Rock music fans donated $3,300 cash and 170 pounds of food to Surrey Food Bank during the debut concert by local tribute band Coast To Coast, who play songs of The Scorpions, UFO and Michael Schenker Group.
Presented this week was a giant cheque that reflected net ticket proceeds from the near-sellout performance, Feb. 24 at Surrey Arts Centre’s 402-seat Main Stage.
The donation total was emailed to me by Larry Anschell, C2C band producer and manager, and included thanks from Vijay Naidu, the food bank’s manager of communications and community partnerships.
“The Surrey Food Bank is immensely grateful to Larry and the Coast To Coast band members for their outstanding support and generosity,” Naidu wrote.
“These funds will directly contribute to providing essential food assistance and support services to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Moreover, the concert not only made a significant impact in terms of fundraising but also helped raise visibility for our cause. The exposure generated by the event will further amplify our efforts to reach and support those in need.”
• RELATED: MUSIC NOTES: A Surrey throwback to the ‘80s for new band Coast to Coast.
ELVIS IN THE BUILDING
From March 29 until April 13 at Tsawwassen Arts Centre, Sidekick Players’ “All The King’s Women” tells the Elvis Presley story through the voices of 17 women — “some enthralled, some appalled and all obsessed, and their near-Elvis experiences in a series of vignettes spanning from 1946, when Elvis bought his first guitar, to the present.”
Luigi Jannuzzi’s script is directed by Carroll Lefebvre.
“Elvis is the subject of interest,” Lefebvre notes, “but the scenes are about the impact of the lives and the culture he affected, and how society deals with celebrity, arousing characters that are distinct and vividly brought to life by humour and emotional revelations. A play that affects the senses, heart, mind and soul. One doesn’t have to be an Elvis fan going in, to walk away with a deep appreciation for ‘the King’ at the conclusion.”
Cast members are Cathy Collis, Erica Bearss, Tina Freigang, Marcia Strang, Sarah Green, Teala Pannell, Nick Arathoon and Chris Reid. Call 604-288-2415 to reserve seats, or visit sidekickplayers.ca for more show details.
‘LAST DANCE’ FOR BAND
On April 19-20, four shows at White Rock’s Blue Frog Studios are said to be on “The Last Dance” tour by the Rhythm & Blues Allstars, an 11-piece band celebrating 45 years of performing soulful R&B. This year heralds “the conclusion of their remarkable journey,” according to a post on bluefrogstudios.ca, where tickets are sold.
“Since their debut opening for Long John Baldry, RBA has graced stages alongside legends like James Brown, War, Chuck Berry, Paul Butterfield and the Allman Brothers,” the webpost notes. “The band has not only been a beacon for top-tier Vancouver musicians but has consistently thrilled audiences with their dynamic shows. The year 2023 saw the addition of Nathen Aswell’s powerful vocals, joining forces with Joani Bye, Tim Porter, Peter Juric and Billy Mendoza.
“Tim Porter enhances the ensemble with his exceptional vocals and guitar prowess. The band’s heartbeat lies in its robust rhythm section with Billy Mendoza on bass, Rick Hill on drums, and Bill Sample’s legendary Hammond organ skills. The brass section remains a force to be reckoned with, featuring Steve Hilliam (tenor sax), Tom Keenlyside (sax), Peter Juric (trumpet), Colin Weinmaster (trombone), and Bill ‘Maseo’ Abbott (alto sax).”