The Critical Mass Pop-Up Gallery in 100 Mile House is getting ready to amplify the sound of Kris and the Blue Machines on Feb. 23.
“He’s a very highly entertaining guy, that’s for sure,” said Astrid Hensey of Momentum Productions, who are organizing the performance.
“He really puts on a show.”
Kris and the Blues Machines is the side project of Kris Wood, who fronts alt-country/gypsy ragtime circus music outfit, Blackberry Wood.
The side project incorporates a deep gritty blues sound with big beats, special sound effects and some rock steady. The blues sound is not the typical sound made popular by acts like Muddy Waters or Ray Charles though. Following a more upbeat sound like Chuck Berry but featuring samples of marching drums, fun orchestral sounds and jazz drums operated by a switch pedal, making it a lot more unique.
The solo project has released an eight-track self-titled record on krisandthebluemachines.bandcamp.com.
Wood and his projects are a regular guest in 100 Mile House, appearing multiple times with Blackberry Wood or Kris and the Blues Machines. He has also performed at the Hootstock Festival (as Blackberry Wood) in Forest Grove.
“He seems to come semi-regularly and it’s helped him build a fan base in the area,” said Hensey. “We’re expecting a pretty big crowd.”
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10, with all proceeds going to the musicians.