When thinking of the type of person who can get a rocking party started, a financial advisor may not fit the bill.
But, almost every weekend Don Plettell sheds his office attire for a pair of drumsticks, a microphone and takes on the persona of T.T. Chevelle with his band, The Chevelles. They will be one of the live acts at the heartbeat of the party for the curling crowd and The Original 16 Patch in Penticton during the World Financial Group Continental Cup.
The Chevelles have been performing together for 12 years and have become well-acquainted with the curling crowds having previously taken the stage at the Scotties tournament, the Canada Cup, Continental Cup, the Brier and the world championships.
“We just have the right chemistry. The song selection and market demographic we targeted are the right for us,” said Plettell. “The curling venues are top drawer. You are getting more than you are paying for. The audience gets a professional concert presentation with high-end equipment and big screens.”
Located in the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, The Patch will be rocking with The Chevelles on Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Originally starting as a classic rock band, the group now has some 200 songs in their repertoire ranging from 50s music right to modern day with songs from Metallica and dance music.
“You get people coming out with their kids now. So you have a 45-year-old guy beside his kid out enjoying music together. I have been playing in bands since the 70s and that was something I had never seen before,” said Plettell.
It is not just a wide catalog that has kept the Chevelles moving crowds for over a decade, Plettell admits there is a little marketing strategy when sizing up the audience. One that he noticed has changed quite a bit since they first were welcomed to a Patch party.
“When we started doing the bonspiels the curlers were around 35 and plus in age, and now the curlers and fans are in their early 20s. The demographic has widened so much. Moving forward we expanded our playlist to include Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and Calvin Harris. We like to show that we can do anything,” said Plettell.
Meaning their setlist can change at a moments notice to pick it up or slow it down.
“If we don’t see people up dancing or singing along to the hook-line then we know they aren’t interested. We watch the crowd a lot,” said Plettell.
A special fan appreciation night kicks things off on Wednesday at the Patch. All the competitors will come out for an exclusive meet-and-greet gathering that is open only to sponsors and fans who have purchased full event passes. Vancouver-based show band March Hare, will deliver a full-costume tribute to dozens of bands ranging from Paul McCartney to John Mellencamp to the Rolling Stones.
On Thursday, The Young’uns with Orio will be on stage starting at 8 p.m. The Young’uns are from the Okanagan Valley and have been playing all types of music together for the past 22 years.
Orio is an energetic band that has been a staple in the Okanagan music scene for over two years. They now have a full-time gig on Thursday’s at The Blue Gator in Kelowna.
Tickets to the Patch are included with an event pass or a single ticket to a draw for that specific night. For more info on tickets visit www.ValleyFirstTix.com or in-person at the Visitor’s Centre or SOEC box office.