Pogey was formed by Nova Scotia native Ray Mattie upon returning to his home province in 2000 after unsuccessfully trying to create his vision of an all-original band with a Folk/Rock based sound in Ontario. Mattie musically hooked up bassist Jonny Grant, lead guitarist Warren Robert, drummer Mike Carroll and fiddler Donald MacLennan.
Since then, Pogey has played every major American Celtic festival since 2009 and this year are touring the US and Canada in 2011 to new concert venues and top festival stages. (For any non Cape Bretoners: their name is slang for government relief given to the unemployed.)
“In a matter of a few bars, Pogey has the audience in their hand and brings the room to life!” was one online description of their performance Bravo! TV’s Live at the Rehearsal Hall in Toronto.
The band released its sophomore album Full Speed Ahead (Universal Music) in 2010 and was nominated for the Roots Recording of the year at the 2011 East Coast Music Awards. With their original Folk/Rock songs and remarkable Celtic instrumentals, their fiery live show combines electric guitar, fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, bodhran and five-part vocal harmonies to produce a trademark Nova Scotia sound.
Ticket prices for this show are $20 regular admission, $10 student admission and $16 for Strathespey Place members.
