Get set for some high-energy, down-home music as the Yorkton Arts Council proudly presents Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys, the next Stars for Saskatchewan concert on Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Anne Portnuff Theatre, Yorkton Regional High School.
This award-winning group hails from Prince Edward Island, and the band serves up old-time roots music with an energy level that will "yank you out of your seat by the collar". The Rhythm Boys won the Galaxie Supernova Award at the 2012 Ottawa Folk Festival for outstanding live performance, and fans of CBC radio will appreciate that Tom Power, host of Deep Roots, recently called the Rhythm Boys his "Best Discovery Band" at the 2012 East Coast Music Awards. Their list of awards also includes Music PEI awards, Showcase PEI 2011 "Showcase Artist of the Year", and they have been touring in the US and the UK in 2012.
Gordie MacKeeman has the nickname "Crazy Legs", a reflection of his thrilling dance style that weaves in amongst his great bluegrass vocals. "I don't come from the typical maritime musical family." said Gordie. "I am the only person that plays anything. I got into it kind of by fluke. My brother went to take dance class when he was a young fella, mainly just to pick up girls. He didn't wind up joining, but I was there with my mother and someone got me up on the floor, and I haven't stopped since. I was 6 at the time. Then I got into fiddle at 9. They kind of go hand in hand when you're a dancer."
While old-time roots music is their specialty, Gordie comments that "As a group we are interested in all kinds of music. I am lucky to play with some of the best roots musicians in the Maritimes. So it makes it easy to be inspired." Does Prince Edward Island influence their sound? Gordie agrees. "I would say so. You can definitely here our maritime roots in our music."
In addition to Gordie MacKeeman, the band is comprised of Peter Cann with his blistering guitar solos; and Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes who share their exuberant multi-instrumental talents with the audience. In their many travels, they have been to Saskatchewan before; Gordie says "Yes, we have done a few shows in Saskatchewan now. We were also over for the Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival in Ness Creek. Which is one of my favourite festivals I have ever been to."
Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys have been called "a complete entertainment package". What does Gordie have to say about entertaining? "I love being on stage, being in front of an audience and entertaining a crowd. This is what I all ways wanted to do, and couldn't be happier doing it." As for the audience? "I am sure we will leave them with a smile on their face." assures Gordie.
Tickets for Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys are available at the Yorkton Arts Council (306-783-8722) or at Welcome Home Floral and Gift Shop. Tickets are also available on line at www.yorktonarts.ca or at the door.
The Stars for Saskatchewan 2013-2014 concert series brings you a wide and varied line-up of exceptional performers. Some may be familiar to you, some may be new; but you will enjoy all the "stars" that are selected with the goal of bringing you an exciting musical experience in a live performance! See the full Stars listing at www.yorktonarts.ca
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