Elliott BROOD & Shred Kelly (Venables Theatre)

For 20 years, Elliott BROOD has journeyed through genres, history, stories and countless kms on the road. They mine old-timey topics and traditions, with a guitar banjo-focused sound that’s earnest and raucous; story-driven roots rock that glistens with warmth and wide-eyed, though slightly world-weary, wonder. The tunes on their most recent album,2020’s Keeper, were most certainly written before the pandemic started, but are exactly what Elliott BROOD fans need in uneven times, with a spotlight on the intimate and personal that still offer universal observations about family, relationships, yearning and the passage of time. The warm, organic playing, soaring voices, and audible bond between band members Mark Sasso, Casey Laforet, and Stephen Pitkin makes Elliott BROOD feel like a well-worn and comfortable pair of shoes that still has enough traction to tread many more miles on journeys yet to come.

Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, SHRED KELLY is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene. But it’s not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly’s heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group’s unique musical direction.

With an impressive track record of touring across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the UK, Shred Kelly has made appearances at renowned festivals such as Kaslo Jazz, Ottawa Blues Fest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, SXSW, Reeperbahn and many more. Furthermore, the band has shared stages with esteemed acts such as The Dead South, Elliott Brood, and The Cave Singers, leading to their reputation as a dynamic live act whose show is described as a joyous celebration of life.