This Friday, Westlock will play host to the renowned country-rock group, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Formed in Long Beach, Calif. in 1966, the band has produced more than 30 albums, and continues to tour in order share their music with the world.
“If you’ve got all these songs you’ve recorded, they’re a lot better when you’ve got an audience to play them for,” said drummer and harmonica player Jimmie Fadden.
Fadden has been with the group since its inception 46 years ago, making music and keeping audiences and fans entertained all the while.
Although he said many people have described the music the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band produces as Americana, he said it’s perhaps better described as roots music given its origins.
“It’s stuff we’ve been creating for a long time with the combination of instruments that we’ve used and the songs that we either wrote or are written by people we know,” he said.
With more than four decades of performing under their belts, Fadden said the group has played in venues and communities of all sizes, but in the end there is nothing like hopping up on stage somewhere where they’re less than well known.
“As much as it’s fun to have a lot of people who have seen us before, and we do get a lot of repeat fans, it’s really cool playing for people who have never seen us before,” he said.
He likened that sensation to being on a first date, where both parties don’t quite know what to expect until they finally meet.
The group especially likes playing smaller centres, because the vibe is a lot different than it is in the big city. City folk tend to be quite opinionated and more reserved, while those from small towns simply want to relax, have fun and let things be.
“Small towns are nice,” Fadden explained. “They have good values. They live honest lives and there’s not a lot of pretense.”
For anyone who has not yet bought a ticket to the show, Fadden said they should waste no time and go get one.
“If you want to have a good time and forget about your day and throw off the cares of the world for a little bit, come out and join us,” he said. “We’re a musical getaway for a lot of people.”
He promises the show will be an up-tempo, energetic and humorous evening full of songs and stories from the band’s years together.
“We’re certainly interested in having fun,” he said.
“That’s one of the biggest points we make.”
Tickets for the concert are available by calling 1-888-723-9778, or by visiting the Sobeys store in Westlock. Tickets are $64.75.
