Once again we will have an opportunity to turn Gaia Java into a mini-Grand Ol’ Opry when the totally entertaining 5-piece bluegrass band “The Backsliders” comes in again to play this Friday. Some of you were maybe in last year when they gave us a fabulous evening.
A love of both bluegrass and fiddle music brought the Backsliders together and the pleasure they get while playing is evident in their performances and in the relaxed atmosphere they project while on stage. The Backsliders have played for many charity events, at Legions in Stittsville and Prescott as well as at numerous professional events. This will be their third time playing at the Gaia Java Coffee Company.
Jason McDonald from Stittsville is a lead vocalist and mandolin player whose voice and stage presence represents the spirit of the Backsliders. His high voice is perfect for bluegrass and his mandolin playing puts him in the top ranks of mandolin players.
Don Fletcher, also from Stittsville, handles the fiddle parts with ease, flair and enthusiasm. Don’s wide experience with all types of fiddle music, Quebecois, Irish, down east and Ottawa Valley gives an impressive depth to his part in the Backsliders.
Ed Sexton, from Ottawa, began playing guitar in his home in the Gaspe. In addition to being able to take a guitar break at any time and sing lead or harmony in his warm voice he is uncanny in being able to remember songs he’s heard from way in his past. Trying to bring a new song into the group usually has Ed saying “Is that the one that goes…” and it usually is.
Warren Recoskie, from Orleans, also sings lead and harmony and plays guitar. Whether playing ballads or picking fiddle tunes Warren’s guitar work is a pleasure to listen to. He has a powerful solo voice and is able to provide harmonies which add so much to their music.
Terry McDonald, from Stittsville, is their bass player and is most proud to be Jason’s dad. He has a long history of playing bluegrass music, jokes about the bands he’s been thrown out of, enjoys singing a song or two, and they’re happy to have him keeping time with them.
You can find out more about the band by checking out their pages at: https://m.facebook.com/TheBackslidersBluegrassBand/
and their Webpage: http://www.backslidersbluegrass.com
The music nights start at 7pm, and as usual there is no charge, but we do have a ‘jar’ for donations to the musicians, and we hope that you will buy a drink or two (and maybe something tasty to eat!)
The Backsliders Bluegrass Band plays on Friday, May 20 at 7:00pm at Gaia Java on Stittsville Main Street.
-Paul Jay