18th Annual Roots of Rock and Roll Concert

The much-anticipated 18th Annual Roots of Rock and Roll Concert by renowned ethnomusicologist and musician Craig Morrison will be presented at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on Feb. 13 and 14 (Friday and Saturday).

Each year, the concert tackles a different musical theme, ranging from tributes to Bob Dylan, the British invasion, Buddy Holly, and California music to soul, Motown, and movie soundtracks.

This year’s theme celebrates the music from New York City:
·      rhythm and blues (songs by Ray Charles, the Drifters, the Clovers)
·      doo wop (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Dion and the Belmonts)
·      girl group (the Shirelles, Chiffons)
·      folk (Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel)
·      rock (Bobby Darin, the Lovin’ Spoonful, the Rascals)
·      classic pop and Broadway tunes (by George Gershwin and others).

The on-stage ensemble, collectively called Craig Morrison & the Momentz, includes the popular retro party band Vintage Wine (Morrison, Gary Sharkey, Ryan Fleury, Alex Nesrallah), plus guests: multi-instrumentalist Terry Joe “Banjo” Rodrigues, guitarists Pat Loiselle and Gerry Kandestin, bassist Scott Kingsley, saxophonist Frank Thiffault, and vocalists Angela Galuppo, Amelia McMahon, and Samantha Borgal.

One popular aspect of these concerts is Morrison’s spoken introductions to the songs, putting them in context.  At Concordia University, Dr. Morrison currently teaches courses on Rock and Roll and Its Roots, Black Music, and regional styles (in a course called Musical History Tour).

Tickets are $30 (regular), $25 (seniors), $18 (students), available at the Concert Hall box office 514-848-4848 (in person pick-up only), online via Admission.com, or at Vintage Wine performances.

Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at Concordia’s Loyola campus in NDG: 7141 Sherbrooke West.
February 13 and 14 at 8 pm. Enjoy!