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Restaurant OK with Big Mess

Father-son duo promise eclectic evening of music at Smoke 'N Water Feb. 5
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The duo of vocalist Kyle Shepard

Kyle Shepard insists on truth in advertising when promoting his music. Hence, the name of the two-man act he performs with his father, Marty.

“We’re called The Big Mess because we literally play a big mess of music,” said Shephard.

The Big Mess will perform Friday, Feb. 5, at Smoke ‘N Water Restaurant in Nanoose Bay.

The elder Shepard is a trumpeter and longtime veteran of touring and recording going back four decades. He was a member of the orginal REO Speedwagon, but “left as they were starting to get big,” said Kyle.

Where Marty Shepard was brought up in the world of jazz, blues and rock, Kyle is a vocalist of the modern persuasion, mixing traditional singing with beat-boxing and other voice effects including an imitation of air guitar using scat. He also plays traditional percussion.

“Every song is a different genre,” said Kyle. “We’ll do blues, jazz, funk, Broadway, even some classical. And we’ll do some other stuff from out of left field.”

The duo is supported by a backing track for a full band sound. The Big Mess has been barnstorming Vancouver Island for nearly six years, and enjoys “minor celebrity status,” Kyle says with a laugh.

The music will run from 7-11 p.m.  Feb. 5. There is no cover charge.

— NEWS Staff