An exciting musical event is making its way to Jasper via the Robson Valley.

The double bill concert of Sasha Lewis and Mamaguroove, will make their way to town on April 8, and this one promises to be a show to remember with the roots/rock stylings of Lewis complimenting the new music of Mamaguroove.

Seth Macdonald and Shara Gustafson, better known as the front line of the funk/rock/reggae/world groove, high energy dance band Mamaguroove, were born and raised in Dunster, B.C. The band has recently ventured into new musical territory with an acoustic twist, heavily influenced by latin, folk, jazz. Don’t worry though, they say that fans will not be disappointed.

Shara says the “new territory” means acoustically inclined music, featuring more vocalizing and intricate guitar as a duo.

“Mamaguroove is all about in your face, high energy, driving rock, which we love also, but it is nice to do something completely different that challenges our softer, and more “naked” side, I guess,” she says. “Acoustically, you can hear all the slightest inflections of the instrument and voice. Just a different experience musically.”

Shara says that music fans can expect to hear jazz/latin infused roots folk rock music. 

“The music is different from Mamaguroove, but there is still that unique guroove thread that flows through all we do musically to go beyond the norm.”

Die-hard Mamaguroove fans will get to some favourites, although most of Seth and Shara’s material as a duo is completely different material from the band.

“We do some scaled down versions of a few Mamaguroove tunes. The audience will actually be able to catch all the lyrics,” says Shara.

For the second time, Shara and Seth are partnering with long-time friend and Dunster native Sasha Lewis for the show.

“We have known Sasha [Lewis] since she was about 14 years old,” says Shara. “Sasha used to babysit for us, and she grew up in Dunster. She was inspired by the music we made, as we were pretty much all the music and culture in Dunster at that time! We have always encouraged and supported her incredible talent as a singer/songwriter over the years, and it is wonderful to see her career unfolding. We are really excited to be supporting her on this tour.”

According to her biography, Lewis possesses a powerful range and presence, and has honed her distinctive songwriting abilities into a unique style that arises out of her life story. 

Now relocated in Salmon Arm, B.C., Lewis is busy working on career development prospects, and promotional opportunities to further her career from the foundation she has already built by her own right. Rooted, her debut album, is already getting much radio play on many stations across Canada including CBC.

Before they head to Jasper, the trio will play in Valemount in the “inaugural test drive of Valemount’s newest live music venue.” 

“Josh Eastabrooks took on the search of a live music venue where people could enjoy live music with a dance floor, and be able to have a drink and lounge,” explains Shara. “The Valemount Curling Club seemed to be a good fit. A stage has been built now, and we will be the first to try it out.”

Then, its off to Jasper, where Mamaguroove has played many times before.

“We have had some of our best shows in Jasper over the years, including way back when the Jasper Folk Festival was still happening,” says Shara. “Timing and promotion are always the key though. We came to Jasper last year, the day after St. Patricks Day. Not the best timing, but I do feel that in our valley and Jasper, we have incredible support from those communities at large.”

Seth and Shara have plans to get into the studio and record an album together this fall. 

“We have been busy with finishing up mixing and recording for Mamaguroove’s CD release in June,” says Shara. “Mamaguroove will be in Jasper on June 17 for a CD release party, and we will likely start our June CD release tour with the band in our valley, but not sure of the details yet. We will be touring extensively as Mamaguroove throughout the summer.” 

Shara and Seth will also perform at a few festivals this summer. 

“The Robson Valley Music Festival keeps me busy all year round,” says Shara. She and Seth organize the event. “We are pretty excited about our lineup this year. Our lineup and other info can be checked out on www.robsonvalleymusicfestivalbc.com, and tickets for the festival will be on sale around Jasper and the valley on May 1.

For show times, venues and to check out more, visit www.sashalewis.com, or www.myspace.com/mamaandtheguru