Viper Central
2017
PM
MEL LEHAN HALL AT ST. JAMES i
3214 West 10th Ave, Kitsilano
Accessible 
All ages
This event has already taken place.
This concert is sponsored by MOBIDDLEY. This sponsorship is in support of local artists and the Rogue Folk Club, which provides good venues to promote these artists.
Viper Central can rip it up bluegrass style with sweet n' crunchy harmonies and tight melodic breaks that'll make your heart soar, your feet shuffle and your blood curdle! Canadian roots and the traditions of American bluegrass, Métis, country, rockabilly and old-time have influenced their ever evolving style. The songs reflect Canadian landscape and experiences and the result is entirely natural, effortless and delightfully original. Viper Central is an acoustic string-band that takes that 'high lonesome sound' to new places.
Over the past four years, Viper Central has toured North America and Europe, performing at festivals such as the San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival, the Southwell Folk Festival (UK), and the Willisau Bluegrass Festival (Switzerland).
At the forefront of a rising wave of new local talent in the bluegrass and old-time music genres, Viper Central has managed to create an original niche in an otherwise traditional style and yet simultaneously appeal to audiences both young and old. Hailing from the Republic of East Vancouver, they approach their music with the sense of creativity and adventure found in the earliest bluegrass and old time recordings. While all members contribute original songs, the band won't hesitate to deliver their take on an ages-old mournful waltz or bring the house down with a barn-burning bluegrass standard.
Their new album ‘The Spirit of God and Madness’ takes a few steps away from Viper Central's bluegrass beginnings and delves further into country, western swing and modern Canadian folk traditions, all contributing to their ever-evolving style. Still featuring their stringband lineup of Kathleen Nisbet (fiddle), Steve Charles (guitars, banjo), Tim Tweedale (dobro, steel guitar) and Patrick Metzger (bass, guitar), there is additional instrumentation from a roster of special guests including Mark Vaughn, John Raham, Andrew Millar, John Reischman, CR Avery, Miles Black, Tyson Naylor, Bonnie Northgraves, Ellen Marple, and Chris Suen. The songs reflect Canadian landscape and experiences and the result is entirely natural, effortless and delightfully original.
REVIEWS
"This is blistering bluegrass, original, fresh and energetic." - John Davy, No Depression.
"Great playing, great singing, great songs and superb arrangements." - Americana UK
“A versatile bunch of likeable and talented musicians, equally adept at concerts and workshops with an engaging manner with the audience. Judging by the feedback we received, one of the 'finds' of the festival for many people." - Mike Kirrage, Director, Gate to Southwell Folk Festival
"A warm feel; strong, mutually supportive, ensemble playing; and a likeable bunch.... They mix traditional and classic material with their own stuff to good and varied effect." - Pete Wrench, Eden on the Line
"Comparisons to Old Crow Medicine Show are inevitable, but if tonight was anything to go by, this group proves that Vancouver could easily hold its own against North Carolina." - Steve Clements in the Brighton Source
"Viper Central brought down the house at two concerts at the 2010 San Francisco Bluegrass & Old Time Festival. Both their shows were so packed we had to turn people away at the door. They lived up to their billing. Extremely exciting music, great musicianship and singing, creativity, a fun show - what more could you ask. Everyone loved them. They made many new fans, and sold a ton of CD's. I highly recommend them for any other festivals or shows." - Ken Frankel Booking Coordinator, San Francisco Bluegrass & Old Time Festival
"The Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society was pleased to have Viper Central join our lineup for the 2009 music camp and festival. Along with their amazing talent, they brought enthusiasm and a wonderful 'down to earth' attitude. We were so pleased with the way they interacted with the students at camp. Their patience and willingness to help was appreciated by everyone, and it was apparent by the many compliments from festival-goers that their music was a smash hit! We certainly hope to see them again in the future." - Tracey Lalonde, Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Society
"Vocal harmonies and driving rhythms highlight Viper's unique sound and arrangements. It's hard to distinguish their original songs in their repertoire; traditional and timeless. They left our audience wanting more." - Kelly Sherwin, President, Victoria Bluegrass Association
Please note that the admission price for this concert includes a $2 Venue Improvement Fee that we are required by the St. James Square to collect from every patron. Starting in September 2016, the proceeds from this temporary fee will be used for construction projects such as ventilation, flooring and washrooms that will make the hall a nicer place for you to visit in the future. If you wish, you can make a secure donation by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of the page at www.sjcommunitysquare.org. For information on donating by phone or post, please contact the St. James Square office at 604-739-9373.