Langley frontmen for three bands are blending their sounds in a full-capacity concert in their hometown on Saturday, May 4.
Shawn Meehan is bringing back the country to the Roots n’ Rock Revival, leading the relatively new West Coast Slackers country band.
Formed by Meehan, the drummer, and bass player from their band Me and Mae, they decided to create something new when they joined with a new vocalist and keyboard player.
While Meehan dabbled just a little bit with music during his formative childhood years, he only developed into a passion at age 11 when he met his step-father and step-brother.
Everyone in the house would be sleeping at night when his step-dad, Neil Hood, would pick up his 12-string and start strumming, Meehan recalled.
He’d sneak out of bed, and initially watch – undetected – from a distance, totally mesmerized. Once his cover was blown by a squeaky floor board, the pair shared the late-night jams, and almost nightly Meehan would sit and watch in admiration and amazement as Hood played. He’d ask question after questions, and eventually be given chances to play.
“I picked their brains on how to play… I never really wanted to sing… I just loved playing guitar,” Meehan recounted.
At 13, he started his first band, Bratz, and has been part of dozens of different bands since those humble beginnings.
Through the course of the next 20 plus years, he dabbled on the piano and bass, trying his hand at songwriting, and continued growing as a singer. But the foundation of all his music revolved around his guitar.
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Matlen Starsley Band and The Blue Voodoo band will also share the stage for the show at the Chief Sepass Theatre.
Initially a writing project for singer Dennis Matechuk and guitar player Kevin “Bubba” Star, the Matlen Starsley Band was quickly formed when a creative synergy awakened with hiring new musicians.
“We have been able to build on all this creative energy and everyone in the band contributes to the songwriting and arrangements. It has become a tremendous cooperative effort,” said Matechuk.
The concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Chief Sepass Theatre, located at 9096 Trattle St.
Early bird tickets are $30, then $40 plus tax, and can be bought online at eventbrite.ca.