Grunge Cantina by Peri Hayes LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE
As a member of the four-piece Grunge Cantina, Dave Stephens reveals that he and his bandmates are dedicated fans of Star Wars. Thus, the name of their musical group was inspired by this franchise. Singer, Dave, fittingly describes their sound as a combination of authentic grunge and cantina. They provide an authentic experience through their covers of 90s grunge favourites, as well as a selection of alternative deep cuts. For seven years and counting, Dave has been exploring his musical abilities. He began immersing himself in the world of music through basement jams, joining a classic rock band with Grunge Cantina being formed thereafter. Craig Dunford plays the guitar, while Rob Davidson performs on bass and Chris Gallacher is their drummer. These bandmates, all with roots in St. Thomas, have been uniting forces on a weekly basis for nearly three years, to which Dave expresses, “This is a nice way to spend time.” They have learned various songs along their musical journey, being that they perform every week. Dave highlights their recent performance at the local Railway City Musical Festival, as well as the ways in which this year has involved the most travelling yet for Grunge Cantina. “What excites me about music,” Dave describes, “Is the feeling you get from it; there’re so many different emotions in every song, and we cover such a range of bands. We do the slow songs from Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam to fast ones from Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine. The song selection
that these guys pick really challenges me personally, and we all try to do our part as close to the original as possible.” Dave details their artistic motivation: “We want to play to crowds and reintroduce live music to people. The bars are starting to come back to life, and it’s great to go out and see live music. I find that the music community in St. Thomas is really close.” Grunge Cantina is looking forward to their theatrical “God’s of Grunge” show at Chatham’s Kiwanis Theatre on September 20th, which is a ticketed event. Afterward, they have their 4:00 pm ‘Sunday Grunge Day’ performance at Pierside Pub on September 22nd. Moreover, they are preparing for a charity event this October. Visit the Grunge Cantina Facebook page at facebook.com/grungecantina for contact information, as well as to learn more about this vibrant and zestful band. As Dave enthuses, “We’re the best dad band ever!”
Everything you need for your Fall Cleanup
SERVICES Ltd.
Don’t Forget Your Roof 50ft Roofers Kit Reg. $179.99
BULK WATER DELIVERY Pools / Wells Sod & Spray Bar DUMPSTER BIN RENTALS 12 / 16 / 20 Yard Bins Available 519-633-1391 • gfsserv@hotmail.com
39 Burwell Road, St. Thomas, ON (519) 633-5884 • sales@r-safety.ca www.r-safety.ca
RE-ELECT BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH AND TOUR TODAY
226-210-9508
Page 26 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs