Wednesday May 6, at 8 pm, $10 or pwyc. An evening of traditional folk mixed with originals by The Shoeless: Frank Evans banjo, Eli Bender cello and Emilyn Stam 5-string fiddle. Artword Artbar is pleased to have this new group here — we remember Emilyn as a member of the fiddle trio “Eh!?” with Anne Lederman. Bringing together the talents of Frank Evans, Eli Bender and Emilyn Stam, The Shoeless strikes a perfect balance between traditional folk songs and original material. Their self-titled debut serves up a hearty cross-cultural stew, combining the sounds of klezmer, French, Celtic, Appalachian and English music. Recorded in Toronto’s Magnolia Studio, the album was conceived as a tribute to the members’ travels; each tune has its own story, having been learned or composed in a different part of the world. With gorgeous three-part harmonies and each instrument (cello, fiddle and banjo) taking turns on rhythmic chopping, swooping melody lines, and wacky acoustic sounds, The Shoeless will keep you smiling and tapping your toes – with or without your shoes on! www.theshoeless.com www.facebook.com/TheShoelessBand
“Few bands on the local or national scene combine the kind of freewheeling spontaneity and improvisational skills that is at the heart of traditional music with the kind of of jaw-dropping accuracy and attention to detail that one finds in the best chamber music.” Dominique Denis, Music critic, À bon verre, bonne table magazine
Frank Evans (banjo) is also known for his hot pickin’ in the Slocan Ramblers. Growing up in a family of classical musicians, studying Jazz at Humber College, and placing second the Clifftop Appalachian Stringband Festival banjo competition all add to his unique sound in the band.
Eli Bender (cello) multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer, has studied with Mike Block, Natalie Haas, and Rushad Eggleston. He has a knack for choppin’ and sawing away at his cello as if it were a fiddle in a giant’s hands. He recently released an album with his cello duo, Hale and Hearty.
Emilyn Stam (5 string fiddle) grew up under the mentorship of Oliver Schroer the mountains of Western Canada. She currently tours as violinist, pianist, and accordionist in Europe and Canada with crazy 16 piece balkan – gypsy – klezmer band Lemon Bucket Orkestra (CAN), Bal Folk band Té (NL) and all Canadian trio EH?! (CAN), collaborates with clowns, actors, poets, and organizes folk dance events.
