Skip to content

Lunch At Allen’s a joyful collaboration for members

Lunch At Allen’s performs at Port Theatre June 15

Joy.

It’s the word Ian Thomas, a member of Lunch At Allen’s, uses over and over again to describe performing with the other members of the band onstage. Members include Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church and Marc Jordan.

“It really doesn’t become more joyous than just performing and grinning with your friends,” said Thomas, adding that the group of four were solid friends before forming the band, but have grown even closer over the years. “These guys are like family to me.”

Lunch At Allen’s is releasing its latest album If It Feels Right this June.

“Lunch At Allen’s projects are usually just a joy because we surrender to what Lunch At Allen’s is,” he said. “It really is a great joy. It’s been kind of a labour of love, our latest album.”

The artists different backgrounds combine to create the groups unique sound.

“We are four different voices, four very different artists, which is why when it all comes together it has a magic,” said Thomas.

Before joining Lunch At Allen’s, Thomas was busy in his recording studio producing album after album. He released 13 solo albums by 1993 and four The Boomers albums by 2002.

“I was pretty much locked up like the man in the iron mask in my studio,” said Thomas.

Each member has enjoyed a successful solo career. Thomas has received four Socan classic awards and a Juno Award for his hit Painted Ladies and has written songs sung by Santana, Chicago and Ann Murray.

Jordan has won numerous Juno, Socan and Smooth Jazz awards and his music has appeared on several films. He is also chairman of the song writing department at Norman Jewison’s Canadian Film Center.

Church embarked on a solo career in the 1990’s after touring and recording with Ian Tyson as part of the Chinook Arch Riders.

Lunch at Allen’s performs at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $45 in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or by visiting www.porttheatre.com.

For more information about Lunch at Allen’s, please visit www.lunchatallens.ca.

arts@nanaimobulletin.com

web1_170606-NBU-LunchatAllens-PortTheatre2_2
Lunch at Allen’s performs at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED