Fifth time around for Del Asher
Chris Illich
Issue date: 6/9/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
After attending the S.C.E.N.E. Festival annually since its conception in 1995, Del Asher's guitar player Chris Charkoway couldn't be more enthusiastic about performing this year.
"Back in the day, there were a lot less bands, less clubs and it really was just on such a smaller scale. I can't remember there being headlining bands coming in from different places, it used to be just all about St. Catharines and Niagara-based bands," he said.
"That was cool and all, but I'd rather pay $26 and go see a handful of really awesome bands that don't really come around here too often, and then still see a bunch of local bands and bands we are really good friends with that come down and play it. The festival is way better than it used to be."
Now, on their fifth year playing the festival, Del Asher has come along way since their first performance at S.C.E.N.E.
Rounded out by guitarist/vocalist Julian Tomarinand drummer Matt Murphy, Del Asher had fought for the past few years to find a steady bass player, and as of recently, have acquired Travis Durdon to solidify their line up.
"I just wanted somone that is going to be a stable part of the band, who is stoked to be in the band," said Charkoway. "He loves playing music, and he is a great bass player. I think having Travis in our band and coming to practices is definitely going to make us stronger as a band."
After playing the festival for a couple years, Charkoway said that every performance has been worth remembering. From the technical difficulties that occurred during their set last year, to being able to watch crowds from the inside, as well as outside at clubs such as Rockfords, The Great Canadian and the Mansion House, Del Asher can't wait to continue playing such an awesome festival in their hometown.
Although Charkoway admitted that they have had a hard time trying to build a large fan base in St. Catharines, he finds that S.C.E.N.E. is much different than just another gig downtown.
"Usually when we play in St. Catharines, I kind of just think of it as a fun thing," said Charkoway. "All our friends come out that normally don't come to see us play outside of town.
"I think there are just so many people out there that are into music, that probably don't go to shows at bars and stuff, but they show up at S.C.E.N.E.. So that benefits us for sure," he said. "I think that if S.C.E.N.E. were ever to stop, people around here would miss it for sure - I'd miss it for sure. It's the best thing to happen around here all year."
"Back in the day, there were a lot less bands, less clubs and it really was just on such a smaller scale. I can't remember there being headlining bands coming in from different places, it used to be just all about St. Catharines and Niagara-based bands," he said.
"That was cool and all, but I'd rather pay $26 and go see a handful of really awesome bands that don't really come around here too often, and then still see a bunch of local bands and bands we are really good friends with that come down and play it. The festival is way better than it used to be."
Now, on their fifth year playing the festival, Del Asher has come along way since their first performance at S.C.E.N.E.
Rounded out by guitarist/vocalist Julian Tomarinand drummer Matt Murphy, Del Asher had fought for the past few years to find a steady bass player, and as of recently, have acquired Travis Durdon to solidify their line up.
"I just wanted somone that is going to be a stable part of the band, who is stoked to be in the band," said Charkoway. "He loves playing music, and he is a great bass player. I think having Travis in our band and coming to practices is definitely going to make us stronger as a band."
After playing the festival for a couple years, Charkoway said that every performance has been worth remembering. From the technical difficulties that occurred during their set last year, to being able to watch crowds from the inside, as well as outside at clubs such as Rockfords, The Great Canadian and the Mansion House, Del Asher can't wait to continue playing such an awesome festival in their hometown.
Although Charkoway admitted that they have had a hard time trying to build a large fan base in St. Catharines, he finds that S.C.E.N.E. is much different than just another gig downtown.
"Usually when we play in St. Catharines, I kind of just think of it as a fun thing," said Charkoway. "All our friends come out that normally don't come to see us play outside of town.
"I think there are just so many people out there that are into music, that probably don't go to shows at bars and stuff, but they show up at S.C.E.N.E.. So that benefits us for sure," he said. "I think that if S.C.E.N.E. were ever to stop, people around here would miss it for sure - I'd miss it for sure. It's the best thing to happen around here all year."
Be the first to comment on this story