Finally, Quesnel audiences can catch The Fugitives.
This rock star of a folk band has been one of Canada’s brightest sparks in the northern lights of new music, even when they harken back to very old music. In the past 10 years they have toured 12 countries, been everywhere from our own quaint Wells to the mega Glastonbury Festival in the U.K.
On April 4 they will be at the Bethel Church gathering space (143 Coach Road South) here in Quesnel, and on April 7 you can catch them again at the Knox Performance Centre in Prince George. (Apr. 2 in Kitimat, Apr. 6 in Fort St. John.)
Their upcoming show is a unique one, and has won them many awards and nominations. Called Ridge, it is part theatre / part concert - an unfolding of the songs and ideas rooted in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and its deep emotional place in Canadian history.
“Often called ‘the battle that made Canada,’ Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties,” said a statement from the band. “Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre, and live music, Brendan McLeod (one of the four band members) examines misconceptions and varying perspectives around the battle, while drawing parallels to other formative events in our nation’s past. “Featuring inventive musical interpretations of First World War soldier songs, Ridge probes difficult yet necessary questions about how and why we grieve. A vivid, kinetic ride through history, as well as an intimate, personal examination of our connection to the past, Ridge is a visceral work that passionately argues against the exploitation of young lives.”
There is a companion film and album called Trench Songs that all fit with the Ridge show. There is even a modern dance production called Over The Ridge in collaboration with Massey Theatre Society, Ballet BC, and Arts Umbrella.
Each of these components has accrued widespread acclaim, but nothing stirs an audience like the band performing live. The Fugitives is made up of McLeod and Adrian Glynn as central collaborators, aided by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters).
Their presentation of Ridge is hosted by Quesnel Live Arts. Tickets are $25 regular, and $20 for seniors or youth. Tickets are available for online purchase at www.qla.ca or in person at Save-On-Foods and Homesteader Health (formerly Green Tree), or at the Bethel Church door while supplies last.
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