The Schomberg Fair describe their music as “Roots Rockin’ Gospel Magic!”
Lyrically it grapples with the inclination to destroy oneself, the desire to be saved, and the hope of better things ahead.
The band itself was born out of the near destruction of the musical ambitions of lead singer, guitarist/banjo and primary songwriter Matt Bahen. At 24, Bahen cut off all of the fingers from his left hand in a construction accident, and had them reattached. While recuperating, he reconnected with high school friend/bassist Nathan Sidon and the two bonded over their mutual appreciation of pre-war blues. It was as Bahen regained movement in his digits that The Schomberg Fair was born. With the addition of drummer Peter Garthside’s high-lonesome vocal harmonies and thunderous beat, the Schomberg Fair combined to create an electrifying musical inferno and an unforgettable Saturday night!
The band has been in existence for six years, has toured Canada several times and has shared the stage with top Canadian bands such as The Sadies, Ron Sexsmith, The Handsome Furs, as well as international acts such as Deertick and T-Model Ford. Their 2011 EP release “Mercy” received accolades from music critics nationwide and was cited as a another major step forward for the band to follow up to their critically acclaimed 2009 full-length album Gospel.
The Toronto punk-gospel-Americana trio, is currently on a North American tour with Oregon bluegrass-punk act, Larry and His Flask. The tour makes a stop in Fernie at the Northern June 23.