Organizers of No Sound Like We describe their event at Lund Gazebo as having the spirit of a Lund happening with an underground edge.
“I've always wanted to hold an event at the gazebo,” said Neil Frost, one of three organizers presenting the day of experimental music and art on Saturday, August 26.
No Sound Like We was not Frost’s idea alone; the event resulted from a conversation with co-organizer Matt Zastre, according to Adriana Virtue, the group’s third member.
“I remember Neil and Matt having a conversation where Matt said, 'We have to have a show there,' and Neil said, 'Yeah, let's do it,’” said Virtue. “It was that easy.”
Frost said the trio formed a loose collective called Powell River Underground Dance Club, which has a goal to satisfy a self-indulgence for music, parties and shows it enjoys.
“It’s a shadowy organization formed to do consistent, dance-centric events in Powell River at rotating venues and undisclosed locations,” said Frost.
No Sound Like We is part of what the organizers want to create as a big summer event, said Virtue.
The trio has assembled an impressive lineup of ambient, electronic and experimental artists to showcase at the event. Among musical artists performing is Seekers International (Spencer Ocampo), who has played in Powell River on two occasions. Frost said he is excited about that performance.
“He does a modern dub, techno sort of thing and he just got back from playing a dancehall festival in Toulouse, France,” said Frost. “He's underground, but he's big.”
Seekers International will be joined by another familiar musician, Malcolm Jack, who will make his fourth appearance in the Powell River area. Seekers, Jack and local acts including Texture & Light (Trevor Mervyn) and Tincture Time (Zastre) will play from 12-7 pm.
“We're trying to make this a family-friendly event,” said Frost.
The after-party will continue until midnight with DJs Kamandi (Frost), Sipreano (Kevin James Howes) and the Stunt Man (Greg Mindorff) performing.
“Sipreano and the Stunt Man have played here lots and are all known in the community,” said Frost.
Vancouver-based company Terra Kendama will also be on hand to provide demonstrations of one of its products.
According to Zastre, Terra Kendama is one of the top companies in the counterculture world of kendama, a wooden toy made from a stick, balls, cups and string.
“It's a group of people who make kendamas from scratch and play around,” said Zastre. “The skill comes from balance and dedication.”
The object of the toy involves getting the balls into the cups. Beyond that the explanation of how to play is far too technically obscure, but very cool, said Zastre.
Virtue is excited for the whole experience and one particular aspect that marks an important piece of Canadian history.
“Friends of Louis Riel are lending us a Louis Riel exoneration installation,” she said. “We're going to have a big teepee set up.”
Camping will be available on the gazebo grounds on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers suggest a donation of $10 per person for the event and $20 for a family or to camp overnight.
For more information, got to No Sound Like We on Facebook.
