BRENDA GOUGH
News Contributor
Exactly one year after their memorable performance in Parksville, the folk rock trio The Lion The Bear The Fox proved once again why they are a musical force of nature.
On March 1 their concert— held in conjunction with the opening night of the annual Brant Wildlife Festival —had the crowd wanting more.
With over three decades of combined experience, the three band members: Christopher Arruda (the lion), Cory Woodward (the bear) and Ryan McMahon (the fox), are known for the passion they bring to their performances.
The sold-out crowd at the Quality Resort Bayside was treated to rock songs with a grunge edge as well as some passionate ballads that were performed with such raw emotion it brought many to tears.
Their intense show beckoned people to the dance floor during the second set and the band captivated the audience when they left the stage and performed an unplugged version of their song Home in the crowd.
Parksville was the third stop of four shows the band did back-to-back on Vancouver Island last week, and the feeling was mutual when the musicians announced that the crowd was the best they had played for so far on their Freedom Tour.
McMahon, who lives in Ladysmith, agreed the energy in the Tidal Room was electric Saturday night.
“It was the best Island show we had … hands down. Even being there last year was great. There is an energy in that room that makes us play better,” said McMahon.
He said it was easy to see that the people were there for the music.
The group, which has only been together since May of 2012, will be hitting the road March 15 for a tour that will take them to the Okanagan as well as Alberta.
For those who missed the incredible show, another stellar musical performance will go down in the intimate venue of Tidal Room May 1.
Neil Osborne, the front man from the iconic band 54•40, will be performing a solo acoustic show.
As lead singer and chief songwriter of 54•40, Osborne has achieved critical acclaim, released a dozen albums and weathered the fickle music business for more than three decades.
A Canadian music legend, Osborne is known primarily as a rock musician but is also an accomplished producer and a songwriter of amazing depth and clarity.
Who doesn’t know at least five songs by 54•40 they can sing along to?
Presented by Arbutus Events, the May 1 show will be in the Tidal Room at Quality Resort Bayside.
Cocktails and dinner are available at 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 advance and $30 door and can be purchased at Quality Resort Bayside, and the Lockhart Collection in Parksville or on line at www.arbutusevents.ca.