A talented family bluegrass band will make their way from Okotoks, Alberta to Coombs this weekend for some lively, old time music with a twist.
Top Secret Bluegrass Band is comprised of Jackie Caswell on bass, her husband Steve on either guitar, banjo or mandolin, 14-year-old son Morgan on guitar and 11-year-old-son Andrew, on fiddle.
The band plays traditional, old standards as well as covers by popular musicians like Neil Young or the Dixie Chicks, made into the bluegrass style. Jackie said the group likes to play fairly fast, so even the slower songs have a cheerful beat.
“With bluegrass even the most sad songs are always just a little bit perky and upbeat,” she said.
Jackie said both the kids like playing bluegrass music, but are also interested in other music genres, like Morgan’s interest in playing rock and heavy metal on his electric guitar. Andrew has been playing the fiddle for about four years, and Jackie said both kids’ talent improves greatly each year. This is why the group is looking at creating their second CD soon.
“The kids learn so much so fast, our sound doesn’t change but improves and we really want to show that,” she said.
The group played during open stage at the Coombs Bluegrass Festival last year and will be playing as a feature band at this year’s festival.
Top Secret Bluegrass Band plays at the Coombs Community Hall Fri., April 1. The concert starts at 7 p.m. with some open stage performances, including Island Blue Rose. The feature band will play at 8:15 and there will be a open jam to follow.
Tickets are $10 and snacks will be available. For more on Top Secret Bluegrass Band visit www.topsecretbluegrassband.com.