Article Contributed by McGuckin Entertainment PR
Published on April 7, 2016
<p>Canada’s hottest young bluegrass band, <a href=”http://slocanramblers.com”><strong>The Slocan Ramblers</strong></a>, embark on a Southeastern U.S. tour starting in MerleFest. Playing songs from their latest release, <em>Coffee Creek</em>, and their debut album, <em>Shaking Down the Acorns</em>, the band will play shows in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee. </p>
<p>Despite their Toronto address, says Elmore Magazine, “The Slocan Ramblers are turning out a piping hot brand of bluegrass that you just may think was cut fresh from a back porch in the Blue Ridge.” Members include Frank Evans (banjo, vocals), Adrian Gross (mandolin), Darryl Poulsen (guitar) and Alastair Whitehead (bass). </p>
<p>As they make their way, these supreme musicians will serve up for fans the energy and musicianship that earned them the 2015 Edmonton Folk Fest Emerging Artist Award and other accolades. A beacon of Canada’s roots music scene, the Ramblers’ music strikes “that perfect modern bluegrass balance of a deep respect for tradition and an itch for exploration,” notes Exclaim! Magazine. </p>
<p>The Huffington Post described the band’s previous release, <em>Shaking Down the Acorns</em>, as “excellent … and well worth repeated listening.” That pattern of excellence continues in <em>Coffee Creek</em> (2015), produced by Chris Coole (The Foggy Hogtown Boys), who praised the band for recording an album of “precision and virtuosity” while recognizing “the power of the fragile moment in music.” </p>
<p>A blend of driving, intricate instrumentals and moving vocal-driven tunes, album favorites are sure to include the lovely “April’s Waltz,” Whitehead’s world-weary original, “Elk River,” and the band’s masterful interpretation of the medley, “Pastures of Plenty – Honey Babe,” featuring Evans’ soulful, raw vocals. </p>
<p>Enjoy tunes from these albums and more at an upcoming show. </p>
<p><strong>2016 Southeastern United States Tour Dates include:</strong></p>
<p>April 28-29 — MerleFest, Wilkesboro, N.C. </p>
<p>May 1 — White Horse Black Mountain, Black Mountain, N.C. â¨</p>
<p>May 4 — Wolf Hills Brewing Co., Abingdon, Va. </p>
<p>May 5 — The Downhome, Johnson City, Tenn. </p>
<p>May 6 — Jig and Reel, Knoxville, Tenn. </p>
<p>May 7 — Feed and Seed, Fletcher, N.C. </p>
<p>May 8 — Ervin House Concerts, Morganton, N.C. </p>
<p>May 11 — House Concert, New Bern, N.C. </p>
<p>May 12 — R.A. Fountain, Fountain, N.C. </p>
<p>May 13 — Palmetto Brewing Company, Charleston, S.C. </p>
<p>May 13 — The Southern Bar & Grill, Mt Pleasant, S.C. </p>
<p>May 14 — Birdfest, Panola, S.C. </p>
<p>May 15 — Rooster’s Wife, Aberdeen, N.C. </p>
<p>May 17 — RadLiCoaux House Concerts, Radford, Va. </p>
<p>May 18 — Prism Coffeehouse, Charlottesville, Va. </p>
<p>May 19 — High Point Arts Council, High Point, N.C. </p>
<p>May 20 — Evening Muse, Charlotte, N.C. </p>
<p>May 21 — Cowee School, Franklin, N.C. </p>
<p>May 24 — Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, Asheville, N.C.</p>