Kobo Town – Harrison Festival of the Arts – July 12, 2014
On the opening day of the Harrison Festival of the Arts, the nightly “Evenings In The Hall” concerts series got underway with a lively performance by Toronto based, Kobo Town. Lead by Trinidadian-Canadian Drew Gonsalves (pictured left), the band plays a blend of calypso, infused with ska, reggae, and even a hint of hip hop.
The lead singer/songwriter was engaging with witty and colourful anecdotes about his life growing up in Trinidad and Canada and what led to the writing of his songs. Nearly from the first note, the audience took his comment that ‘the seats are optional’ and many got to their feet to dance along to the Caribbean beats. The mix of genres combined with the mix of self-penned, classic Caribbean tunes and re-worked standards from the 30s & 40s like “Rum & Coca-Cola”, a popular one with the older members of the audience.
In closing up their 80 minute set, the quintet of Gonsalves, Saxophonist – Linsey Walter, Drummer – Walter McLean, Bassist – Don Stewart and Guitarist – Francesco Emmanuel unplugged and wandered down into the audience to get up close and personal with the dancers.
If this is the way the rest of the “Evenings In The Hall” concerts play out, the Harrison Festival of the Arts audiences are in for a great treat.
The Harrison Festival of the Arts runs until July 20th in Harrison Hot Springs, BC. Daytime concerts on The Music On The Beach stage, Arts Market and Art Exhibition are free but a $2 daily Festival button shows your support for the Festival. General admission tickets to the Evenings In The Hall concerts are $25.