Deeply influenced by country and gospel, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Lowell Friesen will be stopping at Char’s Landing on Thursday, Oct. 13 to serenade the Port Alberni music venue’s audience with his unique style of folk roots music.
“I have not played [in Port Alberni] before,” Friesen said. “I’ve been talking to Char at Char’s Landing for probably a year and a half trying to get a date that would work for both of us and we finally found one.”
Growing up in a Mennonite family in Manitoba, some of Friesen’s earliest musical influences include his church choir and watching his uncle and aunt play in a christian rock band.
Moving to Vancouver around the age of 18, it was there that Friesen began to deeper explore punk and metal music.
“I moved to Vancouver and my life was all about going to shows. It was one show after the other and I got into the festival circuit a bit later and tried to go to as many festivals as possible,” Friesen said.
After decades of revolving bands, playing both metal and folk, in 2013 Friesen and singing partner Jayme Mckillop recorded their debut EP ‘Full Moon Sessions’ as Ginger & Rose and played extensively across B.C., including a memorable slot at Arts Wells Festival and a busy summer in the Okanagan Valley.
Friesen continues to tour and play shows routinely.
“For the last two years I’ve pretty much been on and off the road quite regularly. Last summer I did a three month tour across Canada...and then this summer every other weekend I try to do a few nights out,” Friesen said.
In 2015, Friesen released his full-length, independent self funded 12 song album, Home...and Away.
“Growing up listening to country and gospel, that’s kind of wormed its way into my blood somehow,” Friesen said. “Even with whatever punk and metal influences I have... as I’ve gotten older its gone sort of full circle back to a rootsy foundation but every song to me I have trouble putting a specific genre on.”
Friesan said typically his live performances will include a balance of emotional storytelling songs with more playful tunes.
“I have a bit of a sense of humour, I like to make fun of myself. I think people need to laugh at a show no matter what they’re going to see,” Friesen said. “[Audiences] are going to get some stories, they’re going to get some laughter, a bit of banjo, some mellow songs and some foot stomping tunes.”
The show begins at 8 p.m. at Char’s. Tickets are $12, or $10 for seniors and kids, on sale now at Char’s or call 778- 421-2427.