It's a new season for the Bowen Island Music Association and there are some new shows on the horizon beginning with Geoff Berner on September 24 at the lovely Tir-na-nOg Theatre venue.
Berner's openness to experimentation, spirited Eastern European klezmer influences, punk rock attitude and work with producer/mastermind Josh Dolgin (Socalled) resulted an an innovative, engaging and lively album full of surprises to be proud of.
An evening spent with Berner's music is, in the words of the good Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, "a wild combination of menace, madness, and genius fragmented coherence that wreaks havoc on the mind of any listener." Vue Weekly, Edmonton
After completing his highly-acclaimed Whiskey Rabbi trilogy, it was time for Berner to move on. "We're all trying to put out a vision of Jewish culture that's the opposite of the conservative, knee-jerk pro-Israel, judgmental bullshit that's emerged in recent decades."
That vision is evident at Berner's live shows, which tend to devolve into crazed, chaotic, drunken dancing and psychotic laughter. He has built a sizable cult following through extensive touring, and audiences of odd, bookish people who like to drink come out to pack bars in Berlin, Amsterdam, Oslo and Zurich, as well as in Canada.
Look out Bowen Island. BIMA is stretching its limbs with a straight-up shot of Geoff Berner. You don't want to miss it.
Tickets are $15 at Phoenix. Showtime is 8 p.m.
CINDI KEEP
BI Music Association
