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Get set for something new from Rob Watts Band

Local group shares stage tonight at R4C
rob watts
Rob Watts and his band play Mavricks Music Hall tonight (Photo provided)

Saturday will be a night of firsts for Rob Watts and his Band.

To begin with, it will be their first time climbing the stage at Mavricks Music Hall in Barrie, as part of KICX FM’s Radio for Cardiology (R4C) Christmas party.

Rob has seen shows from the audience at Mavricks, “easily our favourite concert venue in Barrie, such a great vibe and feel. The building has a great stage and Barrie is such a supportive city in regards to live music, so we love the crowds.”

Rob and the gang will unveil a new song, Looking At Me, “because it's very fresh for us … with lots of flow and diversity in a live setting. (Once more), no one has ever heard it yet, so Saturday will be the debut.”

The Watts Band has paid its dues all over town, Rob hailing from the hamlet of Dalston, just north of Barrie, and more fans are singing their praises.

But Rob tells BarrieToday he “has always been a country boy, raised on it at the cottage thanks to his parents,” adding that he “can't remember a time (I) wasn't listening to country music.”

He counts among his influences Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks and “tries to write with a combination of these artists in mind”.

He adds each individual in this co-ed band brings something different to the table.  

“(Lead guitarist) Mitch Minhinnick (comes) from a very rock-inspired background, so his tone and playing style are very southern rock.

“Tommy Brandon (Steel/Mandolin/Banjo/Guitar) comes from a bluegrass background and is classically trained, so he's very precise with rhythms and patterns.

“(Fiddler) Nicole Lefaive (is a) super-fun young lady with a background in French folk (music). (Drummer) Brad Neal… is a country boy to the core with influences like Ben Ceasar (drummer for Brad Paisley).

(Bassist) Danny DaCosta “is a self-taught country/rock musician with influences like Stevie Wonder and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“You'll never catch them on or off stage without a smile on their faces.”

Fans can expect to hear Watts favourites like “Deeper In Love, because of its snappy rhythm and upbeat tempo, and Hope God Likes Beer” because of its humour value.

The Rob Watts Band joins Dani Strong, Jason McCoy and the River Town Saints at R4C Saturday night, tonight at Mavricks Music Hall, 46 Dunlop Street West. To learn more, click here.


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Glenn Wilkins

About the Author: Glenn Wilkins

Glenn Wilkins, in a 30-year media career, has written for print and electronic media, as well as for TV and radio. Glenn has two books under his belt, profiling Canadian actors on Broadway and NHL coaches.
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