“Gypsy blues” band Blue Moon Marque will return to Red Deer next week with a song and a thank-you.
The Central Alberta duo that performs Wednesday at the International Beer Haus, is grateful to everyone who contributed to a GoFundMe campaign that helped replace some of the funds that were stolen after the band’s last concert at Fratters.
“You did pull together as a community,” said Red Deer-raised Jasmine Colette, “and we’ll be celebrating the great community support.”
Blue Moon Marquee was officially the most requested Canadian Band to play at jazz festivals across Canada this summer. Colette said she and A.W. Cardinal, of Rocky Mountain House, performed at nine festivals from Victoria to Montreal during a 40-date tour of the country — not counting an extra two festivals in Alberta (Lethbridge and Medicine Hat).
“We were across Canada four times this summer!” said Colette, who heard from the International Jazz Festivals Association that this is virtually unheard-of for a single act.
The Blue Moon Marque musicians believe their unique style sets them apart from a lot of other bands. Colette sings and plays the upright bass while operating the drums with her feet. “A lot of people have said they’ve never seen anyone do that,” she said, adding that Cardinal “has a distinctive voice and style of singing.”
The group’s sound is influenced by old jazz, swing, delta blues and ragtime.
Songs from the duo’s recent album Gypsy Blues will be heard at this first return engagement in Red Deer since the sold-out one at Fratters last summer.
Colette said she and Cardinal will play the first set together, then they will do a second set also featuring popular local musicians Morgan McKee on piano, Troy Davis on saxophone and Rob Goodwin on drums.
For more information about the show, please contact the venue.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com