This week the flat lands are bringing their music to The West Coast.
Winnipeg's Flat City Folk has its origins in humble beginnings but with a charming prairie twist.
Donovan Locken, Lee Froese and Phil Brake began their journey in a basement setting, playing along to rock bands such as Metallica, but it was with the request for a country-themed wedding band that Flat City Folk found its footing.
The band is in a state of constant evolution, incorporating various instruments such as the mandolin, the ukulele and upright bass, all while limiting their use of electronics on stage. While they tend to prefer smaller, more intimate venues, Flat City Folk have played Shine On Music Festival, and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. The band is wrapping up a tour in Tofino on Wednesday, July 30 at The Tofino Legion. Doors open at 8, $2 for members/$5 for guests, 19+ Also coming from the nation's vast prairies this week is Michael Coughlan, singer and principal songwriter for upcoming country and roots band National Midnight Star from Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Coughlan's songs address the universal themes of small town living and the Canadian experience delivered in as very approachable mix of country and rock.
His new album, The 6th Avenue Verses has been enjoying radio play on radio stations across the nation since its release earlier this summer with the unabashedly home-town inspired song "Medicine Hat, Approximately" leading the charge.
Coughlan has played the west coast before and will be playing at Jamie's Rainforest Inn as part of their Tunesday Night series on
August 5. Music Starts at 8pm, no cover, all ages At Blackberry Cove Coffeehouse Night -Friday August 1st -8pm, check out West Coaster Bill Perry and Mandolin playing Brother doing West Coast Folk Songs and Rainforest Ballads.
Also, remember that every weekend in the summer the family can take in free live music at the outdoor markets. Ucluelet's Friday Night Market from 3-7 p.m. on the Village Green and Tofino Public Market on the Village Green both host local and travelling musicians every week.
Geoff Johnson is the advertising representative of the Westerly News. Reach him at gajohnson@westerlynews.ca or on his cell at 250-266-2400.