Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Aug. 22 2018
Renfrew’s own blend of country and rock will be joining the Shawville Fair this year, with an Ottawa Valley favourite set to perform Sunday afternoon.
The Riley New Band has played for a few of the local fairs so far this summer, and they’ve been enjoying the high energy crowds that come with it.
“Generally, at the fairs, people are there to cut loose and have fun,” said Alex Holmes, bass player for the band. “It’s a lot different than a bar, people could be eating or they’re there to socialize. At a fair show a lot of the times, people are there to watch the musicians, enjoy the music and dance with us. The crowds are usually really interactive and fun to play for.”
The five-piece features music, and inspiration, across several generations and styles, touching upon everything from blues and grassroots through to rock and country. With everyone pulling covers from different directions, it makes for a range of songs that are least expected.
“I think we do a mixture of songs that a lot of bands don’t necessarily do. We try and stray from the typical cover songs that you’d expect a band play,” said Holmes. “We try and give a live performance that’s memorable and features some things that people might not normally see.”
Their secret weapon, Holmes added, is fiddle player Kyle Felhaver. With his interest in old-school fiddle tunes and Celtic influence, plus singer Riley New and guitarist Brad Scott’s passion for classic country, many of their covers get an Ottawa Valley twist.
“Sometimes we’ll put some different spins on favourite songs, [we’ll] utilize the fiddle in place of memorable lines that people recognize,” said Holmes.
While members of the band have attended the Shawville Fair over the years – with Holmes recalling attending when Stompin’ Tom Connors rolled into town – this will be their first time performing at the venue.
Holmes said that the Riley New Band is excited to break out the jams and thankful to be invited to play at the fair. However, he did have some tips for ensuring that their show is enjoyable for all involved.
“The more response and the more we see the crowd into it, the more excited we get and the more energy that comes from us,” said Holmes. “It’s kind of a give and take thing when you’re playing for a crowd – it’s hard if you’re playing in front of people who are just standing or sitting there, not really stomping their feet, dancing, or singing along. It’s hard to get excited. When you have a crowd that’s fired up, then you get fired up as well.”
The Riley New Band will be performing twice on Sunday afternoon. They’ll first play the mainstage at 1 p.m., before filling the beer tent at 5:15 p.m. for an evening show.
