part of the fun of my jobby (job / hobby – go with me on this one) is getting out and finding new bands and people i’ve never met before. last month i caught 4×4 country at grandscape and had an incredible time. next time in this case was at lava cantina last saturday on aug 18th. it was even a double header with shania twang by dalene richelle so expectations were pretty high for a great night of country music.
richelle, like many local musicians, is in a variety of bands. her projects include the sounds from fleetwood mac to big little town tributes and other acts in between. this was my 2nd time to see her doing the shania thing and it truly is a fun night of energy and great selection of shania twain songs you know and love.
when asked “why shania”?, richelle quickly responded with “I feel like her music is very relatable, fun and clever. It’s a high energy rockin country show and so much fun to bring in her costume inspiration as well.”
from the costume to tempo changes, richelle keeps you engaged and entertained for the entire evening. as her sets winds down, the show ends with “man, i feel like a woman”. because as richelle puts it, it’s “always wild because it really brings out everyone in the audience. I love it when everyone is singing along.”
indeed they were!
check out her website for other projects including her display of her own paintings! tons of talent in this young lady!
the band:
Dalene Richelle – Shania
Scott E. band leader; lead guitar and vocals (not at Lava show)
Bobby Bacigalupe (filling in for Scott at Lava show)
Jesse Romigh lead guitar and vocals
Pete Miller bass
Phillip Bradley PB drums and production
Ashley Allison Davies back ground vocals
Marek Eneti fiddle
next up we have a “new” band in 4×4 Country. i say “new” because this is more like the “super bands” that formed in the 80s when the best of the best came together.
“it’s a new band” tony avezzano said. “the haywire crew is obviously a big part of it” explaining the situation. haywire being the core of 4×4 country. avezzano has been booking bands in the top local venues for years now and is carrying out what he has learned along the way.
” I’m trying to fill some gaps I see in the market and do shows a little different. So I’m trying to fill what i see as voids in the market but doing it with the absolute best musicians” avezzano continued.
and who do we have on stage? the 2 ladies you’re sure to notice right off are shonna bonds and rachel stacy. the energy these 2 bring is infectious and you won’t be sitting still in the audience. the vocal talents are off the charts as they play off each other, taking turns with pretty much the entire band. at some point just about everyone gets to sing.
and that is most certainly a great and wonderful thing.
i first saw bonds around a month ago at grandscape and was just in awe. so natural on stage, engaging with the audience and even calling out “blue shirt guy” for his participation in the dancing. you go to shows like this to have fun and bonds delivers time and again. well, certainly for the (2) nights i’ve seen her perform. i’ll be back so she did her job.
stacy is one i’ve heard about in the local scene, but never had a chance to see her on stage. she is also works the audience into the show with such a natural grace, you can’t help but smile and have a great time. fiddle, singing, guitars, doesn’t matter, stacy will do it all before the night is over.
4×4 Country:
Earl lemons – bass
Adam Schwem – guitar
Mike Lee – keys
Rachel Stacy – fiddle
Mitchell smith – steel (he was a sub for Billy McCoy)
Phillip Bradley – drums (also a sub)
Rhett Beggs- male vocal
Justin Clark- sound guy
follow 3418 Music on Facebook to find out when you can check out 4×4 Country and then buy some tickets and go. this is a band guaranteed to put on one hell of a show!
Pics from the night –
Shania Twang – Entire Gallery here.
4×4 Country – Entire Gallery here.
