drums), Alex Barss (alto sax), Craig Carmody (tenor sax, flute), Mike Scharf (baritone sax), Al Szeliga (trumpet, flugelhorn), and Brian McMahon (trombone).
Their sound is a true mix of swing, R&B, ‘60s pop and rock, ‘70s funk, ‘80s new wave, Latin, and 21st century horn-based music from artists such as Bruno Mars, Adele, and Nikki Yanofsky.
On the New Year’s Eve set list, expect to also hear tunes by Stevie Wonder, Queen, David Bowie, and Michael Bublé.
As Rod MacDonald, one of the founders of The Lake Monsters, sums it up: “One of the great joys of playing music is the ability to use the experiences we’ve developed over a lifetime to make the best music we can with good friends.”
The Lake Monsters’ love of creating music together is not lost on their loyal audiences. The band’s wealth of talent, dedication to practise, and the infusion of new songs keep the lively music at a high calibre, and it just never gets old.
“They are a tight, energetic, and crowd-pleasing band. The Monsters may only come out at night, but they obviously jam hard during the day,” said The Morning Star’s Kevin Mitchell.
The Legendary Lake Monsters will be on stage at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31st St.) Saturday at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. (Cash only bar on site.) This show is now sold out. More info on future Vernon Jazz Society gigs and ticket sales is available at vernonjazz.com.