Blues Nights at the MAC
LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Music enthusiasts can start looking forward to Mondays.
Accomplished musician and board member on the Oceanside Community Arts Council (OCAC), Chris Raines, is organizing Blues Nights at the McMillan Arts Centre (The MAC) and the first one will take place Jan. 28.
“Lots of people like the blues, lots of people like to listen and dance to it, and I’ve played it all my life, so I thought why don’t we start that,” he said.
Raines has put together a house band called The Blues Beat with some experienced musicians who will play a set and then assist other players as they get up to jam. As a veteran in the music industry—with his own recording studio in Parksville—Raines has many connections with other accomplished musicians on the Island and off, and will have special guests at the Monday night jams.
A good part of the proceeds for the night will benefit the OCAC, even if some nights they need to move to a bigger venue. The OCAC is a non-profit, registered charity with a mission to “engage, energize, educate and enrich the cultural life of the Oceanside Community.”
Raines said it will also be a great way to nurture and develop interest in blues music for all ages, including young and aspiring musicians, and a great time for those that like to play and also listen to that genre of music. There will be many offshoots coming out of the event including programs on how to mix music, Raines said.
Long & McQuade will provide all the musical gear for the jams and Raines will be bringing his recording and television resources to the event, and plans to broadcast the event on the web in the near future.
The jams run from 7 to 10 p.m. every Monday, but a pre-jam social will run from 5 to 7 p.m., where blues fans can chat about music and gear with musicians. Snacks, beer and wine will be available and tickets are $15 at Cranky Dog Music in Parksville or at the door.
There is no cover charge for musicians playing and it is an adult only event. For more info and to hear practice tracks visit www.rainesbroadcasting.tv or visit the Raines Broadcasting Facebook Page. To pre-book a two-song spot at a jam email rainesrecords@shaw.ca.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.