If you missed last year’s SOLD OUT Petunia & The Vipers show, you have another opportunity to catch them as they return to Victoria, playing the Upstairs Lounge this Friday.
Between releasing their new album, Lonesome Heavy and Lonesome, and starring in a new web-based series called ‘The Musicianer’, it has been a busy year for both Petunia and the band.
The Latin-infused roots band, highlighted by Petunia’s narrative lyricism, has grown a loyal fan base since they began in 2007. Petunia’s music is infectious, his singing ranges from the most delicate you’ve ever heard to the most powerful, often within a single song.
Speaking of their influences, they liken their style to a recipe:
“It would start by simply adding country and blues, and we’d have your basic dry ingredients right there. Mix in a dose of ragtime, some Dixieland jazz, a hint of bebop, some western swing and old time cowboy music, a bit of jug band & string band music. Flavor with a significant dose of Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, and a bit of Blind Willie McTell, Blind Lemon Jefferson and a few more “Blind” spices. Now you’ve got the batter for a cake. Bake on high with the dotted rhythms of Cuban, Mexican, Peruvian, Romanian and African folk music. Ice the whole cake with some punk rock, alternative and Bowie, and you’ve got a delectable musical concoction…part old-tyme, part new times, part no time at all, part all-of-the-time…”
A range of inspiration like that is evidence of someone that is curious and passionate about the world and music. Originally from Laval, Que., Petunia started playing in subway stations in Montreal and Toronto. He later busked in Paris and Amsterdam, and eventually made his way to New York City. He plays about 150 shows a year.
Now based in Vancouver, Petunia & The Vipers tour regularly, throughout Canada, the western USA and the UK. Catch them on Friday at the Upstairs Lounge.
“Last night I saw one of the best bands I’ve ever seen in close to 50 years of attending gigs. It was the incredible Petunia and the Vipers at the Chichester Inn, Chichester (UK). A small but perfectly formed crowd was treated to some incredible musicianship and a totally unique vocalist who can’t really be compared to anyone else.” – Mike Morrison, Americana/Roots, UK
Petunia and The Vipers performs Nov.3 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 for dinner) in Oak Bay Recreation’s Upstairs Lounge, 1975 Bee St. Tickets are $20 in advance at Ivy’s Bookshop and Oak Bay Recreation or online at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/petunia-the-vipers-tickets-34157273324. Tickets are $25 at the door. Get a taste of the band at petuniaandthevipers.com.
