Chris Kirby proves you can be born to play the blues anywhere; even on the north coast of Newfoundland.
On Wednesday, April 20, Kirby brings his Soul-o Tour to Governor’s Pub on Sydney’s Esplanade at 10 pm. Special guests for this show are Steve MacDougall and Mike LeLievre of Slowcoaster fame.
Ten years ago at the tender age of 23, Chris Kirby left Norris Arm on Newfoundland’s north coast and hit the St. John’s music scene playing in a string of bands. Heavily influenced by New Orleans rhythm and blues and Motown Soul, while rooted in the rich Newfoundland tradition of storytelling, Kirby made a big impression of the local scene.
Less than five years later, along with his band The Marquee, he released his first solo effort, Chris Kirby on Rum & Religion, a collection of original tunes. The album’s title track debuted on the top ten of the East Coast Countdown and earned Kirby a nomination for MUSCNL Blues/Jazz artist of the year.
His second release, Vampire Hotel, was nominated for five East Coast Music Awards and won the MUSICNL Jazz/Blues Album of the Year. This album’s success has launched Kirby on to the road, touring with his band and as a solo act with stops at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, JUNOFest 2010, and the ECMA Awards gala.
Matched with MacDougall and LeLievre as a guests, Kirby’s visit to Governor’s should a hot night of high-energy funk and blues.
