Nelson singer Melody Diachun may have to work on Valentine’s Day, but at least she’ll have her husband Doug Stephenson nearby.
Her guitarist spouse, who is one of the member of the Swing Bastards, will be backing her up when she hosts a romance-infused night of music at Finley’s Irish Bar & Grill on Feb. 14.
“A lot of the time I end up working on New Year’s Eve, or for birthdays, but usually we’re working together and for me that’s romantic because I’m getting to sing to my sweetie,” she said. Among a number of other collaborations, the pair worked together on the 12-person Chicago tribute band this year.
Diachun said the evening will be a great opportunity for couples to get cozy.
“There’s going to be a good mix of romantic songs with danceable ones,” she said.
The setlist was prepared by saxophonist Clinton Swanson, the mastermind behind the project.
“Clinton is really good at putting together a set. He’s chosen songs that are going to get people really feeling the love. I’m really happy to work with him, we’re long-term friends, and that sort of positive energy filters out into the room. It’s just a really pleasant vibe,” she said.
The setlist features songs from the swing era right up until contemporary times.
“We’re doing swing tunes that I’ve been singing for a long time, and those are always fun. There’s something great about those melodies.”
Swanson said Valentine’s Day evokes a different sort of love for him, because his daughter was born on February 14 six years ago.
“My wife went into labour on Friday the 13th and she was in labour all day, so we thought Suzanna would be born that day. But she made it to Valentine’s Day, so she was a Valentine’s gift.”
Swanson is including the song My Funny Valentine in honour of his daughter.
“Whenever I play it I think of her,” he said.
Audiences can also expect a number of torch tunes, including Making Whoopee!
“It’s going to get a little more swinging and groovy,” he said.
Finley’s will be preparing three-course dinner options. The show run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For reservations call Finley’s at (250) 352-5121.