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Phil Harmonic’s Jug Band forms from collection of local artists

Jug band to premier at Errington's coffee house on March 3

A new musical group that includes some familiar names is about to debut at the Errington Coffee House Sat., March 3.

Phil Harmonic’s Jug Band Orchestra will be presenting some down home music performed by local artists of all ages.  Led by Errington’s own recording artist Gerry Barnum and featuring many of the finest folk musicians in the region, Phil Harmonic’s Jug Band Orchestra revives a style of music popular in the ‘20s and ‘30s and popularized again in the ‘60s by the Lovin’ Spoonful, Rooftop Singers, and Dr. Hook’s Medicine Show.

Many of the musicians are well known to local audiences.  Barnum is the artistic director and brings vocals, soulful guitar, harmonica, and vintage washboard. John Hamel contributes acoustic and bass guitar.  Dean Williams plays assorted guitars, mandolins, and kazoo. Fahlon Smith of Marimba Kumbana and the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra performs on fiddle. Also on fiddle is Kerri Brown of Skewlines  as well as guitar, and mandolin. Doug McLean is on banjo and authentic jug, and Rod Sauer contributes his exceptional harmonica styling’s.

The jug band will be just one of the acts making a performance debut with a 15-minute set in advance of their appearance at the 90th anniversary celebration of the Errington War Memorial Hall on March 24.

The big birthday bash at the hall includes an old timers tea and get together at 2 p.m. and a 1920’s style evening of music and memories in the evening.  Admission to both is by donation. The hall opened its doors March 22, 1922 and for 90 years has been the heart of the Errington community.

The Errington Coffee House on March 3 goes at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is only $5, with children free. Refreshments and home baking are available.