Canadian musicians Barney Bentall, Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor are returning to Qualicum Beach and you’re invited to join the party at Thalassa Restaurant on Jan. 15 and 16.
“We’re trying to change the vibe around Qualicum; get people out and about,” said Oura Giakoumakis, owner of Thalassa Restaurant. “The goal at the end of the day is just to get out and have some fun.”
“There’s nothing like live music,” added Ulrich.
According to Ulrich, she started playing music with Bentall and Taylor around eight years ago. Before that, however, they all had full musical careers of their own. Most notably, Taylor has played with his band She Stole My Beer for the past 20 years and pop/rock singer Bentall spent many years with Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, whose singles included Something to Live For, Life Could Be Worse, Crime Against Love and Come Back to Me. As for Ulrich, the singer songwriter won a Juno Award for “Most Promising Female Vocalist” in 1982.
Now together as BTU, as they’ve nicknamed themselves using their last names, Ulrich said they focus on creating original folk music. Between the three of them, they play mandolin, fiddle, guitar and piano, and Ulrich said they take turns being the singer/songwriter. However, she also said that while the band focuses on the traditional “storytelling” aspect of folk music, BTU has a more “contemporary” sound.
The trio last played at Thalassa Restaurant in Feb. 2013, which Giakoumakis said “officially sold out in less than a week.”
This time, the night of live music also includes a three-course Greek dinner. A vegetarian option is available for those who would like it. There will also be a cash bar.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and ticketed guests are invited to come in for cocktails and socializing. Dinner is around 6:30 p.m. and will lead into the music.
There are only 130 tickets for the event. Giakoumakis said the Jan. 16 show is already sold out; however, people can call in to reserve their tickets for the Jan. 15 show. Tickets are $55 each and non-refundable. For more information, phone 250-594-1150.
“It’s an incredibly special night of music,” said Ulrich, adding that the night will be filled with “warmth” and “storytelling.”