Break out your dancing shoes for the Tim Hus barn dance
By Boundary Sentinel
Hailed as well on his way to becoming a Canadian institution following in the footsteps of Ian Tyson and Stompin’ Tom Connors, cowboy singer and songwriter Tim Hus is bringing his storytelling style music to Grand Forks on Saturday, May 15. Folks say that Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line. But among all the clichés, this Alberta-based, Kootenay-born singer with an easygoing personality is a captivating and crowd pleasing performer who easily draws listeners into the settings of his country and roots music.
Even though Hus is a young songwriter, he writes the kind of songs that come from experience. He’s traveled a lot of miles, heard a lot of stories, and made a lot of friends along the way. He’s been everything from a beer truck driver to a saw hand, a salmon farmer to a tree planter, and a cabinet maker to a well driller. And he sings about all of it. He has just completed his fourth album, Bush Pilot Buckaroo, joining his friend Corb Lund and one of his mentor’s Ian Tyson on the Stony Plain Records label. A natural fit as all three singer/songwriters are storytellers who weave the rural landscape of Alberta into their songs. Both Tyson and Lund are big fans of Hus and his music, as he is of theirs. The album showcases some of Canada’s finest western musicians: Myran Szott on fiddle (Ian Tyson), Craig Korth on banjo, dobro, guitar (Jerusalem Ridge), and a guest vocal performance by western roots upholder Gary Fjellgaard, as well as the members of Hus’ accomplished travelling band.
Hus has performed in many venues throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Maritimes, repeatedly being asked to return. He tours and performs concerts with his band, Tim Hus & the Rocky Mountain Two, featuring Peterbilt Pete Christian on lead guitar and Riley Tubbs on upright string bass. Pete is a talented and versatile musician having played music professionally around the world. Solid licks and agreeable melodies reinforce the songs while Tubbs lays down a solid rhythm with doghouse slap and a thick groove. Occasionally the group is joined by Pat Phillips on the drums.
Performing at the Hus ‘n Us Canadiana Cowboy show at the Boundary Horse Association’s rodeo grounds on Saturday May 15, Hus will be joined on stage by Grand Forks’ own Les Folles Jambettes (Crazy Legs to those who failed French in high school) cancan dance troupe for an exciting evening of entertainment. The girls are bringing along their madame, Gypsy Jill with her own brand of storytelling cowboy poetry. Be prepared to be transported back to the Wild West traditions of bygone days!
Tickets for the show are $10 in advance and are available at Jimmy Beans in Christina Lake, Thistle Pot Gifts in Grand Forks, or $12 at the door. For more information contact Melanie at 250-447-2614. No minors please.
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