Photo Caption: From left, Tyler Friedel, Ryan Coke and Bret Pollard, will be at Neighbours Pub on Saturday night. - Colin Budd Photo
By Colin Budd
Establishing a thriving, long lasting live music scene in Lloydminster has been easier said than done over the years.
The talent has always been here, but for a variety of reasons it hasn’t come to fruition. The building blocks just haven’t been in place.
One local group is trying to change that. And they are hoping Saturday night will be another step towards their goals.
Three acts will be taking the stage at Neighbours Pub. Don’t Tell Kay, Ryan Coke with Bret Pollard and Tyler Friedel will all be playing their catalogues of acoustic-based rock.
“The music speaks for itself,” said Coke, who has formerly played bass with Instant Pink.
Pollard is one of the co-founders of show organizer Subtle Thieves, a fraternity of Western Canadian musicians with passion and love for music, that formed about a year ago. Since then, it has steadily grown and includes Phunkin Gruuve Records, a label dedicated to helping local artists like Coke and Friedel get their break.
To date, there are over a dozen different artists – from a cross-section of genres – listed on the group’s website. Amongst them include musicians like Kenny Mac and Sean Blanchette of the Jack Union.
“Everybody is coming on board, just collectively we’re going to try to build a music scene here,” said Coke, who was born and raised in the city. “(We want to show that) Lloydminster is more than just a place to come work. We’re going to put Lloyd on the map.
“We have all the resources in town to make it happen.”
“There’s lots of talent in this area,” added Pollard, who is also the chief recording engineer for the label. “I’m recording with everyone right now for free, trying to help them out, that that will change obviously, but I want to build a core group of guys first.”
Friedel is one of those artists Pollard is talking about. They discovered him during karaokee at Bar 5 and after liking what they heard, asked him to join.
“I was looking for a start and now I’m under their wing,” Friedel said.
The members are always on the lookout for new acts to join their group, but talent isn’t the only requisite.
“None are in it for the big bucks, we’re all for the love of (the music),” said Coke. “Today, I’ll be out freezing, handing out flyers because I love it.
“The artists that come to us, we can tell the ones that have heart.”
The journey to having people take notice of that passion continues Saturday.
“It’s a good time, come out and support the local artists, see what’s happening,” said Coke.
The show at Neighbours Pub begins at 9 p.m. with no cover. For more information go to www.subtlethieves.com.
After party is at Riggerz Night Club, with Coke manning the DJ booth.