Blackie and the Rodeo Kings to perform at ECC
Roots-oriented band Blackie and the Rodeo Kings is heading to the Elgin Community College Arts Center Saturday, March 1. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. in the SecondSpace Theatre located in Building H of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Formed by three of Canada's folk superstars, Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings is one of Canada's musical treasures.
The band was formed in 1996 when Linden, Fearing and Wilson came together to record what was supposed to be a one-off tribute album to the great songwriter Willie P. Bennett. All three members were deeply committed to burgeoning solo careers that they had no intention of forming an ongoing band. Now into its second decade as a band, with one JUNO award (Canada's version of the Grammy) and several JUNO nominations under its belts, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has organically evolved into one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America. They have released seven CDs and developed a sense of groove, timberal blend, and melodic and rhythmic play that is distinctive, mystical, energizing and constantly evocative.
Tickets for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are $26. A three-course, preshow dinner prepared by ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality program can be purchased for an additional $29. Dinners must be purchased by Monday, Feb. 24. The menu for March 1 includes mixed greens with salmon, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, herb whipped potatoes and a fresh vegetable, and maple crème brulèe with almond brittle.
Tickets for all performances in the ECC Arts Center are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office; (847) 622-0300. Visit elgin.edu/arts for more information about the ECC Arts Center, including video clips of upcoming artists and events, the Standing Room Only blog, and links to the Arts Center's Twitter and Facebook pages.