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Lac La Biche area music scene needs more positive vibe, say some performers

With Christmas being over and the new year beginning, the parties should continue, but according to two Lac La Biche County bands, the local music scene isn’t what it used to be.

With Christmas being over and the new year beginning, the parties should continue, but according to two Lac La Biche County bands, the local music scene isn’t what it used to be.

Girlz with Guitarz and The Tributes have each been playing in the area for at least over two years.

Girlz with Guitarz is made up of sisters Karen Levoir and Tracey Lord and their aunt Michèle Gauthier. The group began playing in Lord’s garage and quickly got asked to do a few shows around the area.

This year the group played at multiple Christmas events and are even booked to play at the Deep Freeze Festival in Edmonton, but the group members agree that besides holiday shows, it isn’t much else.

They find that the Legion in Lac La Biche is where most musicians go now, especially with their Saturday Night Jams, where any musician or band can host to perform.

“There’s a lot of good musicians who go there, it’s mostly musicians who go there to appreciate other musicians, I think and a few odd people who really love live music, “says Lord.

The Legion has been holding it’s Saturday Night Jams for the past five years, but Bonnie Hemmaway, who is the entertainment coordinator for the jams, says the economy has played a role in people choosing to stay in rather than go out.  

The night jams are free to attend, but Bonnie says those who drop in then have to budget transportation, drinks, and food and end up not seeing the point in spending the extra cash.

“Sometimes it’s a full house, sometimes there’s no one there, so they only play one set and shut it down, and because the Legion is also on limited funds, if they stay open, they’re paying a bartender, more or less for nothing,” says Bonnie.

Bonnie is also married to Rick Hemmaway, who is a member of The Torpedoes. The band has frequently been playing at the Legion as well.

“There used to be a more vibrant scene here, but we all seem to get enough work in,” says Rick. The band takes part in events like Music in the Park, pow wow celebrations, rodeos, and other cultural festivities throughout the year, but they are scattered around Alberta, but even they will be welcoming in the new year by playing in St. Paul.  

This season the Legion held one Christmas party. Still, due to Legion members leaving for the holiday and no other bookings, the building is closed until January 7th, and the next jam session does not happen until the second week of January.




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