Roy Has Fire headlined a free concert at The Old Theatre on Saturday, June 29 in Castlegar to an appreciate all-ages crowd.
Prior to the alternative rock band taking the stage, Riess Zibin opened the show with bandmates Colton Low (drums), Cameron Low (guitar) and Oliver Bean (guitar). Though the group had only practiced together three times prior to the performance, the all-ages crowd seemed to enjoy how well they gelled.
Zibin is in the midst of laying down 15 tracks for an upcoming solo album, in advance of a move to Vancouver to pursue her musical career. She said she has been singing and performing since the age of six, taking lessons until the age of 13. When asked who most influenced her style, she was quick to name names.
"My Dad was probably my biggest influence," she said. "Yanive Feine [of Supercat Studios in Castlegar] is another. Also, Avril Lavigne."
Next up was the Brian Rosen, based out of Nelson, with band member Ty West. The two were without the other three members of Brian Rosen and the Whatnow but their mesmerizing guitar interplay brought long rounds of applause.
When Roy has Fire took the stage, the strikingly mature voice of Mateo Villa shocked some in the audience. The band opened with a classic, "Come Together" by the Beatles, before launching into some Creedence Clearwater Revival that highlighted the amazing range and soul of the young man. The band members clearly enjoy performing together and their years of experience were on display as they rocked the old theatre.
Be sure to visit www.theoldtheatre.com for upcoming concerts and movies.