Get ready to enjoy some fine down-east music on Wednesday, May 2 at Centrepointe Theatres with Rawlins Cross. This much-loved and highly-accomplished Celtic band is back after a 10-year hiatus with a six-track EP Rock Steady, which Dave Panting – one of the original founders of the band – says “is our best work yet.” Panting says they really didn’t get serious about doing any new music until last fall. “I think we all felt the time was right,” says Panting, “so we got proactive, and wrote six new songs.” They also took a new approach to songwriting – everyone in the band contributed. “Everyone contributing was a change-up for us,” says Panting, “and going with an outside producer, Jon Landry, made it feel different and I think with really worthwhile results.”
Rawlins Cross had been a fan favourite across North America and Europe during their heyday. They played concerts and festivals after the release of their highly acclaimed 1989 indie recording A Turn of the Wheel. The single, “Colleen”, became a video and playlist favourite. In 1995, the band released Living River, which won them two Juno Award nominations. The band believes a key to their popularity was that they have something for everyone. “Growing up in Newfoundland, and St. John’s in particular,” says Panting, “you had to be versatile. Every member of the band pitches in with any number of instruments. And those early days playing bars, well, you had to know every style of music from rock, to folk, to country to Celtic. It was a matter of survival,” laughs Panting. Members of the band play mandolin, guitar, banjo, bagpipe, bodhran, trumpet, Chapman Stick and drums – to name only a few. The band’s current lineup includes Dave Panting, Geoff Panting, Joey Kitson, Ian McKinnon, Brian Bourne and Howie Southwood.
Rawlins Cross played many times in Ottawa and at Centrepointe Theatres, and they’re glad to be back. “We’re really looking forward to playing the city again,” says Panting, “we’ll be doing all our new tunes, as well as audience favourites.” Panting suggests checking out the video of the title track for Rock Steady on YouTube – “I think you’ll enjoy it and it will give you a taste of our music.” If you’re looking for a musical evening out, with exceptional music that will leave you smiling, make a date for Wednesday, May 2 at Centrepointe Theatres. For ticket information, visit www.centrepointetheatres.com.
