They started as a small town trio that will feel right at home performing at Music in the Forest on January 16. The musical stylings of Brad Lynch Band was born in Grande Prairie about two years ago, the band has performed all over Alberta and now they are coming to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park’s Community Facility to play at the cozy, new venue.
“We still have a small town mentality,” says Brad Lynch, the lead singer. “When the opportunity came up to play at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, we were excited because we have heard a lot of positive feedback about performing there.”
Although the bluegrass, folk-sounding band is relatively new on the music scene, its members have years of experience ... and experiences. Playing alongside Lynch is Matt O’Connor and Kyle Doucette. O’Connor plays the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and vocals, and Doucette strums on guitar and banjo, as well as sings. The two have been performing for more than a decade as professional musicians. Lynch is also a multi-talented musician playing the guitar and harmonica.
“I play with these incredible musicians, and I’m in awe every time I get on stage with them,” says Lynch, who although has had his own individual successes as a musician, never takes for granted the seasoned and incredibly skilled performers he gets to stand next to on stage.
On some stages they band performs with an extended lineup, boosting their roster to six.
For the three main members, who are all from the East Coast — but have all linked up in the West — Lynch says their East Coast lineage helps them to thrive in smaller, more intimate spaces.
“We’ve been doing these home roots shows, and for us three guys being Easterners that’s what we are bred to do. It’s so fun, there’s no mics, there’s no drums, and it breaks it down to a really intimate setting.”
Alberta connection
Two of the band’s songs have a strong focus on rural Alberta life. “River Road” and “Dust Blown Town” both come from different perspectives of the province says Lynch.
““Dust Blown Town” is talking about strife, and “River Road” is reminiscent of some fun floating down the river. So we have a lot of regional content, but we really love the Peace Country in Alberta, and it translates into our music as well.”
The Brad Lynch Band will be travelling all over Alberta, and they have performances lined up throughout 2020. You can expect to see them in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, and other towns throughout the province.In addition to the local performances, the Brad Lynch Band has more plans for the near future. In February, they will be recording their first full album in Grande Prairie. They will also be taking the full, six-person band on the road in May, performing at one of Southern Alberta's popular dine and dance bars, Ralph’s in Medicine Hat.
As for the show on January 16, doors will open at 6:30 pm and the tickets are $15. Tickets are available online at sidedoor promotions.
