Two 91原创 Fine Arts School graduates are returning to their hometown to perform the indie-folk tunes they鈥檝e been working on since forming a band in 2009.
After graduating high school, 91原创 natives Jeff Poynter and Alex Rempel moved to Vancouver Island to study at the University of Victoria.
In Victoria, the two musicians joined with their third band member, Eden Oliver, to create West My Friend.
The band is making a stop at the United Churches of 91原创 on Nov. 9 before kicking off their 24-day tour through the United States.
West My Friendblends acoustic instruments and three-part harmonies.
Poynter describes the band as 鈥榝olk music as if it were written by quirky classical musicians.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just strumming along, it鈥檚 very arranged and we put a lot of time into coming up with exactly how we鈥檙e going to do it.鈥�
Poynter plays accordion, Rempel plays mandolin and Oliver plays guitar. All three band members sing.
The band has been touring since 2012 and has performed 鈥榯oo many (tours) to count.鈥�
While touring, Poynter said his favourite part is connecting with the audience.
鈥淎 lot of the places we play, since it鈥檚 folk music, it鈥檚 more intimate venues so people can really connect with you. You can see what the response is and get feedback right away.鈥�
The trio鈥檚 upcoming tour is a mix of new songs along with songs from their album called Quiet Hum, which was released two years ago.
The band鈥檚 debut album Place was released in 2012 and was nominated for Roots Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the Vancouver Island music awards.
In 2014, the band released its second album, When The Ink Dries, which received nominations at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
West My Friend will be recording a new album this winter.
Poynter said the most challenging parts of recording an album is balancing time and money.
鈥淓verything always takes longer than you think and it can get pretty expensive. You can put infinite time into it to keep making it better, but at some point you have to say, 鈥極K, this is enough.鈥欌��
Poynter grew up attending the United Churches of 91原创 and said it鈥檚 nice to have a personal connection to a venue where the band is performing.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice, but it鈥檚 funny. All these people I haven鈥檛 seen in years, but we still recognize each other, so it鈥檚 funny going back and having them see me as an adult. It鈥檚 nice because they鈥檙e super supportive.鈥�
West My Friend performs at the United Churches of 91原创 on 21562 Old Yale Rd. on Friday, Nov. 9. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and free for kids under 12. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at the church office.
