Tweet
SALMON ARMENIANS ON RARE EARTH RUN
Vernon Morning Star
Aug 21 2008
Canada
Published: August 21, 2008 6:00 PM When the Salmon Armenians were
nominated for the Okanagan Music Awards Best Blues Band of 2007,
the eight-member group decided maybe they should have a blues song
in their repertoire.
"We thought, 'What is there to be blue about living in the Okanagan
and playing in the summer?'" recalled band founder Lody Kieken, who
says that question turned into the inspiration for the song guitarist
Mike Hilliard wrote: Ain't My Time To Have The Blues.
The classic rhythm and blues band was taken aback to be even included
in the OMA category, never mind win it, said Kieken. "We were quite
surprised."
Easier to explain, said Kieken, is the reason why the Salmon Armenians'
music is sought-after throughout the Okanagan and Shuswap.
"I think we have a lot of fun on stage and it shows," said Kieken,
on what is a working musician's weekend: Monday morning. The band has
had a steady stream of gigs this summer and next week they'll cap it
off with a performance at the Rare Earth Jazz and Blues Fest.
"Our music appeals to a wide range. Kids have fun with it and adults
have fun with it and seniors have fun with it," said Kieken, who plays
the organ and keyboard as well as sings in the Salmon Armenians. He
formed the band in 1997 because he couldn't find another rhythm and
blues group to play with.
"Mostly I wanted to have a chance to play in a band with live horn
players, so that was the motivation for me," said Kieken, who has
kept the Salmon Armenians afloat despite a changing membership.
"The group has been together 12 years, so we've gone through up to
50 musicians, but the core of the band has been together three years."
The Salmon Armenians is now made up of Rich Thorne (trombone),
Mike Scharf (saxophone), Doug Sonju (saxophone), Murray Holmes
(bass guitar), Larry Keats (drums) and Sabrina Weeks (lead vocals),
in addition to Hilliard and Kieken.
Right now the band is in the process of recording an album of
entirely original material. But because the members are spread out
(from Penticton to Salmon Arm), and they're not in a rush, Kieken
has stopped giving out an estimated time of arrival.
"When it's done, it's done," he said.
For now, they're looking forward to their live gigs, including Rare
Earth, for several reasons. "Just the opportunity to see the new
festival get off the ground and mingle with other artists, that's
one of the fun things about playing a festival," said Kieken.
The Salmon Armenians perform Aug. 30 at 1:40 p.m. at the Rare Earth
Jazz and Blues Fest, taking place at the Kin Race Track. Day passes
are $40 for adults, available through Ticket Seller. Children 12 and
under are free.
Vernon Morning Star
Aug 21 2008
Canada
Published: August 21, 2008 6:00 PM When the Salmon Armenians were
nominated for the Okanagan Music Awards Best Blues Band of 2007,
the eight-member group decided maybe they should have a blues song
in their repertoire.
"We thought, 'What is there to be blue about living in the Okanagan
and playing in the summer?'" recalled band founder Lody Kieken, who
says that question turned into the inspiration for the song guitarist
Mike Hilliard wrote: Ain't My Time To Have The Blues.
The classic rhythm and blues band was taken aback to be even included
in the OMA category, never mind win it, said Kieken. "We were quite
surprised."
Easier to explain, said Kieken, is the reason why the Salmon Armenians'
music is sought-after throughout the Okanagan and Shuswap.
"I think we have a lot of fun on stage and it shows," said Kieken,
on what is a working musician's weekend: Monday morning. The band has
had a steady stream of gigs this summer and next week they'll cap it
off with a performance at the Rare Earth Jazz and Blues Fest.
"Our music appeals to a wide range. Kids have fun with it and adults
have fun with it and seniors have fun with it," said Kieken, who plays
the organ and keyboard as well as sings in the Salmon Armenians. He
formed the band in 1997 because he couldn't find another rhythm and
blues group to play with.
"Mostly I wanted to have a chance to play in a band with live horn
players, so that was the motivation for me," said Kieken, who has
kept the Salmon Armenians afloat despite a changing membership.
"The group has been together 12 years, so we've gone through up to
50 musicians, but the core of the band has been together three years."
The Salmon Armenians is now made up of Rich Thorne (trombone),
Mike Scharf (saxophone), Doug Sonju (saxophone), Murray Holmes
(bass guitar), Larry Keats (drums) and Sabrina Weeks (lead vocals),
in addition to Hilliard and Kieken.
Right now the band is in the process of recording an album of
entirely original material. But because the members are spread out
(from Penticton to Salmon Arm), and they're not in a rush, Kieken
has stopped giving out an estimated time of arrival.
"When it's done, it's done," he said.
For now, they're looking forward to their live gigs, including Rare
Earth, for several reasons. "Just the opportunity to see the new
festival get off the ground and mingle with other artists, that's
one of the fun things about playing a festival," said Kieken.
The Salmon Armenians perform Aug. 30 at 1:40 p.m. at the Rare Earth
Jazz and Blues Fest, taking place at the Kin Race Track. Day passes
are $40 for adults, available through Ticket Seller. Children 12 and
under are free.