Turner Valley’s library will be hosting a folksy performance next week.
Coming up from Washington state, The Notable Exceptions will perform at the Sheep River Library from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 22 as part of the Out Loud concert series running through October.
Their folksy western harmonies would be at home emanating from a radio in the ‘50s, The Notable Exceptions consists of Judy Coder and Jennifer Epps.
“I lived in Kansas until 2014, so my approach to music is definitely Midwest ‘settling the plains, get along little dowgy’ kind of folk music,” Coder said, mentioning they bring yodelling into the mix.
“Many years ago I was encouraged to try yodelling from a dear relative who knew me for my classical training, but he was convinced I should try yodelling.
“He insisted and what do you know, I had fun.”
While there is no shortage of sombre country songs, and there’s even or two exceptions from The Notable Exceptions, the duo stick primarily to upbeat tunes.
“When I sang serious music everybody cried, and when I yodelled everybody tapped their feet and sometimes laughed,” Coder said. “We really try to make sure our music is happy and upbeat.
“We just try to be happy and give people a good time, and all that feeling comes back to us when we’re on stage.
"It’s just wonderful, that’s why we do it.”
While Coder lived on the plains of Kansas until 2014, Epps hails from Washington state where the two now reside.
“I spent a lot of time on horseback, I used to guide people into the wilderness of north-central Washington state, and I also moved cows” Epps said. “I didn’t have cows myself – I was smart enough not to own them, but I worked cows a lot for a neighbour ranch.”
It was at the annual gathering of the International Western Music Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico that they actually met Doris Daley, Foothills cowboy poet, concert organizer and Sheep River Library staffer.
“Rootin’ tootin’, joyful, entertaining and dynamic are all adjectives that describe The Notable Exceptions," says Daley. "They are absolutely good enough for Broadway, but they love the west too much to cross the Mississippi."
Also coming up on Oct. 29 is cowboy poet Bj Smith and storyteller ‘Ol' Ugly’ John Glawson.
All Out Loud concerts, including The Notable Exceptions’ performance, are free, but a ticket is required and can be obtained by calling 403-933-3278. More information can be found at sheepriverlibrary.ca/Events.
