The Vault is honoured to present the first ever Nanaimo appearance in their 20-year history of Vancouver’s quietly legendary Flophouse Jr.
Originally conceived as an outlet for rock band Palace Flophouse member Jon Wood’s quieter material, in its original trio format (that included 12-year Nanaimo resident Susan Young) the band released three albums to widespread acclaim, especially in the UK, where they toured twice, attaining MOJO Magazine’s ‘Americana Album of the Month’ award for their 2000 debut, ‘Woodland.’ Susan moved to England, then in 2006 back to Canada, and after a ten-year hiatus the band returned with a rejigged line-up and sound to release ‘Welcome Mat’ in 2015. January 2019 brought a brand new album, ‘Numbers & Snakes,’ which will feature in this one-off appearance at the Vault.
As a highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist and genius home recording record producer Jon Wood is a hugely respected mainstay of the Vancouver independent scene. An ongoing collaborator with the great Cam Penner, with whom he frequently tours Europe, Jon has also played, collaborated and toured with or produced such Canadian bands and artists as Rae Spoon, David Newberry, Ivan E. Coyote, Linda McRae, Herald Nix, Rodney DeCroo, The Beige, Shade, Bocephus King, Slowmobile, Supercabin, Coal, Sun Belt, Autobahn Birds of America, and many more.
Effortlessly moving from rustic, lo-fi folk through lush, Sufjan Stevens-esque orchestrated pop; blues-tinged roots rock and progressive, electronically embellished compositions, Flophouse Jr. is an extraordinary band from whom the unexpected has become the norm. The current incarnation of the band features Jon’s partner in life and art, acclaimed singer-songwriter Belinda Bruce - a solo artist in her own right, and a founding member of Pony and the Victory Girls – and the amazing freelance drummer Ed Goodine, who has played with the likes of Carolyn Mark, The Knotty Pines, Ronnie Artur, Big Top, Rodney DeCroo, Doug Andrew’s Circus of Flames and more.
Opening the show will be our very own Emerald Specks, aka Lena Birtwistle, who for Vault regulars will need no introduction. For the uninitiated, singer-songwriter Lena is a wonderful vocalist and musician with a wealth of experience behind her. Now concentrating on her solo career, Lena most recently spent several years as a member of Wil’s touring band, was one of Kendall Patrick’s Headless Bettys, and has worked with Ah, Venice; Sid Johnson, hip-hop artist Navo and other diverse acts.
Join us for what promises to be an amazing and unforgettable evening of beautiful Canadian independent music!
Cover is $10 at the door, Show starts at 9:00PM, we recommend you show up early for a seat due to the Vault’s limited capacity.
Check out their music at:
https://www.flophousejr.com/
https://flophousejr.bandcamp.com/
https://emeraldspecks.bandcamp.com/