Despite the crisp, chilly air of mid-January, we found warmth and a welcoming vibe at The Duke Saloon for the first Throwdown Thursday of the new year.
Throwdown Thursday is a monthly event hosted by Trophy Dad’s Nevil Meyer, designed to celebrate and create space for Victoria’s music scene. This has become increasingly important as venues, musicians, and artists face growing challenges in the Capital City. The seventh edition of Throwdown Thursday perfectly complemented the Saloon’s decor, transforming the night into a full-on barnburner of a party.
Before the night really kicked off, we were treated to a two-step lesson by Élise LeBlanc and friends in the crowd. Before long, the room was swaying and dancing as Élise’s band swung into action.
Élise LeBlanc, a recent arrival from Cumberland, has now made Victoria, BC her home—and we couldn’t be more excited. Her fresh take on country music blends timeless sounds with modern sensibilities. Élise’s heartfelt, personal music invites fans to dance, sing, and even yodel along. Western swing, bluegrass, and classic country are alive and well in her capable hands.
While Élise’s voice shone under the warm lighting of The Duke Saloon, it was the backing band—Tynan Caine on violin and Tyler Lieb on pedal steel/guitar—that truly filled the room with vibrant sound. Together, the trio created a lively, positive atmosphere that resonated throughout the night.
After Élise wrapped her set to a roaring applause, local six-piece Poppa Don Gernie took to the stage, greeted by the stomping of cowboy boots and wide smiles.
Poppa Don Gernie’s infectious energy quickly whipped the crowd into a frenzy with their youthful, bluegrass-infused songs. Moments like when the crowd sang along to “Johnny Corona” with singer Ella Slaughter really made the band shine. And, of course, when Ella noticed her history professor in the crowd and threw in a playful shout-out, the room erupted with laughter.
It was clear that Poppa Don Gernie came to party and make new fans. With their mix of banjo, mandolin, violin, guitar, harmonica, and soulful vocals, they brought a fresh spin on classics while clearly having a blast doing it.
There are many nights we remember fondly from our time in the Victoria music scene, but few have been as memorable as this one. In a time of great uncertainty, to be in a nearly sold-out room filled with smiling faces, laughter, dancing, and new and old friends was something to truly cherish.
What continues to inspire us about our city is its thirst for the authenticity of live, local music. That’s exactly what Throwdown Thursday celebrates. From indie rock to punk to country and beyond, this night is for locals, by locals. We can’t wait for next month’s showcase of talent!
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