The new seating is finally in at the Prince Charles Theatre! Therefore, it’s a bit ironic that the first presentation from the Creston Concert Society in the revamped location, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, is one that will make audience members want to get up and jig, dance and boogie at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17.
Hailing from Prince Edward Island, the Rhythm Boys’ exhilarating live show instantly enamours audiences with their engaging, sometimes jaw-dropping, stagecraft and showmanship. With flavours of bluegrass and roots music bolstered by their stunning musicianship, the group weaves together a refreshing mix of invigourating songs, traditional-leaning ideas and modern influences infused with solid instrumentation, rockabilly-inspired numbers, and toe tapping reels — all polished by MacKeeman’s stunning fiddle work.
With a slight bend of his knee, MacKeeman (fiddle, cello, acoustic guitar, feet percussion, vocals) launches into a song. Guided by the sharp cuts of his fiddle, his famous crazy legs shake and twist with a laughing regard for physics. The whole time, the Rhythm Boys — Peter Cann (guitars, banjo, vocals), Thomas Webb (guitars, bass, banjo, steel guitar, vocals) and Mark Geddes (bass, percussion, mandolin, piano) — deliver surefooted roots instrumentation to accompany the spectacle. It’s a joyful sight that divides the line between the band and the audience.
It is this pomp and spirit that MacKeeman and the Rhythm Boys set out to capture on their album, Pickin’ N Clickin’, which was honoured with the 2014 East Coast Music Award for roots traditional group recording of the year. In addition to being awarded the Galaxie Supernova Award at the 2012 Ottawa Folk Festival for their outstanding high-energy performance, The Rhythm Boys have also performed at the legendary Glastonbury Festival, the Woodford Folk Festival, the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival, Celtic Connections and to enthusiastic audiences at sold-out venues, festivals and theatres across Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Malaysia and Australia.
They step out in style on their latest album, Laugh, Dance and Sing, which features 13 original songs and traditional tunes that excel in demonstrating the group’s infectious high-energy flair, crisp musicianship and rollicking rhythm and roots sound. The quartet rocks a signature style that infuses their love of traditional bluegrass and old-time roots music together to deliver an eclectic wardrobe of tunes that’s as unique and entertaining as they are.
With flashes of flair and fancy footwork, and a blatant disregard for predictable stage presence, MacKeeman and the Rhythm Boys are at the top of today’s vibrant old-time musical revival and are a mighty fine example of what an unending revival it is. They are sure to deliver an ultimate concert experience filled with high-energy electrifying entertainment.
For more information and music samples, visit www.gordiemackeeman.com or Creston Concert Society’s Facebook page. Tickets are $22 for adult and $10 student in advance at Black Bear Books, Creative Fix and Kingfisher Used Books ($25/$12 at the door).
—CRESTON CONCERT SOCIETY