The cod are coming – and they’re going wild!
The popular Celtic-inspired band will perform in Penticton on Dec. 6 to celebrate the November release of their new CD, The Neighbourhood Rounds. The band will also perform at the Summerland Light Up this Friday at 7:15 p.m. and on Dec. 13 at the Osoyoos Community Theatre.
The band is focused on giving traditional music a modern edge, with a blend of classical, folk, rock and jazz to create a dynamic and unique sound.
Through their uplifting energy and tight vocal harmonies, they weave together a tapestry of tales that evokes a nostalgic experience of days gone by.
Based in the Okanagan Valley since 2009, when lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Mercer, transplanted from Newfoundland, bringing with him his passion for the rich culture and the deeply rooted music he grew up with.
Joining Mercer in the studio and on the stage are Susan Aylard on fiddle, Sean Bray on electric guitar, Martyn Jones on bass and drummer David Mihal.
Recognized as one of Canada’s top Celtic acts, the Cods are coming off a busy year already after the release of their fourth studio album, The Islander, last June, and are excited about their upcoming tour and release of their Christmas album.
This album hearkens back to Mercer’s early years in Newfoundland.
“I grew up in a small neighbourhood street called Newfound Lane, in the town of Bay Robert’s,” he said, pointing out there was a tight knit group of neighbours, who regularly got together to celebrate each other’s birthdays and anniversaries. “Years ago, a tradition was started at Christmas time to go around the neighbourhood and visit each house, taking the time to have a drink, some food, and to spin a few yarns at each stop along the way.”
The tradition of the neighbourhood rounds, continues today and Mercer has written the title track of the album to not only keep the tradition alive, but to remind people to come together this holiday season.
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“It is my hope that in the spirit of the season, despite this tumultuous world we live in, that people can come together. Visit your neighbours, check in on a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while, and most importantly, make time for family,” says Mercer.
The new album features a mix of original songs and Christmas songs that Mercer grew up listening to on the East Coast.
Tickets for the Penticton and Osoyoos shows are $25 in advance ($30 at the door, if available) and are available at the Shatford Centre or at www.codgonewild.com. Showtime is 7:30 pm.
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