Brandon Hoffman
Special to the Tribune/Advisor
There are just two episodes left in the 2016 Safety Meeting concert series.
This Friday, March 25, we are extremely excited to bring the legendary poet/ beatboxer/pianist/harmonica player C.R. Avery to town.
C.R. has been hyped by folks like Tom Waits. He is truly one of Canada’s paramount underground troubadours.
His incredible musical and poetic skills almost seem secondary to his magnetic force as a performer.
When this guy has a mic, it is impossible to look away. He’s toured extensively, hitting all the premier folk fests across Canada, as well as headlining tours across Europe, and opening for folks like Billy Bragg and Buck 65.
With content as subversive as his, it’s hard to imagine him ever breaking into mainstream stardom.
But that doesn’t seem to be his goal. This guy is like a cult leader, in the best possible way.
Also on the bill this Friday is Lexi Marie. Lexi blew everybody away rocking Arts on the Fly 2015.
It might have had something to do with her catchy, infectiously groovy songs, but personally I’m most impressed by her ability to strip down to the core when she steps on stage.
Folks who appreciated Kym Gouchie’s set a few weeks ago will recognize Lexi’s similar gift for cutting straight to the centre of the issue.
She takes life’s big mucky complications and expresses them with a grace and clarity that might make you cry (again, in a good way). She is probably the most understated powerhouse I have ever met.
Setting the tone for the night we have homegrown Cariboo DJ Papa Lung. I’ve caught this guy (Coleman Bennett) spinning at a couple events promoted by the newly established Serpentine Music and Media Productions. He knows what’s up.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Red Shreds which is closed for Good Friday, so don’t sleep on it. A bar is provided by the Cariboo Festival Society, with refreshments by the Bean Counter.