BLENDER'S SEASON OPENER!

"Wilma" Leaves Them Clapping at Art Gallery of Swift Current By Bob Jamieson

At first glance, Wilma Groenen, lead singer for the popular Saskatoon band "Wilma", looks like the lady next door, your kid's Grade 4 teacher, or someone you might bump into in the produce section of a small town supermarket.

However, any notions of quiet, mild-mannered, or any other variation on meek, go right out the window the minute Wilma takes to the stage with a powerful voice and delivery that might leave you wondering how Janis Joplin would have sounded if she'd been able to leave the drugs and booze alone. All of the concerts in the Art Gallery of Swift Current's Blender's series the past couple of years have provided Swift Current and area residents with access to some of Canada's finest talent, and this past weekend continued that trend.

Wilma's exceptional vocal talents were matched note for note by a six piece band that was probably as disciplined and professional as any group that has ever graced a stage in this city. The band featured: Gary Smith, Wilma's husband and bass player for the past 22 years; Doug Scarrow, a Saskatoon blues and rock guitar mainstay; Ernie "The Cook" Kurz, whose Chicago-style blues harmonica kept everyone clapping; Glen Enns, the band's drummer whose steady beat kept everyone on time; Rod Salloum, a strong vocalist in his own right, whose keyboard offerings ranged from tasteful piano chops to the mighty sound of a Hammond B-3 organ; and last but not least; percussionist Roy Sydiaha, who will be back at the Art Gallery of Swift Current on the vibes Nov. 6 with jazz bassist Warren Hay for a coffeehouse evening to open Wabi Sabi, an exhibition of contemporary Japanese ceramics.

The band opened with a moving version of the classic "Unchain My Heart" and then proceeded to offer a blend of well-written original songs and classics from masters such as Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, and Paul Simon for the next three hours. Noticeably absent from the stage were any large egos. There were no showboats on stage just a group of seven mature professionals playing highly disciplined music, with complete awareness of each other at all times. A definite treat for the ears and the hands that couldn't seem to stop clapping.