The variety show last month at The Columbia was not supposed to include rock bands.
But the four guys from Bobby's Cane, a new group in town, asked nicely, so Brad Tones, executive coordinator for the venue, gave them a slot on the bill among the jugglers, magicians and other acts.
After the band's set, he was glad he did.
"They were very well-received," said Tones. "And when I announced to the crowd that I was going to give them their own night, everybody was keen; they were all going to come back and listen to them."
Bobby's Cane will headline this Friday, July 13 at The Columbia with two other local musicians; Kendra Moriah and The Oceanographers.
The band is made up of four friends who all went to New Westminster Secondary School, and is named for the lead singer, Bobby Jeboult, who is blind and uses a cane.
Jeboult said the band's sound is a blend of grunge and surf-rock, and the four members have an eclectic mix of influences, from Bob Marley to Nirvana.
Growing up, Jeboult played guitar at open-mic nights and learned over time what it's like to play in front of an audience.
"I would get so scared and be so self-conscious about my voice, and stuff, and now I don't really get nervous at all," he said. "It feels natural."
The band recently finished recording a four-song EP and are looking forward to showcasing their original music at their live shows.
The show this Friday, at 530 Columbia St., starts at 8 p.m. with doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, available online - www.thecolumbia.ca - or by calling 604-522-4500.
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