The Trews have become known throughout the nation as great Canadian rockers.
It’s been 10 years since the band released its debut album House & Ill & Fame and since that time The Trews have been nominated for several Juno and East Coast Music awards and some Independent Music Award wins.
To ensure the music members create is fresh they approach each album as if they are making one for their first time.
“That’s the part you’ve got to relearn between every record; to dream it all again and be as excited as you were making your first record,” said The Trews’ member John Angus MacDonald in a press release. “It’s a discovery process and it takes a willingness to be adventurous and to try new things.”
The band is rocking the stage this weekend during the annual Vancouver Island Exhibition at Beban Park. The Trews take the mainstage Saturday at 9 p.m. The exhibition runs Friday to Sunday (Aug. 16-18) at the Beban Park fairgrounds. Headlining performers include The Trews, Current Swell, performing Friday night at 9 p.m. and The Lion The Bear The Fox performing Sunday at 3 p.m.
Other performers include Jupiter Jill, Clint Hanson, the Herbicidal Maniacs, The Johnson Brothers, West Road Butchers, Towers & Trees, Damn Fools and others.
Steve Palen, guitarist and songwriter for the Herbicidal Maniacs, said the band is excited to perform during the exhibition.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I am pumped – it is Nanaimo’s big show,” he said.
The band, consisting of Palen, Dan Dube, and Brent Redberger, has been making music in the community for years in various different groups. Palen said many people don’t know that Herbicidal Maniacs performs all original songs, never cover songs. He finds inspiration for his tunes from real life.
“The music is good enough to stand up on its own and it overwhelmingly stands up,” said Palen. “The guys really make the music come alive. They are great players.”
Friday admission to the exhibition is $4 for children aged seven to 14 and seniors/$8 for ages 13-18/$11 for adults and free for children under six years old. Saturday and Sunday admission for seniors changes to $7. A three-day pass is $22 and is available at the gate.
For a schedule of the entertainment lineup please go to www.viex.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com