Two more musical acts headlined the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum's After Dark Concert Series on Friday, and with each new performance, the gallery proves it is an excellent venue for live music.
A pair of Regina artists, Dustin Ritter of Dustin Ritter Band, and Christopher "Tiny" Matchett, came with guitars and a willingness to put on a show for the modest audience of about 12. Both musicians said they are just happy to perform to an audience of keen listeners.
"I'd take 10 people listening (any day)" said Matchett.
Ritter, on the other hand, commented on the strangeness of being in the spotlight, even before a small group.
"I'm not used to having people look at me," he said.
Often playing in the dark corners of a bar and competing with lively chatter, the audience last Friday was certainly a change of pace for the artists.
Ritter and Matchett playfully dubbed their appearance at the art gallery the Beards and Baritones Tour, for the beards that both men have, along with Matchett's voice. Each performed a solo acoustic set.
Ritter volunteered to perform first and took to the microphone with his guitar, sounding off a number of poppy, acoustic folk songs from his band's album Dead Airwaves. He added cover tracks originally by Steve Earle and Neil Young to his set list, to blend with his own songs inspired by his own experiences. One in particular, he said, was about a train trip through the Alps, which he was able to stay awake for because the scenery was so beautiful.
Matchett is a cook who moonlights as a bouncer at a pub in Regina when he isn't playing music. He said a lot of his songs are directly inspired by the nightlife he encounters.
Originally from Middle Lake, Sask., others songs he wrote refer back to childhood in the small town.
Matchett played a one song encore at the behest of some members of the audience, after which he joked that he cut his thumb on the strings and could play no more.
The next instalment of the After Dark Concert Series is scheduled for April 27. Check www.estevanmercury.ca for a photo gallery and video from the evening.
