Something special happens when you put five talented, versatile musicians together.
From old-time country, gospel, bluegrass and jigs to their own unique take to contemporary favourites, the June Bugs will bring their unique, soulful sound to the Room Full of Sound Concert series this weekend.
“Most people regard our music as really heartfelt acoustic music, that’s what they can expect from the June Bugs,” said Renay Eng-Fisher.
Eng-Fisher plays the upright basin the group.. Audrey Guagliano plays guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Sue Anne Borer plays the auto harp and percussion. Christie Simmons plays guitar, whistles and banjo. On fiddle is guest group member Sarah Dillman, who used to perform with George Canyon. They are currently looking for a female fiddle player to join full time. Four members are from Calgary and one is from Olds.
Eng-Fisher said they will be playing their original material for the Room Full of Sound show.
What makes the June Bugs’ sound unique is the acoustic performance and a soulful blending of harmonies from five female vocalists. It’s when all five members are singing together is when they’re at their best.
“We all have very, very different voices and a different approach to how we sing a song,” said Eng-Fisher. “I believe every song the gals sing is very heartfelt.”
She said the roster of acoustic instruments members play also influences the group’s sound, and lends themselves well to old country from the era of Tammy Wynette or George Jones. While instruments like the banjo and autoharp give a song an old-time sound, but they don’t have to just be for old-time music. Violins and mandolins can add beauty to a range of different songs, she said.
The June Bugs perform cover versions of new songs, but they won’t do it just because they like it.
“We do tunes that are commercial and popular, but I think the rule in the band is if we can’t sing it better than is out there, maybe we shouldn’t do them,” said Eng-Fisher.
When they do, they like to put their own personal touch on the songs.
They also perform original songs as three band members are writers.
Eng-Fisher said her songs are influenced by blue grass, gospel and country, as well as performers like Elvis and the Beatles.
Their song ‘Roll River Roll’, written by Guagliano, was inspired by a trip to India.
“She backpacked through there and stayed in hostels and all that and it’s not necessarily about her journey, but the journey of the people who are there she saw first hand following the religious traditions of going to the river to cleanse your soul,” said Eng-Fisher.
The group has put out a self-titled CD, a six-song EP is composed of three original songs and three covers.
With the release of the CD, the group embarked on its first-ever tour in the spring with several dates across British Columbia from Nelson to Prince George. The group hit the road seeing it as a chance to perform and see how people would accept their music.
The tour exceeded their expectations.
“We were very successful,” said Eng-Fisher. “We were just delighted and the audiences were great.”
Joining the June bugs at this weekend’s concert will be up and coming Okotoks country band Tanya Ryan and the Roosters.
Ryan won the Country 105 Lammle's Rising Star competition in late April at Ranchman's, was runner up at Nashville North Star competition at the 2011 Calgary Stampede and has made two trips to Nashville recently.
Rounding out the list of performers is Calgarian Ben Plotnick. He is a composer, session musician and solo artist in his own right with three albums under his belt, along with several other musical collaborations.
The concert will be held at the Okotoks United Church on Nov. 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $21 and are either available at the door on on-line at www.aroomfullofsound.com.
