The last time Newfoundland’s Shanneyganock performed in Nanoose Bay it was mostly done as a lark. Having made friends on a show in St. John’s with Nanoose resident Vince Ditrich, a member of legendary Canadian musical group Spirit of the West, they came all the way west to visit his town and do a show in return, purely for fun, at his local, The Rocking Horse Pub.
The show was such a barn-burning success that the Shanneys decided they needed to come back, this time adding a second night. The group will be playing Friday, Nov. 2 as well as Saturday, Nov. 3.
Shanneyganock leader Chris Andrews said the turn out was a bit surprising.
“Oh, we really didn’t expect that kind of response. You could not fit another person in that place! One older gent got so excited on the dance floor he popped his suspenders and lost his trousers. I am not joking! The whole town treated us royally . . . we love Vancouver Island.”
Rocking Horse Pub general manager Luise Willoughby agreed that it was the best one-night the venue has ever enjoyed and had nothing but compliments for the band.
“Such perfect gentlemen,” she said.
Shanneyganock, which translates to ‘Night Creatures’ are a much beloved fixture in Newfoundland, having won numerous awards for their completely authentic Maritimes sound, engaging and welcoming manner, and huge onstage personalities.
“We always love our trips to the west,” said Andrews. “But I think we may have found a home away from home.”
Based on the response from their last appearance these two shows will likely be parties of legendary stature and fans are encouraged to get tickets as soon as possible as they will go very quickly. Get tickets at Cranky Dog Music in Parksville or The Rocking Horse Pub in Nanoose, $20 in advance $25 at the door. For more on the band visit www.shanneyganock.ca.
— Submitted by Vince Ditrich & Bruce Williams – Hammer & the Bull Productions