Double bill of The Johnny Max Band & The Weber Brothers delight Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series audience

Tim Brody - Editor

The Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series presented a double bill for their audience’s listening pleasure on April 11 at Sioux North High School, The Johnny Max Band & The Weber Brothers.
The evening was billed as a “blend of Roots tunes and Memphis Blues, Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series Chair Alyson Martin said, “It was a fantastic performance featuring a double bill from some of the best Rockabilly and Blues musicians around. We know there was a lot going on in Sioux Lookout that night and while folks were cheering on the Bombers in a chilly arena, the stage was “on fire” at the Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series.”
Martin said the crowd was instantly engaged with the storytelling behind the songs, “Between the rock solid harmonies and opportunities to hear each musician perform solos was a treat. One audience member commented on how rare it was to hear a drum solo these days and when both bands came onto the stage and played together, offering a drum solo with two drummers, it was impressive!”
Summarizing the performances, Martin shared, “The Weber Brothers opened up the evening and shared their love of music, starting at an early age, and how it provided them with the opportunity to work closely with the late Ronnie Hawkins.  In addition to that, playing with Gordon Lightfoot, and so many other legends along the way, informed their musical excellence and it is evident in who they are and what they do!  They have been blazing that trail ever since, and we are the luckier for it. 
“The Johnny Max Band, seasoned from many years of touring and playing the Blues, featuring Memphis and New Orleans at its best, took to the stage in the second half and the music momentum continued. There wasn’t a moment where the audience wasn’t cheering, clapping and singing along, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Ovations were immediate after each set and when both bands came on stage and played one of the best versions of “Who Do You Love,” together, it was unanimous, we loved them, and when a crowd rises collectively and cheers until the lights come on, you know it’s true!”
“Our final show is on Friday May 3rd at the Sioux North High School, 7:30 p.m. featuring Juno Award winner, Angelique Francis, and her stellar band,” Martin said. “All accomplished musicians, with Angelique a multi-instrumentalist, in her own right. Join us for a night of blues, soul, roots, jazz, and rock, allowing them to take us into Spring! We will have a sneak preview available, into our line-up for next year, and will offer next year’s season passes at this year’s prices, at the show. We hope to see you there and be sure to bring a friend!” 
For more information, people can visit www.siouxhudsonentertainmentseries, and follow the links to Angelique Francis’ website with her bio, music, videos and more. 
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and easily accessed through the Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series website. They are also available at the door. High School students and younger, only pay $5.00.