The Selkirk Pro Musica Society is excited to announce its upcoming concert with some of the best musicians in the Kootenays — Craig Korth and the Guilty Pleasures.
It’s an eclectic mixture of players, all with vastly different experience, but with a common goal of making great music together.
Craig Korth is an acoustic musician who plays banjo, mandolin and guitar and was front man in the popular Canadian bluegrass group Jerusalem Ridge. For almost 20 years, the band played nearly every folk and bluegrass festival in the country. They also were the first bluegrass band in Canada to develop a bluegrass and symphony program that they performed across western Canada.
Korth moved to Nelson in 2008 with his family, wife Julie and daughters Ella, 13 and Amy, 11.
“I fell in love with Nelson quite a few years ago, and when the opportunity came to move here, both Julie and I came without hesitation.. We love Nelson!”
When Korth was asked to put on a concert with the Pro Musica Society, he assembled a band of some of his favourite players.
“I was thrilled to be approached about putting on a night of music with the Pro Musica Society and I knew right away who I wanted to perform with.”
The band is Rick Lingard on saxophone, Steven Parish on percussion, and Rob Fahie on upright acoustic bass.
“These musicians are some of the most proficient, soulful players I have had the honour to play with. They’re also such great people to be around, it almost feels like the music is the icing on the cake.”
When asked about the unusual combination of instruments, Korth said, “I know the banjo is well known as a hard driving bluegrass instrument, but it is actually very versatile. I can be fast and furious, but it also can be soft and sensitive and soothing.
"The reason I wanted to play with these particular musicians is that they are all so adept at playing what the music needs most, no matter what the style. Steven is one the most sensitive drummers, right there with you the whole time, but never dominating. He’s a joy to play with. Rick is a wonderful player, he’s just so musical. Rob, who recently moved here from Montreal, is such an accomplished musician, he always knows exactly what fits.”
The music will include selections from Korth’s solo CDs. His 2008 solo album, Suspicious Minds, had Korth nominated by the Canadian Folk Music Awards as Solo Instrumentalist of the Year.
His wife Julie, a recognized singer-songwriter, will join the group for a few tunes. The couple are directors of the Sorrento, BC-based August NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival.
“It’s going to be a fun evening of great music.” said Korth.
The concert is set for Monday, February 10 (Family Day) at 7:30 p.m. at St. Saviour’s Pro-Cathedral (701 Ward Street). Tickets are $15, available at Otter Books and at the door.