'West My Friend' entertains during Spring Gala
Eden Oliver (center) a member of “West My Friend” held a presentation for Superior teachers on how to bring music to their classroom during a March 16 event hosted by the Mineral County Performing Arts Council. (Photos courtesy Mineral County Performing Arts Council)
The Mineral County Performing Arts Council hosted their annual Spring Gala. (Photo courtesy Mineral County Performing Arts Council)
The Mineral County Performing Arts Council welcomed Canadian folk singers, “West My Friend” for their annual Spring Gala concert held on March 16 in the Superior Elementary School. The evening started with a stuffed pork loin dinner followed by the quartet at 7 p.m.
The group was hoping to meet with students earlier in the day, but school was not in session due to a professional development day. Fortunately, teachers were available and participated in a workshop where band member, Eden Oliver, presented on how they can include music in the classroom. Oliver is a former school teacher and the last-minute presentation was a success. Normally the group meets with students and they teach how to put a song together.
Members of the grassroots group are guitar and vocals, Eden Oliver; mandolin and vocals, Alex Rempel; accordion and vocals, Jeff Poynter; and double bass and vocals, Nick Mintenko. The band made its debut in 2012 with “Place” and recently released “Quiet Hum.” Their music draws from a mix of jazz, classical, folk, and pop influences and is inspired by artists such as Owen Pallett, Joanna Newsom, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, and the Punch Brothers.