Airdrie pop/rock fans mark your calendars because Edmonton band Tupelo Honey, named after a Van Morrison song, will be making a stop at Bert Church Live Theatre on Feb. 28.
“Part of our mandate is to showcase Canadian and in particular Alberta talent,” said Bert Church Theatre Publicist Jennifer Cormier in an email to Airdrie City View.
“We had the opportunity to see (Tupelo Honey) in action at the Alberta Showcase a few years ago and they impressed us with their stage presence and overall sound.”
Tupelo Honey — comprised of Tyler Dianocky on guitar, Dan Davidson on guitar and lead vocals, Greg Williamson on drums, Steve Vincent on bass and Brad Simons also on guitar — formed eight years ago when members of the band attended Grant MacEwan College’s music program, according to their band bio.
In 2006 the band released their first EP Tupelo Honey, followed by September Sessions EP in 2007 and Machines and Robots EP in 2009.
The band released their first full-length album Caught Up in the Excess in 2011.
Caught Up in the Excess debuted at number four on the Canadian iTunes rock charts and the second single from the album, Pull Me Closer, charted in the top 40 on active rock stations.
In 2012 the Edmonton Journal chose Tupelo Honey’s Can’t Stop as the newspaper’s official hockey rock-anthem and it could be heard at Edmonton Oiler games.
“Their radio-friendly sound has garnered them radio play on stations like (Calgary’s) X92.9,” Cormier said, adding their high energy pop/rock sound will cater to a variety of music lovers and “those that enjoy a good acoustic show.”
The band will be playing an unplugged show at the theatre, which will highlight Bert Church Theatre’s excellent acoustics.
“Our theatre lends itself beautifully to capturing the acoustic sound and carrying it uninterrupted to listeners in our intimate theatre,” Cormier said.
The theatre has highlighted a variety of performers so far this season including Canadian icon Fred Penner, Juno Hall of Fame recipient Ian Tyson and rock legend Rik Emmett.
“The Bert Church Theatre takes pride in presenting a diverse array of entertainers,” Cormier said.
“‘Something for everyone’ is our motto.”
Last season was a record-breaking season for the theatre with the most sold-out shows in one season, a trend the theatre hopes to keep going.
“Each season varies and we have experienced a few sellout crowds again this season,” Cormier said.
“The entertainment has been top notch (this season) and we have received some rave reviews from our patrons.”
Part of the charm of a performance at Bert Church Live Theatre is the smaller-scale of the venue, which allows concert-goers to feel as though they are almost a part of the show.
“The Bert Church Theatre provides an intimate space for the citizens of Airdrie to experience everything from their first live show to meeting their favourite musicians,” Cormier said.
“The new lobby space also provides a cultural space for local visual artists to display their talents.”
Tickets to Tupelo Honey are still available at the Bert Church Theatre box office, located at 1000 East Lake Blvd., or online through airdrie.ca
“The Bert Church Theatre is pleased to offer $5 student tickets for the Tupelo Honey show,” Cormier said.
“Students need to present their ID at the box office the night of the show to receive this special pricing.”
Up next for Bert Church Theatre is a performance from the Calgary Opera as it presents Isis and the Seven Scorpions on March 8.
For more information, visit airdrie.ca
