Gilliat packs some surprises
Ever since he was nine years old and picked up his first guitar, John Gilliat has loved entertaining a crowd.
This crowd now extends throughout North America and Japan — and Kamloops, as Gilliat returns to the city with a new lineup on Friday, Oct. 5, for a performance at the North Shore Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Ave.
The John Gilliat World Music Ensemble is composed of bassist Brent Gubbels, drummer Lyndon Dewitt and Rossi Tzonkov on guitar and steel drums.
Gilliat, who spent several years studying flamenco guitar, describes the sound as “Caribbean-rhumba-jazz-rock,” a combination of party genres that will certainly shake up the audience.
He is also excited about putting a bit of spin on some classic rock tunes, blending styles for something that he said will be truly unique.
Between playing festivals like the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Harmony Arts Festival and the Robson Valley Music Festival, Gilliat still finds time to record with fellow musician Rossi Tzonkov in another band called Carumba.
He anticipates a full album by Dec. 25, one of two being released shortly.
John Gilliat won Music West Star Frets Competition’s Best Instrumental Acoustic Guitar Performance in 1996 and released his first independent CD, Freedom, in 1999, followed by Peace in 2002. which was nominated for a West Coast Music Award in the Best Instrumental Release category.
He has performed for former prime minister Jean Chretien and his music has been featured in documentaries, films and TV productions.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Room at the centre.
The doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 (HST and services charges are included) at Kamloops Live Box Office, 1025 Lorne St., 250-374-5483, kamloopslive.ca, or cash at the door.
For a sneak peek at what Gilliat can do with a guitar, visit his website at johngilliat.com.
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