The Energy City can expect more bands coming through town as the After Dark Concert Series is revamped to incorporate a late-night second side dubbed After Hours.
The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum started the After Dark series about a year ago and after bringing in a number of Saskatchewan musicians, they have expanded with the help of Eddie's Neighbourhood Grill and Bar, just next door. The result will be musicians coming into the art gallery to perform an acoustic set, just as attendees of pervious After Dark concerts are used to, and then the band will move to Eddie's to play an electric set under the moniker After Hours.
The gallery and Eddie's will host their first joint concert effort when the folk-country styling of Regina's Black Drink Crier play both sessions on Saturday night, beginning at the EAGM at 8 o'clock.
Amber Andersen, EAGM director, said the partnership with Eddie's was an obvious one.
"We had been working with Eddie's," said Andersen. "They actually had catered the Andrew King Art Auction Soiree we had. Just because of the proximity of it, there's always something really nice about coming to the gallery and having the acoustic set. But if you have sitters looking after the kids, it's always nice to have another musical thing to go to, which is something a little bit more urban."
She thought that if they are already bringing the bands to Estevan, it would be nice if there were a way to give them even more exposure to the Energy City. Eddie's already had an interest in bringing bands in, making it a perfect place for bands to show off another side of their music.
She called After Hours the "plugged in rendition of the same band."
The concert series has grown, with its audiences fluctuating, but at the last concert in December, every seat in the gallery's main room was filled.
At first, Andersen thought it might be a little difficult to find suitable artists for the new format, but said the bands they have approached have no problem performing both acoustic and electric sets.
She noted they are hoping to host a new artist each month to perform in both locations for one night.
"For us at the gallery, that's about the right amount of programming at the gallery because we're so busy with other stuff," Andersen added.
As the concert series evolves, the organizers are open to change, so the new format may not be the new format for very long.
Andersen said the EAGM covers the cost of a hotel for the artists who come to Estevan but is looking into the option of setting up a billet system as well if people are interested.
"I think it would be an interesting thing for both the artist and the (billet), because that's part of the charm of coming to a small city."
In February, After Dark/After Hours will welcome Estevan's own Third Town Band, while in March, Estevan will welcome back Dustin Ritter, who after playing the art gallery solo in 2012, will be returning with his band. For April, they are looking at bringing in Regina act Indigo Joseph, though the band hasn't been booked yet.
"I'm really wanting to try and make a niche for Estevan," Andersen said, as it would be a way to dismiss those who belabour the idea there is a lack of activities in the area. "There is lots to do, but this is us trying to bring in a new wave of people to the gallery."
All proceeds generated at the EAGM door go to the musicians, while there is no admission for After Hours.
